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Moses Malone 76ers

Source: Focus On Sport / Getty

Pro Basketball Hall of Famer and three-time NBA MVP Moses Malone passed away early Sunday morning at the age of 60.

The legendary baller was found in his hotel room and though no cause of death has been confirmed, close friends say he’s had heart issues in the past.

Malone, who was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players, led the Philadelphia 76ers to the finals in 1983. From ESPN:

The 6-foot-10 center, nicknamed the “Chairman of the Boards,” averaged a double-double while playing for eight teams over 20 NBA seasons and led the league in rebounding six times. The 12-time All-Star averaged 20.6 points per game and 12.2 rebounds over his career.

His 16,212 rebounds still rank fifth on the NBA’s all-time list, while his 27,409 career points rank eighth.

Malone was the first player to go pro right out of high school, signing with the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association in 1974. He played the following season for the Spirits of St. Louis before moving to the Buffalo Braves after the ABA-NBA merger in 1976.

He also played for the Houston Rockets, 76ers (twice), Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks and the San Antonio Spurs, with whom he finished his career during the 1994-95 season.

Malone was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

The Philadelphia 76ers released a statement regarding Malone’s death Sunday afternoon.

“It is with a deep sense of sadness that the Sixers family mourns the sudden loss of Moses Malone. 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. 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. No one person has ever conveyed more with so few words – including three of the most iconic in this city’s history. 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.”

Fans and fellow ball players took to social media to send their condolences, including former 76er star Allen Iverson.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Malone’s family during this difficult time.

SOURCE: ESPN | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

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Pro Basketball Hall Of Famer & 3-Time NBA MVP Moses Malone Dead At Age 60  was originally published on globalgrind.com