Where Do Allen Iverson and Andre Iguodala Stand in the List of Best Philadelphia 76ers Duos?

NBA legend Andre Iguodala recently announced his retirement from the league after an illustrious 19-year career. Almost all of Iguodala’s success came during his time with the Golden State Warriors. Notably, the forward helped the Warriors to win their first championship in 40 years and clinched the Finals MVP award over superstar Stephen Curry. During his eight years with the Dubs, Iguodala has won four rings. While it feels like the star has always been a Warrior, he spent an equal amount of years for the Philadelphia 76ers as well.

During his time in Philadelphia, he formed a partnership with Sixers legend Allen Iverson. As Andre Iguodala called time on his basketball career, let us see where he and AI stand in the list of best duos for the 76ers.

#5 Allen Iverson and Andre Iguodala?

Allen Iverson is one of the best 76ers players ever. Over the course of his stay in Philly, Iverson established himself as a superstar and clinched the MVP award as well. He also led the team to their first Finals appearance in almost two decades. Unfortunately, he could not push the 76ers to the ring against the Los Angeles Lakers. After the 2000-01 Finals, the Sixers have not even made the Conference Finals again. So AI is still idolized by the fans.

In the 2003-04 season, Iverson struggled with injury and the team missed out on the playoffs. Ahead of the next season, the Sixers drafted Andre Iguodala as the 9th overall pick. Iguodala had never been a superstar during high school or college career. He was happy to be a role player, and he was very good at that. This was a huge reason behind the team’s decision to pick him. With a prime AI on their side, the Sixers were looking to build the team around him with good role players and veterans.

Iguodala started every game as a rookie and did a little bit of everything. On the other hand, Iverson was at his usual best averaging 30.7 points, 7.9 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. The duo had some incredible plays during the course of the season. In the postseason, the reigning champions Detroit Pistons eliminated the 76ers in the first round.

In the next season, Andre improved his scoring numbers, and once again played a crucial part alongside AI. Iverson in his prime was unstoppable and averaged 33 points per game which is his highest ever. He also won the scoring title that season. Despite this, the 76ers shockingly did not make the playoffs. After playing 15 games in the next season, AI joined the Denver Nuggets which brought an end to his partnership with Iggy.

After Iverson’s departure, Andre Iguodala took over as the team’s main man. While he was not a huge scorer as AI was, he still led the team with conviction and brought them back to the playoffs. We can only imagine what the duo could have achieved together had they stayed together a bit longer.

#4 Moses Malone and?Charles Barkley?

NBA legends Moses Malone and Julius Erving led the 76ers to the title in 1983 by sweeping the Lakers. One year later, the Sixers drafted Charles Barkley as the 5th overall pick. Barkley hit the ground running and formed great partnerships with both Erving and Malone. However, it was with Malone whom he had a great friendship off the court as well. While Dr. J was at the twilight of his career, Malone was still close to his prime even though his numbers were declining.

He took the young Barkley under his wing and helped him. The former center also gave him valuable lessons. Notably, Malone once openly called out Barkley for not paying close attention to his weight management and eating habits. Hearing this from one of his idols, the forward realized his shortcomings and worked towards them.

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The duo clicked well on the court as well making some impressive plays during their short stint of two seasons. During their first season together, the duo helped the team reach the Conference Finals. In the next season, the Sixers were eliminated in the Conference Semi-Finals. Once again, the duo had incredible potential to be great given Barkley’s rise. But Malone’s departure to Washington in 1986 abruptly ended the partnership.

#3 Julius Erving and George McGinnis

Julius Erving and George McGinnis played together for three years for the Sixers. During their time together, the duo scored for fun and put on a show while doing so. Both superstars dominated the ABA for different teams. Notably, both players won the ABA title during their time in that league. While Erving won the MVP award twice, McGinnis clinched it once.

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So when the two stars joined hands for the 76ers there was a huge anticipation. In just his second season in Philadelphia, McGinnis helped Dr. J and the team to reach the Finals. However, they shockingly lost the title to the Trail Blazers 4-2 after winning the first two games. That team is one of the best teams to never win a championship.

#2 Hal Greer and Wilt Chamberlain

Hal Greer is arguably the most legendary 76er ever. After retiring in 1973, Greer led the Sixers in multiple categories like points, minutes, field goals made, etc. Similarly, Wilt Chamberlain leads the team in triple-doubles, minutes per game, points per game, rebounds per game, etc. With one of the most dominant players ever by his side, Greer ran the show for the Sixers. Together, they wreaked havoc in the league.

In their four years together in Philly, the duo helped the team reach the Conference Finals every year. Unfortunately for them, the 76ers faced the invincible Boston Celtics dynasty led by the legendary Bill Russell on all four occasions. The Celtics defeated the 76ers thrice and went on to comfortably win the championships.

However, Chamberlain and Greer were relentless in the 1966-67 Conference Finals and defeated the C’s. Greer led the team in points with 29.2 while Chamberlain averaged a mindboggling 21.6 points, 32 rebounds, and 10 assists per game. In game 3, The Goliath had a whopping 41 rebounds as per Basketball Reference. The duo went on to win the ring against Chamberlain’s former team, the Warriors. The only time the duo reached the Finals, they comfortably won the title. If it wasn’t for the mighty Celtics, the duo of Chamberlain and Greer would have definitely won more championships for the Sixers.

#1 Moses Malone and Julius Erving

Moses Malone and Julius Erving are arguably the best duo ever for the 76ers. Erving joined the Sixers in 1976 and immediately led the team to the Finals. However, the team lost the title to the Trail Blazers. Dr. J once again willed his team to the Finals in 1979-80. But they were left disappointed after losing the championship to the Lakers. Erving and the 76ers had the same fate yet again in the 1981-82 Finals against rivals Lakers.

After losing thrice in the span of six years, the fans and the players were extremely frustrated. This was when the team acquired Malone. It was a blockbuster move as the powerful center joined Philadelphia after winning his second MVP award averaging over 31 points and 14 rebounds per game. Malone continued his domination for the Sixers and again clinched MVP honors. The duo of Malone and Erving ran rings around their opponents.

The Sixers again reached the Finals, and it was against familiar foes Lakers. In the previous two clashes, the 76ers struggled to handle legendary center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. However, this time, they had Malone in their corner. Big Mo absolutely dominated Abdul-Jabbar and the Lakers in the Finals. Malone led both teams in points and rebounds in every game except game 4. He averaged 25.8 points, 18 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game to win the Finals MVP award. Erving followed him closely averaging 19 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2.8 blocks.

The duo continued their dominance for the next years. But they were unable to reach the Finals again. In 1986, Malone left Philadelphia and one year later Dr. J announced his retirement.

Editorial Disclaimer:?The?views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssentiallySports.