Moses Malone has stepped onto the hardwood in 1,329 contests in his career and tallied 45,071 mins in those matchups. Malone got the starting nod in 784 games, and in those matchups he owns an average of 20.6 points/G and has 27,409 points overall. He scores 21.9 points per 36 minutes, in addition to snagging 12.9 rebounds and racking up 1.4 dimes thus far in his career. By converting 9,435 baskets out of his 19,225 attempts, Malone has compiled a 49.1% field goal percentage. By making 8 out of 80 shots when shooting from distance, he has amassed a 3pt percentage of 10.0%. By converting 9,427 out of 19,145 two-pointers, he has recorded an average of 49.2%. Malone has converted 8,531 out of 11,090 shots from the charity stripe, putting him at a rate of 76.9%. Having earned an effective FG% of 49.1%, he has additionally recorded 3,076 fouls as well as 3,804 giveaways. Sitting with 9,481 defensive rebounds and 6,731 on the offensive end of the court, Malone has tallied 16,212 rebounds in total in his career. He has tallied 1,089 steals, in addition to 1,733 blocks and 1,796 assists. In reference to stats per game, Malone sports an average of 1.4 assists and 12.2 boards. Moses Malone was a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. As one of the most dominant players in the history of the NBA, Malone’s legacy is cemented not only through his incredible stats but also through his impact on the game itself. This article delves into the life and career of Moses Malone, highlighting his achievements and the indelible mark he left on basketball.
Early Life and Career
Born on March 23, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia, Moses Eugene Malone grew up in a modest household. His journey to basketball stardom began in high school, where his extraordinary talent quickly became apparent. Malone’s skills on the court earned him a scholarship to the University of Maryland, but he chose a different path.
In 1974, Moses Malone made a groundbreaking decision to bypass college and jump straight into professional basketball. He became the first player to go directly from high school to the pros when he signed with the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
Transition to the NBA
When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, Malone’s professional career took a new turn. He joined the Buffalo Braves, although his time there was brief. The Braves traded him to the Houston Rockets, where his career truly began to flourish.
Houston Rockets Era
During his time with the Rockets, Moses Malone established himself as a dominant force in the league. He quickly became known for his relentless rebounding and scoring ability. In the 1978-79 season, Malone won his first NBA MVP award, an achievement he would repeat two more times in his career.
Malone’s time with the Rockets was marked by numerous accolades, including multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA team honors. His stats were impressive, and he consistently ranked among the league leaders in points and rebounds.
Philadelphia 76ers and Championship Glory
In 1982, Moses Malone was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, a move that would lead to one of the most successful periods of his career. Teaming up with Julius Erving, Malone propelled the Sixers to the top of the league.
The 1983 NBA Championship
The pinnacle of Malone’s career came in 1983 when he led the 76ers to an NBA championship. His famous prediction of “Fo’, fo’, fo'”meaning the Sixers would sweep each round of the playoffsalmost came true as they dominated the postseason with a 12-1 record. Malone’s performance earned him the NBA Finals MVP award, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
Later Career and Legacy
After his successful stint with the 76ers, Moses Malone continued to play for several other NBA teams, including the Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and San Antonio Spurs. Regardless of the team, his impact remained significant, and he continued to put up impressive stats until his retirement in 1995.
Career Achievements
NBA MVP Awards: 3 (1979, 1982, 1983)
NBA All-Star Selections: 12
NBA All-NBA First Team: 4 times
NBA Rebounding Leader: 6 times
Moses Malone’s career stats are a testament to his dominance. He scored over 27,000 points and grabbed more than 16,000 rebounds, making him one of the top rebounders in NBA history. His dedication and work ethic on the court made him a role model for future generations of basketball players.
Moses Malone’s Jersey and Honors
Moses Malone’s impact on the game is immortalized not only through his stats but also through the honors he received. His jersey number, 24, has been retired by multiple teams, including the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers, in recognition of his contributions to their success.
In 2001, Malone was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats. His influence extends beyond his playing career, as he remains an inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.
Remembering Moses Malone
Moses Malone passed away on September 13, 2015, but his legacy continues to live on. He left an indelible mark on the sport of basketball and is remembered as a pioneer who paved the way for future generations of players.
His journey from high school to becoming an NBA legend is a testament to his talent, determination, and love for the game. Whether through his iconic jersey or his remarkable stats, Moses Malone’s influence on basketball will never be forgotten.
In conclusion, Moses Malone was more than just a basketball player; he was a trailblazer who changed the game forever. His career was filled with achievements and moments of brilliance that continue to inspire fans and players alike. As we reflect on his legacy, we celebrate a true legend of the NBA.
