Sixers, Nationals legend Dolph Schayes dies at 87

NEW YORK – Former Syracuse Nationals and 76ers legend Dolph Schayes, 87, died Thursday morning, six months after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Schayes scored 18,438 points and grabbed 11,256 rebounds during his 16-year career with the Syracuse/Sixers franchise.

The Nationals moved to Philadelphia and changed their name to the Sixers before Schayes' final season, 1963-64. The Hall of Fame player spent that season as player-coach before staying on board to coach the next two seasons.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dolph Schayes, a pioneer and iconic member of the Philadelphia 76ers organization and one of the greatest players ever to play the game of basketball," Sixers CEO Scott O'Neil said in a statement. "Dolph was an integral part of the foundation on which this franchise was built - first in Syracuse and later in Philadelphia. He will be fondly remembered for the legacy he not only created on the court, but the way he represented the game off the court.

"On behalf of our entire organization, we would like to express our deepest sympathies to the entire Schayes family during this very difficult time."

Follow and contact Inquirer 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers