Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two players that frequently lead the NBA’s GOAT debate. Occasionally, Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are involved. But Wilt Chamberlain isn’t given enough credit. Upon conducting a thorough analysis of Chamberlain’s career, it is appropriate to declare him the greatest player in NBA history.
No NBA player has ever accomplished what Wilt Chamberlain did.
The GOAT debate can be draining. Comparing players from various eras is never easy, but the discussion will always be relevant.
Indeed, Chamberlain started his NBA career at a time when there were eight clubs. Granted, he was limited to two title rings. It’s unjust that Chamberlain isn’t being discussed in relation to the Game of the Titans because of those two primary reasons.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain have a lot in common. If not the two greatest centers in NBA history, then both rank among the best. When they were on the Los Angeles Lakers, each legend wore the Purple and Gold.
But off the field, the two maintained a tense relationship characterized by small-minded taunts as well as divergent political and philosophical viewpoints. Even though Wilt and Kareem were in completely different stages of their careers, they still faced off on the court.
Throughout his Hall of Fame career, Chamberlain averaged 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds. Despite not having Russell’s supporting group, he was still able to win two championships and four MVP awards.
This explains why Chamberlain is the greatest of all time.
When Wilt Chamberlain joined the Philadelphia Warriors as a rookie in 1959–60, he had an instant impact. In his rookie season, the 7-foot-1 center, who possessed the highest level of agility in the league, averaged 37.6 points and 27.0 rebounds. He was named MVP and Rookie of the Year. Over the following two seasons, his performance increased.
Chamberlain’s performance in the 1961–62 season was phenomenal. He finished the season with an average of 50.4 points and 27.2 rebounds. Oh, and he scored 100 points in the game against the Knicks. Notwithstanding the fact that NBA games only last 48 minutes, Chamberlain led the league in minutes played per contest (48.5). With the exception of the last 8:33 of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers that year, he played every minute.
He was given a technical penalty in that game and then another one, which led to his immediate disqualification. That season, he played in seven OT games, which is why his average increased by a half-minute. Despite being strong and forceful, Chamberlain never fouled out of a game during his 14 years of play. . I repeat, in 1,045 games, he never fouled out.
Chamberlain led the league in minutes nine times and was always there for his teammates. He only ever averaged 42.1 minutes per game, and it was in the 1969–70 Lakers season when he was limited to just 12 games due to a significant knee injury.
As the most resilient athlete of his day and one of only three players to win three consecutive MVP awards, Chamberlain was a potent two-way player. Neither load management nor selective selection of his colleagues were present. If he had Russell’s supporting cast, he would have received the proper recognition. He can’t be blamed for it.
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