PHILADELPHIA 76ERS FRANCHISE FACTS:
Founded: 1939
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Stadium: Wells Fargo Center
Conference: Eastern Conference
Division: Atlantic Division
Mascot: Hip-hop
Dancers: Sixers Dancers
Notable Players: Charles Barkley, Wilt Chamberlain
Philadelphia 76ers Championship Titles: 3
Philadelphia 76ers Conference Titles: 6
See Also:
Philadelphia 76ers Playoff tickets
Philadelphia 76ers Season Preview History
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS EXPERIENCE:
The Philadelphia 76ers, originally founded in 1939, may be one of the most well-known franchises in the National Basketball Association, thanks to a rich history shaped by some of the greatest players to ever walk on an NBA court. A former incarnation of the team, known as the Syracuse Nationals, went on to win the NBA championship in 1955 before starting a slow decline in attendance and play that would lead to their relocation to Philadelphia in 1963.
The 76ers struck it big soon after they moved to the City of Brotherly Love, when they acquired Wilt Chamberlain before the 1964-65 season. Largely considered to be one of the best players to ever play the game, Chamberlain instantly changed the team's fortunes. While the 7-foot-1-inch center brought a competitive edge to the team in 1965, it was the 1966-67 season that most 76ers fans look back on with pride. The team had its dream season by starting 46-4 and beating their old nemesis - the Celtics - in the semifinals. The NBA Finals became the platform for a historic victory, with the 76ers defeating the San Francisco Warriors in six games. The illustrious roster of that memorable season is largely considered to be one of the best teams in league history.
The squad tailed off after their glory years of the late '60s and didn't return to prominence until the early '80s. In the 1982-83 season, the franchise won the NBA championship for the third time and was led by center Moses Malone, Hall of Famer Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Maurice Cheeks, Andrew Toney and Bobby Jones. This cohort of 76ers was all swagger and absolutely enthralling to watch. Their triumph gave Dr. J his one and only NBA championship throughout his storied career (he had two American Basketball Association titles).
After cycling through superstars like Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley and many others, the 76ers have shied away from the big star power and flashy free agent signings of the past to focus on a more cohesive style of team-building. Through a series of solid draft picks and acquisitions, the 76ers built a solid young core of players that made occasional playoff appearances throughout the 2000s. While they have yet to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers can rely on a dedicated fanbase and a city that will support them through thick and thin for the foreseeable future.