LeBron James' signing with the Philadelphia 76ers has sparked a conversation about the franchise's greatest players of all time.
The 76ers have had their fair share of legendary players, but none more so than the ones who have made the cut in The Sporting News' recent ranking of the top 10 greatest players to ever play for the franchise.
At number 10 is Maurice Cheeks, who played for the 76ers from 1978 to 1993. Cheeks was a four-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive team selection, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. He was renowned for his defensive chops, and Magic Johnson once said, "You knew that you were in for a battle every time you went up against Maurice Cheeks. His anticipation on defense was amazing."
Cheeks was a key figure in the 76ers' 1983 NBA title win, and his defensive skills earned him a reputation as one of the greatest defenders of his generation. He ranks seventh all-time in steals, with 2,310 in his career.
Hal Greer, who played for the 76ers from 1958 to 1973, comes in at number 9. Greer was a 10-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982. He was known for his ability to conjure up enchanting alchemy with his teammate Wilt Chamberlain, and Earl Monroe once wrote, "He always got his shot off, no matter what you did to try to stop him. It was weird and a mystery. And that mystery is part of all great players, because the thing that makes them great is the fact that they know when to do what they have to do and the defender doesn’t. And boy, was he deadly."
Dolph Schayes, who played for the 76ers from 1949 to 1964, comes in at number 8. Schayes was a 12-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA selection, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973. He was known for his high-arching jump shot, which earned him the nickname "The Rainbow Kid." Schayes was also a dogged rebounder, leading the league in rebounds in 1951 with an average of 16.1 per night.
At number 6 is Joel Embiid, who has played for the 76ers since 2017. Embiid is a seven-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion, and was named MVP in 2022. He has been one of the most skilled centers in NBA history, but has struggled with postseason woes and poor health.
Allen Iverson, who played for the 76ers from 1996 to 2010, comes in at number 5. Iverson was an 11-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. He was known for his quickness and mobility on the court, and was the architect of many highlights during his time with the 76ers.
LeBron James' signing with the 76ers has sparked a conversation about the franchise's greatest players of all time. James, who joined the 76ers in free agency, will be playing alongside Joel Embiid, and the two are expected to form a formidable partnership. The 76ers will be hoping to use the experience and skill of their new players to make a deep run in the playoffs, and challenge for the NBA title.
Source: Yahoo Sports