Scott Layden is given a large dose of credit for Utah's drafting of Karl Malone, but the Knicks GM had a better chance of signing retired John Stockton than delivering the Mailman to New York.

After the free-agency period began July 1, Layden spoke on the phone with his old friend Malone, who was willing to accept the $4.9 million mid-level exception. But the former Jazz power forward wanted a championship, one Layden and Malone never won together in Utah during their 14 years together, despite making two NBA Finals.