Why is Wilt Chamberlain not acknowledged as the greatest player of all time, despite having outperformed everyone but Michael Jordan and LeBron James?Why is Wilt Chamberlain not acknowledged as the greatest player of all time, despite having outperformed everyone but Michael Jordan and LeBron James?Wilt was a freak of nature, a physical marvel unlike anything else. He was 7 feet 1 inch, 275 pounds of sheer muscle and speed. He could sprint faster than guards, jump higher than forwards, and lift heavier than centers. He had a 48-inch vertical leap, a 9’6″ standing reach, and a wingspan of 7’8″. He could reach the top of the backboard and slam from the free throw line. His dunks were so powerful that they destroyed the rims and backboards. But Wilt was more than just a brute force.
He was also an accomplished player with grace and vision. He had a soft touch at the rim, a devastating fadeaway jumper, and a hook shot from anywhere on the court. He could pass like a point guard, dribble like a wing, and defend like a monster. He led the league in assists in 1968 and blocked shots in 1973 (though blocks were not officially tracked at the time). He was also strong and never got hurt or fatigued. Throughout his career, he averaged 48 minutes per game and never fouled out. Brute Force Wilt was the most dominant player in basketball history. He possesses 72 NBA records, the majority of which are unbreakable.
He scored the most points in a single game (100), the most rebounds (23,924), and the most 50-point games (118).
Wilt Chamberlain won four MVP awards, two championships, one Finals MVP award, seven scoring titles, 11 rebounding titles, and one assist title. He not only dominated individually, but also helped his teams improve and win games. He played for three franchises: the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He improved each team’s winning percentage and led them to the Finals at least once.
So there you have it: Wilt Chamberlain should undoubtedly be regarded as one of the greatest. He had no defects, flaws, or limitations. He revolutionized the game forever, setting records that will never be broken. He deserves more attention and appreciation from both fans and the media.
