As players get bigger, stronger and faster coupled with rules of the
game being in constant change, conventional wisdom suggests that
players from different eras cannot be compared. However, I have
decided to defy those odds.
The Philadelphia 76ers entered the NBA in 1946 as the Syracuse
Nationals. They remain one of the oldest NBA franchises. Though they
do not have the heavy championship pedigree as, say, the Los Angeles
Lakers and Boston Celtics, they have a prominent history.
The 76ers have three NBA champions (1955, 1967 and 1983) and
reached the NBA Finals on two other occasions, losing to legendary
Lakers teams (1980, 2001) both times. The franchise has also had many
prominent Hall of Famers such as Wilt Chamberlain, Allen Iverson,
Hal Greer, Julius Erving, Billy Cunningham, Charles Barkley, Moses
Malone and Dolph Shayes. Today’s version features young players like
Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons that could morph into potential Hall of
Famers.
Today, I put together a 76ers Dream Team. There are some rigid criteria in
making this team. First of all, the player needed to have played for the
76ers for a minimum of four seasons -- no exceptions. Since the free
agency era began 30 years ago, that standard needs to be in place. Two-
year rentals don’t make this list. This roster is all-encompassing from all
eras.
Personality or legal flaws are not a deterrent to making this team. This is
basketball, not the Boy Scouts. Being in the Hall of Fame is the first
consideration coupled with impact on the franchise. The number of All-
NBA seasons are a top consideration with longevity also helping
immensely. While I understand it is hard to compare eras, I’m not going
to convolute this discussion.
Generational reminders
Being on the 76ers during a season of being a championship contender
does not get you a hall pass on this team. However, being on the 76ers
during a bad season is no deterrent to getting a spot on this team.
Winning or losing eras, all high-level performers get considered.
To further the challenge, the modern game has evolved into positionless
basketball. The roster will comprise 15 players encompassing all eras.
The starting lineup will be position specific, after that it will be the best
of the rest with four years playing for the franchise being the first
requirement.
So, if you want to make a case for a player being on the team, don’t just
tell me he should be there and why, tell me who you would remove.
Before you make a case to put someone on the list, ask yourself, “Who
do I take off the list at that position?”
With this franchise, there is an embarrassment of riches in that good ones
are not selected.
Starting five
Point guard: Allen Iverson
Iverson brought a sense of swagger and hip hop to a league that was
not always welcoming of that style. However, there is no denying
Iverson's on the court greatness. Along with Wilt Chamberlain and
Julius Erving, a case could be made for Iverson to be the best player
in franchise history. Those small in stature, he was electrifying and a
physically tough and resilient player.
On the way to a Hall of Fame career, 12 of his 16 years were spent in
Philadelphia. Iverson was the MVP in 2001. That season he led the
76ers to an NBA Finals appearance. He was also an 11-time All-Star,
two-time NBA All Star game MVP, six-time All NBA (three is a first-
team) and NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997.
Shooting guard: Hal Greer
Greer is rarely mentioned among 76er greats because his playing days
go back to the Syracuse Nationals era. Greer was a prime example of a
substance over style player as he was such a consistent performer. His
biggest uniqueness was the fact that his free-throw for a jump shot.
On the way to a Hall of Fame career, which spanned three decades with
the franchise, the combination of Greer, Chamberlain and Cunningham
delivered an NBA championship in 1967. He was also a 10-time All-
Star, NBA All-Star game MVP in 1968, seven-time All NBA second
team. Over the course of his career, Greer averaged 19.2 points, 5.0
rebounds and 4.0 assists.
Small forward: Julius Erving
Simply known as “Dr. J,” Erving did not play his entire career with the
76ers, he is perhaps the most identifiable player in franchise history.
Watching Erving was like watching poetry in motion. He did not dunk
the ball as a matter of force, his ability to jump from the free throw line to
dunk was like watching an acrobat. Erving, however, was not just a
pretty offensive force. Erving frequently jumped passing lanes to
anticipate steals and could block shots from behind.
On the way to a Hall of Fame career, Erving led the 76ers to their 1983
NBA championship after having led the New Jersey Nets to two ABA
titles. Erving was the NBA MVP in 1981. He was also an 11-time All-
Star and five-time All NBA first team. In a 76ers uniform, he averaged
22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.8 Steals, and 1.5 blocks shots.
Power forward: Charles Barkley
Nicknamed “Sir Charles” and “The Round Mound of Rebound,”
Barkley’s tenure in Philadelphia did not end well as he requested a trade
after the 76ers failed to reach the playoffs. However, Berkeley did more
than enough to cement his Hall of Fame legacy to land a spot in the
starting lineup on this team. Barkley was an undersized big man at 6-5
but was also one of the most dominant rebounders in NBA history.
Barkley spent eight of his 16 NBA seasons with the 76ers, five of which
were NBA All-Star seasons. He was the NBA All-Star game MVP in
1991. In his career, Berkeley was an 11-time all NBA selection (five as a
first-teamer) and he was also on the All-Rookie team in 1985 and the
NBA rebounding champion in 1987. As a 76er, Barkley averaged a
double-double with 23.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.76 and 1.4 steals.
Center: Wilt Chamberlain
Chamberlain is one of the best and most dominant players ever to play in
the NBA. Chamberlain's resume became complete in 1967 when he
helped end the Boston Celtics streak of NBA championships at eight and
subsequently led Philadelphia to an NBA Finals win over the San
Francisco Warriors. Chamberlain owns many records in terms of points,
rebounds and durability. He also remains the only player in NBA history
to score 100 points in a single game.
During his foursSeasons with the 76ers, Chamberlain won three of his
four NBA MVPs. He was an All-Star in all four seasons and All NBA
first team in three of the four campaigns. He also won two of his seven
career scoring titles and three of his 11 rebounding titles with the 76ers.
He led the NBA in assists in 1968. As a 76er, he averaged an
astonishing 27.6 points, 23.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists.
Bench (alphabetical order)
Maurice Cheeks:
Cheeks did not light up stat sheets but he was the definition of a
facilitator. His role was quite significant in the 76ers winning the 1983
NBA championship. All four of Cheeks’ All Star appearances and all
four of his NBA All-Defensive first-team selections and one more as a
second team came in a 76ers uniform. On the way to a Hall of Fame
career, cheeks average 12.2 points, 7.3 assists and 2.3 steals a game
in a 76ers uniform.
Larry Costello:
Costello's legacy with the franchise overlaps both the Syracuse
Nationals and Philadelphia 76ers era. Costello helped the 76ers deliver
their 1967 NBA championship. He was a six-time All-Star and All-NBA
second team in 1961. During his time as a 76er, he averaged 12.2 points,
3.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists. After his playing career, Costello became an
accomplished coach. As a player and as a coach, he was all about intensity.
Billy Cunningham:
Cunningham played an integral role in helping lead the 76ers to their
1967 NBA championship. After the departure of Chamberlain,
Cunningham became the face of the franchise. On the way to a Hall of
Fame career, he was a four-time All-Star, five-time All NBA (three as
a first-teamer), NBA All Rookie first team in 1976. During his career in
Philadelphia, Cunningham averaged a double-double with 20.8 points,
10.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 steals.
Joel Embiid:
Embiid recently completed his fourth NBA season and while his legacy
is still in progress, Embiid has already done enough to earn a spot on
this team. Embiid has been an NBA All-Star in three of his four seasons.
He was also a two-time All-NBA second team and two-time NBA All-
Defensive second team along with NBA All-Rookie first team in 2017.
Embiid has averaged a double-double with 23.9 points, 11.5 rebounds,
3.1 assists and 1.8 blocks shots.
Bobby Jones:
Jones's hallmark was his determination as a defensive player which made
him one of the best in NBA history. During his time with the 76ers,
Jones helped the franchise win their 1983 NBA championship. Three of
his four All-Star appearances came in a 76ers’ uniform as did seven of
his eight NBA All-Defensive first-team awards. Jones was also All NBA
Defensive second team in 1985 and the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in
1983. As a 76er, Jones averaged 10.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists,
1.2 steals along with 1.1 blocks.
Moses Malone:
Malone spent just a combined five seasons (two stints) with the 76ers but
ended up being the finishing piece they needed to win their 1983 NBA
championship. Malone is perhaps the best rebounder in NBA history
even though there were centers that were bigger than him. Malone's
rebounding prowess was a result of being able to read the angle of
missed shots. Malone averaged 21.7 points and 12.4 rebounds per game
during his time as a 76er. In his career, which resulted in a Hall of Fame
induction, Malone was a six-time NBA rebounding champion, eight-
time All-NBA, two-time NBA All-Defensive, 13 All-Stars, three MVPs
and the 1983 NBA Finals MVP.
Dolph Shayes:
Shayes’ career with the 76ers not only dates back to the Syracuse National
days but spans three decades from 1948-1964. Near the end of his career,
Shayes, doubled as player and coach. Shayes was instrumental in
delivering an NBA championship in 1955. He was a 12-time All-Star, 12-
time All NBA (six as a first-teamer), NBA rebounding champion in 1951.
During his career, Shayes averaged 18.5 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.1
assists per game.
Andrew Toney:
Part of Toney's legacy is “what could have been” because his career was
cut short by chronic foot injuries. Toney, however, was known as “The
Boston Strangler” because of his ability to dominate games against the
rival Celtics. Toney was a pivotal piece on the 76ers 1983 NBA
championship team. He was a two-time All-Star as well. During his
career he averaged 15.9 points per game.
Chet Walker:
Walker spent seven of his 13 seasons of his Hall of Fame career with the
76ers, including one while they were the Syracuse Nationals. Walker
was a key contributor to the 76ers’ 1967 NBA championship. Three of
his seven career All-Star appearances came in a Philadelphia uniform.
He was also NBA All-Rookie first team in 1963. During his time with
Philadelphia, Walker averaged 16.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists
per game.
Head coach: Billy Cunningham
Cunningham was one of the rare Hall of Fame players who's playing
career translated into coaching success. Cunningham remains the
franchise's winningest head coach with 454 wins, including 66 in the
postseason. Cunningham guided the 1983 76ers to the NBA
championship. He holds the third best regular season winning percentage
in NBA history with only Steve Kerr and Phil Jackson being ahead of
him. Cunningham reached the 300 and 400 win plateau faster than any
coach in NBA history.
Team: 1966-1967
This team rarely gets mentioned in the annals of all time great teams but
they deserve to be in the conversation based on their performance. The
76ers won a franchise-record 68 games during the regular season with
two Hall of Famers leading them with Chamberlain and Greer.
Philadelphia began the playoffs by knocking off the Cincinnati Royals
in the Eastern Conference Division semifinals and then defeated the
Boston Celtics in the Eastern Division finals to end their run of eight
consecutive NBA championships. In the NBA Finals Philadelphia
defeated the San Francisco Warriors. The 76ers started that season
46-4 which remains the best 50-game start in NBA history, the 2015-
2016 Golden State Warriors that record.
