Milwaukee Bucks: The franchise’s forgotten Hall of Famers

SPRINGFIELD, MA - SEPTEMBER 8: Inductee Gary Payton speaks during the 2013 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on September 8, 2013 at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA - SEPTEMBER 8: Inductee Gary Payton speaks during the 2013 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on September 8, 2013 at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – 1992: (Photo by Brian Drake/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – 1992: (Photo by Brian Drake/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Moses Malone

By winning a single game, the Bucks played the part of mild spoiler in 1983 when Moses Malone made his famed “fo, fo, fo” prediction of a Sixers sweep of the playoffs, yet less than a decade later the man who had been one of Milwaukee’s biggest rivals in the 80s was now on their side.

Malone’s place in the history books is secure as one of the most impactful and imposing big men to ever play the game, having dominated all comers in his time with the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers.

Of course, Malone picked up a championship ring in 1983, while he also earned MVP honors in that season as well as in 1979 and 1982, was an NBA All-Star on 12 occasions, and he even boasted a single ABA All-Star appearance.

Almost equally impressive to Malone’s top-end achievements was his career longevity, though. Malone played for 20 years combined between NBA and ABA, a remarkable feat considering his position and the era he played in.

That longevity was ultimately what afforded him the chance to play for Milwaukee, and unlike many on this list, Malone did in fact stick with the Bucks for more than a single season as he played 93 games across two years.

Buoyed by a very impressive first season with the Bucks, Malone finished his time in Milwaukee with averages of 14.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.