The Mailman appears to be ending his route.

TIME FOR ONE MORE?
Sure, why not? John Stockton and Karl Malone might play until they're 50. Unfortunately, that's not too far off. The days of reaching the NBA Finals are over, but they're still fun to watch, especially if you like fundamentals. It's hard to see Calbert Cheaney, Matt Harpring and Curtis Borchardt making a big difference. And as DeShawn Stevenson continues to struggle, it's clear the geezers are still the whole show in Salt Lake City.

STARTING FIVE
If Jerry Sloan doesn't wince when he fills in the other three starting spots after Malone and Stockton, his eyes are wide shut.

Midwest Division

1. Mavericks

2. Spurs

3. T-Wolves

4. Jazz

5. Rockets

6. Grizzlies

7. Nuggets

Scouting Report Index

Karl Malone, PF: 45 FG% was career low, but still good for 22.4 ppg/8.6 rpg
Andrei Kirilenko, SF: Fifth among rooks last season in ppg (10.7), rpg (4.9)
Jarron Collins, C: His greatest asset? He's not Greg Ostertag
DeShawn Stevenson, SG: Who else do you expect to play here? Cheaney?
John Stockton, PG: How's this for durability: hasn't missed a game in four years

BENCH
Greg Ostertag is finally where he belongs. Do you remember when John Amaechi was a sought-after free agent? Do you remember why? We don't either.

GLOBAL VIEW
Kirilenko (Russia) was 1 of 3 rookies to play every game last year.

FREEWHEELIN' WITH WALTON
Letting Bryon Russell and Donyell Marshall go was a good thing?

This article will appear in the November 11 issue of ESPN The Magazine.