John Stockton has been my favorite basketball player of all time. I grew up watching him play on my small TV, and even enjoyed going to many games at the Delta Center to watch him and the Mailman put on their show!This book delves into how John became who he is today, and touches on many personal events that most people don't know about him. I'm glad I read the book; his dry sense of humor was great and the writing was well done.John gives a lot of sage advice (all of which he learned from his parents, coaches, and others). I have come to respect him for being so firm in his values, and for going the extra mile with his family. What an inspiration!The part that made me feel bad for John was the last few years of his NBA career. The way he explains how after Antoine Carr and Jeff Hornacek retired, the new young players on the team showed no interest in befriending him. John was used to being best buds with his teammates, like Mark Eaton, Thurl Bailey, etc. The new guys preferred to attach to their electronics. I think this is what truly hurt the Jazz, not the retiring of the other players. When a team consists of friends who know each other on and off the court, it makes sense that their teamwork and hard work in basketball will show. I get the feeling that this disconnect largely affected Stockton in such a way that retirement was indeed a necessity.All in all, this book was very inspiring. Perhaps one day I will write my own personal memoir, reflecting on the sage advice I have received throughout my life. This is just another thing that came to me while reading about John Stockton and those who "Assisted" him on his journey. My review cannot be objective as John Stockon was (one of) my favourite basketball player(s) when I was a teenager.First, let me remind you that this book is an autobiography rather than a retrospective of his NBA career. It focuses more on John Stockton as a human being and the people close to him who shaped his personality than in-game anecdotes. Yet, I can understand some readers wish there had been more content about his NBA career. For example, I don't remember he mentions something on his all-time NBA records for assists and steals. But, who would expect John Stockton to boast about this ?In comparison, both his participation at '92 and '96 Olympic Games got their own chapters. His early years in high school and at Gonzaga university are even more covered, which is logical, considering that is the time which made him the hard-working player he was during all his career.In brief, "Assisted" introduces us to the people John Stockton met who helped him became a great basketball player and one of the best point guards.Surprisingly, I expected his relationship with Karl Malone to get more coverage. In fact, he deals with mostly with the players which influenced him or helped him at the beginning of his career. But on this topic like a few others, John Stockton chooses to stay reserved. Nevertheless, he devoted many pages to his family, his wife Nada and their children, and comes back to the awkward way he announced his retirement.Eventually, this book is like John Stockton : honest, sincere, down-to-earth. He wasn't the flashiest basketball player and it is not a breathtaking reading, but if you like the player you will like this book and will discover the human being.
What do You think about Assisted (2013)?
I love John Stockton and it was fun to read about his life and experiences in the NBA.
—tuananh
One more reason why I love John Stockton. He is just a class act all around.
—cmk252
I've always liked John Stockton. It was nice to get a peek inside his life.
—Iceangel92
