76ers NBA Draft Picks: A History Of Success

The Philadelphia 76ers, affectionately known as the Sixers, have a rich and storied history in the NBA. A crucial part of their success stems from their ability to identify and acquire talent through the NBA Draft. Over the years, the 76ers' draft picks have included some of the most iconic and transformative players in basketball history. From Wilt Chamberlain to Allen Iverson, the Sixers have consistently used the draft to build competitive teams and contend for championships. In this article, we'll delve into the Sixers' NBA draft history, spotlighting some of their best picks, examining pivotal draft strategies, and reflecting on how these selections have shaped the franchise.

The Early Years: Laying the Foundation

In the early years of the NBA, the 76ers (then the Syracuse Nationals before relocating to Philadelphia) understood the importance of securing top talent through the draft. One of their earliest and most significant selections was Wilt Chamberlain in 1959 as a territorial pick. While territorial picks are no longer part of the NBA Draft, they allowed teams to select a player who had a local connection, typically from a nearby college or high school. Wilt Chamberlain, a Philadelphia native, was a dominant force from day one. His arrival instantly transformed the Nationals into a championship contender. Chamberlain's incredible athleticism, scoring prowess, and rebounding ability made him one of the most dominant players in the history of the sport. During his time with the team, he set numerous records and led the team to multiple playoff appearances.

Another notable early draft pick was Hal Greer, selected in the second round of the 1958 draft. Greer became a cornerstone of the Sixers' success in the 1960s, forming a dynamic duo with Chamberlain. He was known for his exceptional scoring ability and clutch performances. Greer's contributions were vital to the Sixers' championship run in 1967. These early draft successes laid a strong foundation for the franchise, establishing a tradition of identifying and developing top talent. The Sixers' early draft strategies focused on acquiring players who could immediately contribute and elevate the team's competitiveness. By prioritizing players with exceptional athleticism, scoring ability, and a strong work ethic, the Sixers built a team that could compete with the best in the league. These early selections not only brought success on the court but also helped to establish a loyal fan base and a winning culture in Philadelphia.

The Dr. J Era: Continuing the Tradition

In the 1970s and 1980s, the 76ers continued to make impactful selections in the NBA Draft, building around the legendary Julius Erving, a.k.a. Dr. J. While Erving himself wasn't a traditional draft pick (he came from the ABA), the Sixers used the draft to acquire complementary players who would enhance his impact. One such pick was Darryl Dawkins, selected fifth overall in the 1975 draft. Dawkins, known for his powerful dunks and colorful personality, brought excitement and energy to the team. His presence in the frontcourt provided a physical complement to Erving's finesse and athleticism. Together, they formed a formidable duo that captivated fans and struck fear into opponents.

Another significant draft pick during this era was Andrew Toney, selected eighth overall in the 1980 draft. Toney, nicknamed the "Boston Strangler" for his clutch performances against the Boston Celtics, became a key scorer and playmaker for the Sixers. His ability to create his own shot and deliver in high-pressure situations made him an invaluable asset to the team. The culmination of these draft picks and other strategic acquisitions led to the 76ers' championship victory in 1983. Led by Erving, Moses Malone (acquired via trade), and a supporting cast that included Dawkins and Toney, the Sixers dominated the league and secured their place in NBA history. This era demonstrated the importance of surrounding superstar players with talented and complementary pieces acquired through the draft.

The Iverson Era: A New Hope

The late 1990s and early 2000s marked the beginning of the Allen Iverson era in Philadelphia. The 76ers selected Iverson with the first overall pick in the 1996 draft, a move that would revitalize the franchise and usher in a new era of excitement. Iverson, a dynamic and fearless guard, quickly became a fan favorite with his electrifying scoring ability and unwavering determination. His arrival injected new life into the Sixers, who had struggled in the years prior to his arrival. Iverson's impact was immediate, as he won the Rookie of the Year award and led the team in scoring. He became a cultural icon in Philadelphia, embodying the city's grit and resilience. While the Sixers didn't win a championship during Iverson's tenure, they reached the NBA Finals in 2001, largely thanks to his incredible performances.

In addition to Iverson, the Sixers made other notable draft picks during this period, including Larry Hughes (8th overall in 1998) and Andre Iguodala (9th overall in 2004). Hughes provided scoring and defensive versatility, while Iguodala developed into an all-around player known for his athleticism and defensive prowess. These players, along with Iverson, formed the core of a competitive team that consistently made the playoffs. The Iverson era showcased the transformative power of a high-impact draft pick. Iverson's arrival not only improved the team's performance but also reignited the passion of the fan base and brought national attention to the Sixers. This era underscored the importance of identifying players with exceptional talent and character who can lead a franchise to new heights.

The Process Era: Trusting the Future

In the 2010s, the 76ers embarked on a controversial but ultimately successful rebuilding strategy known as "The Process." Under the leadership of general manager Sam Hinkie, the Sixers intentionally tanked to acquire high draft picks, with the goal of landing franchise-altering players. This strategy was met with criticism from some quarters but was ultimately vindicated by the emergence of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. The Sixers selected Embiid with the third overall pick in the 2014 draft, despite concerns about his injury history. Embiid, a dominant center with exceptional offensive and defensive skills, quickly became the face of the franchise. His impact was transformative, as he led the team to multiple playoff appearances and established himself as one of the league's top players.

Simmons was selected with the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Simmons, a versatile point guard with exceptional passing and rebounding skills, complemented Embiid perfectly. Together, they formed a dynamic duo that led the Sixers to contention in the Eastern Conference. Other notable draft picks during The Process era included Dario Šarić (12th overall in 2014) and Markelle Fultz (1st overall in 2017). Šarić, a skilled international player, provided valuable scoring and playmaking. While Fultz's tenure with the Sixers was ultimately unsuccessful due to injury and confidence issues, his selection highlighted the risks and rewards of drafting high-potential players. The Process era demonstrated the potential of a long-term rebuilding strategy focused on acquiring top talent through the draft. While the Sixers faced criticism for their tanking tactics, the emergence of Embiid and Simmons proved that the strategy could be successful in building a championship-caliber team.

Recent Drafts and Future Outlook

In recent years, the 76ers have continued to use the draft to add depth and talent to their roster. While they haven't had as many high lottery picks as they did during The Process era, they have made shrewd selections in the later rounds. Players like Tyrese Maxey (21st overall in 2020) have shown tremendous promise. Maxey has developed into a key scorer and playmaker for the Sixers, demonstrating the value of finding hidden gems in the draft. As the Sixers look to the future, the NBA Draft will continue to be an important tool for building and sustaining a championship-caliber team. The Sixers' ability to identify and develop talent through the draft will be crucial to their long-term success.

Conclusion

The Philadelphia 76ers have a long and successful history of acquiring talent through the NBA Draft. From Wilt Chamberlain to Allen Iverson to Joel Embiid, the Sixers' draft picks have included some of the most iconic and transformative players in basketball history. The Sixers' ability to identify and develop top talent through the draft has been a key factor in their success over the years. Whether through strategic tanking or shrewd late-round selections, the Sixers have consistently used the draft to build competitive teams and contend for championships. As the team looks to the future, the NBA Draft will continue to be an essential tool for building a winning roster and sustaining long-term success. The legacy of past draft successes serves as a reminder of the importance of this process and the potential for future stars to emerge from the ranks of the newly drafted.