Moses Malone Quotes

Powerful Moses Malone for Daily Growth

About Moses Malone

Moses Theodore Malone, born on March 12, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia, was an American professional basketball player and a four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his dominance in both college and professional basketball, Malone's career spanned over two decades. Born to Moses Sr. and Willola Malone, he was one of nine children. Growing up in a family with limited resources, Malone learned resilience early on, which became instrumental in his success. He dropped out of high school at 16 but went on to have an illustrious basketball career due to his raw talent and determination. Drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 1974 NBA draft, Malone chose to play for the American Basketball Association's (ABA) Pittsburgh Condors instead. He led the Condors to the ABA championship in 1975 before joining the NBA as part of the ABA-NBA merger, where he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. With the 76ers, Malone won his first NBA championship and MVP award in 1983. He repeated this feat with the Philadelphia team in 1980 and again with the Washington Bullets in 1979 and 1982. His dominance extended to college basketball, where he led the Penn State Nittany Lions to an Elite Eight appearance in 1975. Post-retirement, Malone was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001. Known for his humility off the court and unstoppable force on it, some of Moses Malone's most memorable quotes include: * "I can run faster than my shadow." * "They're not gonna win the game by making shots; they're gonna win it by missing 'em." * "When you got a will, you get a way." Moses Malone passed away on September 13, 2015, but his impact on basketball continues to be felt, both in his home state of Virginia and across the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Talk is cheap. I'd rather see a smile and a handshake."

Moses Malone suggests that words alone are inexpensive, lacking substance, and not as reliable or effective as actions. He values authenticity and trust, preferring a friendly gesture like a smile and a firm handshake over empty talk. This quote emphasizes the importance of sincerity and action in building relationships.


"I don't really care what they say about me. As long as my team keeps winning, I'm happy."

This quote by Moses Malone emphasizes his personal priorities and focus on team success over individual recognition or criticism. He values the collective achievements of his team more than any personal accolades or opinions others may have about him. This perspective underscores a selfless, dedicated mindset often found in great leaders, as he prioritizes the success and well-being of the group over individual concerns or vanity.


"If you're going to dream, dream big. You can't achieve your dreams if you only dream small."

This quote by Moses Malone encourages individuals to aim high in their aspirations. It suggests that setting modest goals may not challenge us enough to reach our full potential, while having ambitious dreams pushes us towards greater achievements. To achieve greatness, one must dare to envision big possibilities for themselves and work tirelessly to make those dreams a reality.


"I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future."

This quote by Moses Malone expresses faith in a higher power or an unseen force that controls the future. It suggests a humble acknowledgement of one's limitations to predict or control events beyond the present, but trust that there is a guiding entity that will determine the outcome of tomorrow. In essence, it signifies reliance on something greater than oneself for guidance and direction in an uncertain world.


"When you step on the basketball court, it's just a matter of who wants it more and who's going to play harder."

This quote by Moses Malone emphasizes that success in any endeavor, particularly sports, depends not just on talent or skill, but also on the individual's desire and effort. In other words, it suggests that determination, passion, and hard work are crucial factors in winning or achieving one's goals. It implies that the person who wants success more and is willing to work harder will ultimately be more likely to succeed.


I'm a big-guy guy. I look at guys like Shaq, Ben Wallace, guys who play inside and play tough. I don't pay much attention to the little guys; I like the big guys who do the dirty work.

- Moses Malone

Play, Big, Wallace, Big Guys

You've got to put in a lot of practice if you want to be good in something. You've got to do it the right way.

- Moses Malone

Practice, Want, Lot, Right Way

I did 21 years of hard labor in the NBA, invested my money right, so I'm set. I earned the right to relax and enjoy, you know?

- Moses Malone

Relax, Enjoy, Set, Invested

My game is hard work and pride. On the all hard-work team, I'd pick myself five times.

- Moses Malone

Work, Myself, Game, Pride

Ain't nobody ever had a jumpshot like mine, ain't nobody ever power moves like mine, ain't nobody ever tough defense like mine and ain't nobody ever had the courage to be a winner like me.

- Moses Malone

Like, Had, Mine, Moves

I'll always be Number 1 to myself.

- Moses Malone

Myself, Always, Number

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