Remembering the Chairman of the Boards: A eulogy to Moses Malone
The death of Hall of Famer and three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Moses Malone on Sunday at age 60 sent shockwaves through the basketball world, eliciting condolences and fond farewells from players, coaches, fans and journalists alike. Malone was one of the greatest players of all time to play the game. Playing since the ABA era, he was also responsible for inspiring many of our heroes to be the best players they could be.
He started his professional basketball career at the age of 19 with the Utah Stars of the ABA. The 6’10”, 98kg Malone played forward at the time till he bulked up enough to play center. The Houston Rockets, with whom Malone won two season MVPs, retired the number 24 in his honor. After moving to Philadelphia to play with Julius Erving, Moses won a championship ring. Dr. J and Malone were a formidable duo who helped the 76ers achieve great things at the time. He eventually played for the NBA with six different teams establishing himself as a dominant big man who wasn’t to be trifled with. Malone ended his 21 year career as the all time leader in offensive rebounds. He still holds that record.
Moses was notorious for missing shots at or near the rim (No. 17 all-time in field goals missed), yet he turned that into a skill to be celebrated, grabbing his own and others' misses until he ranked No. 1 in combined NBA/ABA history in offensive rebounds. The hard-working, 12-time All-Star wasn't fully appreciated. As impressive as Malone's career and statistics appear in hindsight, from his three MVP trophies and eight all-NBA selections to his 29,580 points (seventh all time) and 17,834 rebounds (third), his name often gets mentioned as an afterthought when lists of the game's greatest big men are compiled. But those who played with or against Malone know full well how formidable and relentless, banging and sweating in close proximity to the paint, he could be.
“Moses is the single and greatest influence of my NBA career. He taught me how to work hard. I called him dad.”
- Charles Barkley, NBA Hall of Famer and former teammate
Upon learning of his selection to the Hall of Fame in 2001, Malone sold himself a bit short on talent but echoed what anyone who saw him play never forgot. "I never considered myself a great player," Malone said. "I considered myself a hard worker." He was the biggest influence on Charles Barkley’s career; he credited Moses for teaching him not only the finer points of interior play at the NBA level, but also the importance of professionalism, refusing to rely solely on pure natural talent and getting in better shape to be the best player he could be.
"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 Boards’, Moses competed with intensity every time he stepped on the court. With three MVPs and an NBA championship, 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."
- - Adam Silver, NBA Comissioner