The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the most storied franchises in professional basketball, with a history that stretches back more than 75 years and includes some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. From championship dynasties to “trusting the process,” the Sixers have remained one of the NBA’s flagship organizations.
The franchise was founded in 1946 as the Syracuse Nationals, becoming one of the original teams that helped shape professional basketball in the United States. After capturing an NBA championship in 1955, the organization relocated to Philadelphia in 1963, bringing top-level professional basketball back to a city that had previously been home to the Philadelphia Warriors.
Over the decades, the 76ers have been defined by legendary players and unforgettable moments. Hall of Famers such as Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley, and Allen Iverson and newer icons such as Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Tyrese Maxey transformed the franchise into one of basketball’s premier destinations. The team’s 1966-67 squad is often regarded as one of the greatest teams in NBA history, while the 1982-83 championship team delivered one of the most dominant postseason runs ever seen.
Across nearly eight decades, the Sixers have won three championships, produced MVPs in several eras while remaining a consistent presence in the NBA spotlight. Whether competing for titles or navigating periods of transition, the organization has continually played a major role in shaping the league’s history.
While Philadelphia continues its pursuit of another championship after a 2026 postseason Eastern Conference semifinals appearence, the franchise’s legacy is already firmly established. Generations of stars have worn the Sixers uniform, creating countless memorable moments for fans in Philadelphia and beyond. Before looking ahead to the future, it’s worth recognizing the players who built that legacy. Here are the 50 greatest Philadelphia 76ers in franchise history.
1. Wilt Chamberlain, Center, 1965-1968, Kansas
No player has been as dominant in a 76ers uniform as Wilt Chamberlain during his brief but legendary stint with one of the Eastern Conference’s most historic franchises.
Despite spending only four seasons in Philadelphia, Chamberlain was a three-time MVP, four-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA selection, and the centerpiece of the iconic 1966-67 NBA Championship team.
When the 76ers were searching for a way to dethrone the Boston Celtics and establish themselves as the top team in the East, acquiring “Wilt the Stilt” proved to be the move that pushed them over the hump.
During his time in Philadelphia, Chamberlain averaged 28 points, 24 rebounds, and seven assists per game, leading the league in all three categories at different points of his tenure.
Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors before the franchise relocated to San Francisco, Chamberlain’s arrival in a 1965 trade showcased his Superman-like abilities on basketball’s biggest stage and helped deliver some of the greatest seasons in NBA history.
2. Julius Erving, Forward, 1976-1987, UMass
When Julius Erving arrived in Philadelphia following the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, the 76ers acquired one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
Over 11 seasons in Philadelphia, Erving averaged 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while becoming the face of the franchise.
He served as the driving force behind the organization’s most recent championship, helping lead the 76ers to the 1982-83 NBA title.
A league MVP in 1980-81, Erving earned 11 All-Star selections, seven All-NBA honors, and a place on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team while entering the Hall of Fame.
Dr. J revolutionized basketball with his athleticism and flair above the rim. His impact on both Philadelphia and the sport itself leaves him just shy of the top spot in franchise history.
3. Allen Iverson, Guard, 1996-2006, Georgetown
Few athletes have ever embodied the city of Philadelphia quite like Allen Iverson.
Despite standing just 6 feet tall, Iverson played with a fearlessness that helped redefine what was possible for smaller guards. His “heart over height” mentality turned him into one of the most electrifying players in NBA history.
Iverson was an eight-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, four-time scoring champion, and the league MVP in 2000-01. That season remains one of the most memorable in franchise history as he carried the 76ers to their most recent NBA Finals appearance.
His legendary 48-point performance in Game One against the Los Angeles Lakers delivered Philadelphia’s lone win of the series and remains one of the defining moments of his career.
“The Answer” left a legacy that extends far beyond basketball. At a time when the franchise was searching for relevance, Iverson restored excitement to an entire city.
4. Moses Malone, Center, 1982-1986, Petersburg HS (VA)
When the 76ers acquired Moses Malone from the Houston Rockets in 1982, they found the final piece of a championship puzzle.
Already considered one of the NBA’s premier players, Malone immediately transformed Philadelphia into a title favorite.
In just four seasons, he won the 1982-83 NBA MVP award, earned four All-Star selections, three All-NBA honors, and helped deliver the franchise’s most recent championship.
Malone averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds per game while establishing himself as one of the league’s most dominant interior forces. His combination of rebounding and physicality made him the perfect complement to Julius Erving.
The 76ers experimented with plenty of roster combinations throughout the early 1980s, but adding Malone proved to be the move that finally put them over the top.
5. Charles Barkley, Forward, 1984-1992, Auburn
Before the 1984 NBA Draft, Charles Barkley reportedly attempted to eat his way out of being selected by Philadelphia because of concerns about the team’s salary cap situation.
Fortunately for the 76ers, it didn’t work.
Over eight seasons, Barkley emerged as the franchise’s next superstar, becoming a six-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, and the NBA’s rebounding leader during the 1986-87 season.
Nicknamed “The Round Mound of Rebound,” Barkley averaged 23 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists per game while establishing himself as the heir apparent to the success of Erving and Malone.
A member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Barkley delivered elite production throughout his Philadelphia tenure. Unfortunately, the organization was never able to surround him with the championship-caliber supporting cast that previous franchise legends enjoyed, preventing his era from reaching its full potential.
6. Dolph Schayes, Forward, 1949-1964, New York University
Before the Philadelphia 76ers existed, Dolph Schayes was the face of the Syracuse Nationals and one of the NBA’s first true superstars.
At a time when professional basketball was still establishing itself, Schayes helped legitimize the league through his consistent excellence and popularity.
During his 15 seasons with the Nationals, he earned 12 All-Star selections, 12 All-NBA honors, and led the franchise to the 1954-55 NBA Championship.
Schayes averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists per game while leading the league in rebounding during the 1950-51 season. A member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team and the Hall of Fame, he became one of the league’s first marquee attractions and helped grow basketball throughout the Northeast.
In an era when the NBA’s future was far from certain, Schayes provided stability and star power. His contributions laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of the league’s most successful franchises.
7. Joel Embiid, Center, 2016-Present, Kansas
No player is more synonymous with the “Trust the Process” era than Joel Embiid.
After missing his first two seasons due to injury, Embiid emerged as one of the most dominant centers of the modern era. A seven-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, three-time All-Defensive Team member, and the 2022-23 NBA MVP, Embiid has produced one of the highest peaks in franchise history.
The 7 footer has averaged 28 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists per game while showcasing a unique blend of power and versatility.
However, his legacy remains one of the most debated in Philadelphia sports history. Despite his individual success, the 76ers have yet to advance beyond the second round during his tenure, and injuries have consistently interrupted potential championship runs.
Even so, Embiid’s story is still being written. If he can lead Philadelphia to postseason success, he has the opportunity to climb even higher on this list and cement himself among the franchise’s Mount Rushmore.
8. Hal Greer, Guard, 1958-1973, Marshall
No one was more important to the 76ers transition from Syracuse to Philadelphia than Hal Greer.
A 10-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection, Greer served as the steady leader of the franchise through one of the most transformative periods in its history.
While Wilt Chamberlain often received the headlines during the 1966-67 championship season, Greer’s consistency and leadership were equally important to the team’s success.
He averaged 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game during his Hall of Fame career and remains one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. More than 50 years after his retirement, Greer still is the franchise leader in numerous statistical categories, including points and minutes played.
As the organization established its identity in Philadelphia, Greer became its first true franchise cornerstone. His impact extended far beyond the box score, helping build the culture and standard that future generations would follow.
9. Billy Cunningham, Forward, 1965-1972, 1974-1976, North Carolina
If there is one player who perfectly embodies the spirit of Philadelphia basketball, it may be Billy Cunningham.
Across two stints with the franchise, Cunningham earned four All-Star selections, four All-NBA honors, and helped the 76ers capture the 1966-67 NBA Championship. Known for his relentless motor and toughness, he became one of the most respected players of his era.
Cunningham averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists while establishing himself as one of the league’s premier forwards. His versatility allowed him to impact games in a variety of ways, whether as a scorer, rebounder, or emotional leader.
In 1973, Cunningham left for the ABA and promptly won league MVP honors before returning to Philadelphia to finish his playing career.
While his individual accolades are impressive, his willingness to sacrifice for winning made him one of the franchise’s most beloved figures and a lasting symbol of 76ers basketball.
10. Maurice Cheeks, Guard, 1978-1989, West Texas A&M
For more than a decade, Maurice Cheeks quietly served as the engine that kept some of the greatest teams in franchise history running.
A four-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive Team selection, Cheeks developed a reputation as one of the NBA’s premier two-way point guards. While stars such as Julius Erving and Moses Malone received much of the attention, Cheeks played an equally important role in Philadelphia’s success throughout the 1980s.
As the starting point guard on the 1982-83 championship team, Cheeks was often tasked with defending the opposing team’s best perimeter player while simultaneously directing the offense. His ability to impact both ends of the floor made him invaluable.
Over 11 seasons in Philadelphia, Cheeks averaged 12 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals per game. He elevated his play in the postseason and consistently delivered in big moments.
The 76ers have featured several talented guards throughout their history, but Cheeks remains one of the gold standards for what a Philadelphia point guard should be: tough, unselfish, dependable, and committed to winning.
11. Bobby Jones, Forward, 1978-1986, North Carolina
One of the greatest defenders in franchise history, Bobby Jones was a two-time All-Star, seven-time All-Defensive selection, and a key contributor to the 1982-83 championship team. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he brought elite defense and versatility while averaging 11 points and five rebounds per game.
12. Doug Collins, Guard, 1973-1981, Illinois State
Before becoming a respected coach and broadcaster, Doug Collins spent all eight of his NBA seasons with Philadelphia. A four-time All-Star, Collins averaged 18 points per game and established himself as one of the franchise’s premier guards of the 1970s.
13. Chet Walker, Forward, 1962-1969, Bradley
A vital piece of the legendary 1966-67 championship team, Chet Walker combined scoring and rebounding at a high level throughout his seven seasons in Philadelphia. The three-time All-Star averaged 16 points and eight rebounds while helping the 76ers capture an NBA title.
14. Red Kerr, Center, 1954-1965, Illinois
Red Kerr played an important role during the transition from the Syracuse Nationals to the Philadelphia 76ers. A three-time All-Star, he averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds while helping the Nationals win the 1955 NBA Championship.
15. Andrew Toney, Guard, 1980-1988, Louisiana
Known as “The Boston Strangler” for his postseason success against the Celtics, Andrew Toney became one of the most feared scorers of the 1980s. He averaged 16 points and four assists per game, earned two All-Star selections, and helped the 76ers win the 1983 NBA Championship.
16. Larry Costello, Guard, 1957-1968, Niagara
Larry Costello was one of the steadiest floor generals in franchise history, earning six All-Star selections during his 11 seasons with the organization. His leadership helped bridge the Syracuse and Philadelphia eras, culminating in the 1967 NBA Championship.
17. George McGinnis, Forward, 1975-1978, Indiana
Although he spent only three seasons in Philadelphia, George McGinnis helped keep the 76ers among the NBA’s elite during the ABA-NBA merger era. The two-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection averaged 22 points and 12 rebounds per game.
18. Ben Simmons, Guard, 2017-2021, LSU
Despite a complicated ending to his Philadelphia tenure, Ben Simmons was one of the league’s most versatile players at his peak. A three-time All-Star, All-NBA selection, and two-time All-Defensive Team member, he averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
19. Tyrese Maxey, Guard, 2020-Present, Kentucky
Tyrese Maxey has quickly emerged as the face of the modern 76ers and still has plenty of room to climb this list. Already a two-time All-Star, Most Improved Player and All-NBA selection, Maxey has averaged 21 points and five assists while becoming a fan favorite in Philadelphia.
20. Andre Iguodala, Forward, 2004-2012, Arizona
Following Allen Iverson’s departure, Andre Iguodala became the centerpiece of a new era of 76ers basketball. An All-Star and All-Defensive Team selection, Iguodala averaged 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists while serving as one of the league’s most complete wing players.
21. Hersey Hawkins, Guard, 1988-1993, Bradley
22. Steve Mix, Forward, 1973-1982, Toledo
23. Dikembe Mutombo, Center, 2001-2002, Georgetown
24. Jrue Holiday, Guard, 2009-2013, UCLA
25. Thaddeus Young, Forward, 2007-2014, Georgia Tech
26. Daryl Dawkins, Center, 1975-1982, Evans HS (FL)
27. Theo Ratliff, Center, 1997-2001, 2008-2009, Wyoming
28. Lee Shaffer, Forward, 1962-1964, North Carolina
29. Tobias Harris, Forward, 2019-2024, Tennessee
30. Eric Snow, Guard, 1997-2004, Michigan State
31. Aaron McKie, Guard, 1997-2005, Temple
32. Fred Carter, Guard, 1971-1976, Mt. St. Mary’s
33. Clarence Weatherspoon, Forward, 1992-1998, Southern Miss
34. Caldwell Jones, Center, 1976-1982, Albany State
35. Luke Jackson, Forward, 1964-1972, Texas Rio Grande Valley
36. Samuel Dalembert, Center, 2001-2010, Seton Hall
37. Earl Lloyd, Forward, 1952-1958, West Virginia State
38. Dana Barros, Guard, 1993-1995, Boston College
39. World B. Free, Guard, 1975-1978, Guilford College
40. Elton Brand, Forward, 2008-2012, 2015-2016, Duke
41. Henry Bibby, Guard, 1976-1980, UCLA
42. Paul Seymour, Guard, 1949-1960, Toledo
43. Wali Jones, Guard, 1965-1971, Villanova
44. Tyrone Hill, Forward, 1999-2001, 2003, Xavier
45. George Lynch, Forward, 1998-2001, North Carolina
46. Kyle Korver, Guard, 2003-2007, Creighton
47. John Block, Forward, 1972-1973, USC
48. Shawn Bradley, Center, 1993-1995, BYU
49. Jahlil Okafor, Center, 2015-2017, Duke
50. Spencer Hawes, Center, 2010-2014, Washington
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Philadelphia 76ers Top 50 greatest Sixers of all time
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