In 1984, a heated rivalry between Julius "Dr. J" Erving and Larry Bird escalated into a famous fight during a 76ers vs. Celtics game. Billy Cunningham, head coach of the Sixers, defended Erving’s ...

Billy Cunningham played fiercely, coached intensely, and won frequently. And he made it to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame with a career that reads like a how-to book for legends.

No. 5 on the list is Billy Cunningham, who excelled as a player and coach. Why he’s important: Won championships with the Sixers as a player (in 1966-67) and a coach (in 1982-83).