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Philadelphia 76ers Legend Moses Malone Dies At Age 60

By Jake Hyman

Apr 15, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers flight crew member waves a large 76ers flag at center court during a timeout against the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. The Heat won 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers flight crew member waves a large 76ers flag at center court during a timeout against the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. The Heat won 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia 76ers legend and NBA Hall of Famer Moses Malone died Sunday at the age of 60, per ESPN.com. A native of Petersburg, Virginia, Malone was an intricate member of the Sixers organization during his professional career.

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The team released a statement Sunday on his 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.”"

Malone was a force on the court as one of the best big men of all time, but was a respected person off the court as well who had many admirers.

Malone was a pivotal member of the Sixers’ last championship in 1983 after five straight All-Star appearances with the Houston Rockets. Along with Julius Erving, Malone guided the organization to a title with an intimidating presence on the glass.

Known as “The Chairman of the Boards,” Malone was in the top-4 in rebounds per game for his first 11 seasons in the NBA. Tying in immaculate ability and build for a center, he was a double-double machine and one of the best statistical big men in NBA history.

Starting his career in the ABA, Malone was one of the first high school athletes to be selected to the professional level. His 20.6 points per game ranks among the highest for centers all-time and was a vital member of the Sixers, Washington Bullets, Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks in his career.

Per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Malone was the only player to win back-to-back MVP awards in different conferences.

Malone was a Hall of Fame inductee in 2001 and a three-time MVP who will be remembered as one of the best to have ever played in the NBA. He was a special talent and person to those that knew him.

Moses Malone will be missed by all.

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