Jeffrey Nigel Malone (born June 28, 1961 in Mobile, Alabama) is a retired American professional basketball player. He played college basketball at Mississippi State University, and is mostly known for his time with the Washington Bullets (1983-90) of the NBA, where he was an NBA All-Star twice, playing in the shooting guard position. He also played for the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat.

Basketball career

Malone averaged 20.1 points per game over 13 years in the NBA. He was known for his capable offense, averaging more than 20 points in six full NBA seasons with Washington and Utah. In particular, Malone was adept at running his defender through a pick or series of picks, receiving a pass and sending a quick jump shot into the hoop. At times, he would go on a hot streak and, seemingly unstoppable, score 15 plus points in a single quarter.

On January 3, 1984, Malone, during his rookie season hit an amazing buzzer beating game winning 3-point shot against the Detroit Pistons, as he fell out of bounds along the left baseline and lofted the basketball above the backboard and into the hoop to give the Bullets a 103-102 victory. This shot was listed as one in a votable list of NBA's great shots. He averaged a career-best 24.3 points per game with the Bullets in 1990.

Malone also coached the NBA Development League's Columbus Riverdragons from 2001 to 2005, compiling a 102-98 record, before the franchise changed ownership and moved to Austin, Texas, renaming the team the Austin Toros and leaving Malone out of a job. He spent some time as the head coach of the Florida Flame until that team ceased operations in 2006, citing a lack of own home court.

References

1. New York Times: Bullets 103, Pistons 102
2. NBA's Top 10 greatest
3. D-League: Flame to name Malone as coach

External links

• NBA.com profile
• Stats at basketballreference.com