All-Time Philadelphia 76ers Mount Rushmore
Who are the most important figures in the Sixers’ history?
With the offseason in full effect, we decided to do a Mt. Rushmore for every single team here at 16 Wins a Ring. For this ranking, we’re taking what we consider to be the 4 most important figures in the history of a franchise and presenting them to you.
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the NBA’s oldest franchises. Since moving to Philadelphia from Syracuse in 1963, the franchise has gone on to win two championships in the City of Brotherly Love (their latest coming in 1983). Some of the league’s greatest players have donned the city’s name across their chest.
Without further ado, here is the Mt. Rushmore of the Philadelphia 76ers:
Julius Erving (1976–1987)
Dr. J is an icon in Philadelphia sports, if not the face of the 76ers franchise. The man that brought the slam dunk into the mainstream played for the 76ers for 11 years, making the All-Star team every year he played. Julius Erving brought the city of Philadelphia a championship in 1983, sweeping the Lakers.
Erving averaged 22 points per game as a 76er, and the man known as “Dr. J” ranks seventh on the all-time scoring list with 30,026 points. While his dunks are what he will be remembered for, Erving was an excellent defender as well, guarding the team’s best player the entire game. His 2,272 career steals rank him seventh all-time.
Allen Iverson (1996–2006, 2009–10)
Crossing over Michael Jordan? Disrespecting Tyronn Lue? The infamous practice rant? There are plenty of moments that make Allen Iverson deserving of a Mt. Rushmore spot.
Iverson influenced much more than the game; he influenced the culture. Iverson’s trademark shooting sleeve has become the go-to accessory for basketball players on all levels.
As for on the court, A.I. won the MVP in 2001 (the same year he led the 76ers to the NBA Finals) and made the All-Star team 11 times during his career. Standing at only 6 feet tall, Iverson was considered one of the league’s toughest players both to guard and to keep off the floor. Iverson averaged 26.7 points in his career, which ranks him seventh all-time. What’s more amazing is that Iverson averaged 41.1 minutes per game in his career, so when he played, he hardly ever sat.
Sam Hinkie (2013–2016)
How did a general manager that led Philadelphia to a 47–199 record during his reign make the Mt. Rushmore? Well Sam Hinkie is the NBA’s martyr. “Trust the Process,” Hinkie’s pet phrase, has become the trademark of the 76ers in recent years. Blowing up the entire roster to tank was a move that was looked down upon and ultimately led to his firing.
But look at what Hinkie was able to amass before he lost his job. Because of him, the Sixers have a talented core made up of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz and Dario Saric. Not only do they have a core to build around, but Philly still has a wealth of draft picks in the future and plenty of salary cap space to play with. In a league that is dominated by the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James, the Sixers look to be the next in line to own the league, and Sam Hinkie is the reason.
Wilt Chamberlain (1965–1968)
Perhaps the most dominant player in the NBA just so happened to play for his hometown team. Wilt Chamberlain put up incredible numbers throughout his career. During his time in Philly, Chamberlain averaged an eye-popping 29 points and 23.9 rebounds per game. Chamberlain’s 100 point game came in Philadelphia, but it was for the Warriors organization, not the 76ers.
Chamberlain led the Sixers to an NBA title in 1967. Shortly after, Chamberlain asked to be traded to Los Angeles because he felt that he outgrew his hometown. While Chamberlain’s time in Philly was short, his impact was plenty.
Honorable Mentions:
Charles Barkley (1984–1992)
Charles Barkley broke into the league with Philadelphia and averaged 23.3 points and 11.6 rebounds in eight seasons. Barkley’s outspoken manner made him more of a household name. But his strident ways led to his exit in Philly, as he would be traded to Phoenix in 1992.
Moses Malone (1982–1986, 1993–1994)
Malone played for the 76ers on two different occasions, winning the NBA Finals and Finals MVP in 1983. In addition, Malone won the league MVP in back-to-back years in 1982 and 1983. Malone was the most difficult to leave off the Mt. Rushmore due to the fact that he was the league’s best player twice as a 76er. But, Malone played for five other NBA teams in his career.
The Philadelphia 76ers are a storied franchise with a long history of excellence, and the names above are excellent representatives of their history. Erving, Iverson, Hinkie and Chamberlain all left their mark on the Sixers, and the team wouldn’t be the same without them.
