2008 Philadelphia 76ers

Even as we say “Congratulations” to the Orlando Magic, who beat the Sixers 4 games to 2 to advance to the Conference Semifinals in the 2009 NBA Playoffs, we want to say a big “Thank you” to the Philadelphia 76ers, who placed 2nd in the fierce Atlantic Division, for the terrific season they had!

The Philadelphia 76ers’ third place finish in the Atlantic Division for the 2007-08 season was enough to score them a playoff berth, though the Pistons knocked them out in the first round. Their performance was quite an improvement, as it marked their first trip to the playoffs in three years, and Kyle Korver’s midseason trade left ample cap space to bring in a badly needed power forward. Enter Elton Brand, who opted out of the last year of his contract with the Clippers and signed with the 76ers, filling that hole. The 2008-09 season may be the beginning of a new era for the Sixers, one in which they are real contenders for the conference title, or maybe even the Championship. If you want to say you were there when the team turned things around, secure your Wachovia Center tickets today and root the Sixers on to victory!

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.

The Wachovia 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 play at Citizen's Bank Park. 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.