Moses Malone

Moses Eugene Malone, an iconic figure in professional basketball, was born on March 23, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia. He would go on to become a Hall of Fame basketball player, known for his achievements in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Malone was renowned for his scoring ability, rebounding strength, and endurance on the court.

Moses Malone made his professional basketball debut in the American Basketball Association (ABA) on November 19, 1974. He was drafted by the Utah Stars straight out of high school, making him one of the first players to turn pro without attending college. Malone quickly made an impact in the ABA and showcased his exceptional rebounding and scoring talent, setting the stage for an illustrious career.

In 1976, following the ABA-NBA merger, Moses Malone's rights were acquired by the Buffalo Braves in the dispersal draft. Malone moved to the NBA where he continued to dominate as a powerful center. He became known for his relentless rebounding prowess and scoring capabilities, leading him to become one of the most influential centers in NBA history. His transition marked a significant point in his professional career.

On May 23, 1983, Moses Malone was awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the third time in his career. This distinguished him as one of the league's premier players and further established his reputation as a dominant force on the court. Malone's exceptional performance throughout the season was a key factor in leading the Philadelphia 76ers to clinch the NBA championship that year.

Moses Malone won his first and only NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers on May 31, 1983. He played a crucial role in leading the Sixers to victory, showcasing his exceptional skills by averaging 26 points and 15.8 rebounds during the playoffs. Malone's 'Fo', 'Fo', 'Fo' prediction became legendary as the Sixers went through the playoffs with only one loss, solidifying Malone's legacy as one of the greatest centers of all time.

On February 27, 1991, Moses Malone became the fourth player in NBA history to reach 25,000 career points. At that time, he was with the Atlanta Hawks, continuing to demonstrate his remarkable scoring ability and longevity in professional basketball. Reaching this milestone not only highlighted his scoring prowess but also his consistent performance over a long career in the league, reinforcing his status as a basketball legend.

Moses Malone was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 8, 2001. His career spanned 21 years, during which he was a 13-time All-Star and three-time MVP of the NBA. Malone was recognized for his exceptional skills as a center, his scoring and rebounding accomplishments, and his significant contributions to the game of basketball. His induction was a fitting acknowledgment of his remarkable impact on the sport.

Alongside his Hall of Fame induction, Moses Malone was also named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996 and reaffirmed during the Hall of Fame ceremonies in 2001. This honor recognized the top 50 players in NBA history and included Malone among other basketball legends. His selection celebrated his exceptional skills, his impact on the game, and celebrated his contributions to basketball over an extensive career.

Moses Malone passed away on September 13, 2015, in Norfolk, Virginia. His unexpected death at the age of 60 marked the end of an era for the basketball community. Known as the 'Chairman of the Boards' for his rebounding prowess, Malone left behind a legacy as one of the most influential centers in the history of the NBA. His contributions to basketball, both in the ABA and the NBA, are remembered by fans and players alike.