Philadelphia Sixers legend Moses Malone passed away Sunday morning. He will forever be remembered as one of the best Sixers of all time, and one of the best big men to ever play in the NBA.
Early Sunday morning Moses Malone passed away at age 60. The Sixers released this statement regarding Malone’s passing:
“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.”
Moses Malone was one of the 1st players in NBA history to go straight to the NBA from high school. He was drafted by the old Utah Stars in the ABA in 1974. His rookie year, Malone averaged 18.8 points and 14.6 rebounds. He was immediately one of the best centers in the world. After his brief stint in the ABA, Malone made his way over to the NBA, as he joined the Houston Rockets. He was named All-NBA 4 times in his 6 year career in Houston.
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In one of the best Sixers trades in team history, they sent Caldwell Jones and a 1st-round pick to Houston in exhange for Malone. In Malone’s 1st season with the Sixers, he brought the NBA ‘ship back to Philly. He teamed up with Mo Cheeks, Dr. J, Andrew Toney, and Bobby Jones. Malone made the famous statement, “Fo’, fo’, fo’,” regarding his prediction of the Sixers sweeping every team they face in the playoffs. In reality, he was wrong. The Sixers lost 1 game en route to their first championship win since the 1966-67 season.
In 19 seasons, Malone scored 27,409 points, grabbed 16,212 rebounds, and collected 1,733 blocks. He won the league MVP award 3 times, and was an all-star for 12 straight seasons. After his retirement in 1995, Malone was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.
Everyone here at Complete Philly Coverage has the Malone family in our prayers. May we forever remember the Chairman of the Boards, Moses Malone.
In memory of the great, celebrated life of Moses Malone, watch his career highlight tape:
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