Editing Philadelphia 76ers (section)

=== The Dr. J Era (1976-1987) ===

==== The Arrival of Julius Erving ====

* '''1976*** — Sixers acquired '''Julius Erving*** ("Dr. J") from New York Nets (ABA)
* One of the most exciting players ever
* Spectacular dunks, afro, style
* Transformed Philadelphia basketball
* Made the Sixers must-see entertainment

==== Championship Pursuits ====

* '''1977 NBA Finals*** — Lost to Portland Trail Blazers
* '''1980 NBA Finals*** — Lost to Los Angeles Lakers (Magic Johnson's rookie heroics)
* '''1982 NBA Finals*** — Lost to Los Angeles Lakers again
* Heartbreak defined the era despite regular season success

==== 1983: "Fo, Fo, Fo" ====

Finally, Philadelphia prevailed:

* '''Moses Malone*** — Acquired from Houston, MVP center
* '''"Fo, Fo, Fo"*** — Malone's prediction (four sweeps; actually went 12-1)
* '''Starting Five***: Dr. J, Moses Malone, Maurice Cheeks, Andrew Toney, Bobby Jones
* '''NBA Finals*** — Swept Los Angeles Lakers 4-0
* '''Moses Malone*** — Finals MVP
* Philadelphia's first NBA title since 1967
* Last NBA championship for the franchise (as of 2025)

==== The Late Dr. J Years ====

* Continued competitiveness through mid-1980s
* Charles Barkley emerged (drafted 1984)
* Erving retired 1987