Philadelphia 76ers, popularly known as Sixers is a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The team plays under the National Basketball Association, and is one of its oldest franchises.
The founding of Syracuse Nationals in 1937
Originally, Philadelphia 76ers was not a member of the NBA nor belonged to the city of Philadelphia. They began as Syracuse Nationals in the northeastern part of Philadelphia. In the year 1963, the Warriors another famous basketball team had left Philadelphia for San Francisco. Since then, the Syracuse Nationals began playing under NBA and is known as one of their oldest franchise. It is ranked as one of the best basketball teams not only in Philadelphia but the whole of America.
During the 1960s, when the NBA's basketball teams were struggling, Irv Kosloff the paper magnate bought Syracuse Nationals and placed them in Philadelphia. The name of Syracuse Nationals was changed to 76ers, and after that the name was shortened and the team became popular by its nickname “Sixers”.
Initially, the 76ers in Philadelphia mostly played games in the Philadelphia Arena and the Civic Center Convention Hall. Occasionally, they use to play at The Palestra in the University of Pennsylvania.
The memorable years of the 76ers (1976-1977)
With the joining of the famous basketball player Julius Erving from New York Nets and the subsequent purchase of the team by F Eugene 'Fitz' Dixon, a well-known local philanthropist, the team began their glorious journey. They were one of the best basketball teams under the NBA to swagger in the court. Their performance excited and overjoyed their fans. They proceeded to the Eastern conference finals by beating a Boston basketball team. In the finals, they outperformed their archrivals Houston Rockets, in six
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games and finally got to the NBA finals. Unfortunately, in the finals they were defeated by the Portland Trail Blazers even after kicking off the game with a commanding 2-0 series lead.
The historic 1982-83 season of the 76ers
1982-83 seasons was the second best season for the 'Sixers'. In 1982, the team transferred hands from Dixon to Harold Katz. An extraordinary player like Malone was inducted into the team from Houston Rockets. 76Ers led by the Julius Erving and stars like Maurice Cheeks, Andrew Tony and Bobby Jones led the team to a winning spree by winning 65 games in that particular season.
1983-84 seasons was an all time low for the 76ers of Philadelphia. They ended up losing most of their games. During the 1984-85 season, Charles Barkely, a renowned American basketball player of his times took over the team. Under his guidance and mentoring the team was back in form. They won the Eastern Conference Finals.
The home arenas of Philadelphia 76ers are Convention Hall, Philadelphia Arena, The Spectrum and Wachovia Center. Players of this team who have, been given a place in the hall of fame are Charles Barkley, Wilt Chamberlain, Billy Cunningham and Julius Erving. Under the present team Captain, Samuel Dalembert, the current roster includes players like Louis Armundson, Calvin Booth, Andre Miller and Kevin Ollie.
Uniform of the 76ers were changed a couple of times. They started their journey with the uniform designed by the famous Betsy Ross. Team colors represented in the uniform were black, red, gold silver, blue and white.
Philadelphia 76ers till today is one of the best basketball teams, to have a proven track record and is known for nurturing the best basketball talents of America.
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