Episode Details

Paul Knepper is the author of the new book, Moses Malone: The Life of a Basketball Prophet which tells the story of Moses Malone, the first modern-day player to jump from high school basketball to the pros, paving a path for future star players like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and LeBron James to follow.

Paul’s first book was The Knicks of the Nineties: Ewing, Oakley, Starks, and the Brawlers That Almost Won It All. He covered the New York Knicks as a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. Prior to that, he wrote for the defunct website Love of Sports.

On this episode Mike & Paul explore Moses Malone's significant yet often overlooked impact on the landscape of professional basketball, particularly as the first modern player to transition directly from high school to the NBA. Knepper shares the challenges and triumphs faced by Malone throughout his illustrious career. We delve into the intense recruitment process that surrounded Malone, illustrating how coaches resorted to various illicit tactics to secure his commitment. Moreover, the discussion encompasses Malone's transformative presence on the Philadelphia 76ers during their 1983 championship season, highlighting his pivotal role in their success. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, this episode aims to shed light on Malone's legacy, affirming his rightful place among basketball's greatest figures, a narrative that has been largely forgotten by contemporary NBA fans.

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Listen and learn on this episode with Paul Knepper, author of the new book, Moses Malone: The Life of a Basketball Prophet.

Website - https://pauljknepper.com/

Email - paulknepper@gmail.com

Twitter/X - @paulieknep

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