Last Sunday, Moses Malone, the Pro Basketball Hall of Famer and the 3-time NBA MVP, died at the age of 60 in a hotel room in Norfolk, Virginia according to Yahoo News. It was Norfolk Police Department Det. Jeffrey Scott who confirmed his death. Scott said that "there was no indication of foul play" because Moses' body was found as soon as the player didn't show up to a celebrity golf tournament wherein he was scheduled to play.
As cited in an article on ESPN, Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, said: "We are stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer Moses Malone, an NBA legend gone far too soon. Known to his legions of fans as the Chairman of the Board, Moses competed with intensity every time he stepped on the court."
On the same article on ESPN, Silver furthered his statements about Malone. "He was among the most dominant centers ever to play the game and one of the best players in the history of the NBA and the ABA. Even more than his prodigious talent, we will miss his friendship, his generosity, his exuberant personality, and the extraordinary work ethic he brought to the game throughout his 21-year pro career. Our thoughts are with Moses' family and friends during this difficult time," Silver said.
One of the 50 greatest players of NBA, Malone was the Finals MVP in 1983, as he led the Philadelphia 76ers to the title. In a statement Sunday, the 76ers is quoted to have said that: "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."
Still ranking fifth on the NBA's all-time list are Malone's 16,212 rebounds as well as his 27,409 career points which rank eighth all time according to a report on Yahoo News. The twelve-time All-Star likewise holds NBA records for offensive rebounds in a career (6,731), season (587) and game (21).
John Lucas, a former Houston Rockets teammate, told ESPN: "When I talked to his son this morning, his son couldn't get it out. I kept saying to him, 'What are you saying?' And he told me. ... I was shocked. Moses was one of the best people that I had ever met. ... A true professional, on and off the court."
