The Philadelphia 76ers have announced plans to retire Moses Malone's No.2 jersey next month.
The legendary Malone played 19 NBA seasons, representing the Buffalo Braves, Houston Rockets, 76ers, Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks and San Antonio Spurs, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2001.
He spent four years with the Sixers (1982 to 1986) and was an All-Star each of those four seasons, and would return for another campaign towards the end of his career (1993-94).
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“Moses Malone is one of the greatest players in NBA history and he left an incredible mark on the 76ers organization and our fans,” Sixers President of Business Operations Chris Heck said via the team's official website.
“He was such a pivotal force in the 76ers’ championship run in 1983, where he earned both NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP honors. He is an NBA icon, a 76ers all-time great and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate his accomplishments by retiring his number and unveiling his sculpture on 76ers Legends Walk in February. Our fans deserve to have this special moment to honor and recognize a player who paved the way for so many future 76ers.”
Malone led Philly to a championship in 1983, which marks the last time they reigned supreme atop the NBA. The ex-center, who passed away in 2015, averaged 21.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game in his 357 games for the side and posted 25.8 points and 18.0 rebounds per contest in a four-game sweep of the lost Angeles Lakers in that victorious final, for which he was named the MVP.
“Moses Malone is one of the NBA’s all-time elite players and someone who propelled our organization to great heights,” said Philadelphia 76ers GM Elton Brand.
“He is a three-time MVP, 13-time All-Star, one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, an NBA champion and a worthy Hall of Famer. He embodies what our program is striving to achieve, and he has earned the great honor of having his jersey retired and his sculpture unveiled by the 76ers.”
What This Means
Malone won his only ring with the Sixers and was named MVP three times over the course of his career. Despite his travels, he will always be remembered as a Philadelphia icon and, that the team has chosen to honor his memory by retiring his jersey, exudes some class.
The former player, who passed away at the age of 60 in Virginia, will have his old No.2 jersey hoisted to the rafters of the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on February 8 ahead of a game between the Sixers and the Denver Nuggets.