It?s a matter of fact that John Stockton is one of the three best point guards of all-time (only Magic and Cousy compare in this discussion).

It?s a matter of fact that even at 40?an age when every NBA point guard has retired?John Stockton is still one of the best PGs in the game today. Who else but Stock could lead the Utah Jazz against a star-studded Sacramento Kings lineup in a nail-biting ?02 playoff series and come away with a win and three last-minute losses? n And it?s a matter of fact that when it comes to interviews, John Stockton himself is very matter of fact. A man with a lot to say but a man of few words. Very, very few words. That?s why, when he said he was willing to give Hoop a quality interview, we jumped at the chance to sit down with the living legend.

Hoop: How important was playing the Kings hard in last year?s playoffs to rejuvenating yourself and your teammates for this season? Did you guys talk about it all offseason?