I grew up with season tickets and every game I didn't go to I watched in TV. I love John Stockton, but Karl Malone is the answer and it's not close. John is an amazing player and a hall of famer. But Malone was much more dominant. He dominated almost every game he was in. He was never a liability (maybe at the end of a close game in the finals). There were nights, though few, where Stockton was outmatched and even a liability.
Malone was just tough for anyone to handle. He was MVP twice and Stockton never really sniffed an MVP vote. If you ask any expert (and I don't mean media although they would agree), Malone would be the overwhelming choice.
I think the vote is this close for one reason. Bias. Who do Jazz fans relate to more? A short, white, skinny, clean cut religious boy who kept his mouth shut and never played for the lakers, or Karl Malone?
Take bias out and there is only one right answer. And that is Karl Malone. The dude wa incredible night in and night out. The greatest sports experiences of my life were watching him every game. Simply amazing.
Don't get me wrong, I love Stockton too. He's amazing as well.