One cannot dispute Wilt Chamberlain’s exceptional career or his status in NBA history. His notoriety has become something of an urban legend these days. Additionally, a lot of the information on the legendary 7-foot-1 player comes via word-of-mouth, with fans and former colleagues exchanging tales about his career and personal life.During the “Dan Patrick Show,” Hall of Famer Jerry West talked about the man, the myth, and the legend. Patrick reminisced about his childhood, when he was a little fan who was eager to collect autographs from the NBA’s best stars.
He was lucky enough to obtain an autograph from West, as he recalled, but when he attempted to obtain one from Chamberlain, he was met with a singular recollection.
“You guys came into Cincinnati, and the Royals beat you, and I got your autograph, and I got Bill Sharman, I got everybody but Wilt,” stated Patrick. “And Wilt sat in the first seat on the bus, and after the game I saw him there and he didn’t sign my autograph.”‘Mr. Chamberlain, would you please sign my autograph?’ I begged as I ascended one step on the bus. ‘Get the f**k off the bus!’ he exclaimed as he got to his feet. And that was how Wilt and I met.”
Chamberlain accomplished it all, from his early days as a top player for the Harlem Globetrotters to a famous career in which he holds 72 NBA records. Fans are perplexed by accomplishments like scoring 100 points in a game or finishing a season with an average of 30 points and 20 rebounds each game.
