Philadelphia's most loaded rosters, in 1967 and 1983, both won titles and neither stayed together long. The current team plays its first home game of the season against Cleveland at 1-0, built around a 41-year-old LeBron James and a Joel Embiid who played 38 games last season.
Is this roster built like the 1967 champions?
In shape, yes. That team had Wilt Chamberlain, Billy Cunningham and Hal Greer, started 46-4 and finished 68-13, and on this date in 1966 it won 141-112 at Baltimore. This one has Jaylen Brown at 28.7 points last season, Tyrese Maxey at 28.3, Embiid at 26.9 and James at 20.9. Stars on paper aren't a contender, though: last season's group went 45-37 with a -0.1 net rating.
What did the 1983 title team have that this one needs?
Two MVP-level players carrying it. Julius Erving and Moses Malone delivered the franchise's third championship, and nobody has won one here since. Five 76ers have won seven MVP awards between them: Chamberlain, Erving, Malone, Allen Iverson and Embiid. Embiid is the only one still on the roster, which makes his health the whole story. He played 38 games last season, and no star combination works with an empty chair.
How fast can a window like this close?
Faster than Philadelphia likes to admit. Chamberlain was traded to the Lakers after 1967-68 for Archie Clark, Darrall Imhoff and Jerry Chambers. By 1971-72 the team went 30-52 and missed the playoffs for the first time in its history, five years after the title. This front office already paid for its stars: Paul George, two firsts and two seconds to Boston for Brown. The 2028 first is protected and 2029 is a swap.
Why does every Boston game still feel personal?
Because the Celtics ended Nationals and 76ers seasons again and again through the 1950s and 1960s, including the quadruple-overtime playoff loss in 1953 that is still the longest game in NBA history. Co-owner Ike Richman died courtside at Boston Garden on December 3, 1965. This fall the Sixers lost both preseason games to Boston, 106-144 and 120-125. Preseason doesn't count, and that's the kindest thing you can say about a 38-point loss.
When did the 76ers last win an NBA championship?
In 1983, led by Julius Erving and Moses Malone. It was the franchise's third title, after 1955 as the Syracuse Nationals and 1967 in Philadelphia.
Which 76ers players have won MVP?
Five: Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Allen Iverson and Joel Embiid. Between them they won seven MVP awards.
