The Philadelphia 76ers franchise has had its ups and downs throughout the years, probably more than most, but they’re still one of the most historic franchises in the NBA. They’ve won three championships and have had several Finals appearances. Squandered opportunities have been the state of the franchise for years, especially since 2000. In that time period, the 76ers have been to the NBA Finals once despite being one of the top teams several times. The odds for the 76ers to win a championship in this era are dwindling (check offshore sportsbooks here) as each year goes by but the door is still open. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the best 76ers teams since 2000.
The Best 76ers Teams Since 2000
3. 2020-2021
Record: 49-23
Result: Lost Eastern Conf. Semis
While Covid shortened the season to 72 games, the 2020-21 squad was one of the best 76ers teams since 2000. In fact, if it weren’t shortened, that team possibly could’ve had one of the best records in franchise history. Nevertheless, in Doc Rivers’ first year at the helm, they went 49-23 and had one of the best defenses in the league.
They held opponents to 108.1 points per game, which was sixth-best in the league and had the second best defensive rating, placing first in steals and second in blocks. Add that in with their 113.6 points per game, and the 76ers found themselves the first seed in the Eastern Conference. The team was led by Joel Embiid, who finished runner-up in the MVP race by averaging 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
In the first round of the playoffs, they got past the Washington Wizards in five games but fell in the second round to the Atlanta Hawks in a seven game battle. This was just one of many missed opportunities this decade.
2. 2022-23
Record: 54-28
Result: Lost Eastern Conf. Semis
Another example of a missed opportunity was the 2022-23 version of the 76ers. They won 54 games and had four players average 20 or more points in the regular season. This team was led again by Embiid, who this time won the MVP award by averaging 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. This team also did it with defense, holding the opposition to the third-least points in the league and had a top-10 defensive rating. They had success on the other end of the court as well, having the best three-point percentage (38%) and sixth-best overall field-goal percentage (48%).
They entered the playoffs as the three-seed and swept the Brooklyn Nets in four games but just like in 2020-21, they lost in seven games in the second round, this time to the Boston Celtics. That marked the end of the Doc Rivers era in Philadelphia as he lost in the Semifinals for the third-consecutive year. Another “what could have been” for the 76ers.
1. 2000-2001
Record: 56-26
Result: Lost NBA Finals
One of the most well-known teams in NBA history stepped on the court in 2000-2001 for the 76ers. There were awards spread throughout this roster, with Allen Iverson leading the charge by earning the MVP. Other winners included Dikembe Mutombo for Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron McKie for Sixth Man of the Year, and Larry Brown for Coach of the Year.
All of that earned them the top seed in the East and a trip to the NBA Finals after beating the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, and Milwaukee Bucks en route to get there. Before this point, it was 18 years since their last Finals appearance and that was when they won it all against the Los Angeles Lakers in 1983. A year prior, the 76ers and Lakers linked up in the Finals as well with Los Angeles winning that one.
Fast forward to 2001 and these two teams faced off yet again in the NBA Finals. The Lakers got the best of the 76ers again in five games. Iverson scored 30+ points in four of the five games and led the playoffs in total points and assists with Mutombo leading in total rebounds but all of that couldn’t get past the duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. The 2000-01 team was fun to watch and arguably the best 76ers team since 2000.
Honorable Mentions: 2017-18, 2002-03, 2018-19, 2021-22
Main Image: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
