The Philadelphia 76ers have had some of the most exciting players in NBA history that have changed the game. Joel Embiid is the most recent example of a superstar player for the Sixers, as he is a two-time scoring champion and the reigning league MVP. In fact, he might be the favorite to win his second straight MVP trophy.
Along with Embiid, the Sixers have had elite legends such as Julius Erving and Allen Iverson but where do they rank among the top-10 of all time? We have ranked the 10 greatest 76ers players ever based on impact, stats (only NBA), career, and production.
Honors: NBA Champion (1983), MVP (1981), 11x All-Star (1977-1987), 5x All-NBA First Team Selection (1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983), 2x All-NBA Second Team Selection (1977, 1984), 2x All-Star Game MVP (1977, 1983)
At the pinnacle of the greatest Philadelphia 76ers players of all time stands Julius Erving, known affectionately as “Dr. J.” Erving’s impact on the franchise during his time with the team from 1977 to 1987 transcended the basketball court, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history even if he started his career with the ABA until the 1976-77 campaign.
Dr. J’s dynamic and acrobatic style of play brought a level of excitement and artistry to the unparalleled game. His aerial maneuvers, thunderous dunks, and graceful athleticism made him a pioneer in the evolution of the sport. Beyond the sheer beauty, he brought to the game, the 1982-83 season marked the pinnacle of Dr. J’s career as he helped lead the Sixers to an NBA championship alongside Finals MVP Moses Malone.
His leadership, versatility, and ability to perform in clutch moments endeared him to fans and solidified his place as the face of the franchise. The number one ranking for Dr. J acknowledges not just his statistical excellence as an NBA champion and 11-time All-Star over 11 seasons, but the transformative impact he had on the Philadelphia 76ers and the sport of basketball as a whole.
Honors: MVP (2001), 9x All-Star (2000-2007, 2010), 3x All-NBA First Team Selection (1999, 2001, 2005), 3x All-NBA Second Team Selection (2000, 2002, 2003), All-NBA Third Team Selection (2006), 4x Scoring Champion (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005), 3x Steals Champion (2001-2003), 2x All-Star Game MVP (2001, 2005), Rookie of the Year (1997), All-Rookie Team Selection (1997)
Allen Iverson, the fearless and iconic point guard known as “The Answer,” secures the second spot among the greatest Philadelphia 76ers players of all time. Iverson’s impact on the franchise, both on and off the court, is immeasurable, making him a cultural and basketball icon.
Iverson’s time with the Sixers from 1997 to 2007 was defined by his electrifying style of play, dazzling crossovers, and an uncanny ability to score against all odds. Standing at just 6 feet tall, Iverson’s resilience and tenacity made him a fan favorite. The 2000-01 season stands out as a defining moment in his career when he led the Sixers to the NBA Finals and earned the league MVP award.
Beyond his scoring prowess (four scoring titles), Iverson’s impact on the game was symbolic of a new era in the NBA. His influence transcended basketball, as he became a cultural icon and a symbol of individuality. Iverson’s fearlessness on the court, coupled with his unapologetic authenticity, resonated with fans worldwide.
3. Wilt Chamberlain
Years In Philadelphia: 4 (1965-1968)
Philadelphia: 27.6 PPG, 23.9 RPG, 6.8 APG
Career: 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG
Honors: NBA Championship (1967), 3x MVP (1966, 1967, 1968), 4x All-Star (1965-1968), 3x All-NBA First Team Selection (1966-1968), All-NBA Second Team Selection (1965), Scoring Champion (1966), Assist Champion (1968), 3x Rebounds Champion (1966-1968)
Wilt Chamberlain, the most dominant player of all time besides Shaquille O’Neal, claims the third spot among the greatest Philadelphia 76ers players of all time. During his four-year tenure with the 76ers, Chamberlain’s dominance was staggering. He averaged a ridiculous double-double during this period and even led the league in assists as a center who was also a dominant scorer.
Chamberlain’s greatest season with the 76ers came in 1966-67 when he averaged 24.1 points and 24.2 rebounds per game in the regular season and then 21.7 points and 29.1 rebounds per game in the playoffs. In the Finals, the dominant center added 17.7 points, 28.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. Based on these numbers alone, we will never see another Wilt Chamberlain again.
While Wilt Chamberlain’s time with the Sixers was relatively short-lived compared to his illustrious career, his legacy as one of the most dominant and iconic players in NBA history remains because his stint with the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers only make his resume look more impressive.
Honors: NBA Champion (1983), Finals MVP (1983), MVP (1983), 4x All-Star (1983-1986), 2x All-NBA First Team Selection (1983, 1985), All-NBA Second Team Selection (1984), All-NBA Defensive First Team Selection (1983), 3x Rebounds Champion (1983-1985)
Moses Malone, a dominant force in the paint and a key architect of the Philadelphia 76ers’ championship success, secures the fourth spot among the greatest players in franchise history. Malone’s arrival in Philadelphia in 1983 marked a turning point for the team, and his impact was felt immediately.
Malone’s relentless work ethic and unmatched rebounding ability earned him the nickname “Chairman of the Boards.” His tenure with the Sixers was highlighted by the 1982-83 season, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to an NBA championship. Malone’s dominance in the postseason earned him both the NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP awards, a testament to his unparalleled contributions.
The synergy between Moses Malone, Julius Erving, and the rest of the Sixers’ roster during the championship run is etched in NBA history. In the ‘83 Finals, Malone posted 25.8 points and 18.0 rebounds in a sweep against the Los Angeles Lakers. Malone’s ability to control the paint, score with efficiency, and instill a winning mentality in the team solidified his legacy as one of the greatest centers to ever play the game.
Honors: MVP (2022-23), 6x All-Star (2018-2020, 2022, 2023), All-NBA First Team Selection (2023), 4x All-NBA Second Team Selection (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), 3x All-Defensive Second Team Selection (2018, 2019, 2021), 2x Scoring Champion (2022, 2023), All-Rookie Team Selection (2017)
Joel Embiid commands the fifth spot among the greatest Philadelphia 76ers players of all time. Embiid’s impact on the team since his arrival in 2014-15 as a rookie, especially in recent years, has been nothing short of transformative. Standing at 7 feet tall, he possesses a refined offensive game with a diverse scoring repertoire, including a soft shooting touch and a powerful inside presence. Defensively, Embiid is a formidable rim protector and an imposing force in the paint, earning three NBA All-Defensive Team selections.
While his career is still unfolding, Joel Embiid’s impact on the Sixers, both in terms of individual brilliance and team success, has earned him a place among the all-time greats already. The current reigning MVP of the league missed the first two seasons of his career through injury but has since developed into a two-time scoring champion and the likely winner of the 2023-24 MVP award as well. At 29 years old and with seven seasons under his belt excluding his two missed campaigns, there is more to come from the native Cameroonian.
6. Charles Barkley
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Eddie is a senior staff writer for Fadeaway World from Denver, Colorado. Since joining the team in 2017, Eddie has applied his academic background in economics and finance to enhance his sports journalism. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree from and later a Master's degree in Finance, he integrates statistical analysis into his articles. This unique approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of basketball through the lens of financial and economic concepts.
Eddie's work has not only been a staple at Fadeaway World but has also been featured in prominent publications such as Sports Illustrated. His ability to break down complex data and present it in an accessible way creates an engaging and informative way to visualize both individual and team statistics. From finding the top 3 point shooters of every NBA franchise to ranking players by cost per point, Eddie is constantly finding new angles to use historical data that other NBA analysts may be overlooking.
