The Philadelphia 76ers have had a few rim assassins over the years. Whether it was in the Spectrum, the Wachovia Center, or the Wells Fargo Center, these players amazed the Sixers fanbase with supreme athleticism and incredible dunks.
Some of the best dunkers in the history of the NBA played for the Philadelphia 76ers. They defied gravity, demonstrating creativity and style in their own unique way. When you think of the Sixers and their long basketball tradition, certain dunkers come to mind. Those names are forever connected to memorable highlights because of their basketball showmanship as they flew through the air and attacked the rim with ferocity.
Prior to ranking, here is the criteria used to place the dunkers in order. Each player is given a score 1-5 based on their career full of incredible slams.
- Power
- Agility
- Creativity
Let’s explore these great dunkers who once wore a 76ers uniform.
Darryl Dawkins
Fondly known as “Chocolate Thunder”, Darryl Dawkins never met a dunk he didn’t like. Known for his brute strength and flare as a player, he would rattle rims and leave fans in the stands with their jaws dropped to the floor.
He played center for the Nets, Jazz, and Pistons, but he spent most of his career with the Sixers. He even played in the infamous 1977 championship series alongside Julius Erving, where the Sixers blew a 2-0 lead against Bill Walton and his Blazers squad.
Although Dawkins never averaged more than 16.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in his career, fans who witnessed his shattered backboards and outrageous dunks will attest to getting their money’s worth in entertainment.
- Power: 5
- Agility: 3
- Creativity: 3
TOTAL: 11/15
Charles Barkley
Drafted out of Auburn University in 1984, Charles Barkley would start his career as a 76er. He had the skills of a guard, but he had the body and strength of a power forward. It made him virtually unstoppable against his opponents.
Known as the “Round Mound of Rebound”, Barkley made a name for himself as a rapacious rebounder and big-time scorer. He had nifty moves and a handle that would rival most guards in his era. In the same breath, the Hall of Famer could rise up against any center and slam it with authority.
He never entered any dunk contests, but his highlight reel of two handed stuffs and one handed jams are enough to impress any casual NBA fan from any generation. When he left Philly, he ended up in Phoenix, where he played for a championship against the Chicago Bulls. He retired as a Houston Rocket after a major injury.
- Power: 5
- Agility: 4
- Creativity: 3
TOTAL: 12/15
Jerry Stackhouse
In 1995, the Sixers chose Jerry Stackhouse with the third pick in the draft. Coming out of North Carolina, Stackhouse had tremendous promise. He had a similar game to another famous Tar Heel who played shooting guard in the 80s. He might’ve heard of him. Some guy named “Air Jordan”.
Although Jerry Stackhouse never came close to the celebrated career of Michael Jordan, he did have a highlight reel full of amazing dunks. He’s also known for competing in multiple dunk contests, showing off his agility and power at the rim. The irony is that Stackhouse played alongside M.J. with the Washington Wizards after his run with the Sixers and Pistons.
Though he did not bring home a dunk contest trophy in 1996 or 2000, Stackhouse punished quite a few NBA rims during his career that lasted two decades. It is too bad that he and Allen Iverson could not coexist as teammates in the 90s.
- Power: 4
- Agility: 5
- Creativity: 4
TOTAL: 13/15
Andre Iguodala
Before he was an NBA Finals MVP for the Golden State Warriors, Andre Iguodala was a Sixer. Drafted in 2004, he played alongside Allen Iverson and was handed the torch once A.I. was traded to Denver.
From the start, Iggy was a missile in the open court. Even as a rookie out of Arizona, Iguodala quickly established himself as a fearless player. His athleticism was a huge reason why the Sixers drafted him, and he showed it off immediately.
Within the first few years of his career, he gained notoriety when he participated in the NBA Slam Dunk contest. With one of the most original dunks in contest history, Iguodala started from behind the backboard, and proceeded to do the unthinkable. He ran and caught a pass off the back of the backboard from Allen Iverson and slammed it with one hand. Clearly, he was robbed that year, with Nate Robinson stealing the trophy after taking over a dozen attempts on a dunk that wasn’t even close to as impressive as Iggy’s.
Today, Iguodala may not have the hops he once had, but he will go down as the second best dunker in Sixers history.
- Power: 4
- Agility: 5
- Creativity: 5
TOTAL: 14/15
Julius Erving
Julius Erving will go down in history as one of the most recognizable and celebrated basketball players in the history of the game. Some may forget that Dr. J. didn’t even begin his career as a 76er. During his ABA days, there was a fight over who would keep the contract rights to Julius Erving. The New York Nets wanted him badly. Yet, teams in the ABA were falling like dominoes, and only four remained when the merger happened. That is when Dr. J. would find a new home, being brought to the 76ers.
When Dr. J. became a Sixer, the NBA got a boost in popularity. Why? Dr. J. was the first player to jump from the foul line in a dunk contest when he was in the ABA. He was such a highflying extraordinaire, this signature dunk would be etched into the minds of NBA fans for years to come.
With his afro and graceful style, Dr. J. would inspire countless players in the NBA, including Michael Jordan. The Doctor would showcase his dunk skills in games at anytime and against anyone. Whether it was a dunk on Bill Walton or Michael Cooper, both in the NBA Finals, Julius Erving solidified his status as the top dunker in 76ers history.
- Power: 5
- Agility: 5
- Creativity: 5
TOTAL: 15/15
Was anyone left off the list? Agree or disagree with the dunker rankings? Let us know in the comment section.