Throwback Thursday: Moses Malone

Look back at the legendary career of the recently departed three-time MVP POSTED: Mar 24, 2016 9:51 AM ET

 

Welcome to Throwback Thursday on NBA.com!
Each week, we'll delve into the NBA's photo archives to uncover great images from way back when and highlight some of the greatest accomplishments in NBA history.

Today's Topic: Moses Malone

This Throwback Thursday we honor the life and career of Moses Malone, who was born on March 23, 1955.
Malone died from natural causes just six months ago at 60 years old. As a player, he was a relentless rebounder and effective scorer who made the jump from high school to a pro career that lasted 21 years. He retired as the third-leading rebounder and sixth-leading scorer in combined NBA/ABA history and was honored in 1996-97 as a member of the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. At 19, he made the jump from Petersburg (Va.) High School to the Utah Stars of the ABA.
Once the ABA folded, he became a force in the middle for the Houston Rockets, winning two NBA MVPs in his first six NBA seasons. Malone signed as a free-agent with the title-hungry Philadelphia 76ers before the 1982-83 season and was dominant again. The 76ers demolished the league that year, racking up a 65-17 regular season record and going 12-1 in the postseason to claim the NBA championship. Malone was MVP of the regular season as well as of the NBA Finals. In 2001, Malone was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Journey back through our photo archives to relive the incredible career of one of the best centers in NBA history.

Moses Malone: 1955 - 2015

Relive these classic Moses Malone games on NBA TV today:

• 11 a.m. ET -- 76ers vs. Bucks, 1983 Eastern Conference finals, Game 3 -- The 76ers claim a 3-0 series lead behind Moses Malone's 25 points and 14 rebounds.
• 1 p.m. ET -- 76ers vs. Lakers, 1983 NBA Finals, Game 4 -- Moses Malone has 24 points and 23 rebounds to help the Philadelphia sweep Los Angeles and win the title.