NBA Legend Moses Malone Dead at 60

One of the top rebounders in basketball history and one of the best centers of all time, Moses Malone, has passed away. According to reports, he died of an apparent heart attack in Norfolk, VA early this morning.

The Hall of Famer leaves a huge footprint in the NBA as one of the top forces in the 70’s and 80’s. Moses was named MVP in 1979 and 1982 with the Houston Rockets, and won his third MVP with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983. That same year he took 76ers to the NBA Finals, where they won the NBA championship and won the Finals MVP.

The 2001 Hall of Fame inductee averaged 20.6 points per game and 12.2 rebounds over his career. He was named “Chairman of the Boards” as he ranks fifth all-time in rebounding with 16,212 rebound, and ranks eighth in scoring with 27,409 career points.

Moses was the first player in history to go pro out of high school in 1974. His career started with the American Basketball Association (ABA), signing with the Utah Stars. He later played for the Spirits of St. Louis before going to the Buffalo Braves during the ABA and NBA merger in 1976. The full list of teams hes played for over his 20 year career include the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, and the San Antonio Spurs where he finished his career.

Without Malone’s contribution to the game we wouldn’t have the players we have now. Some of those players include Dwight Howard, Blake Griffin, Karl Malone, and LeBron James who have similarities to Malone’s game technique.

Take a look at Moses Malone’s illustrious career below: