"For me to be here tonight, everything had to be perfect. I had to get drafted by Utah, had to play with a point guard like John Stockton, and had to be coached by Jerry Sloan and Frank Layden"

Karl Malone is expressing his gratitude for the best scenarios that permitted him to be successful in his career. He acknowledges that he had to be drafted by the Utah Jazz, play along with John Stockton, and be coached by Jerry Sloan and Frank Layden in order for him to be where he is today. He acknowledges that these elements were essential in his success and that without them, he would not have been able to achieve the level of success he has. He is appreciative for the ideal circumstances that allowed him to be here tonight. He is grateful for the opportunity to play with an excellent point guard like John Stockton, and to be coached by two of the very best coaches in the game, Jerry Sloan and Frank Layden. He is happy for the perfect scenarios that allowed him to be effective in his profession.