The 1988–89 Philadelphia 76ers revolved around Charles Barkley, whose dominant scoring, rebounding, and playmaking made him the team’s clear centerpiece. Hersey Hawkins emerged as a dependable secondary scorer, while Maurice Cheeks provided veteran leadership and primary ball distribution. Supported by strong interior contributors including Mike Gminski, the statistics portray a team driven by Barkley’s all-around impact, with balanced support, solid rebounding, and efficient offensive production.
Anchored the 1988–89 76ers with elite scoring and rebounding; team leader in points and boards; physical inside style complemented by perimeter playmaking. Team reached playoffs after acquisition of Hersey Hawkins and Ron Anderson.
All-NBA First Team; All-Star
Mike Gminski
Starting Big (Interior Scoring/Rebounding)
33.4
Medium
17.2
9.4
1.7
1.9
14.10
Reliable center with solid inside scoring and rebounding; provided consistent frontcourt production and interior defense for the 76ers’ second-best scoring option.
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Hersey Hawkins
Two-Way Wing Scorer
32.6
High
15.1
2.8
3.0
2.0
11.45
Added needed backcourt scoring after being acquired for the third overall pick; efficient shooter and perimeter scorer, key secondary option alongside Barkley.
NBA All-Rookie First Team
Maurice Cheeks
Lead Facilitator & Defender
32.4
High
11.6
2.6
7.8
1.7
11.05
Veteran point guard who led the team in assists; his playmaking and defense stabilized the offense and provided leadership.
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Ron Anderson
Sixth Man / Scoring Punch
31.9
Medium
16.2
5.0
1.7
1.2
11.05
Came off the bench as a significant scoring option; effective scoring spark and complementary offensive piece for rotation.
Sixth Man recognition context (acquired pre-season)
Cliff Robinson
Frontcourt Scorer (Injury-Limited)
29.7
Medium
15.1
5.4
2.3
1.3
11.65
Prior to season-ending knee injury, provided scoring and rebounding; his early impact was significant before missing most of the season.
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Scott Brooks
Backup Ball Handler & Facilitator
16.7
Medium
5.2
1.1
3.7
0.8
5.40
Played as reserve guard providing secondary playmaking and ball distribution; helped keep pace when starters rested.
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Gerald Henderson
Role Guard (Secondary Scorer)
15.2
Low
6.5
1.0
2.2
0.6
5.40
Contributed scoring off the bench with spot minutes; provided veteran backcourt depth.
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Shelton Jones
Spot Wing Contributor
13.7
Low
5.0
2.3
1.2
0.4
4.45
Filled in as a rotation wing following injuries; provided occasional scoring and size.
—
Ben Coleman
Reserve Frontcourt Depth
12.1
Low
5.1
3.1
0.3
0.2
4.35
Provided interior depth with occasional scoring and rebounding in limited minutes.
—
David Wingate
Reserve Perimeter Role
11.3
Low
4.2
1.1
2.2
0.4
4.00
Served as perimeter depth with intermittent defensive assignments and spot minutes.
—
Pete Myers
Short-Stint Guard Depth
10.0
Very Low
3.5
2.5
0.5
0.8
3.65
Brief appearances with occasional offensive touches; minimal role.
—
Chris Welp
Limited Frontcourt Minutes
11.7
Very Low
3.4
2.7
0.4
0.3
3.20
Played few minutes with modest production as backup big.
—
Bob Thornton
Deep Bench Forward
8.3
Very Low
2.4
1.7
0.3
0.3
2.35
Very limited offensive role with brief minutes.
—
Kenny Payne
Brief Development Wing
6.2
Very Low
3.3
0.7
0.3
0.4
2.35
Short stints with limited impact; developmental presence.
