NBA Legend Malone Dies at the Age of 60

Picture Courtesy of nba.com

By Francisco Romero. – The sports world is in mourning as one of the greatest basketball players to ever step on a court passed away, Basketball Hall of Famer Moses Malone died at the age of 60.

The following is a statement for NBA’s Commissioner Adam Silver:

“We are stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer Moses Malone, an NBA legend gone far too soon.  Known to 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.”

Malone had a storied career as a basketball player:

• Malone, named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players, was the Finals MVP as he led the Philadelphia 76ers to the 1983 championship.

• The 6-foot-10 center, nicknamed the “Chairman of the Boards,” averaged a double-double while playing for eight teams over 20 NBA seasons and led the league in rebounding six times. The 12-time All-Star averaged 20.6 points per game and 12.2 rebounds over his career.

• His 16,212 rebounds still rank fifth on the NBA’s all-time list, while his 27,409 career points rank eighth.

• Malone was the first player to go pro right out of high school, signing with the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association (ABA) 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), 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. He won his third MVP with the 76ers in 1983.