We owe a vote of thanks to hip-hop icon Kurtis Blow. His classic jam, appropriately titled “Basketball”, will ensure we never forget the name of ABA and NBA legend, and Naismith Hall of Fame player, Moses Malone.
Sadly, the 3-time league Most Valuable Player from Petersburg, VA passed away in his sleep September 13, 2015. The cause reported to be Cardiovascular disease, his body was discovered in a Norfolk hotel room.
The first player in history to go from high school directly to the NBA, Malone retired in 1995.
Cable sports giant ESPN and publication Sports Illustrated celebrated his storied career. He was a dominant scorer and rebounder, at center the 6’ 10” journeyman ruled the painted area on the court.
Blow called it accurately. Malone was a king. For a while, however, his coveted crown alluded him.
On “Basketball”, Blow famously rhymes: “Basketball is my favorite sport, I like the way the dribble up and down the court / Just like I’m the king on the microphone, so is Dr. J and Moses Malone!”
A centerpiece of Houston Rockets from 1976 – 82, Malone would join Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent. Teamed with fellow superstars Bobby Jones, Maurice Cheeks, Andre Toney, and Julius “Dr. J” Erving, they would go on to win the NBA championship in ’83. Malone was awarded the NBA Finals MVP.
Following his 76ers run, the 13-time All-Star drifted from team to team as his career began to wind down. No matter what jersey he wore or what city he played in, fans spoke highly of Malone.
To this day he’s viewed as a hero, someone who impressed as a floor general, a hardworking leader, and a winner. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
