Moses Malone

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Malone began his professional career out of high school after he was selected in the third round of the 1974 ABA draft by the Utah Stars. He was named an ABA All-Star as a rookie and played two seasons in the league until it merged with the NBA in 1976. He landed in the NBA with the Buffalo Braves, who traded him after two games to the Houston Rockets. Malone became a five-time All-Star in six seasons with the Rockets. After leading the NBA in rebounding in 1979, he was named league MVP for the first time. He led the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1981, and won his second MVP award in 1982. Traded to Philadelphia the following season, he repeated as MVP and led the 76ers to the 1983 championship. In his first of two stints with Philadelphia, he was an All-Star in each of his four seasons. Following another trade, Malone was an All-Star in his only two seasons with the then Washington Bullets. He signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Hawks, earning his 12th straight and final NBA All-Star selection in his first season. In his later years, he played with the Milwaukee Bucks before returning to the 76ers and completing his career with the San Antonio Spurs.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with the static of a thousand conversations, the air thick with the smell of popcorn and floor polish. A young fan, clutching a foam finger, watched as Moses Malone stepped onto the court. He didn't sprint; he occupied space, his presence a gravitational pull. The ball clanged off the rim, and in a blur of motion, Malone was there, his long arms snatching the rebound from the air as if it were his birthright. He didn't celebrate; he just set his jaw and prepared for the next possession, a silent promise of dominance.

Reader's Guide

Malone was a tireless and physical player who led the NBA in rebounding six times, including a then-record five straight seasons (1981–1985). Nicknamed the 'Chairman of the Boards' for his rebounding prowess, he finished his career as the all-time leader in offensive rebounds after leading both the ABA and NBA in the category a combined nine times. Combining his ABA and NBA statistics, Malone ranks tenth all-time in career points (29,580) and third in total rebounds (17,834). He was named to the ABA All-Time Team along with the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams.

Did You Know?

• Malone was the first player in modern professional basketball to enter directly from high school.
• He set a then-NBA record with 437 offensive rebounds in a season, later surpassing that mark with 587 offensive rebounds in 1978–79.
• Malone grabbed a career-high 37 rebounds in a game against the New Orleans Jazz on February 9, 1979.
• He scored 51 points against the Golden State Warriors on March 11, 1981.