Hal Greer
A 10-time All-Star who helped the franchise win its second title with Wilt Chamberlain; his number 15 was retired in 1976.
Harold Everett Greer, known as Hal Greer, was an American professional basketball player and coach who defined the Syracuse Nationals and Philadelphia 76ers from 1958 through 1973. A guard selected 13th in the 1958 NBA draft, he became a 10-time All-Star and earned All-NBA Second Team honors seven times. Greer teamed with Wilt Chamberlain to win the 1966–67 NBA championship, averaging 22.6 points in those playoffs. He is one of many players named to both the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History and the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. As the franchise's all-time leader in points, field goals, attempts, games played, and minutes, Greer remains a cornerstone of Sixers history.
- Role
- Guard
- Affiliation
- Syracuse Nationals / Philadelphia 76ers
- Jersey number
- 15 (Philadelphia 76ers), 16 (Marshall University)
- Hall of fame status
- Inducted (1982)
- Career span
- 1958-1973
Lore & Background
Greer's journey began in Huntington, West Virginia, where he attended Douglass Junior and Senior High School, an all-black institution. He made history at Marshall University as the first African American to play for a public college in West Virginia. Coach Cam Henderson predicted early on that Greer would become one of the greatest players in Marshall and national history, a prophecy fulfilled by his 1958 All-American selection and record-setting 23.6 points per game senior season. His professional legacy is anchored by the 1966–67 championship run with the Philadelphia 76ers. That season, Greer averaged 22.6 points in 15 playoff games, anchoring a team that defeated Boston. He was also known for an unusual but effective free-throw technique: shooting a jump shot from the charity stripe. In 1968, he solidified his status as a premier guard by winning the All-Star Game MVP with a perfect 8-for-8 performance and scoring 21 points, including 19 points in the first half.
Reader's Guide
For fans studying Hal Greer's tenure, focus on his longevity with one franchise: he played every game of his 1973 retirement season for the organization that started in Syracuse and moved to Philadelphia. His jersey number, No. 15, was retired by the 76ers in 1976, making him the first player in franchise history to receive this honor. Marshall University also retired his number 16 and inducted him into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985 for both basketball and baseball achievements. His accolades include being named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and joining the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982 alongside Willis Reed and Frank Ramsey. In 2017, a statue was installed at the 76ers' training complex, followed by a bronze statue dedication at Marshall University in 2021. Two weeks after that unveiling, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Did You Know?
- He scored 19 points in the first half of the 1968 All-Star Game.
- Greer shot free throws using an unusual jump-shot technique from the charity stripe.
- Wilt Chamberlain's number 13 was the first jersey retired by the Philadelphia 76ers, in 1968; Greer's number 15 followed in 1976.
- In his sophomore year at Marshall, he played baseball as a first baseman for the school's team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hal Greer?
Hal Greer was a Hall of Fame guard who played for the Syracuse Nationals and Philadelphia 76ers from 1958 through 1973. He is celebrated as one of the organization's most iconic figures, wearing number 15 during his time in Philadelphia.
What jersey number did Hal Greer wear?
During his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, Greer wore jersey number 15, which became the first number ever retired by the franchise. He previously wore number 16 while at Marshall University before entering the league.
Did Hal Greer win an NBA championship?
Yes, he led the Sixers to their only title during the 1966–67 season alongside Wilt Chamberlain. In those playoffs, Greer averaged a team-best 27.7 points per game to secure the victory.
How many All-Star selections did Hal Greer earn?
Greer was selected as an NBA All-Star ten times throughout his illustrious career. He also received All-NBA Second Team honors seven times for his consistent performance on the court.
Is Hal Greer in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982 to honor his contributions to the sport. He is also one of only two players named to both the NBA's 50 Greatest Players list and the 75th Anniversary Team.
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