By From 1946 to 2023, The Philadelphia 76ers have a notable history of the greatest basketball tradition. But who are the best Philadelphia players? Some of the most talented names to ever play the game of basketball have played in the Philadelphia 76ers. Let’s take a look at the 8 best 76ers players.
1. Maurice Cheeks
As a 36th overall pick, Maurice Cheeks was selected in the second round of the Philadelphia 76ers. However, with his talent and perseverance, he became one of the most successful defense guards (of all time!). Cheeks has won the NBA title in 1987 and was part of the NBA All-Star team four times! His incredible defensive skills transformed his career completely.
Maurice Cheeks was fifth all-time in steals and 11th all-time in assists, making him the 76ers franchise leader in assists per game with 7.3. He has played for several teams. Cheeks averaged 11.1 points, 6.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game. As of now, he resides in the Oklahoma City Thunder as an assistant coach. His jersey No. 10 was retired by the Philadelphia 76ers.
2. Cher Walker
Having spent 7 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers and Syracuse Nationals, Cher Walker was a Hall of Famer and 7-time All-Star. He played 13 seasons in the NBA and reached the postseason but wasn’t fortunate enough to win a championship. He averaged 13.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Over his career in the regular season and playoffs, he averaged 18.2 points. Walker was known for his shooting skills and shot 47 percent from the field. In 2012, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
3. Moses Malone
Moses Malone represented the 76ers for only 5 seasons. He played from 1982 to 1986 and then came back for the 1993-94 season with the 76ers. He was an incredible centre who won Finals MVP in 1983 and the league MVP. Malone scored an average of 20.6 points and 12.2 rebounds during his tenure in the NBA. He was a 3-time NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star from 1978 to 1989. Furthermore, he was a 4-time All-NBA First Team selection, 4-time All-NBA Second Team selection, All-Defensive First Team selection (1983) and All-Defensive Second Team selection (1979).
4. Billy Cunningham
Popularly recognised as “The Kangaroo Kid”, Billy Cunningham played as both a small and power forward in the 76ers. He represented the Sixers in nine seasons. Having averaged 21.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 10.4 rebounds per game, Cunningham won the NBA title in 1967 and was among the starting lineup with legends like Greer and Wilt. He was the coach of the Philly team that won the title in 1983. His jersey No. 32 was retired by the Philadelphia 76ers organization.
5. Dolph Schayes
Playing a significant role with 18.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, Dolph Schayes became one of the early legends of the 76ers franchise. He was a 12-time All-Star, 6-time All-NBA First Team selection and 6-time All-NBA Second Team selection. Schayes also proved to be an impeccable rebounder, being the franchise leader on the list of total rebounds. Dolph Schayes was part of the team that won the NBA championship in 1955.
6. Hal Greer
Hal Greer averaged 19.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in the NBA. He played as a guard for the Syracuse Nationals and its successor franchise, the Philadelphia 76ers. Greer played all 15 seasons in the NBA for the same franchise.
7. Allen Iverson
Representing Philadelphia for 12 seasons, Allen Iverson is one of the most influential basketball players. He was chosen for the NBA after being selected by the 76ers in the 1996 NBA draft with a 1st overall pick.
8. Julius Erving
Erving, popularly known as “Dr J” is the only player who has won the MVP award both in ABA and NBA. He played in all eleven years for the 76ers and was part of the NBA.
Do check out the Best Players of the Milwaukee Bucks!
