The Philadelphia 76ers are a franchise steeped in NBA history with multiple championships and twenty former players as card-carrying members of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Among those players are some of the greatest big men to ever play the game. The tradition of dominance in the paint is one that few NBA franchises can match. From legends of the past to modern-day stars, these giants of the game have helped to shape the Sixers' identity, becoming fan favorites for multiple generations.
While the “process” of winning their first championship since 1983 has been more of a challenge than expected, the focal point of their current path to hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy rests squarely on the broad shoulders of one of the best big men in today’s game. As we explore the top five big men in Sixers' history, it’s clear that their impact reaches far beyond the stat sheet.
1. Wilt Chamberlain - The Big Dipper
Without question, there is no greater big man to pull on a Sixers jersey than Wilt Chamberlain. For seven seasons Chamberlain was a force on both ends of the court for Philadelphia (1959-62, 1964-68), dominating in a way that defied logic for a man his size. During his relatively short time in Philadelphia, Chamberlain amassed an NBA title, won four MVP awards, set the NBA record for most average points and rebounds in a single season, recorded the first and only 100-point game, and led the league in multiple categories many times over.
With Chamberlain in the lineup, the Sixers were favorites in nearly every game they played with the mere mention of the big man in the lineup altering the betting odds in Philadelphia’s favor.
2. Moses Malone - Chairman of the Boards
Aside from the tail end of his twenty-one-year career, Moses Malone made his presence felt for almost every team he played for, including his five seasons in Philadelphia. Joining the Sixers in 1982, Malone helped the team capture what would be their final NBA championship to date. After winning the regular season MVP, Malone famously predicted the Sixers would win the championship in “fo, fo, fo”, stating his team would sweep each playoff series in four games straight. Although he fell short of a second career as a fortune teller with the Sixers going 12-1 en route to the title, Malone did win the Finals MVP.
One of the NBA’s most prolific rebounders, Malone, who stood 6’10”, 215lbs, twice led the league, earning his nickname, and impacting the game when he wasn’t dropping in buckets. Averaging 21 points and 12 rebounds as a Sixer, Malone quickly made himself a crowd favorite with his blue-collar work ethic.
3. Joel Embiid - The Process
Since being selected by the Sixers with the third pick in the 2014 Draft, the weight of the franchise has been on the broad shoulders of Embiid’s 7’0, 280lb frame. Unlike others on this list, who did most of their damage in the paint, Embiid’s ability to step outside the three-point line has helped him become one of the most dominant forces in today’s game. With a mix of power, finesses, on-court vision, handles and trash-talking bravado, Embiid has earned his way into the hearts of the Philly faithful.
Unfortunately for the Sixers and their fans, one of the major negatives in Embiid’s game is his ability to remain healthy, only once playing 68 games during his eight years. Despite his limited gameplay, Embiid remains a constant MVP favorite, a fact not lost on global sports bettors or those seeking value in sportsbook bonuses. When the big man from Cameroon is on the floor, the odds can shift dramatically, prompting savvy bettors to explore available bonuses and promotions to maximize their potential returns
4. Dikembe Mutombo - Mt. Mutombo
He may have only played two seasons with the Sixers, but in that short span of time Dikembe Mutombo with his defensive intensity, shot-blocking prowess, and legendary finger wag, earned himself a spot on the franchise’s list of iconic big men. Teaming with Allen Iverson to lead the team to a surprising appearance in the 2001 NBA Finals, Mutombo earned the Defensive Player of the Year award in the same season.
Standing 7’2”, 245lbs, Mutombo wasn’t as much an offensive force as others on this list, averaging just 11.5 points during his two years in the City of Brotherly Love. However, Mutombo’s ability to impact the game by altering shots and collecting the ball off the board more than made up for his offensive limitations.
5. Caldwell Jones - The Doctor of Defense
After playing for four ABA teams in four seasons, Caldwell Jones joined the Sixers during the ABA/NBA merger. While he was a capable scorer during his time in the ABA, Jones was given a new role with the Sixers, focusing more on defense and rebounding. Not as flashy as the others on this list, Jones’ unselfish play led him to becoming a locker room and fan favorite.
A two-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team, the 6’11”, 217lb big man also chipped in with an average of 1.9 blocks per game, plus countless other alterations. During his six seasons in Philadelphia, Jones was the starting center for a team that made three trips to the NBA Finals, but came up short each time. Ironically, Jones would be traded for Malone, who came in and helped the Sixers to the 1983 NBA title.
