In the storied history of the Philadelphia 76ers, only ten former players have had the honor of seeing their jersey numbers hang from the rafters. From the team’s beginning in Syracuse as the Nationals, led by Dolph Schayes, through the franchise’s renaissance in the early 2000s with Allen Iverson, the Sixers have had some of the NBA’s most prominent stars suit up in the red, white, and blue.
Seasons with 76ers: 5 (1982-86; 1993-94) | Number Retired: February 8, 2019
One of the greatest rebounders ever, Moses Malone won his third NBA MVP Award after propelling Philadelphia to a 65-17 record in 1982-83. He famously predicted “Fo’ Fo’ Fo’,” declaring that the 76ers would sweep each round of the 1983 Playoffs. Malone led the team to a historic 12-1 postseason mark capped by a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. His prediction was updated to “Fo’ Fi’ Fo’” and engraved on the team’s championship rings.
Seasons with 76ers: 11 (1996-2006; 2009-10) | Number Retired: March 1, 2014
Selected as the first overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, Allen Iverson, the superstar from Georgetown University, was as highly touted as any prospect in NBA history. After two stellar NCAA seasons, the first-year Sixer delivered immediately, winning NBA Rookie of the Year and eventually becoming one of basketball's most prolific scorers.
The highlight of Iverson's 76ers career came in 2001, when "The Answer" would claim both the league's scoring and steals titles, as well as the league's Most Valuable Player award, while leading his team to an Eastern Conference Championship. He played six more seasons in Philadelphia before stints with the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies. He returned to the 76ers in the 2009-2010 season and his jersey was retired to the rafters of The Center in 2014.
Seasons with 76ers: 15 (1949-1963) | Number Retired: March 12, 2016
Relying more on skill than brawn, Dolph Schayes helped transform the NBA in its early days. He earned twelve All-NBA selections, was named an NBA All-Star twelve times, and led the team to the playoffs fifteen times in his 16-year career. Schayes holds the franchise record for most seasons (16) and ranks third in points (19,249).
Seasons with 76ers: 11 (1976-1987) | Number Retired: April 18, 1988
Julius Erving is known as one of the greatest and most influential players ever. “Dr. J’s” style of play changed the game. His high-flying moves and all-around play set him apart as he was named to the All-NBA Team seven times, won the 1981 NBA MVP Award, and led the 76ers to the 1982-83 NBA title.
Seasons with 76ers: 11 (1978-1989) | Number Retired: Feb. 6, 1995
Maurice Cheeks manned the point guard position for 11 years in Philadelphia, helping the 76ers advance to three NBA Finals in a four-year span (1980-1983). The 76ers’ all-time leader in assists and steals, he paced the team in both categories in ten of his eleven seasons. Cheeks earned four selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team and played in four NBA All-Star Games.
Seasons with 76ers: 4 (1965-1968) | Number Retired: March 18, 1991
In 1965, a trade brought Wilt Chamberlain home to Philadelphia where he had grown up and played his first three seasons. The most dominant NBA player ever, he won seven consecutive scoring titles from 1959-66, scored 100 points in a game (March 2, 1962), and averaged 50.4 points per game in the 1961-62 season. In 1966-67, “The Big Dipper” led the 76ers to a 68-13 record (then the best mark ever) on the way to his first NBA Championship.
Seasons with 76ers: 15 (1958-1973) | Number Retired: Nov. 19, 1976
Hal Greer displayed a deft shooting touch and remarkable consistency in his fifteen NBA seasons with the Syracuse Nationals and the 76ers. Known for his sweet shooting, he averaged at least 18 points per game in 11 straight seasons. He is the 76ers’ all-time leader in numerous statistical categories, including points (21,586), games (1,122), and field goals (8,504).
Seasons with 76ers: 8 (1978-1986) | Number Retired: Nov. 7, 1986
One of the game’s all-time great defenders, Bobby Jones earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors in six of his eight seasons with the 76ers. “The Secretary of Defense” came off the bench in 1982-83 and promptly won the first NBA Sixth Man Award as a key member of the 76ers’ NBA Championship squad that season.
Seasons with 76ers: 9 (1965-1972; 1974-76) | Number Retired: Dec. 17, 1976
Few basketball careers can match that of Billy Cunningham, who starred on the New York playground, at North Carolina, and with the 76ers. Known as “The Kangaroo Kid” because of his leaping ability, Cunningham was a fierce competitor who won three NBA Championships in Philadelphia as a player and as a coach. His winning percentage (.698) as a coach ranks among the highest in NBA history.
(AS COACH:)
Seasons with 76ers: 8 (1984-1992) | Number Retired: March 30, 2001
Charles Barkley used his power, tenacity, and skill to become one of the greatest low-post players ever. “Sir Charles” led the NBA in rebounding in 1986-87 and spent his first eight seasons in Philadelphia after being selected with the fifth overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft.
