Jeff Malone is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 13 seasons. He was born on June 28, 1961, in Mobile, Alabama, and attended Mississippi State University, where he played college basketball for the Bulldogs.
Malone was selected by the Washington Bullets with the 10th overall pick in the 1983 NBA draft. He quickly established himself as a prolific scorer, averaging 22.0 points per game in his rookie season and earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Malone continued to be a consistent scorer throughout his career, averaging at least 20 points per game in each of his first 10 seasons in the league.
Malone spent the first six seasons of his career with the Bullets, where he formed a formidable scoring duo with fellow All-Star forward Bernard King. In 1987, Malone was traded to the Utah Jazz in exchange for forward Kelly Tripucka. Malone continued to put up big numbers with the Jazz, averaging 21.7 points per game in his first season with the team.
In 1991, Malone was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for guard Jeff Hornacek. Malone played two seasons with the 76ers, where he was the team's leading scorer in both seasons. In 1993, he was traded to the Miami Heat, where he played one season before being traded to the Golden State Warriors.
Malone played his final two seasons in the NBA with the Warriors, where he served primarily as a backup to shooting guard Latrell Sprewell. Malone retired from the NBA in 1996 with career averages of 19.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
Throughout his career, Malone was known for his scoring ability and his smooth jump shot. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1988. Malone also participated in the NBA Three-Point Shootout during All-Star Weekend in 1988 and 1989.
After retiring from the NBA, Malone worked as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also served as the head coach of the WNBA's New York Liberty from 2004 to 2005.
In conclusion, Jeff Malone was a talented and consistent scorer during his 13-year NBA career. He was known for his smooth jump shot and his ability to put up big numbers on a nightly basis. Although he never won a championship, Malone was a two-time All-Star and one of the most prolific scorers of his era.
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