Moses Malone and Karl Malone are two of the most iconic names in the history of basketball. They both dominated the game in their respective positions and earned multiple accolades and honors. But are they related by blood or just by name? Here’s what we know about the relationship between Moses Malone and Karl Malone.
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Who is Moses Malone?
Moses Malone was a legendary American professional basketball player who was widely considered one of the greatest centers of all time. He was born on March 23, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia, and passed away on September 13, 2015, at the age of 60.
Throughout his illustrious career, Malone was known for his dominating presence in the paint, relentless work ethic, and incredible rebounding skills. Malone began his professional career in 1974 after he opted to skip college and enter the American Basketball Association (ABA) draft. He was selected by the Utah Stars, but he never played a game for them as the team folded before the start of the season. He was then signed by the Spirits of St. Louis, where he played one season before the ABA merged with the National Basketball Association (NBA).
In 1976, Malone was traded to the Buffalo Braves and then to the Houston Rockets. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dominant big men, leading the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1981 and winning his first MVP award that same year. He won two more MVP awards in 1982 and 1983, becoming the first player in NBA history to win three MVPs in a row.
In 1983, Malone joined forces with Julius Erving and the Philadelphia 76ers, forming one of the most formidable teams in NBA history. The 76ers won 65 games in the regular season and swept through the playoffs, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in four games to win the NBA championship. Malone was named the Finals MVP after averaging 26 points and 18 rebounds per game.
Malone spent five seasons with the 76ers before being traded to the Washington Bullets in 1986. He then played for the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and San Antonio Spurs before returning to the 76ers for his final season in 1994-95. He retired as one of the most prolific scorers and rebounders of all time, ranking third in career points (27,409) and first in career rebounds (16,212) at the time of his retirement. He was a 12-time All-Star, a six-time All-NBA First Team selection, and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Who is Karl Malone?
Karl Malone is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in the history of professional basketball. Born on July 24, 1963, in Summerfield, Louisiana, Malone began his basketball career at Louisiana Tech University before being selected by the Utah Jazz in the 1985 NBA Draft.
Throughout his 19-year career in the league, Malone established himself as one of the most dominant and consistent players of his era. In his rookie season with the Jazz, Malone established himself as a force to be reckoned with, averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game. Over the next several years, he continued to improve and develop his game, earning his first All-Star nod in 1989 and being named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in 1990.
Throughout the 1990s, Malone continued to be one of the top players in the league, earning multiple All-Star honors, All-NBA nods, and MVP awards. He formed a deadly duo with point guard John Stockton, leading the Jazz to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998. However, they were unable to win a championship as they faced Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls both times.
In 2003, Malone left Utah and joined forces with Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Gary Payton on the Los Angeles Lakers. He hoped to win his elusive ring with this star-studded team, but they fell short against the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. Malone retired after that season as one of the most decorated players of all time. He ranks second in career points (36,928), seventh in career rebounds (14,968), and third in career free throws made (9,787). He was a 14-time All-Star, a four-time All-NBA First Team selection, a two-time MVP, and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Are Moses Malone and Karl Malone Related?
Moses Malone and Karl Malone are not related by blood or by marriage. They both share a common surname that is derived from an Irish origin meaning “servant of Saint John”. However, they have no familial ties or connections.
Moses Malone and Karl Malone were both born in different states, grew up in different families, and had different career paths. They did not play together or against each other in the NBA, as Moses retired before Karl entered the league. They did, however, meet and interact on several occasions, such as during All-Star games and Hall of Fame ceremonies. They also had mutual respect and admiration for each other’s achievements and contributions to the game of basketball.
According to TV Show Stars, Karl Malone once said that Moses Malone was his idol and mentor when he was growing up. He also credited Moses for helping him improve his skills and confidence as a young player. Moses Malone, on the other hand, praised Karl Malone for his longevity and consistency in the league. He also said that Karl was one of the few players who could match his intensity and work ethic on the court.
Conclusion
Moses Malone and Karl Malone are two of the most legendary players in the history of basketball. They both dominated their respective positions and earned multiple awards and honors. However, they are not related by blood or by name. They are simply two great players who share a common surname and a passion for the game.
