2002–03 Philadelphia 76ers season

NBA professional basketball team season August 2023 March 2026 Philadelphia 76ers 2003 48 34 Atlantic 2 4 Larry Brown Billy King Comcast Spectacor First Union Center Conference semifinals(lost to Pistons 2–4) PHI WPSG Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia WIP The 2002–03 Philadelphia 76ers season was the 54th season for the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association, and their 40th season in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia 76ers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/ August 9, 2026 Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the 76ers acquired Keith Van Horn, and former 76ers center Todd MacCulloch from the New Jersey Nets; Van Horn was originally drafted by the team as the second overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Nets Get Mutombo from 76ers for Van Horn and MacCulloch The New York Times August 7, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/07/sports/pro-basketball-nets-get-mutombo-from-76ers-for-van-horn-and-macculloch.html?mcubz=1 June 11, 2002 Nets Get Mutombo for Van Horn, MacCulloch Los Angeles Times August 7, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-aug-07-sp-nbanotes7-story.html June 15, 2022 76ers Trade Mutombo to Nets The Washington Post August 7, 2002 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2002/08/07/76ers-trade-mutombo-to-nets/995ff9b5-a20d-41fc-9c38-2e2a5e6699d0/ November 30, 2022 The team also signed free agents Greg Buckner and Brian Skinner. Regular season With the addition of Van Horn and MacCulloch, the 76ers got off to a fast start by winning 15 of their first 19 games of the regular season, which included an eight-game winning streak November and December. In December, the team acquired Kenny Thomas from the Houston Rockets in a three-team trade. Posey Involved in Three-Team Trade United Press International December 18, 2002 https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/12/18/Posey-involved-in-three-team-trade/30081040261057/ October 27, 2022 Nuggets, Rockets, 76ers Agree to 3-Way Trade Arizona Daily Sun December 18, 2002 https://azdailysun.com/nuggets-rockets-76ers-agree-to-3-way-trade/article_df6c9f6c-533b-5bbb-b916-24583a16af95.html June 22, 2022 However, the 76ers struggled losing 14 of their next 18 games, which included a six-game losing streak in January, as the team held a 25–24 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 6, 2003 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=6&year=2003 September 13, 2022 The 76ers posted a nine-game winning streak between February and March, and finished in second place in the Atlantic Division with a 48–34 record, earning the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference; 2002–03 Philadelphia 76ers Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2003_games.html July 30, 2021 the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. For the first time in his NBA career, Allen Iverson played a full 82-game season, averaging 27.6 points, 5.5 assists and 2.7 steals per game, as he was named to the All-NBA Second Team. In addition, Van Horn averaged 15.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, while Eric Snow provided the team with 12.9 points, 6.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, and Thomas contributed 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in 46 games after the trade. Meanwhile, Derrick Coleman provided with 9.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, Aaron McKie contributed 9.0 points, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game, MacCulloch averaged 7.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, but only played just 42 games, Buckner contributed 6.0 points per game, and Skinner provided with 6.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. 2002–03 Philadelphia 76ers Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2003.html February 2, 2022 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Iverson was selected for the 2003 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Sheridan Chris Something Old, Something New on Court at All-Star Game Ocala Star-Banner February 9, 2003 https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2003/02/09/something-old-something-new-on-court-at-all-star-game/31273551007/ January 27, 2026 NBA.com Staff 2003 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2003 January 27, 2026 2003 NBA All-Star Game: West 155, East 145 (2OT) Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2003.html January 27, 2026 Iverson finished in sixth place in Most Valuable Player voting, Teaford Elliott Duncan to Win Second MVP in a Row Los Angeles Times May 4, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-04-sp-duncan4-story.html September 13, 2022 2002–03 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2003.html January 27, 2026 and also finished in sixth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, while Snow finished in tenth place; Snow also finished tied in 21st place in Most Improved Player voting, and head coach Larry Brown finished in ninth place in Coach of the Year voting. The 76ers finished fourth in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 807,097 at the First Union Center during the regular season. 2002–03 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2003.html February 3, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 2003 NBA playoffs, the 76ers faced off against the 5th–seeded New Orleans Hornets, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward Jamal Mashburn, All-Star guard Baron Davis, and David Wesley. The 76ers took a 3–1 series lead over the Hornets, before losing Game 5 at home, 93–91 at the First Union Center. The 76ers won Game 6 over the Hornets on the road, 107–103 at the New Orleans Arena to win the series in six games. Associated Press Pro Basketball: The Sixers and Iverson Finish Off the Hornets The New York Times May 3, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/03/sports/pro-basketball-the-sixers-and-iverson-finish-off-the-hornets.html January 13, 2022 Martel Brett Sixers Book Advance Ticket The Washington Post May 4, 2003 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2003/05/04/sixers-book-advance-ticket/91994bb6-10d6-4866-a1d6-edcf86433644/ June 11, 2022 2003 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Hornets vs. 76ers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2003-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-hornets-vs-76ers.html January 29, 2026 In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the top–seeded, and Central Division champion Detroit Pistons, who were led by the trio of Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, and All-Star center, and Defensive Player of the Year, Ben Wallace. The 76ers lost the first two games to the Pistons on the road at The Palace of Auburn Hills, but managed to win the next two games at home, which included a Game 4 win over the Pistons at the First Union Center, 95–82. However, the 76ers lost the next two games, including a Game 6 loss to the Pistons at the First Union Center in overtime, 93–89, thus losing the series in six games. Popper Steve Pro Basketball: Billups Hits Sixers Late and Pistons March On The New York Times May 17, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/17/sports/pro-basketball-billups-hits-sixers-late-and-pistons-march-on.html January 13, 2022 Maaddi Rob Billups Back, Pistons Go Forward The Washington Post May 17, 2003 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2003/05/17/billups-back-pistons-go-forward/0251d97b-c364-4ba2-ab16-795d00e1c7e0/ November 27, 2022 2003 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: 76ers vs. Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2003-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-76ers-vs-pistons.html January 29, 2026 Aftermath Following the season, Van Horn was traded to the New York Knicks in a four-team trade, Popper Steve Plus: Pro Basketball: Knicks Are Still Pursuing Van Horn The New York Times July 22, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/22/sports/plus-pro-basketball-knicks-are-still-pursuing-van-horn.html June 11, 2022 Sprewell Is Part of 4-Team Trade Los Angeles Times July 24, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-24-sp-nbareport24-story.html July 15, 2022 and Brown resigned as head coach after six seasons with the 76ers, and would take a coaching job with the Detroit Pistons. Broussard Chris Pro Basketball: A Little Traveling Music as Brown Leaves the Sixers for Points Unknown The New York Times May 27, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/27/sports/pro-basketball-little-traveling-music-brown-leaves-sixers-for-points-unknown.html?mcubz=0 August 24, 2017 Wyche Steve Brown Bows Out as Coach of 76ers The Washington Post May 27, 2003 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2003/05/27/brown-bows-out-as-coach-of-76ers/595c1e93-6d45-4a8e-a487-c9728af8d5cc/ November 27, 2022 Associated Press Pro Basketball: Pistons Oust Carlisle and Want to Talk to Brown The New York Times June 1, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/01/sports/pro-basketball-pistons-oust-carlisle-and-want-to-talk-to-brown.html October 27, 2022 The 76ers would not win another NBA playoff series until the 2011–12 season. Offseason In the 2002 NBA draft, the 76ers drafted Czech swingman Jiří Welsch and forward-center Sam Clancy (Clancy would not play in any games in the NBA). The Sixers also made three trades on draft day. Their first trade was with the Golden State Warriors. They traded their first round pick, Jiří Welsch, for a 2004 2nd round draft pick and a 2005 1st round draft pick. In their second trade, they traded Speedy Claxton to the San Antonio Spurs for Mark Bryant, Randy Holcomb, and John Salmons. Their third and final trade of the night was with the Atlanta Hawks. They traded a 2004 2nd round draft pick and a 2006 2nd round draft pick to the Hawks for Efthimios Rentzias. On July 25, the 76ers signed Greg Buckner and Monty Williams. On August 6, the Sixers traded Dikembe Mutombo to the New Jersey Nets for Todd MacCulloch and Keith Van Horn. This trade marked the beginning of MacCulloch's second tenure with the franchise. On August 27, the Sixers signed Brian Skinner. On September 30, the Sixers signed Art Long and William Avery. Avery would not play any games with Philadelphia. On October 11, the Sixers waived Alvin Jones. On the 23rd, they waived Damone Brown.https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2003_transactions.html 2002-03 Philadelphia 76ers Transactions Draft picks 2002 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 16 Jiří Welsch SG/SF Union Olimpija (Slovenia and Adriatic League) 2 45 Sam Clancy PF/C United States USC Roster Philadelphia 76ers 2002–03 black #D9AF62 #D80303 white 21 Greg Buckner SG 6 4 210 1976–09–16 Clemson 44 Derrick Coleman C 6 10 230 1967–06–21 Syracuse 1 Samuel Dalembert C 6 11 250 1981–05–10 Seton Hall 40 Tyrone Hill PF 6 9 240 1968–03–19 Xavier 3 Allen Iverson SG 6 0 163 1975–06–07 Georgetown 11 Todd MacCulloch C 7 0 280 1976–01–27 Washington 8 Aaron McKie SF 6 5 209 1972–10–02 Temple 14 Efthimios Rentzias C 6 11 250 1976–01–11 Greece 7 John Salmons PG 6 6 207 1979–12–12 University of Miami 12 Kenny Satterfield PG 6 2 186 1981–04–10 Cincinnati 54 Brian Skinner PF 6 9 255 1976–05–19 Baylor 20 Eric Snow PG 6 3 190 1973–04–24 Michigan State 9 Kenny Thomas basketball PF 6 7 245 1977–07–25 New Mexico 4 Keith Van Horn PF 6 10 220 1975–10–23 Utah 5 Monty Williams SF 6 8 225 1971–10–08 Notre Dame Larry Brown Randy Ayers Bob Bender Dave Hanners John Kuester Mike Woodson (IN) Inactive https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2003.html March 3, 2003 Roster Notes Center Samuel Dalembert was on the injured reserve list due to a knee injury, and missed the entire regular season. Regular season Season standings PHI PHI z – clinched division title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot Game log January 2011 Playoffs Philadelphia 76ers 2003 #000000 #BB9574 yes Philadelphia 76ers First Round yes #BB9574 #000000 yes no 2 1 2 1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 20 | New Orleans | W 98–90 | Allen Iverson (55) | Keith Van Horn (10) | Eric Snow (10) | First Union Center19,711 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 23 | New Orleans | W 90–85 | Allen Iverson (29) | Kenny Thomas (16) | Derrick Coleman (6) | First Union Center20,229 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | April 26 | @ New Orleans | L 85–99 | Allen Iverson (28) | Keith Van Horn (9) | Allen Iverson (7) | New Orleans Arena17,320 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | April 28 | @ New Orleans | W 96–87 | Allen Iverson (22) | Kenny Thomas (8) | Eric Snow (12) | New Orleans Arena16,243 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | April 30 | New Orleans | L 91–93 | Allen Iverson (30) | Kenny Thomas (14) | Iverson, Snow (7) | First Union Center19,403 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 6 | May 2 | @ New Orleans | W 107–103 | Allen Iverson (45) | Keith Van Horn (18) | Eric Snow (9) | New Orleans Arena18,570 | 4–2 |- Philadelphia 76ers Conference Semifinals #BB9574 #000000 yes no 2 1 0 3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | May 6 | @ Detroit | L 87–98 | Allen Iverson (27) | Derrick Coleman (8) | Allen Iverson (8) | The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | May 8 | @ Detroit | L 97–104 (OT) | Allen Iverson (31) | Kenny Thomas (19) | Allen Iverson (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 | 0–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 10 | Detroit | W 93–83 | Allen Iverson (25) | Kenny Thomas (14) | Allen Iverson (11) | First Union Center20,743 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 11 | Detroit | W 95–82 | Allen Iverson (36) | Derrick Coleman (15) | Allen Iverson (11) | First Union Center20,549 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | May 14 | @ Detroit | L 77–78 | Derrick Coleman (23) | Derrick Coleman (11) | Allen Iverson (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 | 2–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 16 | Detroit | L 89–93 (OT) | Allen Iverson (38) | Kenny Thomas (14) | Allen Iverson (9) | First Union Center20,888 | 2–4 |- PHI 2003 yes Player statistics Regular season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPGMark Bryant basketball† 11 0 7.0 .294 1.000 1.5 .1 .1 .1 1.1Greg Buckner 75 5 20.2 .465 .273 .802 2.9 1.3 1.0 .2 6.0Derrick Coleman 64 35 27.2 .448 .328 .784 7.0 1.4 .8 1.1 9.4Tyrone Hill† 24 18 20.7 .404 .600 5.2 .4 .6 .3 4.5Allen Iverson 82 82 42.5 .414 .277 .774 4.2 5.5 2.7 .2 27.6Art Long† 19 0 6.9 .380 1.000 .200 2.1 .1 .1 .4 2.1Todd MacCulloch 42 35 19.3 .517 .671 4.7 .5 .5 .8 7.1Aaron McKie 80 40 29.7 .429 .330 .836 4.4 3.5 1.6 .1 9.0Efthimios Rentzias 35 0 4.1 .339 .500 .889 .7 .2 .2 .1 1.5John Salmons 64 1 7.9 .414 .323 .743 .9 .7 .3 .1 2.1Kenny Satterfield† 17 0 4.8 .222 .500 .5 .9 .1 .0 .5Brian Skinner 77 9 17.9 .550 .602 4.8 .2 .6 .7 6.0Eric Snow 82 82 37.9 .452 .219 .858 3.7 6.6 1.6 .1 12.9Kenny Thomas basketball† 46 28 30.3 .482 .750 8.5 1.6 1.0 .5 10.2Keith Van Horn 74 73 31.6 .482 .369 .804 7.1 1.3 .9 .4 15.9Monty Williams 21 2 13.1 .425 .000 .750 2.1 1.2 .6 .2 4.4 Playoffs PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPGGreg Buckner 10 0 11.2 .323 .222 1.000 1.7 .3 .1 .2 2.6Derrick Coleman 12 12 37.4 .500 .400 .872 8.0 2.0 .6 1.3 13.6Tyrone Hill 10 0 14.1 .632 1.000 2.8 .2 .1 .1 2.8Allen Iverson 12 12 46.4 .416 .345 .737 4.3 7.4 2.4 .1 31.7Aaron McKie 12 0 26.3 .535 .556 .857 3.6 1.8 .8 .2 7.8John Salmons 6 0 2.7 .000 .000 .000 .5 .0 .0 .0 .0Brian Skinner 8 0 4.8 .167 .000 1.000 .8 .0 .0 .1 .8Eric Snow 12 12 34.6 .422 .100 .879 3.3 5.6 1.5 .0 11.5Kenny Thomas basketball 12 12 32.4 .535 .655 9.3 .9 .7 .4 10.6Keith Van Horn 12 12 33.5 .382 .438 .900 7.5 .8 .8 .2 10.4Monty Williams 10 0 9.6 .348 .000 .750 1.5 .0 .2 .0 1.9 † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the 76ers only. Player statistics citation: Awards and records Allen Iverson, All-NBA Second Team Eric Snow, NBA All-Defensive Second Team References See also 2002–03 NBA season Category:Philadelphia 76ers seasons Philadelphia Philadelphia Philadelphia Category:2002 in Philadelphia Category:2003 in Philadelphia