The Philadelphia 76ers offense struggles to score. Who in franchise history could help the Sixers put points on the board? We think these 30 all time scorers for the team would make a huge difference.
Dec 3, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers shorts with logo against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The 76ers defeated the Timberwolves 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
When you consider the Philadelphia 76ers began as the Syracuse Nationals in 1943, eventually moving to Philadelphia to morph into the Philadelphia 76ers in 1964, you are looking at an NBA team with 72 years of history. That’s a long time and a long list of accomplished athletes to sort through. But we write about the Philadelphia 76ers, and that means we love a challenge.
So we rolled up our sleeves, broke into the vaults and sorted through the archives, and came up with a list of the top 30 all time scorers of all time.
The easiest thing to do would be to simply look up the rote top 30 scorers of the team throughout history. But we spiced up our list with a pinch of three point shooters, a dash of players who had celebrated careers but who played only a portion of their time for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Next: Darrell Imhoff
Darrell Imhoff – 30
Darrell Imhoff was there on the night that NBA great Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points.. but he was not on the right side. You see he played center for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968-1970. Standing at 6’10”, he was a towering player whose 13 season career was both accomplished and diverse. Accomplished in that he scored 17,874 points in his NBA career. Diverse in that he played for six different NBA teams in the process. But no moment of his career has received more scrutiny than the night he lined up as a New York Knickerbocker to defend then Philadelphia 76ers center Wilt Chamberlain.
Imhoff would end his time with the Knicks after that season, playing for two years for the Detroit Pistons and then four years with the Los Angeles Lakers before coming to play two years for the Philadelphia 76ers.
In those two seasons, he scored 1,827 points, and posted the best season of his career by scoring 1,079 points in the 1969-1970 season – seven years after that fateful night of March 2nd, 1962.
His career score of 5,759 points was a solid number for a jouneyman center. But his NBA career had two moments in the limelight. Scoring 1,079 points in a Sixers uniform, and watching Wilt Chamberlain score 100 points against his team in a Knicks uniform.
Next: Jrue Holiday
Nov 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Suns 120-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jrue Holiday -29
Jrue Holiday is perhaps as famous for being traded by the Sixers as he is for what he did while wearing the Sixers uniform.
Currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, Jrue Holiday played four seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers as he scored 3,994 points for Philly. His long range shot was his bread and butter, as he shot 299 treys for the Sixers.
On April 3, 2010, Holiday scored a career high 25 points against the Toronto Raptors. He finished the game with 25 points, 7 assists and two steals.
On July 12, 2013, Holiday was traded by Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie to the New Orleans Pelicans for Nerlens Noel and the Pelicans 2014 first round pick.
Next: Dana Barros
Dana Barros- 28
Dana Barros may not come to mind when thinking of Sixers top Scorers. He only played two seasons on the Sixers team out of 14 years in the NBA. But those two years were dynamite, as Barros scoring 2,761 points.
He came to the Sixers in a 1993 trade with the Seattle Supersonics which sent Hersey Hawkins to the Sonics for Barros, Sidney Green, and recently drafted Greg Graham.
One of the most memorable games for a Sixers scorer was the 50 point night Barros put up against the ever dangerous Houston Rockets.
Unfortunately, he became a free agent after that season, and went on to play six seasons for the Boston Celtics and two seasons as a Detroit Piston. Despite his short time with the Sixers, Barros remains at sixth for all time three point shoots made with 332.
Next: Willie Green
Dec 3, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers shorts with logo against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The 76ers defeated the Timberwolves 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Willie Green -27
Willie Green is a twelve year veteran player of the NBA, who played seven years for the Philadelphia 76ers. Drafted at the twelfth pick of the second round in the 2003 NBA draft by the Seattle Supersonics, A draft night trade sent Willie to the Philadelphia 76ers . As a rookie, Willie averaged 6.9 points and 1.2 rebounds per game in 53 games in a reserve role, which he would fill his first three seasons with the Sixers.. He posted three 20-point games including 26 points at Atlanta on March 6, 2004.
Green currently sits at ninth on the Philadelphia 76ers all time list for shooting treys, with 259 made. He finally broke into the starting role in the 2005-2006 season, after the Sixers traded Eric Snow. That dealt allowed Allen Iverson to resume playing at point guard and promoted Green to join Iverson in the backcourt. But on the day he was to resign, Green was injured and did not return to the team until March 2006. He returned the following year, where he scored 839 points for the Sixers. He averaged 15.5 points per 36 minutes for the Sixers throughout his career with the team.
After playing seven seasons with the Sixers, Philly packaged Green and Jason Smith to obtain Craig Brackens and Darious Songaila from the then New Orleans Hornets.
New Orleans has traded Darius Songalia and Craig Brackins to Philly for Willie Green and Jason Smith, league source tells Y!
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 23, 2010
Green is not the all time scorer for the team, but his three point shooting has earned him a place in this countdown.
Next: Aaron McKie
Aaron McKie -26
Aaron McKie enjoyed a 15 year NBA career as guard and small forward in the NBA from 1994 through the 2007 season. His career high for points in any one season was with the 2000-2001 Philadelphia 76ers, when he knotted 878 points. His forte was the three point shot, which he nailed 295 times for the Sixers, placing him as eighth on the all time list.
During his entire NBA career, he scored 5,871 points. Of that total, he plunked 4,143 points while playing for Philly.
He was on the Sixers roster for six playoff runs, and was a trusted teammate and friend of Allen Iverson
“Aaron McKie,” Iverson said and he repeated the name three more times. “I mean he was my teammate but he was on another level. He was my teammate but he was my friend.” Iverson paused long and hard in between his thoughts, fighting back tears.
“He helped me so much in my career,” Iverson continued. “I talk about the mistakes that I made in my career. I made a million of them, but if it weren’t for Aaron McKie I would have made two million of them. He is just somebody I always listened to and could talk to about anything.”
Next: Lou Williams
Dec 2, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards guard Jared Dudley (1) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. The Lakers won 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Lou Williams -25
Lou Williams played guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, in the years following the Sixers parting with longtime star Allen Iverson. Scoring 5,158 points for the Sixers in seven seasons, he did place fifth on the all time Sixer three point scoring list.
During the 2007–08 season, Williams averaged 11.3 ppg, 3.2 apg and 2.0 rpg. At the end of that season, Williams became a restricted free agent and signed a five-year deal worth $25 million to remain with Philadelphia. His career was unique, as in the 2011 season Williams led the 76ers in scoring with 14.9 points per game, despite not starting a single game. He ended up as runner up in the NBA sixth man award that year.
He is currently playing this season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Next: Jodie Meeks
Apr 12, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jodie Meeks (20) shoots the ball over Charlotte Hornets forward Noah Vonleh (11) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 116-77. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jodie Meeks -24
Jodie Meeks is a 6’4” 208 pound shooting guard who was drafted in the eleventh pick of second round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks from the University of Kentucky Wildcats. Meeks was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on February 18, 2010. It was a four player trade, where the Sixers acquired Meeks and center Francisco Elson in exchange for center Primoz Brezec, guard Royal Ivey and a second-round draft pick in 2010
“Jodie Meeks is a player that we targeted during the 2009 NBA Draft and believe that he has the talent to be successful in this league for many years,” Stefanski said. “Both Meeks and Elson are welcome additions to our team.”
Meeks is currently playing is his eighth seasons of his NBA career, and scored 4,103 points over that span. He is a player who wore jerseys of four different teams, but spent the longest time with the Sixers. In just his second start, Meeks scored 26 points (20 in the first quarter), shooting 9–16 from the field, including 7–10 from long range (6–7 in the first quarter). On March 27, 2012, Meeks scored 31, a new career high. His three seasons generated just 1,442 points for the team. He struggled in the 2011-2012 season, and was benched in place of Evan Turner.
He was not resigned, but was later picked up by the Los Angeles Lakes were he enjoyed a 1,209 point season in 2009-2010 season. He is currently playing for the Detroit Pistons
Next: Samuel Dalembert
Dec 21, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Samuel Dalembert (11) defends during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Samuel Dalembert – 23
Samuel Dalembert is a 6’11” Canadien-Haitian center who played 13 season in the NBA, but whose career is most identified with the eight years playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. His NBA career may be over, but he was reported just last week as signing with Shanxi of the Chinese Basketball Association along with shooting guard Jamaal Franklin.
Nicknamed the “Haitian Sensation”, Dalembert was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2001 NBA draft at 26. He remained a Sixer until June 2010, when his discontent with his role on the team persuaded the Sixers to trade the lone Haitian born player to the Sacramento Kings for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes.
“We are excited to add two players in Spencer Hawes and Andres Nocioni who will help us immediately and provide us with additional frontcourt depth,” Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski said in a statement. “Spencer is a young seven-footer who will provide us with versatility at the center position, while Andres will provide us with a tough veteran presence.”
In eight seasons with the Sixers, Dalembert scored 4,710 points and managed to put up a career high 879 points in the 2006-2007 season. Dalembert was more well known for his blocking and rebounding ability, but in his NBA career he scored 6,814 points and shot a very respectable 52.1% in field goals.
Next: Luke Jackson
Luke Jackson – 22
Luscious Brown “Luke” Jackson may not come to mind immediately as a top Philadelphia 76er scorer, but that is more the passing of time than a marginal performance. He was the 6’ 9” 240 pound center/power forward of the Sixers for the eight seasons from 1964 through 1972.
Drafted in the first round by the Sixers in the 1964 NBA draft at number four, his performance helped to propel the Sixers in six of his eight seasons with the team. he was named to the NBA’s 1964–65 All Rookie team after averaging 14.8 points and 12.9 rebounds per game. He played alongside Wilt Chamberlain, and was also a key part of the 1966-1967 Sixers team that kept the Boston Celtics from stringing nine consecutive NBA championships.
He scored 5,170 points with the Sixers, but his most productive year was his rookie season in 1964-1965, when he scored 1,126 points.
The Sixers felt that his performance would allow them to fill the void caused when the team traded Wilt Chamberlain to the Los Angeles Lakers. He never quite managed to do so, particularly after suffering a serious injury to his ankle in 1969.
Next: Jerry Stackhouse
Jerry Stackhouse -21
Jerry Stackhouse is a recognizable NBA name, even if you do not associate him with the Philadelphia 76ers. He played an incredible 21 seasons in the NBA, and spent three of those years with the Sixers.
Stackhouse was selected in the first round of the 1995 NBA draft with the third pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. He suffered an unfair comparison to Michael Jordan, who also played at North Carolina, went #3 in the draft, and stood 6’6″ tall with similar builds, and had similarly styles. Coincidentally, both had a taller power forward from UNC drafted immediately after them in the #4 spot, Sam Perkins in 1984, and Rasheed Wallace in 1995.
In his first season with the 76ers, Stackhouse led his team with a 19.2 points per game (PPG) average, and was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie team. In the 1996–97 season, the 76ers also drafted Allen Iverson. Combined, the two posted 44.2 points per game for the Sixers.
He would not finish his third season with the 76ers, as he was traded with Eric Montroess for Theo Ratliff, Aaron McKie, and considerations.
Throughout his career, he scored 16,409 points. In his three seasons as a Sixer, he put 3,416 points on the scoreboard.
Next: Kyle Korver
Oct 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) reacts to a three-point basket in the third quarter of their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 100-86. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Korver – 20
Kyle Korver is second in the Philadelphia 76ers all time three point scoring behind one man, Allen Iverson. An NBA veteran of 14 years, Korver played for the Sixers from 2003-2007.
Korver was selected with the 51st overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets. His draft rights were traded later that night to the Philadelphia 76ers for $125,000. The cash covered the Nets’ Summer League bill and they spent the leftover money on a new copy machine. Fortunately for the Sixers, Korver developed into one of the NBA’s most valued swingmen.
“We gave away a good player for summer league,” says Rod Thorn, the Nets GM at the time. “It was just one of those things we had to do. At least, that’s how I rationalized it.”
“The game over the last four or five years has become so much more suited to the way he plays today,” says Jerry Sloan, who coached Korver in Utah.
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Korver finished his rookie season averaging 4.1 points in 11.9 minutes per game.
He finished the 2004–05 season tied for the NBA league leader in three-pointers made with 226, which is also a 76ers franchise record. He had a career-high 31 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 24, 2006,and duplicated that performance on February 21, 2007 at home against the New York Knicks.
He averaged a career-high 14.4 points per game for the 2006–07 season. He also led the NBA in free-throw percentage after he shot 91.4 percent on the season.
Next: Thaddeus Young
Dec 12, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Thaddeus Young -19
Thaddeus Young became a Philadelphia 76er in the 2007 draft, when his name was called by the team at the twelfth overall pick. Young played power forward for the Sixers during the time of the slow decline which would eventually lead to the hire of President and general manager Sam Hinkie.
Young recorded 7,078 points as a Sixer in seven seasons from 2007 until 2014, when he was traded in three team deal which gave Young to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Sixers received Alex Shved, Luc Mbah a Moute, and a 2015 first round draft pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
On March 7, 2010, Young recorded a career high 32 points in a 114-101 win over the Toronto Raptors. And on February 21, 2014, Young set a career high with 29 field goal attempts, going on to record 30 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 7 steals in a 112-124 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Young is eighth on the Sixers offensive rebound list with 1,027. He continues in his NBA career, currently playing for the Brooklyn Nets.
Next: Doug Collins
Doug Collins -18
Doug Collins played for the Philadelphia 76ers for eight seasons, a player who played on the team his entire career. It was after he left the NBA that the Sixers found a way to overcome both the Bodton Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers by bringing in Moses Malone.
Despite being drafted by ABA teams, he never played in that league. He chose to play in the NBA, where he had been the number one overall pick in the 1973 NBA draft, picked by the Philadelphia 76ers. He only played 25 games his rookie year, the 1973–74 season, averaging 8 points per game. His numbers improved substantially over the next few seasons, scoring almost 18 points and dishing out 2.6 assists while getting almost 4 rebounds per game in 81 games played during 1974–75 season, and then scoring 20.8 points per game and grabbing four rebounds per game in 1975–76. Collins made four All-Star teams in the late 1970s.
He was a consistent player, averaging 19 points and four rebounds per game for the next three seasons, as the 76ers reached the NBA Finals during 1976–77 season. Although the team featured Julius Erving, among others, the Sixers could not overcome Bill Walton and the Portland Trail Blazers in those finals, losing four games to two.
During the 1978–79 season, Collins suffered a serious injury, which limited him to only 47 games that year, and eventually forced him into retirement as a basketball player. His last season was 1980–81, in which he would only play 12 games before announcing his retirement. He did manage to score 7,427 pionts, which is good enough to place him in the 18th All Time scorer for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Next: Andrew Toney
Apr 23, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; NBA Playoffs logo around the court prior to game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Toney -17
Andrew Toney showcased an all-around skill set. It is important to recall his legacy. Toney shot with accuracy and made clutch shots. Toney also possessed a lethal first step and explosive floor game off of the dribble. Known as a “big lights” guy, his game excelled and elevated when the stakes raised.
Of course Philadelphia 76ers fans, Boston Celtics fans, and the entire NBA fan base dubbed Toney the “Boston Strangler,” for his well, “strangling” of the Celtics. In the early 1980s he single-handedly (or with both hands) strangled Boston; including Game 7 of the 1982 Eastern Conference Finals when he scored 34 points in the game. He also scored 30 points in Game 2, 39 points in Game 4 and averaged 26.4 points per game in that series.
Longtime play by play announcer Dick Stockton recalled many of Toney’s games on NBA CBS. He compared Toney to Detroit Pistons’ Joe Dumars and how “they were guys that were tough defensive guards who were counted on to score.”
Andrew Toney was also a great passer. During the 76ers’ 1982-83 championship season Julius Erving remarked that, “he sees things out on the court that other players just don’t see. Andrew has such strong wrists that he can throw the pass off the dribble, sideways, behind his head . . .”
Next: Moses Malone
Moses Malone -16
The late, great Moses Malone was the thunder to Dr. J’s lighting during the 76ers championship run in 1983. The finals MVP performance of that series sweep of the LA Lakers cemented Malone as a Sixer great forever.
Although he only played 5 years in Philadelphia over the course of a 20-year pro career, Malone is a city legend. He scored over 7500 points with Philly, averaging 21 PPG. He was the rock of the front-court for many teams appearing in at least 71 games for his team from ‘78-’92
Moses’ post moves were easy on the eyes, and his fundamentals on both sides of the ball were crisp, and sound. He had excellent footwork on the block, and often times made defenders look silly.
He was no slouch on the boards either. Malone brought in 15+ rebounds per game in ‘83 including 5.9 offensive boards which led to put pack after put back. If the Doctor happened to miss one of his signature high-flying layups, Malone was always right there to clean up and get the basket.
The 76ers announced they will retire Malone’s jersey at the Wells Fargo Center just a few weeks back, and although it’s probably long overdue, it will be nice to finally see #2 hanging in the rafters alongside #6.
Next: Steve Mix
Steve Mix-15
Steve Mix has had multiple careers involving the Philadelphia 76ers. Mix was drafted by the Detroit Pistons, and waived in 1971. In 1973, Mix made his return to the court by signing with the Sixers.
Mix spent his time with the Sixers in the glory days, playing with the team from 1972-1982. He just barely missed the 1983 championship, but he did go to several title series with the team. Ironically, the year that the Sixers won the title, Mix was on the Lakers, the team they defeated in four games.
Mix averaged 20.2 points and 10.1 assists as a Sixer, and represented Philadelphia in the 1975 All Star game. Since those years of Sixers basketball had so many legendary players and lots of success, it’s very easy to forget about some of the guys that contributed, but aren’t recognized as “All-Time greats” today. Mix was one of those guys. Surprisingly, Steve Mix fell just two points under the famous Wilt Chamberlain on the All Time scoring list. His 7,559 points for his Philadelphia 76ers career is good enough to notch him at 15.
After Mix’s season with the Lakers, he left the league for good and retired.
Next: Wilt The Stilt
Wilt Chamberlain -14
Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain was one of the most dominate players to grace the NBA with his presence. Standing at a towering 7’1” Wilt was ahead of his time in both size and skill. Chamberlain was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959 out of the University of Kansas, and was a star from the word go. He compiled over 2700 points in his rookie season winning MVP, and opened up his career with 6 straight 2500+ point seasons.
His ability to sky over players with his sheer length was unprecedented. Wilt was often guarded by players who were giving up several inches and just couldn’t properly defend his size. His only real competition was Bill Russell in Boston. It was too easy at times for Wilt as he led the league in points for seven seasons, and in rebounds for 11.
Chamberlain is not only an NBA Hall of Famer, but he is an all-time great in the City of Philadelphia as well. He played his high school ball at Overbrook High School in Philly, and spent 7 of his 154years in the league playing for the Philadelphia Warriors, Philadelphia Sixers.
He won two titles in his career, one with the Sixers in ‘67, and one with the Lakers in ‘72. He also played in a total of 13 all-star games. Surprisingly, when you think of All Time Scorers of the Philadelphia 76ers, his is likely the first name that to mind. But his place on the record books comes in at 14th place, with 7,651 points scored.
His most dominant season came in 1961 with the Warriors where he managed to average an unheard of 50 points a game! His average was undoubtedly boosted that year by his world famous 100 point game in March of ‘62 which has never been replicated.
All in all “The Big Dipper put together quite the amazing career stat line…In 1045 games played Wilt averaged 30 points, and 23 rebounds a game. His number one spot on the all-time leading scorers list was taken over by the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, however he still holds the record for most rebounds to this day.
The man was an enigma all the way up to his death in 1999, and will forever go down as one of Philadelphia’s greatest scorers of all time.
Next: H ins
Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia 76ers cheerleader performs in a holiday outfit during a timeout in the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The Knicks won 107-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Hersey Hawkins -13
When talking about leading all time scorers for the Philadlephia 76ers, Hersey Hawkins has to be brought up. Although Hawkins doesn’t show up within the top 10 scoring Sixers of all time, or the top 25 NBA scorers of all time, there’s no doubt that he was a great scorer in his time of playing.
Hawkins unfortunately was unable to spend his whole career with the Sixers, and that really hurt his rankings with the Sixers on the all time scoring list. If all of his career points were scored with the Sixers, he would have been fourth on the Sixers all time list.
Hawkins scored 14,470 points throughout his career, and 7.657 of those points came in his five years with Philadlephia. In all of his seasons as a Sixer, Hawkins averaged at least double digit points, and averaged in the 20s in two different seasons.
Hawkins wasn’t a lifetime Sixer, but would go on and play a respectable career elsewhere in the NBA. All Sixers fans remember where he got his start, though.
Next: Fred Carter
Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers cheerleaders perform during a timeout in the second half against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The Knicks won 107-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Fred Carter -12
Fred Carter played six seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers, and scored 7,673 points for the team. But he is likely most famous as he played on and became the MVP of the worst team in NBA history- the 9 win 73 loss Philadelphia 76ers team of 1972-73.
He was not pleased with the 76ers in 2014, so there is no reason to believe he is any more satisfied with this season.
“There’s a difference in terms of what transpired when I was playing as opposed to what’s going on now,” said Carter, a native Philadelphian who now lives in Plymouth Meeting. “When I was playing [losing] was not intentionally done. For some reason management thought that they had put together a good team that could win games. Unfortunately that was not the case. In the case of the [current] Sixers, this is all by design from Day One.”
He averaged 20 points per game in that horrid 1972-1973 season, and 18.8 PPG for his Sixer career.
He would return to coach the Sixers for the 1992 to mid 1994 seasons.
Next: Larry Costello
Larry Costello-11
Larry Costello’s NBA career was a very bumpy ride as far as moving around. He started out in Philly, but with the Philadelphia Warriors that would later move to California. He was traded to the Syracuse Nationals, but rather than move to join his new team in New York, the team relocated to Philly to join him when it became the Philadelphia 76ers.
Two times as a Sixer Costello led the league in free throw percentage, and was selected to several All-Star games. Costello was a solid player for Philly 12.9 points and dishing out 4.7 assists per game in Syracuse and Philadelphia.
Costello was injured for part of that season, but came back in time to be a force for the playoffs. In his career, Larry Costello scored 7,957 points for the Sixers, good enough for eleventh place on the All Time Scoring list.
Next: Chet Walker
Chet Walker -10
Chet Walker is a thirteen season NBA star who dominated the game. A 6’4” small forward, he began his NBA career with the Syracuse Nationals in 1962. The following season, he remained with the team as it became the Philadelphia 76ers, a team he would spend the next six seasons with. He scored 9,043 points for the Sixers in his career, and his name appears as one of the top leaders on virtually every offensive statistic for the team.
He led the NBA with an accuracy rate of 85.9 percent in 1970–71, and ranked among the top-10 free-throwers five other times. He was also a key member of the Sixers team that included Wilt Chamberlain, Hall Greer, Wall Jones, and sixth man Billy Cunningham.
On February 24, 2012 (two days after Walker’s 72nd birthday) it was announced that Chet Walker was elected to the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame by the veterans committee. He was formally inducted into the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts on September 7, 2012.
Next: Iggy
Dec 12, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Andre Iguodala-9
I knew him as “Iggy”. Some referred to him as AI2 or even as Dolla Billz, but Andre Iguadola played a very good game of basketball for the Philadelphia 76ers. He was drafted ninth by the Sixers in the 2004 NBA draft, and played eight seasons for the team. Curiously, he was not a unanimous decision. On draft night, ESPN commentator Dick Vitale suggested that it was a mistake for the Sixers to take him, explaining that “Iguodala was a [27 percent] shooter from the college three-point line. He’s not going to be able to play”, Iguodala used this as motivation in what proved to be a very productive rookie season, as competitors often do.
Iguodala was thrust into the starting lineup immediately during his rookie season and was the only 76er to play and start all 82 regular season games plus 5 playoff games. He never looked back. He blended well with Allen Iverson, but learned to play with Andrew Miller, who assumed teh point guard role after Iverson was traded to the Denver Nuggets.
In eight seasons, Iggy scored an amazing 9,422 points for the Sixers. He is currently playing a reserve role for the Golden State Warriors.
Next: Moe Cheeks
Feb 5, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Maurice Cheeks reacts against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 112-98. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Maurice Cheeks-8
A great balance of scoring ability combined with unselfishness, Cheeks is a legend.
Since I believe that Maurice Cheeks belongs in the NBA Hall of Fame, it comes as no surprise to place his name on this list.
Cheeks played as a Sixer for over ten years and belonged to the 1983 title team, possibly one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Cheeks also helped the Sixers appear in three NBA Championship series. A quality NBA point guard and defensive player, Cheeks was fundamental and heady. He shot over 80% from the free throw line in three seasons as a Sixers. He also shot 50% or more from the field for nine straight seasons.
Known as a defensive player, Cheeks made NBA history as an offensive player too. His 10,429 points is good for eighth on the all time 76ers leading scorer. He also ranks fifth all-time in steals and eleventh all-time in assists.
Next: Red Kerr
Nov 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Philadelphia 76ers logo on the warm up shirt of center Jahlil Okafor (not pictured) prior to action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls won 111-88. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Red Kerr-7
Johnny Graham “Red” Kerr was drafted by the Syracuse Nationals in the first round of the 1954 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, 1954-55, he joined Dolph Schayes, Paul Seymour, Earl Lloyd, and Ephraim “Red” Rocha on a team that won the Eastern Division. The Syracuse Nationals, the “Nats”, then rode over the Boston Celtics and the Fort Wayne Pistons to capture the team’s only championship while in Syracuse (the Nationals became the Philadelphia 76ers in 1963).
Kerr spent 11 of his 12 seasons with the franchise — nine in Syracuse, two in Philadelphia — before playing his last year with the Baltimore Bullets. Although overshadowed by the more prolific Schayes, the 6-9 Kerr was the steadiest of forces. He averaged double figures in scoring for 10 straight seasons, beginning with his rookie campaign. He also pulled down more than 12.0 rebounds per game in eight straight seasons from 1956 through 1964, with a high of 14.7 boards per game in 1961-62.
Red Kerr scored 11,699 points for the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers team, and pulled down 9,506 rebounds. But his most outstanding statistic is his streak of 844 consecutive games played from 1954-1965. To avoid missing games, he would place his injured joints into the snow he had shoveled from his driveway. Despite playing during the reign of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, Kerr was an All-Star in 1956, 1959, and 1963. He retired in 1966 with 12,480 points and 10,092 rebounds.
Next: Billy Cunningham
Aug 8, 2014; Springfield, MA, USA; 2002 NCAA National Champion coach Gary Williams is inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame by presenter Hall of Fame player Billy Cunningham ( 86) (not pictured) during the 2014 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Springfield Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
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The Naismith Hall of Fame starts its biography on Billy Cunningham by saying, “A fiery and effective performer, Billy Cunningham’s exceptional and unusual leaping ability earned him the name, the “Kangaroo Kid.” Cunningham did enough throughout his career to earn him a spot in the Hall of Fame, was an ABA All Star one year, and contributed in a large way to a Philadelphia 76ers championship.
Billy Cunningham, compared to all Sixers scorers, comes in at sixth in all time scoring right behind Charles Barkley with 13,626 Sixer points. Looking at the NBA and ABA combined, Cunningham scored over 16,000 points.
Cunningham was almost always averaging over 10 points per game, and even had seasons above 25 points per game as a Sixer. Cunningham has been highly regarded by the league, and can’t be left out of the all time scoring conversation when compared to other Sixers.
Check out Billy Cunningham’s Hall of Fame Write-up Here
Next: Sir Charles
May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Former NBA player and current TNT television personality Charles Barkley prior to game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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Charles Wade Barkley was the #5 overall selection by the 76ers in the 1984 draft, and was one of the best picks in Sixers history. A hall of fame inductee in 2006, Barkley did the most with his god given talent, and size that any man could do in the NBA.
Standing at just 6’6” Barkley was an undersized power forward that had an amazing ability to eat up rebounds. He was a versatile player who had the ability to score, create plays, and defend. His toughness, and heart was well-documented throughout his career, and it was easy to like “The Round Mound of Rebound.”
Rebounding wasn’t the only aspect of his game the Barkley has success with. He was a prolific scorer in his 8 years with Philadelphia averaging 23 points a game. Barkley was a double-double machine throughout his entire career never averaging less than double digits in either category besides his rookie year. And that rookie year was on a team with Dr. J, and Moses Malone fresh off of a championship, so Barkley wasn’t the focal point.
Despite his success, Barkley’s career did not go without controversy as he was known to have a bad temper, and battled with coaches often. His frustration came to a boil in 1992 when he was moved to the Phoenix Suns in what would go down as the most lopsided trade of the decade.
Barkley experienced similar success in Phoenix over the next four years, but an NBA title still eluded him. In a last ditch effort to win a ring, Barkley joined the Houston Rockets in 1996 trying to help Hakeem Olajuwon and company win their second championship, but it was to no avail.
When “Sir Charles” officially retired in 2000, he was just the fourth player in NBA history to compile 20,000 points, and 10,00 rebounds.
Next: Dr. J
Feb 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; NBA legend Julius Erving speaks while Magic Johnson looks on during the NBA All-Star Game Legends Brunch at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Julius “Dr. J” Erving is perhaps the most recognizable 76er of all-time. He spent 11 seasons with Philadelphia, and won an NBA Championship in the 1983 season.
A 6”7” small forward, Dr. J was an innovator of basketball, introducing the world to a more modernized version featuring high flying dunks, and athletic prowess never seen before. Erving’s flashy style of play made him a fan favorite across the country. He was elected an all-star 11 years in the NBA, and was a driving force behind the merging of the ABA, and NBA.
Some of his most impressive accolades include 5x NBA first all-team, NBA MVP in ‘81, ABA, All-time team, and An induction to the Hall of Fame in ‘93
Erving did it all on the court, and was as versatile as they come. He could score, he could rebound, he could pass, and was a shutdown defender. Undoubtedly the most well rounded player of his time, Erving captivated fans on a nightly basis with every opportunity he got.
His career averages are as followed: 23.9 PPG, 8.4 REB, 4.1 AST, 2 STL, and 1.7 BLK
Dr. J was a stat sheet stuffer on a nightly basis, and will forever be adored by Philly fans for being such a one of a kind talent that brought the franchise their first NBA championship.
Next: Dolph Schayes
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Dolph Schayes was one of professional basketball’s early superstars, a crack shooter and top rebounder whose career stretched from the NBA’s inaugural year to basketball’s emergence as a major sporting attraction. He was a pioneer, an athlete whose perfomances were so electrifying that he drew fans to the NBA to catch a game, just to see him play.
Play is a good description. While others labored, Schayes played. His fifteen seasons in the NBA earned his place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He has been named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
Fourteen seasons with the Syracuse Nationals, and one with the Philadelphia 76ers when the team moved south. He scored a whopping 18,438 points with his season high of 1,791 points popped in the 1957-58 season.
He was practically the only scoring leader Syracuse ever had — leading the team’s offense in 13 of the club’s 17 year existence. Schayes never played for another organization, logging 15 seasons with Syracuse, following the team as it became the Philadelphia 76ers, and then becoming its coach.
Dolph Schayes passed away on December 10, 2015, at the age of 87 years. His legend lives on as one of the most dominating basketball players of NBA history.
Next: Allen Iverson
Mar 1, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers former guard Allen Iverson during his jersey number retirement ceremony at halftime of game between the 76ers and Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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If you look up the word scorer in a dictionary there’s a picture of Allen Iverson rockin a cheeky smile and a doo rag.
Iverson is THE 76er of the 21st century, and is someone I grew up idolizing as a fan. “A 6 foot guard from Georgetown.” Iverson was the first overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft. He had incredible speed and agility, and a knack for getting buckets. The Sixers at the time were at the bottom of the NBA totem pole, and needed someone like Allen to revive the franchise.
Iverson did just that, and then some. He was the face of the franchise for 12 seasons with Philadelphia, and over that period he established himself as one of the best scorers in the league.
AI averaged 27.6 PPG during his lengthy career with the 76ers which is 6th all-time, including three 30+ PPG seasons. The offense ran through him at all times. Never shy to take a shot, Allen Iverson averaged nearly 22 field goal attempts per game in his career. With Philadelphia, he did not have much scoring power behind him, and often times he was forced to carry the load scoring regardless of how well he was playing.
But that volume of shots doesn’t diminish the kind of achievements Iverson compiled throughout his FHOF career.
He earned MVP in the 2000-2001 season taking the 76ers to the finals against Kobe, Shaq, and the Lakers. Even though they did not win the finals, that season was the year of Allen Iverson.
Pound-for-pound he is the best there ever was. Never hindered by his size, Allen Iverson could cross-over the entire league and take it to the basket for an and-1.
Next: Hal Greer
Jan 20, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; General view of NBA Dream Big logo on the court for Martin Luther King Jr. Day before the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
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And the top scorer is?
“Consistency,” Greer once said to the Philly Daily News. “For me, that was the thing I would like to be remembered as a great, consistent player.”
Greer was drafted by the Nationals and moved with the team to Philadelphia. He helped to guide the Sixers to the 1967 championship and put an end to the eight year reign of Boston. A ten-time All-Star, Greer is an NBA Hall of Famer and was an All-NBA player seven times. Greer is the Philadelphia 76ers all-time leader in scoring, games, minutes, two-point field goals and attempts.
According to NBA.com, “If Chamberlain was the team’s go-to guy, then Greer was its quarterback — the man who made the action happen.”
A Herald-Tribune sportswriter claimed that “if there were an award given for a player who is most respected by basketball-insiders, while getting the minimum public appreciation, Greer could win hands down.”
Next: Top 5 Sixers centers of all-time
Greer’s scored 21,586 total points for the Philadelphia 76ers. That places him number one on the all time list, and likely will remain there for the foreseeable future.