Three-time NBA MVP and Basketball Hall of Famer Moses Malone has passed away at the age of 60.
His death was confirmed this morning by a statement from the Philadelphia 76ers, whom Malone led to an NBA championship in 1983. No cause of death was given.
Over the course of his 20-year career, Malone played for nine teams and was voted into the NBA All-Star game an astonishing 12 times.
Malone led the league in rebounds for five straight seasons, earning him the nickname “Chairman of the Boards.” He remains the NBA’s career leader in offensive rebounds.
“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,” says the statement issued by the 76ers organization.
“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.
“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.”
Following the death of Daryl Dawkins last month, Malone is the second NBA legend to pass away in the last three weeks.
Tributes from fans, former teammates and sports journalists have already begun to pour in on social media.
