Who is Moses Malone?

Moses Malone’s Early Life

Moses Eugene Malone was born on March 23, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia. Raised by his mother, Mary, Malone displayed an early passion for basketball and quickly became a standout player at Petersburg High School. His high school team enjoyed an incredible 50-game winning streak during his junior and senior years, cementing his status as one of the nation’s top prospects.

After high school, Malone made the groundbreaking decision to forgo college and join the Utah Stars of the ABA in 1974, becoming the first modern player to jump directly to professional basketball.

Moses Malone’s ABA and NBA Career Timeline

Malone’s career spanned two leagues and several teams, but his impact was consistent across all stops.

• 1974-1975 (ABA): Malone began his professional career with the Utah Stars before moving to the Spirits of St. Louis when the Stars folded. His impressive performance in the ABA made him a hot commodity during the ABA-NBA merger.
• 1976-1982 (NBA): Malone joined the NBA, first playing for the Buffalo Braves and then the Houston Rockets, where he became a star. He earned his first MVP award in 1979 and led the league in rebounding multiple times.
• 1982-1986: Malone was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1982, where he led the team to the 1983 NBA championship with his famous “Fo’, Fo’, Fo’” prediction—Malone’s shorthand for sweeping every playoff series. He earned Finals MVP honors that year.
• 1986-1995: Malone played for several teams, including the Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and San Antonio Spurs, continuing to dominate the boards and add to his scoring totals.

Moses Malone’s NBA Career Stats

• Regular season games played: 1,455
• Regular season points per game: 20.6
• Regular season rebounds per game: 12.2
• Playoff games played: 126
• Postseason points per game: 22.1
• Postseason rebounds per game: 13.7

Moses Malone’s Achievements and Awards

• NBA Champion (1983)
• NBA Finals MVP (1983)
• 3× NBA MVP (1979, 1982, 1983)
• 12× NBA All-Star (1978–1989)
• 6× Rebounding Leader (1979, 1981–1985)
• 4× All-NBA First Team
• ABA All-Star (1975)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Moses Malone’s Legacy

Moses Malone’s legacy is defined by his dominance in the paint and his work ethic. He retired as the NBA’s all-time leader in offensive rebounds, a testament to his tenacity and knack for positioning. Malone’s impact went beyond the numbers—his leadership, humility, and consistency made him a beloved figure in the basketball world.

As the first player to successfully transition directly from high school to professional basketball, Malone paved the way for future stars like Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. His career stands as a benchmark for what can be achieved through hard work and determination.

Moses Malone’s Cultural and Historical Impact

Moses Malone’s influence extended beyond his on-court achievements. As a pioneer of the high school-to-pro path, he challenged traditional norms and proved that talent and drive could overcome experience gaps. His “Fo’, Fo’, Fo’” prediction remains one of the most iconic moments in playoff history, symbolizing the confidence and dominance of the 1983 76ers.

For basketball fans, Moses Malone represents the gold standard of effort, grit, and professionalism. His incredible career serves as an enduring reminder of what can be achieved through relentless dedication.