2005 Philadelphia 76ers

It surprised no one to find the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs in 2004-05. However, some people may have thought they would win their division. With Allen Iverson leading the way and Andre Iguodala right behind him, the 76ers are poised to shoot up in the standings with the hiring of team legend Maurice Cheeks as their new coach. A lot of 76ers fans will be eager to see Cheeks on the bench, so hurry and get your tickets to 76ers games today.

The Philadelphia 76ers came into the league neither in Philadelphia nor known as the 76ers. The Syracuse Nationals moved to Philadelphia in 1963 after the Warriors packed up and left for San Francisco. Since then, the Philadelphia 76ers have had an interesting history, including one of the greatest teams of all time and one of the worst.

In 1966, Wilt Chamberlain averaged 24 points, 24 rebounds, and nearly eight assists. Despite impressive numbers and a nearly 70% shooting percentage, Chamberlain's streak of eight consecutive scoring titles came to an end. The 76ers, however, still rode "The Stilt" to the NBA Championship. That year, the 76ers posted a mark of 68-13, which remains one of the greatest single season records in basketball history. By 1972, the face of the team had changed drastically. That year, the 76ers posted a mark of 9-73, which remains one of the worst single season records in basketball history and is often used as a benchmark by which to judge bad teams in the NBA.

In 1976, a historic move was made that forever changed the franchise and indeed the NBA. That year, the team was under new ownership, whose first move was to bring in ABA superstar Julius "Dr. J" Erving to the team. Dr. J revolutionized the game. His high flying dunks and incredible showmanship made for sellout crowds wherever the team went and made basketball fun to watch. Dr. J paved the way for such other high flyers as Michael Jordan.

In 1984, another superstar came to the 76ers and changed the team dramatically. Charles Barkley was, by all accounts, too small to be such a great rebounder. However, underneath his 6 foot 6 inch frame was the heart of a warrior and an enthusiasm seen in few other players. He immediately sparked the team to a 58-24 season and led them into the playoffs before losing to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Today, the 76ers are again a totally different team. In 2003, coach Larry Brown went to the Detroit Pistons, and Randy Ayers was brought in to take over. Allen Iverson is a legitimate superstar in the NBA. He averages 27 points per game and almost six assists per game over his career. Not only is he talented, he is one of the most tenacious players in all of basketball. Despite his 6 foot frame, he has the heart of a lion and often carries Philadelphia on his back. Iverson is joined in the backcourt by Eric Snow. Snow has proven to be a successful accomplice to Iverson for years and does his share of scoring and dishing the ball. Kenny Thomas came to the 76ers in 2002. Since then, he has given the team a nightly double-double threat. Along with Glenn Robinson and Aaron McKie, the 76ers have a potent offense that can contend with any team in the Eastern Conference.

The First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is where the 76ers play their home games. It is also the home of the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers. Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies will play at brand new Citizen's Bank Park starting in the 2004 season. In 2003, the NFL's Eagles moved to Lincoln Financial Field. Led by quarterback Donovan McNabb, the Eagles went to the NFC championship game before losing to the Carolina Panthers.