RIP Moses Malone

Bad few weeks for straight-to-the-NBA guys.

Three-time NBA MVP Moses Malone dies at age 60

 

And early 80s Sixers.

 

Aw, man. This sucks. I was 7 when that team won the title - Doc was my hero but Moses carried that team. He turned a perennial playoff loser into perhaps the most dominant single season playoff team of all time. "Fo, fo, fo" is one of the greatest sports quotes ever, too. Elegant in its simplicity.

RIP, Moses.

Oh, and fuck Harold Katz one last time for that debacle of a trade.

 

Maurice Cheeks is slipping with his lights on.

But seriously, RIP to an all time great.

 

First Dawkins. Now Malone. Bill Willoughby should be looking over his shoulder.

 

My 10th grade English teacher taught him in 10th grade as well, and she always insisted that he was a smart kid.

 

Great player, RIP

 

I got to cover him, and there was a lot more to Moses than people think or realize. He could appear gruff if you didn't know him or he you, but I really appreciated the chance to get to know him more than the average fan could. He was actually a funny and insightful guy. But I think he liked the image as a man of few words. RIP, Moses.

 

He (and a handful of others) beat the college cabal 20 years before anyone else even tried it. Sounds pretty smart to me.

 

Damn. Used to see him quite frequently where I worked, and he was always friendly and funny.

 

Great anecdote from John Lucas:

 

Sad to hear. I grew up a big Lakers fan in the 80s, but I always liked and respected Moses.

Nice anecdote by John Lucas. I remember reading in Terry Pluto's ABA book about Malone's recruitment and decision to go pro. While he was still in high school, it was generally accepted that Lefty Driesell had him wrapped up for Maryland if he played college ball. One guy in the book quoted a college coach talking about making a trip to Malone's hometown to talk to him although he knew he had no chance, but he had to go just to show the boosters and fanbase he was at least making an effort.