Three-time NBA MVP Moses Malone dies at age 60
Three-time NBA MVP and Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Moses Malone died Sunday in Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of 60.
The Virginia medical examiner's office said Monday that Malone died of natural causes, listing the cause of death as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Det. Jeffrey Scott of the Norfolk Police Department confirmed that Malone died in a Norfolk hotel room. Malone's body was discovered when he failed to report to a celebrity golf tournament in which he was scheduled to play.
From blazing a trail from high school to the pros to lacing up Nikes, Moses Malone was a hoops pioneer with as many MVP awards as Earvin Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
"You're fat and you're lazy," Moses Malone told rookie Charles Barkley, who was frustrated by a lack of playing time. What followed helped set Barkley on his Hall of Fame career.
From high school to the pros, Moses Malone was a powerful presence on the basketball court. These photos illuminate his life journey.
"We are stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer Moses Malone, an NBA legend gone far too soon," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "Known to his legions of fans as the 'Chairman of the Boards,' Moses competed with intensity every time he stepped on the court.
"... He was among the most dominant centers ever to play the game and one of the best players in the history of the NBA and the ABA. Even more than his prodigious talent, we will miss his friendship, his generosity, his exuberant personality, and the extraordinary work ethic he brought to the game throughout his 21-year pro career. Our thoughts are with Moses' family and friends during this difficult time."
Malone, named one of the NBA's 50 greatest players, was the Finals MVP in 1983, as he led the Philadelphia 76ers to the title along with teammates Julius Erving, Andrew Toney, Bobby Jones and Maurice Cheeks.
"Moses holds a special place in our hearts and will forever be remembered as a genuine icon and pillar of the most storied era in the history of Philadelphia 76ers basketball," the 76ers said in a statement Sunday.
Moses Malone was a three-time MVP and Pro Basketball Hall of Famer who scored 27,409 points and grabbed 16,212 rebounds over an NBA career that spanned 20 seasons.
The 6-foot-10 center averaged a double-double -- 20.6 points per game and 12.2 rebounds -- while playing for eight teams over 20 NBA seasons and led the league in rebounding six times -- including five straight seasons from 1980-85.
His 16,212 rebounds still rank fifth on the NBA's all-time list, while his 27,409 career points rank eighth. The 12-time All-Star also holds NBA records for offensive rebounds in a career (6,731), season (587) and game (21).
"When I talked to his son [Moses Malone Jr.] this morning, he couldn't get it out," former Houston Rockets teammate John Lucas told ESPN. "I kept saying, 'What are you saying?' And he told me. ... I was shocked. Moses was one of the best people that I had ever met. ... A true professional, on and off the court."
Moses Malone Jr. told Fox 26 Houston that his father was his "best friend."
"He taught us so much about life. He came from nothing," Malone Jr. said. "He taught us how to work hard and respect people, love your family and always do the right thing. He's a good person. He was always there to help people. He cared about people who had less than him."
Moses Belongs To Very Elite Club
Three-time NBA MVP Moses Malone was one of only four players to accumulate 25,000 points and 15,000 rebounds over his NBA career, which spanned 20 seasons.
PLAYER PTS. REBS.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387 17,440
Wilt Chamberlain 31,419 23,924
Moses Malone 27,409 16,212
Elvin Hayes 27,313 16,279
Malone was the first player to go pro right out of high school, signing with the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association in 1974. He played the following season for the Spirits of St. Louis before moving to the Buffalo Braves after the ABA-NBA merger in 1976.
He also played for the Houston Rockets, 76ers (twice), Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks and the San Antonio Spurs, with whom he finished his career during the 1994-95 season.
His No. 24 was retired by the Rockets, with whom he won the MVP in 1979 and 1982.
"Everyone in the organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Moses Malone," Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said in a statement. "Moses was a true gentleman and one of the great Rockets and greatest NBA players, of all time. He will be forever missed. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends."
Current Sixers big man Jahlil Okafor tweeted a photo of Malone in a sea of fans with the words, “You had the whole city of Philly on your back. Rest in Paradise.”
"The guy was so smart," current Sixers center Dikembe Mutombo noted. "He
used to get the ball and bat it around the rim five times before it
would go in. That is how he won all of those rebounding titles."
76ers CEO Scott O’Neil and NBA commissioner Adam Silver released statements as the void left by the 60-year-old’s passing was felt in all corners of the NBA.
“I have fond memories of when Moses and Dr. J led their Sixers to a 4-0 sweep in the 1983 NBA Finals against my Lakers,” Magic Johnson said in a tweet.
The passing of Malone came less than three weeks after another heralded Sixer, Darryl Dawkins, died at 58. The loss of the two so close together and their similar ages sank in as the day wore on.
“My heart saddens once more, Moses Malone passes away at 60, way too soon,” Reggie Miller said on Twitter.
Portland point guard Damian Lillard took to Instagram, and under a photo of Malone rising up for a dunk he said, “Rest easy big fella. We been losing some greats lately. Life is such a precious thing, and we all should feel challenged to live it to the fullest.”
“He was a good, good guy,” said Maurice Cheeks, dragging out each “good” for maximum emphasis. “That's why it hit our hearts so hard. We got that news and it just hit everybody hard.”
REACTIONS ON TWITTER
Julius “Dr. J” Erving
Lost Coach Ray Wilson and friend Moses Malone this week. I’ll be strong and preserve their memory and influence on me and many others. - David Aldridge
I can’t believe this. Just saw Moses in Springfield at the HOF on Friday. Saw him in the hotel gym working out on Thursday. God bless him. - Walt Clyde Frazier
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Moses Malone. One of the greatest #basketball players gone way too soon. - Dennis Rodman
Sending my love and condolences to the family of my friend, and @NBA legend Moses Malone. @Hoophall - Shaquille O’Neil
My condolences to the family and friends of Moses Malone. You will truly be missed. Rest in peace Big Mo!!! — Allen Iverson
Sad to learn about the unexpected loss of Moses Malone - one of the greats. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Rest in peace. – Kevin Johnson
R.i.P. to NBA Hall of Famer & Legend Moses Malone. All prayers to his family🙏🏽#GoneTooSoon
— Vince Carter
Rest in Heaven to The Great Moses Malone. You will be missed but NEVER forgotten.
Scottie Pippen
Another one of the game’s legends gone too soon. A champion & one of the elite players of his time. RIP Moses Malone.
Richaun Holmes
RIP to Sixers great Moses Malone my prayers to the family on the loss of this great icon
Kobe Bryant
#Rip to the great Moses Malone - Rick Mahorn
Sad day for me and I know the fans of Moses Malone stay strong NBA FAM ___
By Sarah Todd from The Philadelphia Inquirer
Career history
As player:
1974–1975 Utah Stars
1975–1976 Spirits of St. Louis
1976 Buffalo Braves
1976–1982 Houston Rockets
1982–1986 Philadelphia 76ers
1986–1988 Washington Bullets
1988–1991 Atlanta Hawks
1991–1993 Milwaukee Bucks
1993–1994 Philadelphia 76ers
1994–1995 San Antonio Spurs
As coach:
2006–2009 Philadelphia 76ers (assistant)
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