The Boston Celtics had concerns about Wilt Chamberlain prior to his NBA debut. Bill Sharman, a former NBA player and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, called it.
There was a rivalry between Chamberlain and Bill Russell, the Hall of Fame center for Boston. In one-on-one situations, Chamberlain usually prevailed, but Russell and the Celtics were the usual winners. Eight-time NBA champion and former Russell teammate Sharman once suggested that Chamberlain might be just what Russell and the Celtics needed.
Basketball fans had to witness Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. It became much more celebrated when they faced off against one another.
Debates like Chamberlain vs. Russell have always existed. Normally, Russell wins because he has 11 championship rings, but Chamberlain was a better player overall. There is no one who stuffed a stat sheet like Chamberlain.
Particularly in the beginning of his career, Chamberlain’s numbers were unstoppable because they had to be. Russell had a much stronger supporting cast than he did. In terms of scoring throughout the first six years of his NBA career, Chamberlain was the league leader. In his first four seasons, he led the league in rebounds as well. During the 1961–62 season, Chamberlain averaged 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds.
Russell, though, won MVP that year thanks to his average of 18.9 points per game. In addition, he grabbed 23.6 rebounds. Of greater significance, the Celtics secured their fourth consecutive championship.
Chamberlain’s Hall of Fame career came to an end with two championships. It’s difficult to believe that Chamberlain wouldn’t have two small handfuls of championship rings if the star centers had exchanged teams, even though it cannot be verified.
