UPDATE (11:10 a.m.): The Philadelphia 76ers released a statement confirming Moses Malone’s death. Malone played five seasons with the Sixers (1982-86, 1993-94) and guided them to an NBA title in 1983.
The statement is below.
“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.”
ORIGINAL STORY: Moses Malone died Sunday at age 60, according to multiple reports.
Malone, a three-time NBA MVP and a member of the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame, was found in bed after an appearance in Virginia, according to WTXF-TV in Philadelphia.
Malone, who earned the nickname “Chairman of the Boards,” was the first player to jump directly from high school to the pros, signing with the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1974. He earned one ABA All-Star selection and 12 NBA All-Star selections in his legendary career.
Malone played for nine teams over 21 seasons between the ABA (two seasons) and NBA (19 seasons). He led the NBA in rebounds five times, won an NBA Finals MVP with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983 and was named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1997.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@SportsCenter
