SALT LAKE CITY -- It's not a surprise, but it's now official: Former Jazzman Karl Malone has been selected to join teammate John Stockton and coach Jerry Sloan in basketball's Hall of Fame.

"On behalf of myself, my family, and the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, I would like to offer Karl heartfelt congratulations on his selection to the Basketball Hall of Fame," Utah Jazz CEO Greg Miller said Monday. "Karl was such a large part of our success over the years and embodies everything our organization stands for, in terms of hard work and giving his all each and every day."

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Pippen, Malone lead 2010 Hall of Fame class

Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone and two of the best U.S. Olympic teams _ including that famed 1992 Dream Team _ were selected Monday as part of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's class of 2010.

"The Mailman" scored 36,942 points -- which is still second best all-time -- won two league MVP awards, and led the Jazz to their only two appearances in the NBA Finals.

Also joining The Mailman in the 2010 class are Scottie Pippen and the 1992 Dream Team.

Earlier Monday, current Jazz players and coaches shared their thoughts as Malone receives basketball's highest honor.

"Everybody knew that was coming. Everybody knew he was gonna get in the Hall of Fame, first round. You know, he deserves it," said Jazz point guard Deron Williams. "He's one of the best players to ever play this game."

"Work was never something he was afraid of," said head Coach Jerry Sloan. "He relished the idea he could work harder than anybody else that played the game, and I think that's what made him a great player. He wasn't that great player when he first started here. He was talented, but he worked his game and made himself a terrific player."

Malone and his fellow inductees will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame during a ceremony scheduled for August 13, 2010.

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