Sixers History

The Philadelphia 76ers, formerly known as the Syracuse Nationals, are celebrating their 60th anniversary as an NBA franchise. Each issue this season, Drive Magazine will be taking a look at some of the most memorable players in team history, position by position. This month, we take a look at forwards, highlighted by the one and only Charles Wade Barkley and the legendary Julius…The Doctor… Ervvving!

Charles Barkley
Yrs w/Franchise: 8 • Career Averages: 22.1 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.53 spg

One of the most outspoken and well-recognized athletes of his generation, “Sir Charles” got his professional start with the Sixers. The “Round Mound of Rebound” quickly emerged as one of the league’s elite players, earning All-NBA First Team honors four straight seasons with the Sixers from 1987-88 through 1990-91. Barkley would later win the league’s MVP award with the Suns in 1993 and was a member of the immortal “Dream Team” at the 1992 Olympics.

Dolph Schayes
Yrs w/Franchise: 15 (16 with NBL seasons) • Career Averages: 18.5 ppg, 12.1 rpg, 3.1 apg

Considered one the NBA’s first superstars, Schayes retired as the league’s scoring champion in 1964. In his 15 years with the franchise, the team made the playoffs all but once and won the championship in 1955. Schayes was selected to the All-Star game 12 times and was named to the All-NBA First Team six times and Second Team an additional six times. In addition, Schayes was also the first-ever coach of the Sixers and earned Coach of the Year honors in 1965-66.

George McGinnis
Yrs w/Franchise: 3 • Career Averages: 20.2 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.72 spg

McGinnis’ time with the Sixers was short and sweet, lasting just three seasons. However, he made two All-Star games during that time and earned All-NBA First Team honors in 1975-76 and Second Team honors in 1976-77. With McGinnis as the team’s second leading scorer, the Sixers advanced to the NBA Finals in 1977 and the Eastern Conference Finals in 1978. McGinnis began his professional career with the Indiana Pacers in the ABA and was named to the league’s All-Time Team.

Johnny “Red” Kerr
Yrs w/Franchise: 11 • Career Averages: 13.8 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 2.2 apg

Better known these days as a broadcaster for the Chicago Bulls, Red helped the Nationals win the championship his rookie season. Despite playing alongside future hall-of-famer Dolph Schayes, Kerr still made three all-star games. His streak of 844 consecutive games played was not broken until the 1982-83 season by Randy Smith. The season following his retirement, Kerr won the Coach of the Year award for guiding the expansion Chicago Bulls to the playoffs.

Luscious “Luke” Jackson
Yrs w/Franchise: 8 • Career Averages: 9.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.6 apg

Playing in the shadow, or in this case, next to the shadow, of Wilt Chamberlain was no enviable task, but Luke Jackson managed to carve his niche nonetheless. As a rookie, paired with the legendary Chamberlain, Jackson averaged 14.8 points and 12.9 rebounds and was named to his first and only All-Star game. He also averaged a double-double during the Sixers title run in the 1967 playoffs. Teammate Billy Cunningham once said of him, “he sacrificed more of his personal game than anyone.”

Julius Erving
Yrs w/Franchise: 11 • Career Averages: 24.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 4.2 apg

One of the most iconic figures in NBA history, “Dr. J” was purchased from the New Jersey Nets following the merger of the ABA into the NBA. He proceeded to lead the Sixers to the playoffs while being selected to the All-Star game in all 11 of his seasons played. In addition to his numerous ABA accolades, Erving was selected to the All-NBA First Team five times and won the MVP in 1981. While he will always be remembered for his jaw-dropping dunks and scoring ability, Erving remains the franchise leader in blocks by a significant margin.

Billy Cunningham
Yrs w/Franchise: 9 • Career averages: 21.2 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 4.3 apg

Standing just 6-6, the “Kangaroo Kid” averaged a point-rebound double-double for his career. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1965-66, was a four-time All-Star and was named All-NBA First Team three consecutive seasons from 1968-69 through 1970-71. Despite his on-court accomplishments, Cunningham is best remembered for coaching the Sixers to the NBA Championship in 1983. He is the only person in franchise history to win the title as both a player and a coach.

Bobby Jones
Yrs w/Franchise: 8 • Career Averages: 12.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg; 2.7 apg; 1.47 spg; 1.40 bpg

An extremely versatile player, Jones averaged over a steal and a block for his career and is regarded as one of the great defenders in league history. Jones was named All-NBA Defensive First Team in nine of his 10 NBA seasons. The first-ever winner of the Sixth Man of the Year award in 1983, Jones is also a tremendous person off the court. Charles Barkley once said of him, “If everyone in the world was like Bobby Jones, the world wouldn’t have any problems.”

Chet Walker
Yrs w/Franchise: 7 • Career Averages: 18.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.1 apg

Nicknamed “Chet the Jet” for his speed and agility, Walker was one of the best open-court forwards of his era. His teams made the playoffs in all 13 of his NBA seasons, including the Sixers championship run in 1967. Walker did not miss more than six games in any season and got better with age, never averaging fewer than 19 points over his final six seasons after only scoring above 19 ppg once his first seven seasons. He was also selected to seven All-Star games.

Doug Collins
Yrs w/Franchise: 8 • Career Averages: 17.9 ppg, 3.3 apg, 3.2 rpg, 1.25 spg

Known best for his work as a broadcaster and as a head coach, Doug Collins was the first overall pick in the 1973 NBA Draft by the Sixers. Although his career was both hampered and prematurely ended by injuries, Collins still made four All-Star teams. For his career, Collins shot 50.1% from the floor and 83.3% from the foul line. He was also a key component during the Sixers run to the NBA Finals in 1977, averaging 22.4 points per game that postseason.