The greatest sixth man from each NBA team

Greatest sixth man in Philadelphia 76ers history: Bobby Jones

The Philadelphia 76ers were a star-laden team in the early 1980s, with the two-way trio of Julius Erving, Moses Malone and Bobby Jones stocking the frontcourt. Jones had been one of the best defensive forwards in the ABA, and was a perennial fixture on All-Defense teams after he moved to the NBA.

Coming off three-straight All-Star appearances in Denver, Jones joined the 76ers in 1978 and saw a downtick in usage playing alongside Malone and Erving. Head coach Billy Cunningham then made a huge ask of the amiable Jones, moving him to the bench to serve as sixth man for the team.

The move was a resounding success, as Philadelphia reached the NBA Finals two of the next three seasons. Jones was an All-Star again in 1980-81 and 81-82. The following season the 76ers finally broke through and won an NBA title.

That same season the NBA introduced its new individual award, the Sixth Man of the Year. Jones was an obvious choice as the inaugural winner of the award in 1983. By the end of his career, he was an 11-time All-Defense selection and the best sixth man in Philadelphia 76ers history.