Moses Malone Passes Away
Basketball Hall of Famer and three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Moses Malone passed away on Sunday inside a Norfolk hotel room. He was 60 years old.
The death of Malone was confirmed by Norfolk Police Department Detective Jeffrey Scott. Scott said the body of the former pro basketball player was found after he did not join a celebrity golf tournament that he was supposed to play in.
In a statement, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said they were saddened and stunned with the death of the NBA legend, who is known as the “'Chairman of the Boards” by his fans. He was considered as one of the most dominant centers in the history of the ABA and NBA. The statement added that they will miss his generosity, friendship, enthusiastic personality, and exceptional work ethic.
Moses Malone is one of the 50 greatest players of the NBA and became the Finals MVP in 1983 while leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the championship. A statement from the 76ers said Malone has a special place in the hearts of the organization and he will be remembered as a real icon and a foundation in the history of the team.
Malone had a double-double average when he played for eight NBA teams during his career spanning 20 seasons. He was also the rebounding leader for six seasons including five consecutive seasons from 1980 to 1985. He ranks fifth on the all-time rebounding list of the NBA as well as eighth on the all-time points list. He holds the offensive rebound records in a game, season and career in the NBA.
John Lucas, a former teammate of Malone in the Houston Rockets, said he was shocked when he talked with Moses Malone Jr., son of the NBA icon. He added that the elder Malone was “one of the best people” he ever met and was “a true professional.”
Moses Malone Jr. considered his father as his best friend. He said his father taught them a lot about life and how to work hard as well as respect people. The elder Malone also taught them to love their family and “always do the right thing.” The NBA icon “cared about people who had less than him” and always helped others.
Moses Malone was the first player to become a professional basketball player right after high school when he joined the Utah Stars in 1974. The Utah Stars was one of the teams of the American Basketball Association. He joined the Spirits of St. Louis in the following season before playing for the Buffalo Braves when the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976.
Malone played for the Houston Rockets, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Washington Bullets, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks before ending his career with the San Antonio Spurs. The Rockets retired his No. 24 jersey.
Leslie Alexander, owner of the Rockets, revealed in a statement that the passing of Malone saddened everyone in the organization. He was considered as a true gentleman and is one of the greatest Rockets and NBA player of all time. Alexander extended his condolences to the family and friends of Moses Malone.
Malone got his third MVP trophy with the 76ers in 1983 while leading the team to the championship. At this time, he predicted that the Sixers will sweep all of their playoff series. The team lost only one game in the postseason before they swept the LA Lakers in the Finals. He averaged 26 points during the postseason.
Philadelphia CEO Scott O’Neil said they will miss his generosity, personality and sense of humor.
The death of Malone follows the passing of Darryl Dawkins, another center of the Philadelphia 76ers. The induction of Malone into the Basketball Hall of Fame came in 2001. He attended the induction ceremonies this year in Springfield, Massachusetts.
A statement released by the LA Lakers said Malone was an aggressive and gracious competitor, and he will always be associated with the playoff history of the Lakers. The organization mourned the passing of Moses Malone and they are sending their condolences to the family and loved ones of the NBA legend.
Moses Malone,I will miss you no we all will miss you. Just left practice on your court. Well Done as always MVP pic.twitter.com/5tY3ZarNpE
— Coach John Lucas (@CoachJohnLucas1) September 13, 2015
R.I.P. to Rockets legend Moses Malone. You will be missed. #LegacyOfBigs pic.twitter.com/edUtmZbEjU
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) September 13, 2015
My condolences to the family and friends of Moses Malone. You will truly be missed. Rest in peace Big Mo!!!
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) September 13, 2015