“That's not the Stock I play with every night in Utah" - Karl Malone grew worried witnessing John Stockton's struggles on the Dream Team

After being snubbed from Team USA in 1984, John Stockton 's last chance of winning the Olympic gold medal came with the 1992 Team USA squad. However, despite entering the international stage with his morale high, things took a drastic turn when Stock collided with Michael Jordan during a friendly game against Canada and cracked his right fibula.

The pain the 10-time All-Star experienced was so extreme that it affected his performance. Seeing his Utah Jazz teammate in discomfort, Karl Malone grew concerned.

Malone was concerned about Stockton

The 6'1" point guard entered the Olympic preparations after leading the NBA in assists for the fifth consecutive season. Unfortunately, the leg injury he suffered against Canada made John questionable to play, at least at the start of the tournament. However, the Gonzaga University legend was willing to do whatever it took to suit up.

"The whole Olympic thing is extremely important to me," Stockton said . "I have dreamed about it since I was a child. It is one of the most important things in my life, certainly in my career. If it is necessary to play in pain, I'll do it."

The team doctor warned Stockton that playing would be his and the Jazz organization's responsibility. However, missing the 1992 Olympics was never an option for the legendary point guard. That's why he toughed it out and made his Olympic debut with 9:55 left in the first half in a win over Spain.

Still, John was far from his best, finishing with four points and no assists in six minutes on the floor. Watching his Jazz teammate struggle with pain, Malone was concerned.

"He showed a lot of heart by being out there," Karl said . "But that's not the Stock I play with every night in Utah. I'm still worried about him. He's dealt with it great, but I know he's not 100 percent, and you just never know."

Stockton fulfilled his dream

Despite the Dream Team's dominance throughout the tournament, Stock had a limited role in their historic run. He averaged 7.3 minutes per game—even less than Christian Laettner—and logged 2.8 points and 2.0 assists over the four games.

Still, John did manage to attain his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal. Unfortunately, despite him and "The Mailman" reaching the Finals twice in 1997 and 1998, he was never able to replicate the same success in the NBA.

Related: John Stockton says neither Michael Jordan, LeBron James, nor Kobe Bryant are the GOAT: "Well, I wouldn't use those three"