Before Moses Malone, this was a guards game. Sure, there was respect for past centers such as Bill Russell or Pete Maravich, but in the 60's, there was more belief in guards like Jerry West. Although Julius Erving was probably the best player on that team, Moses actually was a leader that most big men back then didn't have the talent to achieve. In fact, that 76ers team was the first team to really rely on there post players. Julius was able to go into that spot, and with Moses Malone manning the big game down low, the team was able to succeed.
A lot of people take away respect from the Phili star because he was in a time where there wasn't a lot of competition. What a lot of people don't understand is that he could've been just as affective in today's time. It's hard to know how they would've played in other time periods because the game has changed so much since his time. But the way he used his size, strength and athleticism the same way most big men do in today's league lead me to believe that his play style would not only match the present day players, but could dominate present day players.
Let's admit it. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird were the ones that changed basketball forever. But Moses had a major impact on how centers play today. He actually plays a critical part in why centers play the way they do. Not only is Moses a great player but he is an important player. He was the first one to take on the true presence of the big men we see today, and if he didn't pull that play style off as affectively as he did, most managers would've put that play style idea to rest, and who knows how centers could've played today. They could've been way less affective, and this league would be completely different.
Rest in peace Malone. You've forever changed basketball for the better. Your an inspiration to me and thousands across America.
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