NBA legend Moses Malone dies at 60
Former NBA center Moses Malone has died at the age of 60.
The Philadelphia 76ers, the team with which Malone won his lone NBA title, released the following statement on Sunday.
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.
An integral member of the 1983 NBA champion Sixers, Malone earned the Finals MVP award for his performance in the series - 25.8 points, 18 rebounds and 1.5 blocks - as his team swept the Los Angeles Lakers in four games.
R.I.P. Moses Malone pic.twitter.com/IttIC13K8z
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) September 13, 2015
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement, honoring Malone's legacy and paying his respects to the big man's family.
Nicknamed "Chairman of the Boards" and "Big Mo," Malone's impact on the NBA was undeniable.
He was one of the first basketball players to enter the professional ranks directly from high school, paving the way for the likes of Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James to do the same.
Malone played for seven NBA teams in his 21-year career, and also had stints with two teams in the ABA. He is most remembered for his years with both the 76ers and Houston Rockets, helping both franchises to NBA Finals appearances; in 1988, Houston retired his number 24. Malone retired at age 40 in 1995 as a member of the San Antonio Spurs.
The final statistics of his legendary career remain impressive today. His 27,409 points rank eighth all-time, and his 16,212 rebounds sit fifth in the NBA's record books.
Malone was a three-time winner of the NBA MVP award, and a 12-time All-Star. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.