2009 Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers placed 2nd in the Atlantic Division in the 2008-09 season and made it to the playoffs, though they were knocked out in the first round by the Orlando Magic. The 76ers are starting out the 2009-10 season in top form, with Elton Brand and Jason Smith fully healed and having acquired swingman Jason Kapono from Toronto, a much needed three point specialist. The front line got a boost with the acquisition of Primoz Brezec, and having Rodney Carney back in the fold greatly improves the wing depth. All in all, the 2009-10 season should be a success for the 76ers, and you’ll want to see it all happen live. Get your tickets to Wachovia Center and cheer the Sixers on live and in person!

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.