76ers, NBA react to passing of Moses Malone

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia 76ers as well as teams and players from around the NBA are reacting to the passing of Moses Malone.

Malone died Sunday at the age of 60.

The Philadelphia 76ers released the following statement:

"It is with a deep sense of sadness that the Sixers family mourns the sudden loss of Moses Malone. It is difficult to express what his contributions to this organization - both as a friend and player - have meant to us, the city of Philadelphia and his faithful fans. Moses holds a special place in our hearts and will forever be remembered as a genuine icon and pillar of the most storied era in the history of Philadelphia 76ers basketball. No one person has ever conveyed more with so few words - including three of the most iconic in this city's history. His generosity, towering personality and incomparable sense of humor will truly be missed. We will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers and as we are once again reminded of the preciousness of life."

Former 76ers Head Coach Billy Cunningham and NBA Hall of Famer Julius Erving spoke with Action News about what Malone meant to them.

"My feelings are that I've lost a son, a dear friend, a brother, someone I knew would be there for me," said Cunningham. "I was supposed to go before him, I'm a lot older than he is."

"This has been a very, very rough week," said Erving. "My high school coach Ray Wilson past on Thursday morning and now Moses Malone so it's utter disbelief. I been crying off and on all day."

On social media, teams and players shared their condolences on Sunday.

Sports anchor Jamie Apody shared Charles Barkley's statement on Malone on her Facebook page: