{"id":463698,"date":"2015-09-13T20:59:28","date_gmt":"2015-09-14T00:59:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=463698"},"modified":"2015-09-14T14:54:41","modified_gmt":"2015-09-14T18:54:41","slug":"remembering-moses-malone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/remembering-moses-malone\/","title":{"rendered":"Remembering Moses Malone"},"content":{"rendered":"

Early Sunday morning, basketball fans collectively mourned the passing of Moses Malone<\/strong>. We all know the former MVP as one of the greatest players of the 20th century, with accomplishments that far exceed the majority of players both of his generation and the current one.<\/p>\n

But for those who were privileged to experience the man personally, he was far more than just a walking double-double. My interaction with Moses, though brief, certainly warrants a story. I’d like to honor his legacy by sharing this narrative that until now, was only known by a close circle of friends. That account, which was revisited today, actually played out like this:<\/p>\n

“I’m pimpin’, young blood\u2026I’m pimpin’.”<\/em> That was the text I received this morning after the deeply saddening news broke. My good friend who sent it was referencing to more of a shared experience as opposed to an inside joke. This tracks back to August 2010 and his bachelor party in Las Vegas. There, unexpectedly, we had a chance encounter with former NBA great, Moses Malone.<\/p>\n

We were staying at the Aria Hotel & Casino, which at the time was newly opened and less than a year old. But in our erratic behavior that Saturday night, we hopped a cab and ventured across town to the Palms. Aside from hopes to play basketball in the Real World suite, there were a few clubs there that we wanted to experience. And we did. But before venturing back to the Aria, I stumbled to the bathroom for a pitstop.<\/p>\n

Upon entering the lavatory, I noticed a huddle of men surrounding another. Initially I thought this is odd, but considering it was Vegas, I just assumed someone “famous” was in the midst. And there was — Moses Malone.<\/p>\n

He stood every bit of 6 ’10” and maneuvered like an ex-ball player removed for lingering injuries. Engaging and charismatic in a very strange and intimate place to do so, I thought to approach him upon his exit. I did.<\/p>\n

Just for kicks I asked, “Moses, can I get your autograph?” Already engaging his audience with jokes and corky behavior he replied, “I can’t. I’m pimpin’, young blood\u2026I’m pimpin’.” We all laughed in his clear intentions to entertain as he made his way back onto the casino floor. It’s been a running joke since, and like Moses, never seemed to get old.<\/p>\n