FanPost

Ranking the Top 5 Philadelphia 76ers at Each Position

Ranking the Top 5 Philadelphia 76ers are Each Position:

The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most successful franchises in the NBA during the team's 52-year history in the City of Brotherly Love which includes two championships, Hall of Famers, superstars, and many playoff appearances. Today, I am recognizing and ranking the best five 76ers players at each of the five positions in basketball: point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center.

Some Guidelines:

1) Four factors went into play in creating this list: personal statistics, team success, longevity, and impact on the team and the city of Philadelphia.

2) Players are only ranked by their playing time in Philadelphia & not for any other teams in the NBA (ie Dikembe Mutombo)

3) Players who primarily played with the Syracuse Nationals (1946-1963) are not included on this list, so players like Dolph Schayes, Red Kerr, Lee Shaffer, Archie Clark, and Larry Costello will not appear in the ranking.

4) Most of the players who were selected were involved in the three most successful periods in 76ers basketball: 1964-1971, 1975-1987, and 1998-2003.

Without further ado, here is the list:

Point Guard:

While there hasn’t been much star power in 76ers point guard history (no Hall of Famers on this list), there have been solid floor generals that had varying skill sets in different stretches in the team’s long history in Philadelphia. Four of the five point guards made the NBA Finals with the Sixers, but one is more famous for being the best player on the worst 76ers team ever.

1) Maurice Cheeks (11 seasons, 1978-1989)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

APG

SPG

33.5

12.2

53%

3.0

7.3

2.3

Resume: 4-time All-Star, 5-time All-Defensive team, appeared in three NBA Finals (1980,1982,1983), NBA champion (1983), No. 10 retired by the 76ers

- With the 36th overall pick (the 2nd round) of the 1978 NBA Draft, the Sixers drafted a relatively unknown point guard from small West Texas A&M University: Maurice Cheeks. The 4-time All-Star led the 76ers deep into the playoffs as the team’s starting point guard. Though he was a relatively quiet, reserved person, Cheeks showed his true character on the court as he currently ranks 11th all-time in assists & 5th all-time in steals in NBA history. During his 11 seasons in Philly, Cheeks was selected to the All-Defense team five times, as well as ranking third in team history in career games, and first in steals and assists in team history. The most remembered moment of Cheeks’ 76er career occurred in Game 4 of the 1983 NBA Finals, as he dribbled out the clock in an empathic celebration dunking the ball as time expired with the 76ers winning the championship. He was a key component for the team that was finally able to win the NBA Championship & his #10 hangs in the rafters at the Wells Fargo Center. He is by far the greatest point guard in 76ers history.

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/hall_of_fame/2013/02/20/20130220-cheeks-1983-finals.nba/

2) Wali Jones (7 seasons, 1965-1971)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

APG

SPG

25.8

11.5

41%

2.5

3.4

N/A

Resume: NBA Champion (1967)

- Wali Jones was the starting point guard of the 1966-1967 76ers (68-13) that took the league by storm and won the NBA championship. A native of Philadelphia (attended Overbrook High School & Villanova University), Jones replaced the injured Larry Costello as a starting guard in January of 1967 and didn’t relinquish his starting spot until 1970. With the starting unit of Jones, Hal Greer, Chet Walker, Luke Jackson, & Wilt Chamberlain, the Sixers were unstoppable in their pursuit of a championship.

3) Eric Snow (7 seasons, 1997-2004)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

APG

SPG

34.2

9.7

43%

3.2

6.6

1.6

Resume: NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (2003), NBA Sportsmanship Award (2000), appeared in one NBA Finals (2001)

- Many fans were scratching their heads when the Sixers traded for back-up Seattle SuperSonics point guard Eric Snow during the 1997-1998 season for a future second round pick. Snow was immediately named the starting point guard by head coach Larry Brown after only averaging 18 minutes a game in Seattle. Snow became a great compliment to the Sixers franchise player, Allen Iverson during successful seasons in the late-1990s and early-2000s, including a trip to the 2001 NBA Finals. As a pass-first, defensive minded point guard (6'3, 190), he matched up against most teams shooting guards so that the smaller Iverson could guard the opposing shorter point guards. Snow was a model of consistency for the team as a solid point guard who ran the offense during some of Allen Iverson’s best seasons. He was a good defender, a great leader, and a great person in the Philadelphia community. His best moment as a Sixer was his running jumper with 12 seconds remaining in overtime of Game 1 of the NBA Finals with the shot clock set to expire to give the Sixers a 4-point lead (105-101) and seal a Game 1 upset victory for the Sixers over the Lakers.

(Skip to 4:15 in the video)

Eric Snow Runner

4) Henry Bibby (4 years, 1976-1980)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

APG

SPG

29.8

10.1

42%

2.3

4.6

1.0

Resume: 2 NBA Finals appearances (1977, 1980)

- Henry Bibby was probably better known as the Sixers player with the huge afro and porno moustache, but he was a very solid point guard during his four seasons as the point guard in Philadelphia in the late 70s. Bibby only missed one game in four seasons and was the orchestrator of a fast-running, high-scoring offense that featured some of the best scorers in the entire league, like George McGinnis, Doug Collins, Julius Erving, and World B. Free. He appeared in two NBA Finals with the team & was a model of consistency running the point.

5) Fred Carter (6 seasons, 1972-1977)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

APG

SPG

35.4

18.8

43%

4.5

4.2

1.4

Resume: Led the 76ers in scoring three times (1973-1975)

- Who was the leading scorer of the worst team in NBA history ? The answer would be Freddy Carter. The 1972-1973 76ers finished the season with the worst record in NBA history in terms of wins and losses, as they went 9-73 during the season with Fred Carter leading the team in scoring, averaging 20 points a game. Carter’s first four Sixers teams struggled mightily (30, 9, 25, & 34 wins), but Carter became part of one of the better backcourt duos in the mid-70s with Doug Collins. With the infusion of talent like George McGinnis, Steve Mix, Darryl Dawkins, & Julius Erving, Carter’s teams were more successful in the following two seasons (back-to-back playoff appearances). The 1976-1977 Sixers went to the NBA Finals but Carter was traded during the season for two second round picks (one became the #1 PG on this list: Maurice Cheeks).

Shooting Guard:

The five best shooting guards in Sixers history are some of the best scorers the NBA has ever seen. Some had extended periods of scoring prowess, while others had shorter stretches of high-volume scoring. This group also contains two of the greatest nicknames in Philadelphia sports history and two #1 overall draft selections.

1) Allen Iverson (12 seasons, 1996-2007; 2009-2010)

MPG

PPG

FG%

APG

RPG

SPG

41.4

27.6

42%

6.1

3.9

2.3

Resume: 2001 NBA MVP, 8-time All-Star (2000-2006, 2010), 3-time All-NBA 1st Team, 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team, 1-time All-NBA 3rd team, 1997 NBA Rookie of the Year, 4-time NBA scoring champion, 3-time NBA steals leader, appeared in 2001 NBA Finals, No. 3 retired by the 76ers

- No other player in the history of the 76ers can compare to Allen Iverson. No one else played with more passion, more ferocity, and more heart than Allen Iverson and no one represented the city of Philadelphia better than Allen Iverson. While many questioned his character and behavior, the man always gave it his all on the basketball court. Seen as a cultural icon to some and a menace to others, Iverson changed the game, both on the court and off the court (Practice?). While there was always a rocky relationship between Iverson and management, The Answer carried his teams places they shouldn't have ever gone. The first overall pick in the 1997 draft, Iverson guided the Sixers to the NBA Finals in 2001 and was named the MVP of the regular season, and averaged 32.9 points per game in the playoffs. Though the Sixers would lose in the Finals to the Lakers in five games, Iverson made his mark with the franchise. He would never return to the Finals but Iverson showed during his entire NBA career that he was possibly pound-for-pound, the greatest player in NBA history. His jumper late in Game 1 of the Finals over Tyronn Lue and subsequent step-over is a moment no Sixers fan will never forget. His determination despite height limitations lead him to have his No. 3 retired by the 76ers, but it also paved the way to his eventually enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Step Over

2) Hal Greer (15 seasons [5 with Syracuse], 1958-1973)

MPG

PPG

FG%

APG

RPG

SPG

35.5

19.2

45%

4.0

5.0

N/A

Resume: 10-time All-Star (1961-1970), 7-time All-NBA 2nd Team (1963-1969), NBA Champion (1967), 76ers all-time leading scorer, member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary Team, No. 15 retired by the 76ers

- Harold "Hal" Greer never had the flashiness of a Julius Erving or an Allen Iverson, but he was as consistent of a scorer as anybody in the league during his prime seasons. Commonly referred to as "Bulldog" by his teammates, Greer showed an expressionless demeanor, a hard-working attitude, and consistency throughout his entire NBA career. Greer was basically a guaranteed 20 point scorer every game. While going mostly unappreciated by the public, Greer had the utmost respect of his basketball peers. They raved about his signature jump shot that many argued was the best jump shot in the league. He was a starter on the 1967 championship team, as well as the 76ers all-time leader in points, games, minutes played, and made field goals. His No. 15 hangs has been retired by the team and he is perhaps the most underrated 76er of all-time.

3) Andrew Toney (8 seasons [all with PHI], 1980-1988)

MPG

PPG

FG%

APG

RPG

SPG

26.9

15.9

50%

4.2

2.2

0.8

Resume: Two-time All-Star (1983, 1984); NBA champion (1983)

Selected with the 8th overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft from Louisiana-Lafayette, Andrew Toney was an electric scorer as well as an extremely clutch shooter. Many former players have said that Andrew Toney was one of the greatest players they ever played with or faced. He was well on his way to becoming a Hall of Famer until chronic foot injuries derailed his career and was forced to retire in 1988. Toney was a starter on the 1983 championship team, but his legacy in Philadelphia is that of being regarded as the "Boston Strangler." Toney played his best whenever the Sixers played Larry Bird & the Boston Celtics in the playoffs. In Game 7 of the 1982 Eastern Conference Finals, Toney scored 34 points at the Boston Garden to put the Sixers in the NBA Finals, while averaging over 26 points during that series. He was set to lead the Sixers after the retirement of Julius Erving, but his feet wouldn't let him, and It is a real shame 76ers fans couldn’t see Toney play longer in Philadelphia.

The Boston Strangler

4) Doug Collins (8 seasons [all with PHI], 1973-1981)

MPG

PPG

FG%

APG

RPG

SPG

33.6

17.9

50%

3.3

3.2

1.2

Resume: 4-time All-Star (1976-1979), appeared in 2 NBA Finals (1977, 1980)

- Collins was chosen with the #1 pick of the NBA Draft by the 76ers in 1973 following the worst season in NBA history (9-73). After only appearing in 25 games his rookie season in 1973-1974, Collins paired up with other talented scorers that helped return the Sixers to contention. He made four straight All-Star appearances in the late-70s and was a consistent 18+ PPG scorer during the prime of his career. He was a starter on the 76ers team that lost in the 1977 NBA Finals & was forced to sit on the sidelines during the 1980 NBA Finals. Like Andrew Toney, injuries derailed his career, and he was forced to retire following the 1981 season. Collins later came back to coach the team from 2010 to 2013, which included two playoff appearances and a playoff series victory against the Bulls in 2012.

5) World B. Free (4 seasons, 1975-1978; 1986-1987)

MPG

PPG

FG%

APG

RPG

SPG

23.3

12.9

49%

2.9

2.4

0.8

Resume: Appeared in 1 NBA Finals (1977)

- Lloyd "World B." Free was chosen by the 76ers in the 2nd round of the 1975 NBA Draft and became a spark plug off the bench and provided instant scoring. With help from other talented players already on the team, Free helped the 76ers reach the 1977 NBA Finals. In his two best seasons with the team, Free averaged 16 points off the bench. He was traded to the San Diego Clippers after the 1978 season for a 1984 1st round pick, which turned into Charles Barkley, who knew?Free returned to Philly later in his career for the 1986-1987 season, but only played 20 games. Today Free serves as a community ambassador for the 76ers and can be seen at every Sixers home game in a rather "wacky" wardrobe.

Small Forward:

- The most decorated group on this list, in terms of the whole group, the small forwards in Sixers history have provided skills that have translated to many wins, including championships. All five provided versatility, excellent defense, and a hard work mentality. These five are some of the greatest athletes the NBA has ever seen, with some highlight-reel ability, as well as very high basketball IQs that translated on the court.

1) Julius Erving (11 seasons [all with PHI], 1976-1987)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

SPG

APG

34.3

22.0

51%

6.7

1.8

3.9

Resume: 1981 NBA MVP, 11-time All-Star, 5-time All-NBA 1st Team, 2-time All-NBA 2nd Team, appeared in four NBA Finals (1977, 1980, 1982, 1983), NBA Champion (1983), member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary Team, No. 6 retired by the 76ers

- Dr. J was the coolest player in the history of the NBA. No one had more style, flashiness, and influence on the game than he did. When the Doctor came over from the ABA in 1976, he took the NBA by storm and lead the 76ers to the NBA Finals in his first season. While he gained many accolades during his career, like All-Star appearances, All-NBA selections, and the MVP trophy in 1981, Erving was missing his championship. After coming up short three times in the NBA Finals, Dr. J finally got over the hump in 1983. His greatest highlight as a Sixer was his "Rock the Baby to Sleep" dunk against the Lakers and is considered possibly the greatest dunk of all time.

Dr J Dunk

2) Billy Cunningham (9 seasons, 1965-1972; 1974-1976)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

SPG

APG

34.3

20.8

45%

10.1

1.2

4.0

Resume: 4-time All-Star, 3-time All-NBA 1st Team, All-NBA 2nd Team, NBA All-Rookie 1st Team (1966), NBA Champion (1967), No. 32 retired by the 76ers

- "The Kangaroo Kid" was a key member of the 1966-1967 Sixers squad that won the NBA title, starring as the sixth man of a star-studded lineup. With his extra punch off the bench, the Sixers won 68 games in that championship season. Once Wilt Chamberlain was traded in 1968 and aging Luke Jackson got injured, Billy Cunningham became the star of the team, making four-straight All-Star games and four-straight All-NBA selections from 1969 to 1972. When his playing days were over, Cunningham became the head coach of the Sixers in 1977. He became the best head coach in Sixers history with 454 wins and the coach of the 1983 world champs.

3) Bobby Jones (8 seasons, 1978-1986)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

SPG

APG

24.8

10.7

54%

4.8

1.2

2.2

Resume: 3-time All-Star, 7-time NBA All-Defensive 1st Team, NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (1985), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1983), 3 NBA Finals appearances, NBA Champion (1983), No. 24 retired by the 76ers

- No one was better on the defensive side of the court than Bobby Jones. Acquired from the Nuggets in 1978, Jones starred as the sixth man for Sixers teams that went to the NBA Finals three times during his tenure. He was constantly hustling, diving for loose balls, and blocking shots. He was one of the most hard-working, selfless, and humble players to ever play the game. His play helped him make eight-straight All-NBA Defensive 1st Teams and well as winning the inaugural Sixth Man of the Year award in 1983. His No. 24 hangs in the rafters at the Wells Fargo Center for all of his hard work and dedication to the team.

Bobby Jones

4) Chet Walker (7 seasons [1 year in Syracuse], 1962-1969)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

SPG

APG

31.6

16.2

46%

7.9

N/A

1.8

Resume: 3-time All-Star, NBA All-Rookie First Team (1963), NBA Champion (1967)

- "Chet the Jet" played 6 seasons in Philadelphia and was the starting small forward of the 1967 world champion team. During that season, Walker averaged over 19 points and 8 rebounds. A three-time All-Star in Philadelphia, Walker was never the center of attention with teammates like Hal Greer and Wilt Chamberlain. Also known was one of the best open-court forwards of his day, Walker sustained a 13-year career and never missed more than 6 games in a season.

5) Andre Iguodala (8 seasons, 2004-2012)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

SPG

APG

37.7

15.3

46%

4.9

1.7

4.9

Resume: NBA All-Star (2012), NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (2011), NBA All-Rookie 1st Team (2005)

Andre Iguodala is probably the most under-appreciated player on this list, as his eight seasons in Philadelphia were largely met with scrutiny from the fan base. While many didn’t think he was worth the money that the Sixers were paying him on his second contract, Iguodala was one of the better athletes in the league and a top-tier defender, as one of a handful of players who could have a chance to cover LeBron James during his prime. "Iggy" was also known for his tremendous dunking ability shining in the 2006 NBA Dunk Contest where he lost in the final round to Nate Robinson. What was most underrated about his game was his all-around ability. From 2006 to 2012, Iguodala averaged 16.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.6 APG, and 1.8 SPG. His defense was awarded following the 2010-2011 season as he was voted to All-NBA Defensive 2nd Team. He was named to the All-Star team, being the first Sixer, besides Allen Iverson to make the team since Theo Ratliff in 2001. His best moment as a Sixer was making the series-clinching free throws in Game 6 of the 2012 Playoffs in the first round over the Bulls.

Iggy Beats the Bulls

Power Forward:

The five best power forwards in Sixers history all had something in common: determination. Whether that meant for rebounding, assisting, or scoring, all five members of the PF spot had this similar trait. Mostly considered "undersized," it didn't stop the power forwards from putting up solid numbers that led to team success.

1) Charles Barkley (8 seasons, 1984-1992)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

SPG

BPG

37.3

22.3

58%

11.6

1.7

1.0

Resume: 7-time All-Star, 4-time All-NBA 1st Team, 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team, NBA All-Rookie 1st Team (1985), 2-time rebounding leader, member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary Team, No. 34 retired by the 76ers

- Taken with the fifth pick of the 1984 NBA Draft, Barkley joined a Sixers team that had won the NBA title two years earlier. "The Round Mount of Rebound" teamed up with veterans Maurice Cheeks, Moses Malone, and Julius Erving to advance the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1985 and the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 1986. The following two seasons Malone was traded away and Dr. J retired so Barkley became the star of the team. He earned All-Star status from 1987 to 1992 as a Sixer and finished second in the NBA MVP voting in 1990, losing to Magic Johnson, despite having more first place votes. Barkley became upset with the team and they granted his trade request, trading him to the Phoenix Suns. In 2001, his No. 34 was retired by the 76ers.

Charles Barkley

2) George McGinnis (3 seasons, 1975-1978)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

SPG

BPG

35.2

21.6

44%

11.5

2.1

0.4

Resume: 2-time All-Star, All-NBA 1st Team (1976), All-NBA 2nd Team (1977), appeared in the 1977 NBA Finals

- The Sixers were struggling as a franchise when they finished the 1974-1975 with a 34-48 season, and were in desperate need of some star power. Bring in ABA star George McGinnis from the Indiana Pacers who had just come off averaging 29.8 PPG. McGinnis helped the Sixers return to the playoffs for the first time since 1971 with a 46-36 record. In his second season with the team, along with the arrivals of Julius Erving and Caldwell Jones, the Sixers made the NBA Finals, but lost to the Trail Blazers, with McGinnis missing the shot that would have extended the series to a seventh game. McGinnis played one more season with Philadelphia, averaging over 20 PPG and 10 RPG in his three seasons in Philadelphia. He was traded following the 1978 season to the Nuggets for the #3 SF in team history, Bobby Jones.

3) Luke Jackson (8 seasons [all with PHI], 1964-1972)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

SPG

BPG

26.4

9.9

42%

8.8

N/A

N/A

Resume: All-Star (1965), 1st Team All-Rookie (1964-1965)

- Selected with the 4th pick of the 1964 NBA Draft, Lucious "Luke" Jackson provided needed size and strength for the 76ers. Jackson paired up with Wilt Chamberlain in the starting front court from 1964 to1968, winning the 1967 NBA championship. Jackson was a great compliment to Chamberlain as he was a good rebounder and willing to do the dirty work. According to Chamberlain, Jackson could have been a great center but Luke adjusted his game to become a forward for the good of the team. While Chamberlain was the headliner, Jackson was the glue that kept the team winning because of his hustle.

4) Steve Mix (9 seasons, 1973-1982)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

SPG

BPG

25.3

11.3

50%

5.6

1.3

0.3

Resume: All-Star (1975), appeared in 3 NBA Finals (1977, 1980, 1982)

- Mix was never known for his athleticism, but he squeezed out as much talent as he possibly could. By the time he retired after a 13-year career, he had nothing left to give to the game. An All-Star in 1975, Mix was a key player for the 76ers during their return to contention in the late-70s. While his minutes decreased over the seasons, Mix was a calming presence for the team and provided constant professionalism.

5) Clarence Weatherspoon (6 seasons, 1992-1998)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

SPG

BPG

36.0

15.3

47%

8.3

1.2

1.1

Resume: NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team (1993)

- Following the trade of Charles Barkley during the offseason of 1992, the Sixers were looking for his replacement and found someone to their liking in the 1992 NBA Draft, in Clarence Weatherspoon from Southern Mississippi. Nicknamed "Baby Barkley" due to his similar size and nature to that of Charles Barkley at the power forward position, Spoon played with the same desire for rebounding at a shorter height for a four. Weatherspoon was named to the All-Rookie 2nd Team in 1993. The following season was his best, where he averaged 18.4 PPG & 10.1 RPG, and nearly made the All-Star team. He was one of the only consistent Sixers during a down time of the franchise in the mid 1990s., where he had multiple coaches and many losing records. Following a falling out over minutes with Larry Brown in 1998, Spoon was traded to the Warriors. While he never enjoyed success in a Sixers uniform, Spoon was a reliable and respected player who always put up numbers.

Center:

Perhaps the greatest position in Sixers history, the center position has been the headliner for Sixers teams for years. This group has star power, scoring, defense, rebounding, and shot blocking prowess. Two of the greatest fifteen players in NBA history have shined in 76ers uniforms while the other three provided unique skill sets that helped their respective teams win.

1) Wilt Chamberlain (4 seasons, 1964-1968)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

BPG

46.3

27.6

58%

23.9

N/A

Resume: 3-time NBA MVP (1966, 1967, 1968), 4-time All-Star (1965-1968), 3-time All-NBA 1st Team, 1-time All-NBA 2nd Team, 2-time scoring champion, 3-time rebounding leader, 1-time assist leader (1968), NBA champion (1967), member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary Team, No. 13 retired by the 76ers

- Wilt Chamberlain was the most dominant force in NBA history. The NBA had to change the rules of the game because of how dominant Wilt was. He attended local Overbrook High School and played for the Philadelphia Warriors from 1959 to 1962, but was traded back to Philadelphia to the 76ers in 1965. While he only played four seasons for the Sixers, Chamberlain had the greatest impact in that short time than any other Sixer ever. In four seasons, he won three MVP awards, was a four-time All-Star, a four-time All-NBA selection, and a two-time scoring champion. He was the lead man of the 1966-1967 squad that was able to end the Celtics’ eight year run of consecutive championships. Following the departure of head coach Alex Hannum in 1968, Chamberlain asked GM Jack Ramsay for a trade. Ramsay later traded Wilt to the Laker for Darrall Imhoff, Archie Clark, and Jerry Chambers. His No. 13 was retired by the 76ers in 1991.

2) Moses Malone (5 seasons, 1982-1986; 1993-1994)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

BPG

33.1

21.0

48%

12.0

1.3

Resume: 1983 NBA MVP, 4-time All-Star, 2-time All-NBA 1st Team, All-NBA 2nd Team (1984), NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (1983), 3-time rebounding leader, NBA champion (1983), member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary Team

- Coming off three Finals losses in six seasons, the Sixers came to the conclusion that they needed a new big man that could contend with the Lakers' Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Celtics' Robert Parish, deciding that Caldwell Jones and Darryl Dawkins weren't up to the task. Sixers GM Pat Williams made the deal of the century, trading for 1982 NBA MVP Moses Malone from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Caldwell Jones and a 1988 first round pick. Malone was dominant in 1982-1983 (named league MVP), averaging 24.5 PPG, 15.3 RPG, and 2.0 BPG, as he delivered the Sixers to the Promise Land with a championship in 1983 defeating the Lakers in a sweep. When the playoffs were about to start, Moses famously said, "Fo, Fo, Fo," meaning the Sixers would sweep their way throughout the playoffs. Moses was one game off, as the Sixers went "Fo, Fi, Fo," sweeping the Knicks, beating the Bucks in five games, and sweeping the Lakers. Moses had taken the Sixers over the hump. He was an All-Star in all four seasons of his first stint with the team, and was named to the All-NBA team three times. In a move that shocked everybody, Sixers owner Harold Katz traded Malone, along with Terry Catledge and two-first round picks to the Bullets for Jeff Ruland and Cliff Robinson in 1986. While his No. 2 is not retired by the team, the Sixers would not have won their second championship in Philadelphia without Moses.

Promise Land

3) Caldwell Jones (6 seasons, 1976-1982)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

BPG

28.4

7.2

47%

9.2

1.9

Resume: Two-time All-NBA Defensive 1st Team, appeared in three NBA Finals (1977, 1980, 1982)

- "Pops" was the least flamboyant of the late-70 Sixers, which included many "characters" during a wild period in the league’s history. Jones was the leader of the 76ers defense for many years as he concentrated his game on defense, rebounding, and shot blocking. His hustle, determination, and professionalism were a trademark of his game as he was named to All-Defensive first teams in back-to-back seasons. In 1982, Jones was traded to the Houston Rockets for the #2 center in Sixers history, Moses Malone. Malone initially turned down the trade because he wanted to play with Caldwell, because of how highly he thought of Caldwell as a player, but Jones had to be traded in order to bring Moses to Philly. After winning the championship the following season, the organization sent Jones a championship ring, showing how much he still meant to the team.

4) Darryl Dawkins (7 seasons, 1975-1982)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

BPG

23.1

11.2

56%

6.7

1.4

Resume: Appeared in 3 NBA Finals (1977, 1980, 1982)

- The wildest character on this list, Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins who was drafted straight out of high school in 1975. In his seven seasons with the Sixers, Dawkins took the time to name his dunks, write poems, and breaking backboards. Always known for his high percentage shooting, Dawkins got more minutes over time with added mental and physical maturity. The man from the Planet Lovetron was a key member of three Sixers teams that went to the NBA Finals.

Chocolate Thunder

5) Theo Ratliff (5 seasons, 1998-2001; 2008-2009)

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

BPG

29.4

10.0

50%

6.9

2.9

Resume: All-Star (2001), All-NBA Defensive 2nd Team (1999)

- Theo Ratliff was acquired in a trade by the Sixers that sent Jerry Stackhouse to the Pistons in 1998. Ratliff would become a fixture on the team that would help the 76ers return to the playoffs for the first time since 1991, and was a key part of the Sixers team that eventually reached the 2001 NBA Finals. Ratliff was known for his shot blocking ability ranking 4th in team history in blocks in just five seasons with Philadelphia. He was a top-10 shot blocker in the league every year from 1998 to 2001. His strong play on the defensive side of the ball led to his only career All-Star appearance in 2001. Unfortunately for Ratliff, he was injured prior to the All-Star break and was unable to play the rest of the season. He was traded to the Hawks at the trade deadline for another defensive anchor, Dikembe Mutombo. Mutombo helped the Sixers down the stretch and in the playoffs, but without Ratliff, the team would have not even been close to reaching the Finals.

There is my list, so let me know what you think of it. Go Sixers!

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