The 1989–90 Philadelphia 76ers were led by Charles Barkley, whose elite scoring, rebounding, and all-around production made him the focal point on both ends of the floor. Hersey Hawkins provided consistent perimeter scoring, while Maurice Cheeks directed the offense with steady playmaking. With additional interior support from Rick Mahorn and Mike Gminski, the statistics reflect a balanced team built around Barkley’s versatility, rebounding strength, and efficient offense.
The unquestioned leader of the 1989-90 76ers — elite scorer and rebounder who carried the offense and excelled on the boards despite being undersized; his physicality and versatile scoring made him the focal point of the team’s identity.
All-Star, All-NBA First Team (season context)
Hersey Hawkins
Two-Way Wing Scorer
34.8
High
18.5
3.7
3.2
1.9
13.65
Emerging as a key two-way contributor, Hawkins provided scoring punch from the wing with efficient shooting and perimeter defense; became a reliable secondary scoring option alongside Barkley.
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Johnny Dawkins
Primary Ball Handler & Facilitator
35.4
High
14.3
3.0
7.4
1.6
13.15
Dawkins took on high playmaking responsibility, leading the team in assists and acting as the primary floor general facilitating offense; his distributing role was central to Philly’s spacing.
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Mike Gminski
Starting Center & Pick-and-Pop Option
32.8
Medium
13.7
8.5
1.6
1.8
12.80
Provided inside scoring and rebounding as the starting big man, with respectable shot-blocking for a stretch big; his presence anchored the frontcourt when Barkley spotted up or drifted.
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Ron Anderson
Sixth Man / Scoring Punch
26.8
Medium
11.9
3.8
1.8
1.1
9.30
Came off the bench as a secondary scorer and wing option, offering efficient offense and complementary scoring around starters; a veteran scoring spark.
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Rick Mahorn
Defensive Enforcer (Frontcourt Glue)
30.3
Medium
10.8
7.6
1.3
2.0
10.85
Known for physical defense and toughness, Mahorn provided rebounding and rugged presence in the paint; his defensive activity made him a key role player on that end.
NBA All-Defensive Second Team
Derek Smith
Rotation Wing Scorer
18.7
Low-Medium
8.9
2.3
1.5
0.8
6.75
Offered bench scoring and energy on the wing; used in rotational bursts to support perimeter scoring.
—
Jay Vincent
Spot Contributor (Wing)
15.2
Low
7.3
2.1
0.5
0.7
5.30
Played limited minutes with occasional scoring production, providing spot offense when called upon.
—
Scott Brooks
Backup Point Facilitator
13.5
Low
4.4
0.9
2.9
0.7
4.45
Served as backup ball handler with modest scoring and secondary playmaking off the bench.
—
Bob Thornton
Deep Bench Frontcourt
10.6
Low
2.2
2.4
0.3
0.6
2.75
Limited minutes with minimal offensive usage, contributing brief frontcourt depth.
—
Kurt Nimphius
Reserve Big
8.3
Low
2.4
1.6
0.2
0.6
2.35
Very limited role as a backup big man with scarce minutes; provided occasional interior minutes.
—
Kenny Payne
Development Wing
6.2
Low
3.3
0.7
0.3
0.4
2.35
Short stints with minimal impact outside of depth scoring attempts.
—
Lanard Copeland
Brief Reserve Guard
4.8
Low
3.2
0.4
0.4
0.0
2.00
Spot minutes as guard depth with limited statistical contributions.
—
Corey Gaines
Deep Bench Guard
9.0
Low
1.1
0.6
2.9
0.4
2.45
Played sparingly as a backup guard, contributing occasional playmaking in garbage time.
—
Lewis Lloyd
Short Stint Role Player
5.0
Very Low
1.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.50
Very limited appearances with negligible impact.
—
Dexter Shouse
Minimal Use Guard
6.0
Very Low
0.0
0.0
0.7
0.3
0.50
Extremely limited sample; appeared in few games with minimal impact.
