Wilt Chamberlain, who was seven feet tall, was chosen by the Philadelphia Warriors in the 1959 NBA Draft. Not joking, Chamberlain averaged 37.6 points and 27 rebounds in his rookie season and was named Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year. With his massive frame, loaded stat sheet, and multiple NBA records, the big man is regarded as one of the best players of all time. He went on to play for more than five seasons with the Philadelphia and San Francisco Warriors.
The all-time great Chamberlain resumed his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers after his time with the Warriors (1959– 1962). Throughout his career, Chamberlain won two NBA Championships (1967, 1972), seven straight scoring crowns, thirteen All-Star selections, and four MVP awards. Along with his 1961–62 season scoring average of 50.4, the Hall of Fame center also owns the NBA records for most points (100) and rebounds (55) in a game.
On December 29, 1999, the Warriors retired the great center’s jersey at the Oakland Coliseum during a halftime ceremony. Chamberlain’s sister was present for the prestigious event.
The Golden State Warriors have retired the jerseys of six players, including Chamberlain, who is the first player in NBA history to have his jersey retired by three separate teams (the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Golden State Warriors).
