A season-by-season analysis of the Philadelphia 76ers’ payroll since 2003-04 which has resulted in zero NBA finals appearances.
In recent months, we have taken a close look at certain NBA franchises and their spending over the last 20 seasons such as the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers. Upon further examination, another team that fits the same mold as those two organizations is the Philadelphia 76ers.
Since the 2004-04 season, the Philadelphia 76ers rank 13th in the NBA in payroll. They have spent $1.9 billion on players during that time without advancing to the Eastern Conference or NBA Finals. While they have had some historic regular seasons led by franchise legends such as Allen Iverson and Joel Embiid, their resume beyond that is less than appealing.
While they have reached the NBA playoffs 11 times in the last 20 seasons, the disappointment in which they have had each season fizzle out is the only thing that fans and critics remember. A closer look at their payroll in the last two decades will reveal an even more deflating trend for the organization.
2003-04 Season – $60.4 Million
Regular Season Record: 33-49
Playoffs: N/A
2004-05 Season – $72.0 Million
Regular Season Record: 43-39
Playoffs: Lost First Round (1-4 vs. Detroit Pistons)
2005-06 Season – $84.8 Million
Regular Season Record: 38-44
Playoffs: N/A
2006-07 Season – $69.1 Million
Regular Season Record: 35-47
Playoffs: N/A
2007-08 Season – $74.0 Million
Regular Season Record: 40-42
Playoffs: Lost First Round (1-4 vs. Detroit Pistons)
2008-09 Season – $68.3 Million
Regular Season Record: 41-41
Playoffs: Lost First Round (2-4 vs. Orlando Magic)
2009-10 Season – $64.9 Million
Regular Season Record: 27-55
Playoffs: N/A
2010-11 Season – $68.9 Million
Regular Season Record: 41-41
Playoffs: Lost First Round (1-4 vs. Miami Heat)
2011-12 Season – $66.7 Million
Regular Season Record: 35-31
Playoffs: Lost Second Round (3-4 vs. Boston Celtics)
2012-13 Season – $66.7 Million
Regular Season Record: 34-48
Playoffs: N/A
Regular Season Record: 19-63
Playoffs: N/A
2014-15 Season – $54.4 Million
Regular Season Record: 18-64
Playoffs: N/A
2015-16 Season – $64.6 Million
Regular Season Record: 10-72
Playoffs: N/A
2016-17 Season – $84.8 Million
Regular Season Record: 28-54
Playoffs: N/A
2017-18 Season – $100.8 Million
Regular Season Record: 52-30
Playoffs: Lost Second Round (1-4 vs. Boston Celtics)
2018-19 Season: $115.1 Million
Regular Season Record: 51-31
Playoffs: Lost Second Round (3-4 vs. Toronto Raptors)
2019-20 Season – $129.9 Million
Regular Season Record: 43-30
Playoffs: Lost First Round (0-4 vs. Boston Celtics)
2020-21 Season – $147.8 Million
Regular Season Record: 49-23
Playoffs: Lost Second Round (3-4 vs. Atlanta Hawks)
2021-22 Season – $148.9 Million
Regular Season Record: 51-31
Playoffs: Lost Second Round (2-4 vs. Miami Heat)
2022-23 Season – $150.5 Million
Regular Season Record: 54-38
Playoffs: Lost Second Round (3-4 vs. Boston Celtics)
The 76ers Spent $1.9 Billion Since 2003-04 Without Any Conference Finals Appearances
Philadelphia 76ers fans have been patient with their team over the last two decades. In 20 seasons, they have made the NBA playoffs just 11 times with five losses in the first round and six losses in the Conference Semifinals. They have done this while being the NBA team ranked 13th in spending during this time with heartbreaking losses and superstar meltdowns being what they will be remembered for.
From the departure of Allen Iverson in the 2000s to The Process which failed miserably to the Ben Simmons debacle and James Harden drama, the last 20 seasons have been a disaster for the Philadelphia 76ers. Even in 2023-24, things are not looking great for the team after a fantastic start to the season. Despite having two All-Stars in Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, an injury to reigning MVP Embiid overshadows their 30-18 record through 48 games. Once again, unfortunate circumstances beyond their control may derail their hopes of an NBA championship.
Philadelphia 76ers Franchise Resume
– 75 Seasons In The NBA (1950-2024)
– 53 Total Playoff Appearances
– 9 NBA Finals Appearances
– 3 NBA Championships
The 2022-23 season marked the 40th consecutive season in which the Philadelphia 76ers have not won an NBA championship. That is the seventh-longest NBA title drought of any team that has won a championship previously and the 13th-longest overall. The 76ers have not appeared in a Conference Finals since 2001, when their last NBA Finals appearance was.
Before their last championship win in 1983 by a team led by Moses Malone and Julius Erving, the 76ers won championships previously in 1967 and in 1955 when they were still known as the Syracuse Nationals. The 76ers have a ton of work to do in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. Much of that is tied to the health of their superstar Joel Embiid but also the continued development of their roster with a young star like Tyrese Maxey and what they will do through the NBA Draft, free agency, and the trade market.
