From dominant MVPs to dynamic scorers and legendary leaders, the Philadelphia 76ers have long been a cornerstone of NBA greatness. This article highlights the franchise's most unforgettable players, displaying their complete stats, accolades, contributions, and historical impact. With every era producing generational talents—from Wilt Chamberlain’s overwhelming dominance to Joel Embiid’s modern-day brilliance—these are the legends who defined the Sixers legacy.
Wilt Chamberlain’s run with the Philadelphia 76ers from 1965 to 1968 was nothing short of extraordinary. In the 1966–67 season, Chamberlain led the Sixers to a then-record 68–13 record and an NBA championship, averaging 24.1 points, 24.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. His overall stats with the franchise remain jaw-dropping: 27.6 points, 23.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game in 277 total games. Chamberlain was the league’s MVP in 1966 and 1967 while with Philadelphia, making him a back-to-back recipient. The 1967 title ended the Boston Celtics' eight-year reign and cemented Wilt’s place as one of the most impactful big men in NBA history.
Allen Iverson, selected first overall in the 1996 NBA Draft, revolutionized the shooting guard position despite standing at just 6 feet tall. He spent 12 seasons with the Sixers, earning the 2001 NBA MVP award after averaging 31.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. In that same year, Iverson led Philadelphia to the NBA Finals, dropping 48 points in Game 1 against the heavily favored Lakers. He was an 11-time All-Star, 4-time scoring champion, and 3-time steals leader. Over his Sixers tenure, he tallied 24,368 points—second only to Hal Greer in franchise history. Iverson’s impact went beyond stats; his fearless attitude and iconic style reshaped NBA culture.
Charles Barkley played for the Sixers from 1984 to 1992, amassing averages of 23.3 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Despite being just 6'6", Barkley led the league in rebounding in 1986–87 with 14.6 boards per game. He was an 11-time All-Star and earned five All-NBA First Team selections during his time in Philadelphia. In the 1989–90 season, he posted 25.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game while shooting 60.0% from the field, leading the Sixers to a 53–29 record. Barkley’s passion, dominance, and unmatched motor made him a legend long before he was traded to Phoenix in 1992.
Joel Embiid was drafted third overall in 2014, though injuries delayed his debut until 2016. Since then, he has become the face of the Sixers franchise. Embiid earned the NBA MVP award for the 2022–23 season after averaging 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game. That season, he led the league in scoring for the second straight year, becoming the first center to achieve this feat since Bob McAdoo in 1975. Embiid is a 7-time All-Star and a 3-time All-Defensive Team selection. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Embiid continues to shape the team’s identity as they aim for championship contention alongside newly acquired Paul George.
Tyrese Maxey, selected 21st overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, has emerged as one of the league’s most exciting young guards. In the 2023–24 season, he averaged 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game while shooting 45% from the field and 37.3% from three. Maxey earned his first All-Star nod in 2024 and was instrumental in leading the Sixers during periods when Embiid was sidelined. As AP News highlighted, Maxey’s performance in March 2024 included three 30+ point games in a row, further validating his value as a long-term cornerstone. NBA betting promos often reflect rising trends in individual performance, and Maxey’s recent scoring surges have become a popular prop bet focus among sportsbooks.
Hal Greer spent his entire 15-season career with the franchise, first with the Syracuse Nationals and then the Philadelphia 76ers. He holds the all-time Sixers record with 21,586 points. A 10-time All-Star and member of the 1967 championship team, Greer averaged 19.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over his career. In the 1967 playoffs, he posted 27.7 points per game. His consistent mid-range shooting and unshakeable leadership made him one of the league’s most reliable guards.
Julius “Dr. J” Erving arrived in Philadelphia in 1976 and spent 11 seasons with the team, helping them capture the 1983 NBA Championship. He averaged 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game in a Sixers uniform. Erving was an 11-time All-Star and 5-time All-NBA First Team member with Philadelphia. His one-handed baseline reverse layup in the 1980 Finals remains one of the most replayed moments in league history. Dr. J’s blend of grace, flair, and competitive fire made him one of the most beloved Sixers ever.
Maurice Cheeks manned the point guard role for the Sixers from 1978 to 1989. He averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game while earning four All-Star selections and four All-Defensive First Team honors. Cheeks was a pivotal part of the 1983 title team and remains second in franchise history in total assists. Known for his unselfish play and tenacious defense, Cheeks’ leadership was integral during one of the Sixers’ most successful eras.
Dolph Schayes was a foundational figure for the franchise when it was still the Syracuse Nationals. Playing from 1948 to 1964, Schayes scored 18,438 points and pulled down 11,256 rebounds. He was a 12-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA selection. His consistency, fundamentals, and scoring made him one of the earliest big men to stretch the floor with his shooting. Schayes led the team to an NBA Championship in 1955 and later served as the 76ers’ coach.
Billy Cunningham spent nine seasons with the Sixers, averaging 20.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He made four All-Star appearances and was a two-time All-NBA First Team selection. Known for his versatility, leaping ability, and tenacity, Cunningham played a critical role in the team’s success in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Later, he coached the Sixers to the 1983 NBA title, making him one of the few in franchise history to win as both a player and coach.
Andre Iguodala played for the Sixers from 2004 to 2012, averaging 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Known for his defensive prowess, he made the All-Defensive Second Team in 2011. Though he left before the team’s resurgence, Iguodala served as the primary star during the team’s transitional years, providing elite perimeter defense, playmaking, and leadership. He would go on to win an NBA Finals MVP in 2015 with Golden State, but his foundation was built in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been home to some of the most legendary names in basketball history. Each of these icons shaped the franchise in their own era—whether through dominance, charisma, or evolution of the game. From Chamberlain’s statistical absurdities to Iverson’s cultural imprint and Embiid’s modern excellence, these players did not just wear the jersey—they defined it.
