The Philadelphia 76ers were established in 1946 and were originally known as the Syracuse Nationals. They are famous for their classic red, white, and blue uniforms. The Sixers have carved their legacy with three NBA championships (1955, 1967, 1983) and multiple Hall of Famers have graced their court. Josh Harris owns the 76ers.
Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, Allen Iverson, and Moses Malone are some of the legends who have played for Philadelphia. Here are the 10 greatest Philadelphia 76ers players in NBA history.
10. Maurice Cheeks
Maurice Cheeks of the 76ers played a key role in their 1983 championship run. Over his 11 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, he averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. He was an elite defender, earning five All-Defensive Team selections, and was a four-time All-Star. Cheeks was known for his leadership and ability to control the pace of the game. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Join us in wishing a Happy 69th Birthday to 4x #NBAAllStar, 1982-83 NBA champion and @hoophall inductee, Maurice Cheeks! #NBABDAY pic.twitter.com/AoFPYrmyUP
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) September 8, 2025
9. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid has established himself as one of the most dominant centers in modern NBA history. As of the 2023 season, he has averaged 27.2 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. In 2023, he won the NBA MVP award, becoming the first Philadelphia 76ers player since Allen Iverson to earn the honor. Embiid has been a seven-time All-Star and earned four All-NBA selections.
8. Billy Cunningham
Billy Cunningham, known as “The Kangaroo Kid,” was an electrifying forward who played a key role in the 1967 NBA championship team. Over his nine seasons in Philadelphia, he averaged 20.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Cunningham was a four-time All-Star and made the All-NBA First Team three times. After his playing career, he went on to coach the Philadelphia 76ers to another title in 1983. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986.
Happy 75th birthday to @sixers legend Billy Cunningham!
The Kangaroo Kid was 6th Man on our 1967 title team and was a 3x member of the All-NBA 1st Team (1969-’71). pic.twitter.com/Ut7U43AnIi
— Sixers History (@SixersHistory) June 3, 2018
7. Dolph Schayes
Dolph Schayes played 15 seasons, averaging 18.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. Schayes led the team to the 1955 NBA championship and was an All-Star 12 times. A skilled big man with an excellent shooting touch, he was one of the first great power forwards in NBA history. His impact on the game extended beyond his playing career as a coach and mentor. Schayes was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1973.
12x NBA All-Star, 1954-55 NBA Champion and 75th Anniversary Team member… Dolph Schayes! #NBA75
Watch more moments from Schayes’ career in 75 STORIES: DOLPH SCHAYES here: https://t.co/xvkWlUlE8a pic.twitter.com/8frGRSLc7L
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) December 16, 2021
6. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley was a dominant force for the 76ers, averaging 23.3 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game over eight seasons. Though he never won a championship in Philadelphia, Barkley was an eight-time All-Star, earned five All-NBA First Team selections, and was one of the most versatile and powerful forwards of his era. He finished second in MVP voting in 1990 and became one of the most exciting players to watch with his mix of size, skill, and intensity. Barkley was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Sir Charles.
1993 NBA MVP, 11x NBA All-Star, 5x First-Team All-NBA selection and 75th Anniversary Team member… Charles Barkley!
Watch more Chuck moments in 75 STORIES: Charles Barkley here: https://t.co/mF2ZcE6xL5 pic.twitter.com/AiAKN73b8H
— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2022
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Boston Celtics Players in NBA History
5. Hal Greer
Hal Greer was one of the most consistent and durable players in franchise history, spending his entire 15-season career with the Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged 19.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, playing a crucial role in the 1967 NBA championship alongside Wilt Chamberlain. Greer was a 10-time All-Star, named to the All-NBA Second Team seven times, and was known for his smooth mid-range jumper and steady leadership. He remains the all-time leading scorer in franchise history. Greer was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982.
The 76ers mourn the passing of Hal Greer, an NBA champion, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and team legend » https://t.co/AowwLmxKwm pic.twitter.com/NW4ZkQveL7
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 16, 2018
4. Moses Malone
Moses Malone was the final piece that pushed the 76ers over the hump, leading them to the 1983 NBA championship. His famous “Fo’, Fo’, Fo'” prediction almost came true as Philadelphia dominated the playoffs. Malone averaged 21.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game during his tenure. He won NBA MVP in 1983, also taking home Finals MVP honors. A dominant rebounder and scorer, Malone was named to multiple All-Star and All-NBA teams. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
RIP Moses Malone aka The Chairman of the Boards. The 3 x MVP passed away 9 years ago today.
Some of his best games:
53 PTS, 22 REB
51 PTS, 19 REB (20/28 FG)
38 PTS, 32 REB (21 ORB)
38 PTS, 24 REB, 8 BLK
32 PTS, 27 REB
20 PTS, 27 REB pic.twitter.com/RoyEb76wZk— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 13, 2024
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Brooklyn Nets Players in NBA History
3. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson, known as “The Answer,” brought energy and scoring ability to the Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged 27.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game over 12 seasons with Philadelphia. Iverson led the team to the 2001 NBA Finals, carrying an underdog squad and famously scoring 48 points in Game 1 against the Lakers. He was the 2001 NBA MVP, an 11-time All-Star, and won four scoring titles. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
2. Wilt Chamberlain
In his four seasons with Philadelphia, Wilt averaged 27.6 points, 23.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, leading the team to the 1967 NBA championship. That year, the 76ers ended the Boston Celtics’ eight-year title streak, with Chamberlain playing a key role. He won three consecutive NBA MVP awards (1966–1968) while in Philadelphia and was selected to multiple All-NBA and All-Star teams. Chamberlain was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979.
Who is the greatest Philadelphia 76ers player of all time?
Julius Erving
Julius Erving was the face of the Philadelphia 76ers during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Over 11 seasons with the franchise, he averaged 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He led the 76ers to the 1983 NBA championship, playing a key role alongside Moses Malone. Erving was named the NBA MVP in 1981, was an 11-time All-Star, and earned five All-NBA First Team selections. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the all-time leading scorer for the Philadelphia 76ers?
Hal Greer leads the 76ers in all-time scoring with 21,586 points, a record he set over his 15-year career with the franchise.
Which Philadelphia 76ers player holds the record for the highest single-game points?
Joel Embiid set the franchise single-game scoring record with 70 points on January 22, 2024.
Who has the most rebounds in Sixers history?
Dolph Schayes is the franchise’s rebounding king, grabbing 11,256 boards across 15 seasons.
Which player recorded the most assists as a Sixer?
Maurice Cheeks holds the record for most assists in franchise history, tallying 6,212 over his 11 seasons.
How many Hall of Fame players have played for the Philadelphia Sixers?
The 76ers have featured over 20 Hall of Fame players and coaches, including legends like Erving, Chamberlain, Iverson, Malone, Greer, and Barkley.
