Last week, the NBA world sadly lost Darryl Dawkins, and on Sunday morning, we lost another legendary former NBA player, Moses Malone.
Malone, 60, was found dead in his hotel room in Norfolk after failing to attend a celebrity golf tournament. The three-time MVP’s death is uncertain at this time, but according to Det. Jeffrey Scott, who was the one who confirmed Malone’s death, there was no foul play.
Malone, known for his ferocious rebounding, played 20 seasons in the NBA, averaging 20.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per contest while accumulating 1329 total games. He is ranked fifth on the all-time rebounding list with 16,212 total rebounds and eighth on the all-time scoring list with 27,409 total points.
Throughout his NBA career, Malone spent time with the Buffalo Braves, Houston Rockets, Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, and Philadelphia 76ers. In 1983, he led the Sixers to their third and most recent championship while also being awarded the Finals MVP.
Malone was also a 12-time All-Star, six-time rebounding leader, and made the All-NBA first team four times. His number 24 jersey is retired by the Houston Rockets.
“We are stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer Moses Malone, an NBA legend gone far too soon,” Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Known for his legions of fans as the ‘Chairman of the Boards,’ Moses competed with intensity every time he stepped on the court. With three MVPs and an NBA championship, 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.”
The Philadelphia 76ers also released a statement regarding Malone’s death (via Sixers.com):
“It is with a deep sense of sadness that the Sixers family mourns the sudden loss of Moses Malone. It is difficult to express what his contributions to this organization – both as a friend and player – have meant to us the city of Philadelphia and his faithful fans. 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. No one person has ever conveyed more with so few words – including three of the most iconic in this city’s history. His generosity, towering personality and incomparable sense of humor will truly be missed. We will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers and as we are once again reminded of the preciousness of life.”
From all of us at VAVEL USA, Rest in Peace Moses Malone.
