76ers’ great Moses Malone has died at age 60

Tragedy has struck the 76ers organization again as, according to multiple reports, Moses Malone has passed away at the age of 60.

After being acquired in the summer of 1982, Malone had an MVP season for the Sixers in leading them to their first NBA title since 1967. He averaged 24.5 points and 15.3 rebounds during the regular season in which the team compiled a 65-17 record.

In 13 playoff games, in which the Sixers stomped their way to the championship in three series, falling just short of Malone’s predicted “Fo, fo, fo,” Malone went for 26 points and 15.8 rebounds, garnering Finals MVP.

Two other former Sixers centers, Darryl Dawkins and Caldwell Jones, passed away recently from heart attacks also. Dawkins died at the end of last month and Jones a little less than a year ago. After acquiring Julius Erving in 1976, the Sixers made appearances in the NBA Finals three times (77, 80 and 82) but were felled each time.

The common thinking was that the team needed a dominant center to get them over the top and when Malone was gotten by then owner Harold Katz in the summer of 1982, the run began.

In five seasons with the Sixers, including a comeback season of 55 games in 1993-94, Malone averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds.

He was part of one of the biggest trades in team history when the club dealt him to Washington in the summer of 1986 when Malone, Terry Catledge and two first round picks went to Washington for Jeff Ruland and Cliff Robinson.

“It is with a deep sense of sadness that the Sixers family mourns the sudden loss of Moses Malone. It is difficult to express what his contributions to this organization both as a friend and player have meant to us, the city of Philadelphia and his faithful fans. 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,” said 76ers Chief Executive Officer Scott O’Neil in a statement. “No one person has ever conveyed more with so few words including three of the most iconic in this city’s history. His generosity, towering personality and incomparable sense of humor will truly be missed. We will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers and as we are once again reminded of the preciousness of life.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also shared his condolences.

“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,” said Silver in a statement. “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.”

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