24
Oct
4 min read
NBA's Greatest Players in History: Moses Malone
Moses Malone looks on during Media Day for the 1997 All-Star Game at the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio.
An offensive rebounding machine and Finals MVP
- Three-time NBA Most Valuable Player (1979, 1982, 1983)
- Led the NBA in rebounding six times
- 1983 NBA champion and Finals MVP with the Philadelphia 76ers
- Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team
Moses Malone was a dominant force in professional basketball, revolutionising the centre position with his relentless rebounding and scoring prowess over a 21-year career spanning the ABA and NBA.
Overview
Moses Malone's journey to NBA stardom began in the ABA, where he made history as one of the first players to transition directly from high school to professional basketball. His raw talent and work ethic quickly set him apart, earning him an All-Star selection in his rookie season with the Utah Stars. This early success foreshadowed the incredible career that would follow.
Career snapshot
Malone's professional career spanned from 1974 to 1995, during which he played for nine different teams across the ABA and NBA. His most notable stints were with the Houston Rockets (1976-1982) and the Philadelphia 76ers (1982-1986, 1993-1994). Throughout his career, Malone was known for his incredible consistency and durability, playing in 1,455 professional games.
Playing style
Malone's playing style was characterised by his unparalleled ability to secure offensive rebounds. His relentless pursuit of the ball off the rim earned him the nickname "Chairman of the Boards." Malone's offensive game was built around his ability to score in the paint, often through put-backs of his own missed shots. He developed a reliable mid-range jumper later in his career, making him an even more formidable offensive threat.
Why Moses Malone is on our list
Moses Malone's inclusion on the list of most dominant players in NBA history is indisputable. His three MVP awards, six rebounding titles, and crucial role in leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the 1983 NBA championship solidify his place among the game's greatest. Malone's impact on the game went beyond statistics; he changed how the center position was played and set new standards for offensive rebounding.
Five Fast Facts
- Malone is the only player in NBA history to win back-to-back MVP awards with different teams (1982 with Houston, 1983 with Philadelphia).
- He led the league in offensive rebounds for five consecutive seasons from 1981 to 1985.
- Malone was selected to the All-Star team 13 times (12 NBA, 1 ABA).
- He finished his career with 27,409 points and 16,212 rebounds, ranking him among the top 10 in both categories at the time of his retirement.
- Malone was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
Career Highlights Timeline
1974: Signed with the Utah Stars of the ABA straight out of high school
1976: Joined the NBA as part of the ABA-NBA merger, playing for the Buffalo Braves
1979: Won his first NBA MVP award with the Houston Rockets
1982: Captured his second MVP award, leading the league in rebounding and scoring
1983: Led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA championship, winning Finals MVP
1985: Became the youngest player to reach 15,000 career rebounds
1995: Retired after 21 professional seasons, having played for nine different teams
Moses Malone's legacy as one of the most dominant players in NBA history is built on his unmatched rebounding skills, scoring ability, and longevity. His impact on the game continues to be felt, with his style of play influencing generations of big men who followed. Malone's journey from high school phenom to NBA legend exemplifies the dedication and work ethic required to achieve greatness in professional basketball.
