Second-greatest player in the history of each NBA franchise
Houston Rockets: Moses Malone
Greatest Player: Hakeem Olajuwon
After a two-year ABA stint, Moses Malone played just two games for the Buffalo Braves before being traded to the Houston Rockets.
He posted 13.5 points and 13.4 rebounds in his inaugural NBA season, but it would be the following year when Malone would truly begin to carve out his memorably legacy for the Rockets organization.
Malone was named an All-Star in each of his five full seasons in Houston, averaging 26.1 points, 15.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.
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Harden's 30 games w/ 30+ Pts is most in season by Rocket player since Moses Malone (who turns 60 today) in 1981-82. pic.twitter.com/ucK0vVoNCt
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 24, 2015
The league-leader in rebounds per game three times as a Rocket, Malone also was tops in minutes per game on two separate occasions, which wound up aiding two of his three career MVP seasons.
With Malone leading the 1981 postseason in points, offensive rebounds, total rebounds and free throws, the 40-win sixth-seeded Rockets advanced to their first-ever NBA Finals, losing to the Celtics in six games.
Following a trade to Philadelphia, Malone’s career was only getting started. He’d make seven more All-Star appearances, win another MVP and help the Sixers to the 1983 title.