The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: 15 greatest draft picks in franchise history

By Christopher Kline

(Photo by Melanie Fidler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Melanie Fidler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kerr, No. 10 at the front. (Photo by The Stevenson Collection/NBAE via Getty Images)
Kerr, No. 10 at the front. (Photo by The Stevenson Collection/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Drafted in 1954, Red Kerr was a major part of the Syracuse Nationals’ 1955 championship run as a rookie. He went on to spend 11 seasons with the organization, transitioning with the team to Philadelphia in 1963-64.

Kerr was a dominant force in the paint, averaging 11.4 rebounds per game during his time with the Sixers. He was also a three-time All-Star during that span, all while playing 844 consecutive games between 1954 and 1965.

After his playing career, Kerr went on to be the Chicago Bulls’ first head coach following their addition to the league as an expansion team in 1966. The Bulls went on to become the first expansion team to earn a playoff berth in its inaugural season, earning Kerr Coach of the Year honors.

Oh, and Kerr’s front office partner in Chicago? Jerry Colangelo, who would play pick-up games with Kerr against the Bulls’ top draft picks in the summer. According to Kerr, they never lost a game.