Moses Malone, a towering presence in the world of basketball, began his professional career straight out of high school, a rare feat at the time. Born on March 23, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia, Malone bypassed college basketball, opting instead to join the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1974. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see him become one of the most dominant centers in the history of the sport.

In the ABA, Malone quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His rebounding prowess and scoring ability were evident from the start, and he was named to the ABA All-Star team in his rookie season. When the ABA merged with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1976, Malone's career continued to ascend as he joined the Buffalo Braves, though he was soon traded to the Houston Rockets.

With the Rockets, Malone's career truly began to flourish. He became known for his relentless work ethic and tenacity on the court, attributes that helped him lead the league in rebounding six times during his career. In the 1978-79 season, Malone was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the first time, a testament to his dominance in the paint and his ability to carry his team.

Malone's tenure with the Rockets was marked by numerous accolades, including multiple All-Star selections and another MVP award in 1982. However, it was his move to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1982 that would cement his legacy. Teaming up with Julius Erving, Malone helped lead the 76ers to an NBA championship in 1983. His performance during the playoffs was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the NBA Finals MVP award. His famous prediction of "Fo', fo', fo'," referring to the 76ers' potential playoff sweep, became legendary, though the team ultimately went "Fo', fi', fo'" en route to the title.

After his successful stint with the 76ers, Malone continued to be a dominant force in the NBA. He played for several teams, including the Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and a second stint with the 76ers. Throughout his career, Malone was known for his incredible rebounding ability, finishing his career with over 16,000 rebounds, placing him among the all-time leaders in NBA history.

Malone's scoring ability was equally impressive, as he amassed over 27,000 points during his career. His knack for offensive rebounds and put-backs made him a constant threat around the basket. He was a 12-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team four times, further solidifying his status as one of the game's greats.

In 1995, Malone retired from professional basketball, leaving behind a legacy that few could match. His career spanned over two decades, during which he played for nine different teams and left an indelible mark on each. In recognition of his achievements, Malone was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.

Moses Malone's career is remembered not only for his individual accolades but also for his influence on the game.

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