Top 10 Philadelphia 76ers Players of All Time: Sixers Legends Ranked
By Edcel Panganiban June 16, 2025 09:43
The Philadelphia 76ers franchise boasts a rich history filled with legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the NBA. From dominant big men to dynamic scorers and fearless leaders, the Sixers have been home to some of basketball’s greatest talents. Here is a definitive ranking of the top 10 players to ever wear a Sixers jersey, based on their impact, statistics, accolades, and lasting legacy.
1. Julius Erving
Known as “Dr. J,” Julius Erving is widely regarded as the greatest player in Sixers history. Joining the team in 1976 after a stellar ABA career, Erving revolutionized the game with his high-flying dunks and acrobatic style. Over 11 seasons with Philadelphia, he averaged 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Erving was the 1980-81 NBA MVP and led the Sixers to the 1983 NBA Championship alongside Moses Malone. An 11-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection, Erving was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993 and remains a beloved figure in Philadelphia.
2. Wilt Chamberlain
One of the most dominant players in NBA history, Wilt Chamberlain spent four seasons with the Sixers from 1965 to 1968. He led Philadelphia to the 1967 NBA Championship, ending the Boston Celtics’ eight-year reign. Chamberlain averaged an astonishing 27.6 points, 23.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game with the Sixers. He won three MVP awards during his tenure and was a four-time All-Star. His impact on the franchise and the league is immeasurable.
3. Allen Iverson
Drafted first overall in 1996, Allen Iverson transformed the Sixers with his scoring ability and fearless attitude. Despite standing just 6 feet tall, Iverson was an 11-time All-Star, 2001 NBA MVP, and four-time scoring champion. He averaged 31.1 points per game in his MVP season and led the Sixers to the 2001 NBA Finals, famously scoring 48 points in Game 1 against the Lakers. Iverson ranks second in franchise history in total points and steals, and his cultural impact reshaped the NBA.
4. Moses Malone
Moses Malone joined the Sixers in 1982 and was instrumental in their 1983 championship run, earning both the regular season and Finals MVP awards. Known for his rebounding prowess and scoring ability, Malone was a dominant force in the paint and a three-time NBA MVP over his career. His tenure in Philadelphia solidified the team’s status as a championship contender.
5. Charles Barkley
Selected fifth overall in the 1984 draft, Charles Barkley spent eight seasons with the Sixers, averaging 23.3 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. Despite being undersized at 6-foot-6, Barkley was a dominant rebounder and scorer, earning six All-Star selections and the 1991 All-Star Game MVP. Though he never won a championship with Philadelphia, Barkley’s impact was profound, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
6. Hal Greer
A key figure in the 1960s, Hal Greer was a 10-time All-Star and the Sixers’ all-time leading scorer with 21,586 points. He was a cornerstone of the 1967 championship team and won the 1968 All-Star Game MVP. Greer’s consistent scoring and defense helped define an era of success for Philadelphia.
7. Joel Embiid
The modern face of the franchise, Joel Embiid has emerged as one of the NBA’s premier centers. A multiple-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Embiid combines dominant scoring, rebounding, and defense. His leadership has brought renewed championship aspirations to Philadelphia.
8. Maurice Cheeks
A four-time All-Star and one of the best defensive point guards in NBA history, Maurice Cheeks played a vital role in the Sixers’ success during the late 1970s and early 1980s. His leadership and playmaking were crucial in the team’s championship run.
9. Billy Cunningham
Cunningham was a versatile forward and coach who helped lead the Sixers to the 1967 championship. A seven-time All-Star, his scoring and rebounding made him a key contributor during his tenure.
10. Dolph Schayes
One of the NBA’s early stars, Schayes was a 12-time All-Star and a foundational player for the franchise during its Syracuse Nationals days before relocating to Philadelphia. His scoring and rebounding set franchise records that stood for decades.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ all-time greats represent a blend of transcendent talent, leadership, and championship pedigree. From Julius Erving’s aerial artistry to Allen Iverson’s scoring tenacity and Joel Embiid’s modern dominance, these players have shaped the franchise’s rich legacy and continue to inspire fans across generations.
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