Moses Malone Then and Now

Moses Malone Then

Moses Malone was born on March 23, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia. From a young age, his basketball talent was evident, leading Petersburg High School to an impressive 50 consecutive victories and securing two state championships. 

His exceptional performance on the high school court made him one of the most highly sought-after college basketball prospects in history. 

However, in a groundbreaking decision that would set a precedent for future players, Malone chose to bypass college and jump directly into professional basketball. 

In 1974, he signed with the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association (ABA), becoming the first player to enter professional basketball straight from high school. 

This bold move marked the beginning of a legendary career that would span nearly two decades.

Moses Malone Career History

Malone’s professional career began in the ABA, but after the league dissolved in 1976, he was acquired by the NBA’s Buffalo Braves. 

His time with the Braves was brief, as he was traded to the Houston Rockets just two games into the 1976–77 season.

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Standing 6 feet 10 inches tall, Malone quickly became known for his quickness, tenacity, and all-around play. 

He was particularly noted for his offensive rebounding skills and accurate shooting. 

His dominance on the court earned him the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1979 and 1982.

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In 1981, he led the Rockets to the NBA Finals, showcasing his ability to elevate his team’s performance.

In 1982, Malone signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, forming a formidable partnership with Julius Erving. 

The following year, the 76ers won the NBA championship, with Malone being named MVP of both the championship series and the league in 1983.

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During his illustrious career, he played for eight NBA teams, including the Washington Bullets and the Atlanta Hawks. 

Over 19 years, he set records for most free throws made (8,531, a record later broken by Karl Malone) and most offensive rebounds (6,731). 

He retired in 1995, having scored 27,409 points and collected 16,212 rebounds, ranking him among the NBA’s all-time top 10 in both categories.

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A 13-time All-Star, Malone averaged 20.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. 

In recognition of his achievements, he was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history in 1997 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.

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Moses Malone Height

Standing at 2.08 meters tall, Moses Malone’s imposing presence on the basketball court was matched by his extraordinary skills and tenacity, which made him a dominant force in professional basketball for nearly two decades.

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Moses Malone Retirement

Moses Malone retired from professional basketball in 1995, leaving behind an indelible legacy. 

Over his 19-year career, he amassed a staggering 27,409 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and consistency on the court.

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This impressive total placed him among the NBA’s all-time top scorers. Equally remarkable was his ability to dominate the boards, as he collected 16,212 rebounds during his career, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier rebounders. 

His exceptional skills in both scoring and rebounding underscored his all-around excellence and versatility as a player.

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Moses Malone Wife

Moses Malone married Alfreda Gill, and together they had two sons, Moses Eugene Jr. and Michael Malone. 

However, their marriage faced significant challenges, leading Alfreda to sue for divorce in September 1991, citing irreconcilable differences, cruelty, and adultery.

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During the tumultuous period of the lawsuit, Alfreda obtained a restraining order in June 1992, requiring Malone to avoid contact with her. 

Malone vehemently denied the allegations of abuse and threats made against him. Despite his denial, the divorce was finalized in October 1992.

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Moses Malone Now

Moses Malone passed away in his sleep from heart disease at the age of 60 on the morning of September 13, 2015. 

He was in Norfolk, Virginia, staying at a hotel where he had planned to participate in a charity golf tournament that day.

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When Malone did not show up for breakfast or respond to phone calls, concerns were raised, and he was subsequently found unresponsive in his hotel room. 

His sudden death shocked the basketball community and his fans worldwide, marking the end of an era for one of the sport’s most revered figures.

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In the time leading up to his death, Malone had experienced health issues, including complaints of an irregular heartbeat. 

Despite these concerns, he remained active and continued to participate in events and activities. 

At the time of his death, it was reported that Malone was wearing a heart monitor, indicating that he and his medical team were aware of his heart condition and were taking measures to monitor it.

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However, despite these precautions, his heart disease proved fatal, leading to his untimely passing.

The death of Moses Malone was a significant loss to the basketball world. 

Known for his remarkable achievements on the court, his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, competitors, and fans.

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They remembered him not only for his incredible skill and tenacity as a player but also for his contributions off the court, including his involvement in charity events. 

Malone’s legacy as one of the NBA’s all-time greats was further cemented by the recognition and remembrances that followed his death.

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His career accomplishments, including his standing among the top 10 in both scoring and rebounding, remain a testament to his impact on the game.

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Moses Malone Neth Worth

Moses Malone, a retired professional basketball player, had accumulated a net worth of $5 million by the time of his death, reflecting both his successful career and his post-retirement endeavors.

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