"Karl will be known for his body of work," the commissioner said, "and the work on his body."

Best of all, Stern said, Malone's efforts for the league aren't entirely finished. Malone volunteered to entertain troops at Camp Pendleton Marine base in California a year ago, even donated $100,000 to the corps. He helped with the post-Katrina cleanup in Mississippi. And he does other charity work that he seeks no credit for.

"When we approach him with something, he never wants it publicized," Stern said of Malone. "He says, 'No, I don't need that. Tell me how I can be helpful.' "

The NBA commissioner will return the favor tonight by spending the day in Salt Lake City, taking part in the franchise's salute to its greatest scorer, its No. 1 workaholic and its most indelible icon.

That Malone's jersey will be exalted permanently is fitting, Stern pointed out, because Malone's influence on the sport will be just as long-lasting.

"Following Karl's lead, all our players now lift weights, make physical fitness not only a priority but an essential," Stern said. "All the training to prevent injury, to increase your effectiveness on the court - to see Karl's effect on the game, just look at the sculpting of our players today."

That, and the phenomenal statistics he accumulated over 19 NBA seasons, made Stern's decision to attend tonight's ceremonies beyond hesitation, he said.

"He's going straight to the Hall of Fame," Stern said. "I don't think there would be a franchise in Utah today without Larry Miller. But Karl and John [Stockton] made it easier for the franchise to survive."