Allen Iverson … and Who? Ranking the Best Philadelphia 76ers of All Time
Since their founding as the Syracuse Nationals in 1946 and move to Philadelphia in 1963, the 76ers have had plenty of basketball royalty step through their doors.
While this Sixers Mount Rushmore list features some familiar names, including a current star, the list could potentially become contested as Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe have each had stellar starts to their careers.
Despite Charles Barkley spending much of his prime with Philly, he remains an honorable mention due to his lack of accolades relative to his time in Phoenix.
Similarly, Moses Malone will be a very contested honorable mention as "The Chairman of the Boards" only spent five, albeit successful, years in Philadelphia compared to those on this list.
Let us know, did we get it right?
Honorable Mentions
- Hal Greer (1963-1973)
- Billy Cunningham (1965-72, 1974-76, coach from 1977-85)
- Moses Malone (1982-1986; 1993-94)
- Charles Barkley (1984-1992)
- Andre Iguodala (2004-2012)
- Thaddeus Young (2007-2014)
4. Joel Embiid (2014-Present)
While his durability concerns and lack of a deep playoff run perhaps mire Embiid's legacy, one can't discount just how good Embiid's prime was.
The No. 3 overall pick in 2014, Embiid has done more than enough individually to cement his place not only as the modern face of the Sixers franchise but as a crucial part of the team's legacy.
During his career, which has been entirely spent in Philadelphia, Embiid won one MVP (2022-23), finished as the runner-up in 2021, and made seven straight All-Star teams from 2018-2024.
When on the court, Embiid has shown the power to single-handedly lift the Sixers to contention, as evidenced by the team making the playoffs in eight of his first 12 seasons; his major absences in 2014-2016, as well as 2025, saw the 76ers fail to compete.
3. Wilt Chamberlain (1965-1968)
It seems like Wilt Chamberlain left a monstrous handprint on every team he played for, and the 76ers are no exception. While Chamberlain only played four of his 22 seasons with the 76ers (his six years prior with the Philadelphia Warriors technically don't count), the basketball legend made a massive impact on his childhood team.
Chamberlain won three consecutive MVPs from 1966 to 1968 and was an integral part of the Sixers' first ever championship in 1967, just four years after moving to Philly from Syracuse. Just for safe-keeping, Chamberlain also led the league in rebounding and field goal percentage during those MVP years.
Naturally, it was the five years after he left Philly, spent in Los Angeles, that "The Stilt" may be best known for, but his individual output and central role on the 1967 title team rightfully earn Chamberlain a spot on this list.
2. Allen Iverson (1996-2006)
Iverson was a cultural phenomenon and the defining player for the 76ers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and his off-the-court impact on the city can't be understated.
Iverson's best season came in 2001, as the 6-foot-tall guard won MVP after averaging a league-leading 31.1 points and 2.5 steals per game. Much thanks to "A.I.," the Sixers stormed to a 2001 NBA Finals appearance, with Iverson averaging nearly 33 points per game in the playoffs.
Unfortunately, the 76ers were met by Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and company, and were downed in four straight after an iconic Game 1 win.
Still, few 76ers players have the sort of individual career achievements as Iverson, who led the league in scoring four times from 1999 to 2005. The Hall of Famer also made nine consecutive All-Star appearances and leads the franchise in points per game (27.6) after spending 12 of his 14 seasons in the City of Brotherly Love.
1. Julius Erving (1976-1987)
"Dr. J" will always be the face of 76ers basketball after the ABA/NBA merger, leading the Sixers through misery. Erving won the 1981 NBA MVP, a truly incredible season where he averaged 24.6 points, eight rebounds, and two steals per game.
Erving led the 76ers to four NBA Finals in 1977, 1980, 1982, and 1983, where they finally broke through against the Lakers in a four-game sweep.
"The Basketball Hall of Famer remains the franchise's overall leader in blocks (1,293) and value over a position player (51.8). But it was his 11 consecutive All-Star nods and role in the Sixers' 1983 championship run that earned him this top spot.
While Erving's playoff star was outshined by Moses Malone, who won the Finals MVP that year, he defined Philadelphia basketball in the 1980s.
Related: Larry Bird … and Then Who? Ranking the Best Boston Celtics of All Time
Related: Greatest New York Knicks of All Time: Ranking the Mount Rushmore
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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 3:33 PM.