Moses Malone
The original 'Chairman of the Boards' who dominated the paint and changed the game.
Moses Eugene Malone Sr. (March 23, 1955 – September 13, 2015) was an American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history. He played for the Houston Rockets from 1976 to 1982, earning three NBA Most Valuable Player awards and leading the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA championship in 1983, where he was named Finals MVP.
- Role
- Center
- Affiliation
- Houston Rockets (1976–1982)
- Status
- Retired Legend
- Major Honours
- 3× NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Champion (1983), NBA Finals MVP (1983), 12× NBA All-Star, 8× All-NBA Team
- Nickname
- The Chairman of the Boards
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Moses Malone Sr. revolutionized the game with his relentless rebounding and scoring, famously leading the Houston Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1981. After his tenure with the Rockets, he joined the Philadelphia 76ers and delivered one of the most dominant playoff runs in history, coining the phrase 'Fo', Fo', Fo'' as a prediction for the entire 1983 playoffs (not just the Finals). The actual results were 4-0, 4-1, 4-0—falling one game short of a perfect sweep. His son, Moses Malone Jr., played college basketball at South Carolina State but never reached the NBA.
In Their Own Story
Malone Jr. transferred to South Carolina State for his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, he averaged 15.7 points per game, leading the Bulldogs to the 2003 NCAA tournament. His father, Moses Malone, was a three-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
Reader's Guide
Moses Eugene Malone Jr. was born on December 1, 1979. He is the son of three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Moses Malone. He played college basketball at the University of Houston, Texas Tech University, and South Carolina State University. As a junior at South Carolina State, he averaged 14.9 points; as a senior, he averaged 15.7 points and helped the Bulldogs reach the 2003 NCAA tournament. In 2017, a man was sentenced to 35 years in prison for allegedly orchestrating the beating of Malone Jr. after he had shared a Facebook post critical of then Houston Rockets player James Harden.
Did You Know?
- Moses Malone Sr. was the first player to go directly from high school to professional basketball, signing with the ABA's Utah Stars in 1974.
- He won three NBA MVP awards (1979, 1982, 1983) and is one of only four players in NBA history to win MVP with two different teams.
- Malone Sr. led the NBA in rebounding six times and is the all-time leader in offensive rebounds.
- His son, Moses Malone Jr., played college basketball at South Carolina State and helped the Bulldogs reach the 2003 NCAA tournament.
- In 2017, a man was sentenced to 35 years in prison for orchestrating the beating of Malone Jr. after a Facebook post critical of James Harden.
The Chairman of the Boards: A Rebounding Revolution
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A Trailblazing Path from High School to Stardom
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The MVP Era: Dominance with Houston and Philadelphia
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A Legacy Beyond the Court: Longevity and Hall of Fame
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Moses Malone during his time with Houston?
Moses Malone was a dominant center who joined the Rockets in 1982 and immediately became one of the league's most feared interior players.
What years did he play for the franchise?
He spent five seasons with the team, spanning from the 1982-83 season through the 1985-86 campaign before departing via trade.
Did Moses Malone win an NBA championship in Houston?
No, his tenure ended prior to the Rockets' back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995, though he did secure a ring with Philadelphia earlier.
What was his primary role on the court?
He anchored the frontcourt as an elite rebounder and scorer who controlled the paint with relentless energy and physicality.
Why is he considered a Rockets legend today?
Malone brought immediate star power to Houston, setting a standard for interior dominance that influenced future eras of success.