The Jazz aren't at the starting gate yet, but Karl Malone has already contemplated the finish line.
   
Perhaps permanently.
   
Malone told USA Today on Tuesday that the 2002-03 season "could be my last year," though he stopped short of revealing any retirement plans.
   
"I've made up my mind," the 39-year-old two-time MVP told the newspaper. "I don't want to keep everyone in suspense. At the appropriate time, I'll make my announcement. . . . I'm reluctant to back myself into a corner and say what I will or won't do right now."