The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: 15 greatest seasons in franchise history

By Christopher Kline

Moses Malone | Philadelphia 76ers (Photos by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images)
Moses Malone | Philadelphia 76ers (Photos by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Original Caption) Boston: 76ers’ Wilt  Chamberlain (L) and NBA referee Mendy Rudolph (R) disagree, 1st period, 6th NBA Eastern playoff game, Boston Garden. The Celtics downed the 76ers 114-106. Both teams are now 3-3 in playoffs.
(Original Caption) Boston: 76ers’ Wilt  Chamberlain (L) and NBA referee Mendy Rudolph (R) disagree, 1st period, 6th NBA Eastern playoff game, Boston Garden. The Celtics downed the 76ers 114-106. Both teams are now 3-3 in playoffs. /

10. 1967-68 season (62-20, lost in div. finals)

Following the franchise’s second NBA championship in 1967, the Sixers moved into a new arena — The Spectrum. It was another strong campaign, featuring 62 wins and a variety of strong individual campaigns.

The Sixers would again make it to the division finals, facing the vaunted Boston Celtics for a second consecutive season. Philadelphia jumped out to a commanding 3-1 lead, but well before the Golden State Warriors popularized the phrase, the Sixers blew it.

It resulted in a Celtics-Lakers title fight, with Philadelphia watching in agony from home. Wilt Chamberlain was dealt the following summer — heading to L.A. and ending his 3.5-season run in South Philly. Chamberlain remains arguably the greatest player the franchise has seen.

In his final season with the team, Wilt averaged 24.3 points, 23.8 rebounds (!!!), 8.6 assists and 46.8 minutes per contest. Those numbers are hard to swallow compared to the modern NBA. He was a singular, unique talent. He holds a special place in NBA (and Sixers) history.

In addition to Chamberlain, the Sixers were home to Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham, Chet Walker and Luke Jackson. Among the others was Matt Guokas — the same one who took over Cunningham’s coaching void in 1985.

Despite minor regression after a championship run, it’s impossible not to leave 1967-68 in the top 10. There was too much winning and too much history at stake. It was the final run for an all-time great on what, by modern standards, qualifies as a super team.