The Utah Jazz will miss his dead-on jumpers. And even opposing fans, as it turns out, will miss the competitive desire of Jeff Hornacek . Hornacek said after the Jazz were eliminated from the playoffs by the Portland Trail Blazers , 81-79. The Rose Garden fans, roaring amid flying confetti, took a few moments to salute Hornacek when the public-address announcer said Hornacek had played his final game. Malone said, referring to the jersey number of Stockton, then his own.
All great careers come to an end.
Hornacek undoubtedly could play at least another season, but anyone who wonders why he's hanging it up only needed to see his three children near him at the postgame interview table. Hornacek had said a silent hello to them every time he stepped to the free-throw line when he wiped the side of his face before taking a shot. Hornacek, a former walk-on at Iowa State, played his first six seasons with Phoenix before going to Philadelphia in the Charles Barkley trade. He was traded to Utah in 1994. His best year statistically was his last with the Suns, when he averaged 20.1 points.