Revision as of 02:21, 1 March 2012 view sourceChrishmt0423 (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers55,758 edits Undid revision 479573610 by 74.204.159.142 (talk)← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 19:31, 8 January 2025 view source Fyunck(click) (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers63,565 edits Undid revision 1267715587 by Luthfee Manga (talk)Incorrect. He is often considered the greatest ever, bar noneTag: Undo | ||
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{{short description|American basketball player (1936–1999)}} | |||
{{pp-move-indef}} | |||
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} | |||
{{Infobox NBA biography | |||
{{good article}} | |||
| name = Wilt Chamberlain | |||
{{use American English|date=September 2019}} | |||
| image = Wilt Chamberlain3.jpg | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}} | |||
| width = 200px | |||
{{Infobox basketball biography | |||
| caption = | |||
| name = Wilt Chamberlain | |||
| position = ] | |||
| image = Wilt Chamberlain.jpg | |||
| height_ft = 7 | |||
| caption = Chamberlain with the ] in 1959 | |||
| height_in = 1 | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date|1936|8|21}} | |||
| weight_lb = 275 | |||
| birth_place = ], U.S. | |||
| number = 13 | |||
| death_date = {{death date and age|1999|10|12|1936|8|21}} | |||
| birth_date = August 21, 1936 | |||
| death_place = ], U.S. | |||
| birth_place = ], ] | |||
| height_ft = 7 | |||
| death_date = {{death date and age|mf=yes|1999|10|12|1936|8|21}} | |||
| height_in = 1 | |||
| death_place = ], ] | |||
| weight_lb = 275 | |||
| nationality = ] | |||
| high_school |
| high_school = ] {{nowrap|(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)}} | ||
| college |
| college = ] (1956–1958) | ||
| draft_year |
| draft_year = 1959 | ||
| draft_round |
| draft_round = | ||
| draft_pick |
| draft_pick = ] | ||
| draft_team |
| draft_team = ] | ||
| career_start = |
| career_start = 1958 | ||
| career_end |
| career_end = 1973 | ||
| career_position = ] | |||
| years1 = 1958–1959 | |||
| career_number = 13 | |||
| team1 = ] | |||
| coach_start = 1973 | |||
| years2 = {{nbay|1959|start}}–{{nbay|1964|end}} | |||
| coach_end = 1974 | |||
| team2 = ] | |||
| years1 = 1958–1959 | |||
| years3 = {{nbay|1964|end}}–{{nbay|1967|end}} | |||
| team1 = ] | |||
| team3 = ] | |||
| |
| years2 = {{nbay|1959|start}}–{{nbay|1964|end}} | ||
| team2 = ] | |||
| team4 = ] | |||
| years3 = {{nbay|1964|end}}–{{nbay|1967|end}} | |||
| cyears1 = ] | |||
| team3 = ] | |||
| cteam1 = ] (]) | |||
| years4 = {{nbay|1968|start}}–{{nbay|1972|end}} | |||
| highlights = <nowiki></nowiki> | |||
| team4 = ] | |||
* 2× ] (], ]) | |||
| cyears1 = ] | |||
| cteam1 = ] | |||
| highlights = * 2× ] ({{nbafy|1967}}, {{nbafy|1972}}) | |||
* ] ({{nbafy|1972}}) | |||
* 4× ] ({{nbay|1959|end}}, {{nbay|1965|end}}–{{nbay|1967|end}}) | * 4× ] ({{nbay|1959|end}}, {{nbay|1965|end}}–{{nbay|1967|end}}) | ||
* 13× ] ({{nasg|1960}}–{{nasg|1969}}, {{nasg|1971}}–{{nasg|1973}}) | |||
* ] (]) | |||
* ] (1960) | |||
* 7× ] (1960–{{nbay|1961|end}}, {{nbay|1963|end}}, 1965–1968) | |||
* |
* 7× ] (1960–{{nbay|1961|end}}, {{nbay|1963|end}}, 1966–1968) | ||
* |
* 3× ] ({{nbay|1962|end}}, {{nbay|1964|end}}, {{nbay|1971|end}}) | ||
* 2× ] (1972, {{nbay|1972|end}}) | |||
* ] (]) | |||
* ] (1960) | |||
* 13× ] (]–], ]–]) | |||
* 7× ] (1960–1966) | * 7× ] (1960–1966) | ||
* 11× ] (1960–1963, 1966–{{nbay|1968|end}}, {{nbay|1970|end}} |
* 11× ] (1960–1963, 1966–{{nbay|1968|end}}, {{nbay|1970|end}}–1973) | ||
* ] (1968) | |||
*] (1960) | |||
*] | * ] (], ], ]) | ||
* {{abbr|No.|Number}} 13 ] | |||
*] | |||
* |
* No. 13 ] | ||
* No. 13 ] | |||
| profile = wilt_chamberlain | |||
* No. 13 ] | |||
| stat1label = ] | |||
* ] (]) | |||
| stat1value = 31,419 (30.1 ppg) | |||
* 2× Consensus first-team ] (], ]) | |||
| stat2label = ] | |||
* First-team All-] (1957) | |||
| stat2value = 23,924 (22.9 rpg) | |||
* No. 13 ] | |||
| stat3label = ] | |||
* ] (1955) | |||
| stat3value = 4,643 (4.4 apg) | |||
| stat1label = ] | |||
| letter = c | |||
| stat1value = 31,419 (30.1 ppg) | |||
| bbr = chambwi01 | |||
| stat2label = ] | |||
| HOF_player = wilton-n-wilt-chamberlain | |||
| stat2value = 23,924 (22.9 rpg) | |||
| stat3label = ] | |||
| stat3value = 4,643 (4.4 apg) | |||
| HOF_player = wilt-chamberlain | |||
| CBBASKHOF_year = 2006 | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Wilton Norman''' "'''Wilt'''" '''Chamberlain''' (August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional ] ] player for the ], the ] and the ]; he also played for the ] prior to playing in the NBA. The 7 foot 1 inch Chamberlain weighed 250 pounds as a rookie<ref name="wilt1959">{{cite web | last=sportingnews.com | first= | title= Warriors riding high on Wilt the Stilt|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/wilt/article9.html| date=March 5, 2007| accessdate=January 26, 2008 }}</ref> before bulking up to 275 and eventually to over 300 pounds with the Lakers.<ref name="nbacomsummary">{{cite web | last=nba.com | first= | title= Wilt Chamberlain Summary | url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/chamberlain_summary.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008 }}</ref> He played the ] position and is considered by his contemporaries as one of the greatest and most dominant players in NBA history.<ref name=nbacomsummary/><ref name="wilttower">{{cite web | last=espn.com | first= | title= Chamberlain towered over NBA | url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110493.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> | |||
'''Wilton Norman Chamberlain''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|tʃ|eɪ|m|b|ər|l|ᵻ|n}} {{respelling|CHAYM|bər|lin}}; August{{spaces}}21, 1936 – October{{spaces}}12, 1999) was an American professional ] player. Standing {{height|ft=7|in=1}} tall, he played ] in the ] (NBA) for 14 seasons. Often regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Chamberlain was enshrined in the ] in 1978 and elected to the NBA's ], ], and ] anniversary teams. Following his professional basketball career, Chamberlain played ] in the short-lived ] (IVA). He served one term as league president and is enshrined in the IVA Hall of Fame. | |||
Chamberlain holds numerous official ], setting records in many scoring, ] and durability categories. Among other notable accomplishments, he is the only player in NBA history to average more than 40 and 50 ] in a season or ]. He also won seven scoring, nine ], and eleven rebounding titles, and once even led the league in ].<ref name="wilttower"/> Although he suffered a long string of professional losses,<ref name="wiltvsloser">{{cite web | last=Schwartz | first=Larry | title= Wilt battled loser label | url=http://static.espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00014133.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008 }}</ref> Chamberlain had a successful career, winning two NBA titles, earning four regular-season ] awards, the ] award, one ] award, and being selected to 13 ] and ten ] First and Second teams.<ref name="nbacomsummary"/><ref name="hoophall">{{cite web | last=hoophall.com | first= | title= Wilt Chamberlain Biography | url= http://www.hoophall.com/halloffamers/bhof-wilt-chamberlain.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080216120354/http://www.hoophall.com/halloffamers/bhof-wilt-chamberlain.html |archivedate = February 16, 2008|deadurl=yes}}</ref> Chamberlain was subsequently enshrined in the ] in 1978, elected into the NBA's 35th Anniversary Team of 1980, and chosen as one of the ] of 1996.<ref name="hoophall"/> | |||
Renowned for his strength, he played the antagonist in the 1984 ] film '']'', in his only credited film role. | |||
Chamberlain was known by various ]s during his basketball playing career. He hated the ones that called attention to his ] such as ''']''' and '''Wilt the ]''', which was coined during his ] days by a ] ]. He preferred '''The Big Dipper''', which was inspired by his friends who saw him dip his head as he walked through ]ways.<ref></ref> He was also called the '''Chairman of the Boards'''. | |||
According to former teammate ], "The NBA Guide reads like Wilt's personal diary." Chamberlain holds ], including several ] in ], ], and ]; ] were not counted during his career. He is best remembered as the only player to score ]. He also once gathered 55 rebounds, and never ]. Chamberlain is the only player to average 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in a season, a feat he accomplished seven times. He once averaged 50 points per game, as well as 48 minutes per game, in a season. Chamberlain ultimately won two ]hips, four regular-season ] (MVP) awards, the ], one ], and one ]; he was selected to thirteen ]s and ten ]s (seven ] and three ] teams). He won seven scoring, eleven rebounding, nine durability, and nine ] titles; he is the only center to lead the league in total ]. | |||
After his basketball career ended, Chamberlain played ] in the short-lived ], was president of this organization, and is enshrined in the IVA Hall of Fame for his contributions.<ref name="cherry311_316"/> Chamberlain also was a successful businessman, authored several books, and appeared in the movie '']''. He was a lifelong bachelor, and became notorious for his claim to having had sex with over 20,000 women.<ref name="20,000">{{cite web | last=espn.com | title= Sexual claim transformed perception of Wilt | url= http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110836.html| date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> | |||
While in college, Chamberlain played for the ], and ] to the ] in triple ] his sophomore year. He also played for the ] before joining the NBA, where he played for the ], ], and ]. Chamberlain had an ] with ]' center ], suffering a long string of losses before breaking through and winning the 1967 ] as a member of the ]. Chamberlain won his second championship as a member of the ], a team which set a record with a 33-game winning streak. | |||
== Early years == | |||
Wilton Norman Chamberlain was born in ], ], into a family of nine children. As his biographer Robert Cherry observed, he was a frail child, nearly dying of ] in his early years and missing a whole year of school as a result.<ref>''Wilt: Larger Than Life'', Robert Cherry, Triumph Books (Chicago, 2004), 3.</ref> In his early years Chamberlain was not interested in basketball, because he thought it was "a game for sissies".<ref name="autogenerated1">Cherry, 8.</ref> Instead, he was an avid ] athlete: as a youth, he ]ed 6 feet, 6 inches, ran the 440 yards in 49.0 seconds and the 880 yards in 1:58.3, ] 53 feet, 4 inches, and ]ed 22 feet.<ref name="donpierce">{{cite web | last=Pierce | first=Don | title= Chamberlain rated greatest in court game | url= http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/wilt/article3.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> But according to Chamberlain, "basketball was king in Philadelphia", so he eventually turned to the sport.<ref name=cherry19>Cherry, 19.</ref> Because Chamberlain was a very tall child, already measuring 6 feet at age 10<ref name=cherry9>Cherry, 9.</ref> and 6 feet 11 inches when he entered Philadelphia's ],<ref name="wilttower"/> he had a natural advantage against his peers; he soon was renowned for his scoring talent, his physical strength and his shot blocking abilities.<ref>Cherry, 20–21.</ref> According to ] journalist Hal Bock, Chamberlain was "scary, flat-out frightening... before he came along, most basketball players were mortal-sized men. Chamberlain changed that."<ref name="wiltwasagiant">{{cite web | last=Bock | first=Hal | title= More than a big man, Wilt was a giant | url= http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110885.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> It was also in this period of his life when his three life-long nicknames "Wilt the Stilt", "Goliath", and his favorite, "The Big Dipper", were allegedly born.<ref name="nbacomsummary"/> | |||
Sportswriters knew Chamberlain by several nicknames during his playing career, calling attention to his height since his ] days. He disliked the ones that negatively portrayed his height, such as "Wilt the ]" and "]", preferring "]", inspired by his friends who saw him dip his head as he walked through doorways. The name was retained in one of Chamberlain's signature moves, the "dipper ]". He was one of the first players to make prominent use of shots like the ] ], and the ]. His success near the basket led to the widening of the ], offensive ] rules, and the banning of ] over the ]. Chamberlain, always a poor ] shooter, had the ability to dunk from the foul line, which led to the ruling that a free-throw shooter must keep his feet behind the line. | |||
== High school career == | |||
As a player for the Overbrook Panthers, Chamberlain averaged 31 points during the 1953 high school season and led his team to a 71–62 win against the Northeast High School of his future ] teammate ]. He scored 34 points, won Overbrook the Public League title and a berth for the Philadelphia city championship game against the winner of the rival Catholic league, West Catholic.<ref name=cherry25_26>Cherry, 25–26.</ref> In that game, West Catholic triple-teamed Chamberlain the entire game, and despite the center's 29 points, the Panthers lost 54-42.<ref name=cherry25_26/> | |||
==Early years== | |||
In his second Overbrook season, Chamberlain continued his prolific scoring, among them scoring a high school record 71 points against Roxborough.<ref name=cherry30/> The Panthers comfortably won the Public League title after again beating Northeast in which Chamberlain scored 40 points, and later won the city title by defeating South Catholic 74–50. Chamberlain scored 32 points and had led Overbrook to a flawless 19–0 season.<ref name=cherry30>Cherry, 30.</ref> | |||
Wilton Norman Chamberlain was born on August{{spaces}}21, 1936, in ], Pennsylvania, the sixth of nine children to southerners Olivia Ruth (née Johnson), a domestic worker, and William Chamberlain, a welder and handyman.<ref name="early"> | |||
* {{Harvnb|Chamberlain|1992|page=37}} | |||
* {{cite magazine |title=Doing Just Fine, My Man At 50, Wilt Chamberlain Has Finally Mellowed Some; However, He Remains, As Always, Larger Than Life |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1986/08/18/doing-just-fine-my-man-at-50-wilt-chamberlain-has-finally-mellowed-some-however-he-remains-as-always-larger-than-life |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=August 18, 1986 |quote=His upbringing in Philadelphia was stable and middle class. He was raised in a large family by two southern parents.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G2-3436500102.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629122332/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G2-3436500102.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2014|title=Chamberlain, Wilt(on) Norman – Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives, Thematic Series: Sports Figures-HighBeam Research|access-date=November 21, 2017}}</ref> The family lived in a middle-class neighborhood in the ] section of West Philadelphia.<ref name="westp"> | |||
* {{cite web |title=Homes of Paul Robeson, Wilt Chamberlain, and Other Black Landmarks Listed on the Local Register |url=https://hiddencityphila.org/2023/08/homes-of-paul-robeson-wilt-chamberlain-and-other-black-landmarks-listed-on-the-local-register/ |website=Hidden City Philadelphia |date=August 23, 2023 |quote=Wilt Chamberlain lived at 401 N. Salford Street in the Haddington section of West Philadelphia.}} | |||
*{{cite web |title=Archive 75: Wilt Chamberlain |url=https://www.nba.com/news/archive-75-wilt-chamberlain |website=NBA |date=March 2, 2022 |quote=Born on Aug. 21, 1936, raised as one of nine children by William and Olivia Chamberlain in a racially mixed, middle-class neighborhood}}</ref> Chamberlain was raised as a ].<ref name="Baptist"> | |||
* {{cite web |title=Superstar's $1.5-Million Superpad |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/03/15/archives/a-bachelors-dream-that-basketball-built-for-wilt-chamberlain.html |website=New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421150010/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/03/15/archives/a-bachelors-dream-that-basketball-built-for-wilt-chamberlain.html |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |date=March 15, 1972 |quote=I wanted the feeling of the house to be like the Baptist church I remember when I was growing up |url-status=live}} | |||
* {{cite book |last1=Lynch |first1=Wayne |title=Season of the 76ers |date=2002 |page=279 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=978-1-4299-7713-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W8ZAnT8gd-8C&dq=%22mount+carmel+baptist+church%22&pg=PT279 |quote=The mourners came to Mount Carmel Baptist Church on Race Street, site of Wilt’s old Sunday school.}} </ref> | |||
Chamberlain's first competitive sport was track. As a fourth grader, he ran the 300-yard shuttle in the 1946 Penn Relays among older teammates.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Chamberlain |first1=Wilt |title=Wilt: Just Like Any Other 7-Foot Black Millionaire Who Lives Next Door |date=1973 |page=16 |publisher=New York, Macmillan |url=https://archive.org/details/wiltjustlikeanyo00cham/page/16/mode/2up?q=%22penn+relays%22}}</ref> Tall from an early age, he stood {{height|ft=6|in=0}} by 10 years old. He nearly died of ] in his early years and missed a whole year of school as a result.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page=3}}</ref> During early childhood, he was not interested in basketball, which he regarded as "a game for sissies".<ref name="cherry9">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|pages=8–9}}</ref> According to Chamberlain, however, "basketball was king in Philadelphia", so he eventually turned to the sport in seventh grade, while attending ].<ref name=cherry19>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page=19}}</ref> | |||
During summer vacations Chamberlain worked as a bellhop in ]. ], the coach of the ], spotted the talented teenager there and had him play 1-on-1 against Kansas University standout and national champion, ], elected the Most Valuable Player of the 1953 NCAA Finals. Chamberlain won 25–10; Born was so dejected that he gave up a promising NBA career and became a tractor engineer ("If there were high school kids that good, I figured I wasn't going to make it to the pros"),<ref name=cherry32_33>Cherry, 32–33.</ref> and Auerbach wanted Chamberlain to go to a ] university, so he could draft him as a ] for the Celtics, but Chamberlain did not respond.<ref name=cherry32_33/> | |||
==High school career== | |||
In Chamberlain's third and final Overbrook season, he continued his high scoring, once logging 74, 78 and 90 points in three consecutive games.<ref name=cherry34_35>Cherry, 34–35.</ref> The Panthers won the Public League a third time, beating West Philadelphia 78–60, and in the city championship game, they met West Catholic once again. Scoring 35 points, Chamberlain led Overbrook to an easy 83–42 victory.<ref name=cherry34_35/> After 3 years, Chamberlain had won Overbrook 2 city championships, logged a 56–3 record and had broken ]'s high school scoring record by scoring 2,252 points, averaging 37.4 points per game.<ref name="nbacomsummary"/><ref name="wiltvsloser"/><ref name="wiltrevforce">{{cite web | last=Schwartz | first=Larry | title= A revolutionary force | url=http://static.espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00131528.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> | |||
]]] | |||
=== Overbrook High School (1953–1955)=== | |||
After his last Overbrook season, over 200 universities wanted to recruit the basketball prodigy.<ref name="wilttower"/> Among others, ] offered Chamberlain the opportunity to become a movie star, the ] wanted to buy him diamonds, and Chamberlain's Panthers coach Mosenson was even offered a coaching position if he could persuade the center.<ref name=cherry35_39>Cherry, 35–39.</ref> Cherry has described that Chamberlain wanted a change and therefore did not want to go to or near Philadelphia (also eliminating New York), was not interested in New England, and snubbed the South because of ]; leaving the Midwest.<ref name=cherry35_39/> In the end, after visiting the ], also commonly known as KU, with renowned college coach ], Chamberlain then proclaimed he was going to play college basketball at KU.<ref name=cherry35_39/> | |||
Chamberlain stood {{height|ft=6|in=11}} when he entered Philadelphia's ].<ref name="ESPN 1999">{{cite web |date=October 12, 1999 |title=Chamberlain towered over NBA |url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110493.html |access-date=January 26, 2008 |work=ESPN |archive-date=February 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222151620/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110493.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As an avid ] athlete, he ]ed 6 feet, 6 inches, ran the 440 yards in 49.0 seconds and the 880 yards in 1:58.3, ] 53 feet, 4 inches, and ]ed 22 feet.<ref name="donpierce">{{cite web |last=Pierce |first=Don |date=February 10, 2007 |title=Chamberlain rated greatest in court game |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/wilt/article3.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213024759/http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/wilt/article3.html |archive-date=December 13, 2007 |access-date=January 26, 2008}}</ref> | |||
Chamberlain was the star player for the Overbrook Hilltoppers basketball team, wearing jersey number five.{{efn|Overbrook had previously produced star basketball players like ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1991/03/26/overbrook-and-its-greatest-get-back-together/66a92278-6f21-4b38-88c0-c9b17ee5d0b7/|title=Overbrook and Its Greatest Get Back Together|author=Ted Silary|newspaper=] |date=March 26, 1991}}</ref>}} Chamberlain had a natural advantage against his peers; he became renowned for his scoring talent, physical strength, and shot-blocking abilities.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 20–21}}</ref> According to ] journalist Hal Bock, Chamberlain was "scary, flat-out frightening ... before he came along, very few players at the center position possessed his level of athleticism, stature, and stamina. Chamberlain changed the game in fundamental ways no other player did."<ref name="Bock 1999">{{cite web |last=Bock |first=Hal |date=October 13, 1999 |title=More than a big man, Wilt was a giant |url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110885.html |access-date=March 18, 2022 |work=ESPN |archive-date=May 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520081247/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110885.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In this period of his life, his three lifelong nicknames "Wilt the Stilt", "Goliath", and "The Big Dipper"—his favorite—were coined.<ref name="NBA 2002">{{cite web |date=October 2, 2002 |title=NBA History: Wilt Chamberlain |url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/chamberlain_bio.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021016064842/http://www.nba.com/history/players/chamberlain_bio.html |archive-date=October 16, 2002 |access-date=January 26, 2008 |website=NBA.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wilt Chamberlain Bio |url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/chamberlain_bio.html |access-date=November 21, 2017 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120190846/http://www.nba.com/history/players/chamberlain_bio.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
== College career == | |||
In 1955, Chamberlain joined KU. Cherry described how shocked the young teenager was when he first arrived in the still-segregated city of ]: after being treated like a star in his native Philadelphia, he now saw places black people were prohibited to enter. Chamberlain reacted by simply ignoring these signs, eating and going out wherever he wanted.<ref name=cherry43>Cherry, 43.</ref> When he discovered that nobody heckled him, he gave up his antipathy, and as a result black people in Lawrence were eventually treated better.<ref name=cherry43/> Chamberlain enjoyed living in Kansas, especially enjoying the rich ] scene in nearby ].<ref name=cherry67>Cherry, 67.</ref> | |||
Chamberlain led the team to two city championships over three seasons, with Overbrook logging a 56–3 win-loss record. He broke Hall of Fame guard ]'s Philadelphia-high-school scoring record (2,222 points) and graduated with 2,252 points, averaging 37.4 ].<ref name="NBA 2002" /><ref name="Schwartz 2007">{{cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Larry |date=February 10, 2007 |title=Wilt battled 'loser' label |url=http://static.espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00014133.html |access-date=January 26, 2008 |work=ESPN |archive-date=March 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310015955/http://static.espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00014133.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
At KU Chamberlain became a player for the ] ] team under coach Phog Allen, whom he admired, and also a member of ] fraternity, where he was the president of his pledge class.<ref>Cherry, 63.</ref> Announced as "looking lighter than his 240 pounds, reach 9'6" up in the air , and 7'2", his debut was highly anticipated, and he delivered: in Chamberlain's debut game for the freshman squad, the freshman Jayhawks were pitted against the varsity Jayhawks, who were favored to win their conference that year. Chamberlain dominated his older college mates by scoring 42 points (16–35 from the field, 10–12 on ]s), grabbing 29 rebounds and registering 4 ].<ref name="donpierce"/> Chamberlain's prospects of playing under Allen ended, however, when the coach turned 70 shortly after and was forced to retire by KU regulation. Chamberlain had a bad relationship with Allen's successor, ], fueled by resentment and disappointment: Cherry has doubted whether Chamberlain would have chosen KU if he had known that Allen was going to retire.<ref name=cherry47>Cherry, 47.</ref> | |||
==== 1953: city runner-up ==== | |||
On December 3, 1956, Chamberlain made his varsity debut. In his first varsity game the center scored 52 points and grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time Kansas records in a 87–69 win against the Northwestern team of future NBA team mate ].<ref name=cherry48_57>Cherry, 48–57.</ref> Teammate Monte Johnson testified to his athleticism: "Wilt ... had unbelievable endurance and speed ... and was never tired. When he dunked, he was so fast that a lot of players got their fingers jammed ." Reportedly, Chamberlain also broke ]'s toe with a ].<ref name=cherry48_57/> By this time, Chamberlain had developed several offensive weapons that became his trademarks: his finger roll, his fadeaway jump shot, which he could also hit as a bank shot, his passing and his shot-blocking.<ref name=cherry48_57/> Leading a talented squad of starters, including ], Gene Elstun, John Parker, Ron Lonesky and Lew Johnson, the Jayhawks went 13–1 until they lost a game 56–54 versus Oklahoma State, who held the ball the last three and a half minutes without any intention of scoring a basket, which was still possible in the days before the ] (introduced 1984 in the NCAA).<ref name=cherry48_57/> | |||
Chamberlain averaged 31 points per game during his 1953 high-school season and led his team to a 71–62 win over the ] team of Hall of Fame guard ]. Chamberlain scored 34 points as Overbrook won the ] title and gained a spot in the city championship game against ], the winner of the rival ].<ref name="cherry25_26">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|pages=25–26}}</ref> In that game, West Catholic quadruple-teamed Chamberlain throughout the game, and despite his 29 points, the Hilltoppers lost 54–42.<ref name="cherry25_26" /> | |||
==== 1954: city champions ==== | |||
As he did at Overbrook, Chamberlain again showcased his diverse athletic talent. He ran the 100-yard dash in 10.9 seconds, shot-putted 56 feet, ]ed more than 50 feet, and won the high jump in the ] track and field championships three straight years.<ref name="hickoksports">{{cite news | url = http://www.hickoksports.com/biograph/chamberl.shtml | title = Biography - Wilt Chamberlain | publisher = HickokSports.com | date = September 6, 2004 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> | |||
In his second season, Chamberlain led Overbrook to a 19–0 season. He scored a high-school record 71 points against Roxborough.<ref name="cherry30" /> The Hilltoppers comfortably won the Public League title after again beating Northeast High, as Chamberlain scored 40 points. Overbrook then won the city title by defeating South Catholic 74–50. Chamberlain scored 32 points and Overbrook finished the season undefeated.<ref name="cherry30">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page=30}}</ref> | |||
During his summer vacations, Chamberlain worked as a bellhop at ].<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LFQEAAAAMBAJ|title=Giants of Schoolboy Basketball|journal=Life Magazine|date=February 21, 1955|page=59|access-date=May 29, 2023|archive-date=May 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529131831/https://books.google.com/books?id=LFQEAAAAMBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|Chamberlain could lift luggage to the second floor window without needing to use the stairs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/welcome-to-kutshers_b_1856552|title="Welcome to Kutsher's": A Catskills Documentary and the End of an Era|date=September 5, 2012|website=HuffPost|access-date=January 25, 2023|archive-date=January 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125120326/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/welcome-to-kutshers_b_1856552|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Owners Milton and Helen Kutsher maintained a lifelong friendship with Chamberlain.{{efn|They were "his second set of parents" according to their son Mark.<ref>{{cite news|last=Berger|first=Joseph|title=Helen Kutsher, Pampering Matriarch of a Grand Borscht Belt Resort, Dies at 89|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/24/nyregion/helen-kutsher-matriarch-of-a-catskills-resort-dies-at-89.html|access-date=March 31, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 31, 2013|archive-date=May 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509185249/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/24/nyregion/helen-kutsher-matriarch-of-a-catskills-resort-dies-at-89.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}} ], the coach of the NBA's ], was also athletic director of the summer basketball league at Kutscher's; Auerbach spotted Chamberlain playing there and had him play ] against ] (KU) standout and national champion ], elected ] in 1953. Chamberlain won 25–10; Born was so dejected he gave up a promising NBA career and became a tractor engineer; according to Born, "If there were high school kids that good, I figured I wasn't going to make it to the pros". Auerbach wanted Chamberlain to go to a New England university so the Celtics could draft him as a ] but Chamberlain did not respond.<ref name="cherry32_39"/> | |||
In 1957, 23 teams played for the ]. The Midwest regional tourney was held in ], which at the time was segregated. In the first game, the Jayhawks played the all-white ] team, and KU player John Parker later said: "The crowd was brutal. We were spat on, pelted with debris, and subjected to the vilest racial epithets possible."<ref name=cherry48_57/> KU won 73–65 in overtime, after which police had to escort the Jayhawks out. The next game against Oklahoma City was equally unpleasant, with KU winning 81–61 under intense racist abuse.<ref name=cherry48_57/> In the semi-finals, Chamberlain's Jayhawks handily defeated the ], 80–56, with Wilt scoring 32 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and having at least 7 blocked shots. (Game film is unclear whether an 8th block occurred, or the ball just fell short due to Chamberlain’s withering defensive intimidation). Chamberlain demonstrated his growing arsenal of offensive moves, including jump shots, put-backs, tip-ins, and his turnaround jump shot. He was far more comfortable and effective at the foul line than he would later be during his pro career. He had outstanding foot speed through out the game, and several times led the fastbreak, including blocking a shot near the basket and then outracing the field for a layup. His stellar performance lead Kansas to an insurmountable lead, and he rested on the bench for the final 3:45 remaining in the game. | |||
==== 1955: city champions ==== | |||
Chamberlain made the First Team of the ] squad and led his Jayhawks into the ] finals against the ] of ]. In that game, Tar Heels coach ] used several unorthodox tactics to thwart Chamberlain. For the tip-off, he sent his shortest player, Tommy Kearns, in order to rattle Chamberlain, and the Tar Heels spent the rest of the night ] him, one defender in front, one behind, and a third arriving as soon as he got the ball.<ref name="wiltvsloser"/> With their fixation on Chamberlain, the Jayhawks shot only 27% from the field, as opposed to 64% of the Tar Heels, and trailed 22–29 at halftime.<ref name=cherry48_57/> Later, North Carolina led 40–37 with 10 minutes to go and stalled the game: they passed the ball around without any intention of scoring a basket. After several Tar Heel turnovers, the game was tied at 46 at the end of regulation.<ref name=cherry48_57/> In the first overtime each teams scored 2 points, and in second overtime Kansas froze the ball in return, keeping the game tied at 48. In the third overtime, the Tar Heels scored two consecutive baskets, but Chamberlain executed a three-point play, leaving KU trailing 52–51. After King scored a basket, Kansas was ahead by one point, but then Tar Heel Joe Quigg was fouled on a drive with 10 seconds remaining and made his two foul shots. For the final play, Dick Harp called for Ron Loneski to pass the ball into Chamberlain in the low post. The pass was too soft and was intercepted, however, and the Tar Heels won the game. Nonetheless, Chamberlain, who had scored 23 points and 14 rebounds,<ref name=cherry48_57/> was elected the ] of the ].<ref name="wiltvsloser"/> Cherry has speculated, however, that this loss was a watershed in Chamberlain's life, because it was the first time that his team had lost despite him putting up impressive individual stats. Chamberlain later admitted that this loss was the most painful of his life.<ref name=cherry48_57/> | |||
In Chamberlain's third and final Overbrook season, he continued his high scoring, logging 74, 78, and 90 points in three consecutive games.<ref name="cherry32_39"/> The Hilltoppers suffered just one loss, to Farrell High 59–58.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pahoops.org/farrelloverbrook.htm|title=Farrell defeats Overbrook and Chamberlain|website=www.pahoops.org|access-date=December 25, 2022|archive-date=May 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528135150/http://pahoops.org/farrelloverbrook.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Overbrook won the Public League a third time, beating West Philadelphia 78–60; in the city championship game, they again played West Catholic. Chamberlain scored 35 points and led Overbrook to an 83–42 victory.<ref name="cherry32_39"/> He was retroactively honored as ] for 1955, the earliest year for which such a selection was made.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/high-school/boys-basketball/story/_/id/7682912/all-time-mr-basketball-usa-list|title=Mr. Basketball USA winners: ESPNHS national player of the year honorees date back to 1955|date=April 16, 2012|work=]|author=Flores, Ronnie|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426114501/http://espn.go.com/high-school/boys-basketball/story/_/id/7682912/all-time-mr-basketball-usa-list|archive-date=April 26, 2016|access-date=February 9, 2023|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> | |||
=== Christian Street YMCA === | |||
In Chamberlain's junior year (1957–58 NCAA season), the Jayhawks' matches were even more frustrating for him. Knowing how dominant Chamberlain was, the opponents resorted to freeze-ball tactics and routinely used three or more players to guard him.<ref name=cherry68_71>Cherry, 68–71.</ref> Teammate Bob Billings commented: "It was not fun basketball ... we were just out chasing people throwing the basketball back and forth."<ref name=cherry68_71/> In addition Chamberlain grew weary of the punishment inflicted on him; after a game against Missouri, he showed imprints of two rows of teeth marks in his arm. Nevertheless, Chamberlain averaged 30.1 points for the season and led the Jayhawks to an 18–5 record, losing three games while he was out with a urinary infection:<ref name=cherry68_71/> because KU came second in the league and at the time only conference winners were invited to the NCAA tourney, the Jayhawks' season ended. It was a small consolation that he was again named an All-American, along with future NBA Hall-of-Famers ] and ] plus old rival ].<ref name=cherry68_71/> | |||
].]] | |||
In 1953, while still a sophomore in high school, Chamberlain won his first championship. He led ] to the title in the national YMCA tournament in ], beating the local favorite and defending champion High Point team 85–79.<ref>{{cite web |author=Donald Hunt |title=Christian Street YMCA unveils its Wall of Fame |date=March 2, 2014 |url=https://www.phillytrib.com/sports/christian-street-ymca-unveils-its-wall-of-fame/article_42e81390-9211-5431-8376-1e974767d0e0.html |access-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123071539/https://www.phillytrib.com/sports/christian-street-ymca-unveils-its-wall-of-fame/article_42e81390-9211-5431-8376-1e974767d0e0.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://greensboro.com/another-forgotten-accomplishment-worthy-of-recognition-today/article_24ec3b8c-f239-57e8-925c-f176d7e5a768.html|title=Another forgotten accomplishment Worthy of Recognition Today|website=Greensboro News and Record|date=November 4, 2005|access-date=January 23, 2023|archive-date=January 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123072504/https://greensboro.com/another-forgotten-accomplishment-worthy-of-recognition-today/article_24ec3b8c-f239-57e8-925c-f176d7e5a768.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Chamberlain was the youngest member of the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://greensboro.com/wilt-the-stilt-was-also-a-champ-in-high-point/article_810c8e89-e7d6-5796-a69a-b7fa6d5dc563.html|title="WILT THE STILT" WAS ALSO A CHAMP IN HIGH POINT|author=Angela Clare|date=October 13, 1999|access-date=January 25, 2023|archive-date=January 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125115831/https://greensboro.com/wilt-the-stilt-was-also-a-champ-in-high-point/article_810c8e89-e7d6-5796-a69a-b7fa6d5dc563.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Having lost the enjoyment from NCAA basketball and wanting to earn money, he left college and sold the story named "Why I Am Leaving College" to ''Look'' magazine for $10,000, a large sum when NBA players earned $9,000 in a whole season.<ref name=cherry68_71/> In two seasons at Kansas, Chamberlain averaged 29.9 points and 18.3 ] while totaling 1,433 points and 877 rebounds,<ref name="wiltwasagiant"/> and led Kansas to one ] championship.<ref name="hoophall"/> By the time Chamberlain was 21, he had already been featured in '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'' magazines, even before he turned professional.<ref name="wiltrevforce">{{cite web | last=Schwartz | first=Larry | title= A revolutionary force | url=http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00131528.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> | |||
=== Quakertown Fays === | |||
For many years following Chamberlain's departure from the University of Kansas, critics claimed that he either wanted to leave the very white Midwest or was embarrassed by not being able to bring home the NCAA basketball tournament victory. In 1998, Chamberlain returned to Allen Fieldhouse in ] to participate in a jersey-retiring ceremony for his #13. Around this time, he has been quoted as saying: "There's been a lot of conversation, since people have been trying to get my jersey number retired, that I have some dislike for the University of Kansas. That is totally ridiculous."<ref name="Wilt ready to return to KU">{{cite web | last=kusports.com| title=Men's Basketball | url=http://www.kusports.com/basketball/history/wilt/ | date=December 27, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071223160911/http://www.kusports.com/basketball/history/wilt/ |archivedate = December 23, 2007}}</ref> | |||
At the ages of 16 and 17, Chamberlain, using the pseudonym George Marcus, played several games for the semi-professional team Quakertown Fays of ].<ref>{{Harvnb|Taylor|2005|page=84}}</ref> The games were reported in Philadelphia publications, but Chamberlain tried to keep them secret from the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=AAU Focuses 'Trouble Light' on Cumberland|newspaper=Cumberland Evening Times|page=14}}</ref> | |||
== |
==College career== | ||
=== Harlem Globetrotters (1958–1959) === | |||
After his frustrating junior year, Chamberlain wanted to become a professional player before finishing his senior year.<ref name="lazenby">{{cite web | last=Lazenby | first=Roland | title= Big Norman| url= http://www.hoopshype.com/articles/wilt_lazenby.htm | date=February 14, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> However, at that time, the NBA did not accept players who had not finished their last year of studies. Therefore, Chamberlain was prohibited from joining the NBA for a year, and decided to play for the ] in 1958 for a sum of $50,000.<ref name=nbacomsummary/><ref name=wiltvsloser/> | |||
After his last Overbrook season, more than 200 universities tried to recruit Chamberlain.<ref name="ESPN 1999" /> Among others, ] offered Chamberlain the opportunity to become a movie star, the ] wanted to buy him diamonds, and Cecil Mosenson, Chamberlain's coach at Overbrook, was offered a coaching position if he could persuade Chamberlain to accept an offer.<ref name="cherry32_39">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 32–39}}</ref> | |||
Chamberlain became a member of the Globetrotters team which made history by playing in ] in 1959, enjoyed a sold out tour of the ] and prior to the start of a game at Moscow's Lenin Central Stadium, were greeted by the General Secretary ].<ref name=trotters>{{cite web | last=harlemglobetrotters.com | title= The Original Harlem Globetrotters | url= http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/team/legends/chamberlain.asp | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070812165609/http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/team/legends/chamberlain.asp |archivedate = August 12, 2007|deadurl=yes}}</ref> One particular Trotter skit involved Trotters captain ] collapsing to the ground, and instead of helping him up, Chamberlain threw him several feet high up in the air and caught him like a doll. " was the strongest athlete who ever lived", the 210-pound Lemon recounted later.<ref>Cherry, 79.</ref> In later years, Chamberlain frequently joined the Trotters in the off-season and fondly recalled his time there, because he was no longer jeered at or asked to break records, but just one of several artists who loved to entertain the crowd.<ref name=wiltat50>{{cite news | last=Deford | first=Frank | title= Just doing fine, my man | url= http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/1999/10/12/wilt_at_50/ | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008 | work=CNN}}</ref> On March 9, 2000, Chamberlain's number 13 was retired by the Trotters.<ref name=trotters/> | |||
Chamberlain wished to experience life away from home, so he eliminated colleges from the East Coast; he also ruled out the South because of ] and felt West Coast basketball was of a lower quality than in other regions. This left the Midwest as Chamberlain's probable choice.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wilt Chamberlain |url=https://union.ku.edu/wilt-chamberlain |website=The University of Kansas |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629171541/https://union.ku.edu/wilt-chamberlain |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> After visiting KU and talking with the school's coach, ], Chamberlain announced he was going to play college basketball at Kansas.<ref name="cherry32_39" /> | |||
=== Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959–1965) === | |||
On October 24, 1959, Chamberlain finally made his debut as an NBA player, starting for the ]. The Warriors' ] was highly unusual, as it was a so-called "]", despite Chamberlain's having spent his college years in Kansas, which is not a region covered by Philadelphia (or any other NBA team at the time). However, Warriors owner ], one of the NBA's founding fathers, argued that Chamberlain had grown up in ] and had become popular there as a high school player, and that because there were no NBA teams in Kansas, the Warriors held his territorial rights and could draft him. The NBA agreed, marking the first time in NBA history that a player was made a territorial selection based on his pre-college roots.<ref name="nbacomsummary"/> Chamberlain immediately became the NBA's best paid player, earning $30,000 in his rookie contract; in comparison, the previous top earner was ] of the ] with $25,000; in fact, Gottlieb had bought the whole Warriors franchise for $25,000 seven years earlier.<ref name=cherry89>Cherry, 89.</ref> | |||
=== University of Kansas (1956–1958) === | |||
In the ], Chamberlain joined a Warriors squad that was coached by ] and contained Hall-of-Fame guards ] and ], plus ] and his old rival, Guy Rodgers; remarkably, all five starters were Philadelphians. In his first NBA game, against the ], the rookie center scored 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds.<ref name=cherry93_94>Cherry, 93–94.</ref> In his fourth game, Philadelphia met the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics of Hall-of-Fame coach ], whose offer Chamberlain had snubbed several years before, and ], who was now lauded as one of the best defensive pivots in the game.<ref name=cherry93_94/> In what was the first of many Chamberlain-Russell match-ups, Chamberlain outscored Russell with 30 points versus 28 points, but Boston won the game. Cherry called this outcome the first of many great duels between these pivots.<ref name=cherry93_94/> Chamberlain and his perennial nemesis (Russell) would grow to become ] of all time.<ref name="hoophall"/> Nevertheless, the two also became friends off the court, similar to later rivals ] and ].<ref name="larrybird">{{cite web | last=nba.com | first= | title= Larry Bird Bio | url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/bird_bio.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> | |||
In 1955, Chamberlain entered the University of Kansas (KU); he was a member of ] fraternity and was president of his pledge class.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 63}}</ref> As he had at Overbrook, Chamberlain displayed his diverse athletic talent at KU. He ran the 100-yard dash in 10.9 seconds, shot-putted {{convert|56|feet|m|abbr=out|spell=in}}, ]ed more than {{convert|50|feet|m|abbr=out|spell=in}}, and won the high jump in the ] track-and-field championships in three consecutive years.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 6, 2004 |title=Chamberlain, Wilton N. |url=http://www.hickoksports.com/biograph/chamberl.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111005833/http://www.hickoksports.com/biograph/chamberl.shtml |archive-date=January 11, 2013 |access-date=January 26, 2008 |website=Hickok Sports}}</ref>{{efn|In the days before the ], the ] was preferred in the high jump. Chamberlain liked to wear a red and black plaid cap during his college track events.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1956/04/30/focus-on-the-deed|date=April 30, 1956|title=Focus on the Deed|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=February 5, 2023|archive-date=February 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205121646/https://vault.si.com/vault/1956/04/30/focus-on-the-deed|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Chamberlain allegedly dunked on an experimental 12-foot basket set up by Phog Allen.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ostler |first=Scott |date=February 12, 1989 |title=The Leaping Legends of Basketball |newspaper=]}}</ref> | |||
Chamberlain's ] debut was highly anticipated; the freshman team played against the varsity, who were favored to win their conference that year. Chamberlain dominated his older college teammates by scoring 42 points (16–35 from the ], 10–12 on free throws), grabbing 29 rebounds, and registering 4 blocks.<ref name="donpierce" /> | |||
Chamberlain was the catalyst for several 1956 NCAA basketball rule changes, including the requirement for a shooter to keep both feet behind the line during a free-throw attempt.<ref name="toledo">{{citation |title=That Stilt, Wilt, Responsible For 2 Rule Changes; Kansas' Chamberlain Even Dunked His Foul Shots |date=November 28, 1956 |newspaper=]}}</ref>{{efn|Until the ball touches the ], backboard or the free throw ends.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://official.nba.com/rule-no-9-free-throws-and-penalties/ |title=Rule No. 9 |date=October 15, 2018 |access-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516034031/https://official.nba.com/rule-no-9-free-throws-and-penalties/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} He had a {{convert|50|inch|cm|adj=on}} vertical leap,<ref>{{cite web |last=DuPree |first=David |title=Wilt Chamberlain: A Tribute |url=http://www.nba.com/warriors/history/Dupree_Chamberlain.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106201100/http://www.nba.com/warriors/history/Dupree_Chamberlain.html |archive-date=November 6, 2016 |access-date=August 20, 2010 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> and was capable of converting foul shots by dunking without a running start, beginning his movement just steps behind the top of the key.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ostler |first=Scott |date=February 12, 1989 |title=The Leaping Legends of Basketball |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>{{efn| ], coach at rival ], was a member of the rules committee who watched Chamberlain dunk from the foul line during scrimmages at ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/sixers/Wilt_Chamberlain_NCAA_rules_free_throw_shooting_Kansas.html | title=At the foul line, where Wilt's myth and reality meet {{pipe}} Frank's Place | date=April 14, 2017 | access-date=February 13, 2023 | archive-date=February 13, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213193126/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/sixers/Wilt_Chamberlain_NCAA_rules_free_throw_shooting_Kansas.html | url-status=live }}</ref>}} An inbounds pass over the backboard was banned because of Chamberlain.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Aram Goudsouzian |year=2005 |title="Can Basketball Survive Chamberlain" |url=https://www.kshs.org/publicat/history/2005autumn_goudsouzian.pdf |journal=Kansas History |access-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305205401/https://www.kshs.org/publicat/history/2005autumn_goudsouzian.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Offensive goaltending, also called basket interference, was introduced as a rule in 1956 after ] had exploited it at ] and Chamberlain was soon to enter college play.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8cpud1roWz4C|page=193|title=Spanning the Game|author=Ralph Miller|year=1990|publisher=Sagamore Pub.|isbn=9780915611386|access-date=March 22, 2023|archive-date=May 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522015317/https://books.google.com/books?id=8cpud1roWz4C|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In his first NBA season, Chamberlain averaged ] and ], convincingly breaking the previous regular-season records. He needed only 56 games to score #2,102, which broke the all-time regular season scoring record of ], who needed 72 games to score 2,101 points.<ref name=cherry96_97>Cherry, 96–97.</ref> Chamberlain was named ] and ] that season, a feat matched only by fellow Hall-of-Famer ] in the ], and broke eight NBA records.<ref name=wiltvsloser/><ref name=cherry96_97/> Chamberlain capped off his rookie season by winning also the ] MVP award with a 23-point, 25-rebound performance for ]. However, it also became evident that he was an atrocious free-throw shooter, making hardly half of his foul shots. As time progressed, Chamberlain grew even worse, and acknowledged he was simply a "psycho case" on that matter.<ref name=cherry105_106/> | |||
Chamberlain's prospects of playing under coach Allen ended when Allen turned 70 and retired shortly after in accordance with KU regulations. According to Cherry, it is doubtful Chamberlain would have chosen KU if he had known Allen was going to retire. Chamberlain had a poor relationship with Allen's successor, ].<ref name="cherry47">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 47}}</ref> For many years following Chamberlain's departure from KU, critics said he wanted to leave the Midwest or was embarrassed by not being able to win a championship. In 1998, Chamberlain returned to ] in ], to participate in a jersey-retiring ceremony for his {{abbr|No.|Number}} 13 jersey. He said, "There's been a lot of conversation ... that I have some dislike for the University of Kansas. That is totally ridiculous."<ref name="Wilt ready to return to KU">{{cite web |date=December 27, 2007 |title=Men's Basketball |url=http://www.kusports.com/basketball/history/wilt/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223160911/http://www.kusports.com/basketball/history/wilt/ |archive-date=December 23, 2007 |access-date=January 26, 2008 |website=Kusports}}</ref> | |||
The Warriors entered the ] and beat the ], setting up a meeting versus the Eastern Division champions, the Boston Celtics. Cherry described how Celtics coach Red Auerbach ordered his forward ] to commit personal fouls on Chamberlain: whenever the Warriors shot foul shots, Heinsohn grabbed and shoved Chamberlain to prevent him from running back quickly; his intention was that the Celtics would throw the ball in so fast that the prolific shotblocker Chamberlain was not yet back under his own basket, and Boston could score an easy ] basket.<ref name=cherry96_97/> The teams split the first two games, but in Game 3, Chamberlain got fed up with Heinsohn and punched him. In the scuffle, Wilt injured his hand, and Philadelphia lost the next two games.<ref name=cherry96_97/> In Game 5, with his hand back to normal, Chamberlain scored 50 points on Bill Russell. But in Game 6, Heinsohn got the last laugh, scoring the decisive basket with a last-second tip-in.<ref name=cherry96_97/> The Warriors lost the series 4-2.<ref name=nbacomsummary/> | |||
==== Sophomore season (1957): national runner-up to North Carolina ==== | |||
The rookie Chamberlain then shocked Warriors' fans by saying he was thinking of retiring. He was tired of being double- and triple-teamed, and of teams coming down on him with hard ]. Chamberlain feared he might lose his cool one day.<ref name=nbacomsummary/> As Celtics forward Heinsohn said, himself no stranger to dirty play against Chamberlain: "Half the fouls against him were hard fouls ... he took the most brutal pounding of any player ever".<ref name=nbacomsummary/> In addition, Chamberlain was seen as a freak of nature, jeered at by the fans and scorned by the media. As Chamberlain often said, quoting coach Alex Hannum's explanation of his situation, "Nobody loves ]."<ref name=wiltvsloser/> Eddie Gottlieb coaxed Chamberlain back into the NBA, sweetening his return with a salary raise to $65,000.<ref name=cherry99>Cherry, 99.</ref> | |||
On December{{spaces}}3, ], Chamberlain made his varsity basketball debut as a center for the ]. In his first game, he scored 52 points and grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time Kansas records in an 87–69 win against the ], a team with Chamberlain's future NBA teammate ] playing center.<ref name="cherry48_57">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 48–57}}</ref> Chamberlain led a talented squad of starters, including ], Gene Elstun, John Parker, and Ron Lonesky; the Jayhawks went 13–1 until they lost a game 56–54 against the ], who held the ] for the last three-and-a -half minutes with no intention of scoring a basket, which was still possible in the days before the ], introduced by the ] in 1984.<ref name="cherry48_57" /> | |||
Kansas finished the regular season 21–2 and were ] champions.<ref name="Hoophall 2007">{{cite web |date=February 10, 2007 |title=Wilt Chamberlain Biography |url=http://www.hoophall.com/halloffamers/bhof-wilt-chamberlain.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216120354/http://www.hoophall.com/halloffamers/bhof-wilt-chamberlain.html |archive-date=February 16, 2008 |access-date=January 26, 2008 |publisher=Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame}}</ref> Chamberlain was named first-team ]. Teammate Monte Johnson stated Chamberlain had "unbelievable endurance and speed ... and was never tired. When he dunked, he was so fast that a lot of players got their fingers jammed ." By this time, several aspects of Chamberlain's game, such as his finger roll, his fadeaway jump shot—which he could also make as a ]—his passing, and his ], were already developed.<ref name="cherry48_57" /> | |||
The ], Chamberlain surpassed his rookie season statistics as he averaged 38.4 points per game and ]. He became the first player to break the 3,000-point barrier and the first and still only player to break the 2,000-rebound barrier for a single season, grabbing 2,149 boards.<ref name=stats>{{cite web | last=basketball-reference.com | first= | title= Wilt Chamberlain Statistics | url= http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambwi01.html| date=February 14, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> Chamberlain also won his first ] title, and set the ] with 55.<ref name=wiltvsloser/> Chamberlain was so dominant on the team that he scored almost 32% of his team's points and collected 30.4% of their rebounds.<ref name=cherry99/> | |||
The Jayhawks were one of twenty-three teams selected to play in the ]. The Midwest Regional was held in ], which at the time was segregated. In the first game, the Jayhawks played the all-white ], and KU's John Parker later said: "The crowd was brutal. We were spat on, pelted with debris, and subjected to the vilest racial epithets possible."<ref name="cherry48_57"/> KU won 73–65 in ], and police had to escort the Jayhawks out. The next game against Oklahoma City was equally unpleasant, with KU winning 81–61.<ref name="cherry48_57"/> | |||
Chamberlain again failed to convert his play into team success, however, this time bowing out against the Syracuse Nationals in a three-game sweep.<ref name=nba1961>{{cite web | last=basketball-reference.com | first= | title= 1961 NBA Season Summary | url= http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1961.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> Cherry noted that Chamberlain was "difficult" and did not respect coach ], who was unable to handle the star center. In retrospect, Eddie Gottlieb remarked: "My mistake was not getting a stronghanded coach.... wasn't ready for big time."<ref>Cherry, 100.</ref> | |||
In the semifinals, the Jayhawks defeated the two-time defending national champion ] 80–56; Chamberlain scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and had (at least{{efn| The game film is unclear whether an eighth block occurred or the ball fell short due to Chamberlain's intimidation. }}) seven blocked shots. Chamberlain's performance led Kansas to an insurmountable lead, and he rested on the bench for the final three-and-three-quarter minutes of the game. | |||
] at ]]] | |||
In his third Warriors season, the team was coached by ], the coach who had masterminded Chamberlain's painful NCAA loss against the Tar Heels. In that year, Wilt set several all-time records which have never been threatened. In the ], he averaged ] and grabbed 25.7 rebounds per game.<ref name=stats/> Perhaps most astounding was, on March 2, 1962, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Wilt's scoring ], shooting 36 of 63 from the field, and making 28 of 32 free throws against the New York Knicks. Chamberlain's 4,029 regular-season points made him the first and only player to break the 4,000-point barrier.<ref name=nbacomsummary/> To put this in perspective, the only other player to break the 3,000-point barrier is ], with 3,041 points in the ]. Chamberlain once again broke the 2,000-rebound barrier with 2,052. Additionally, he was on the hardwood for an average of 48.53 minutes, playing 3,882 of his team's 3,890 minutes.<ref name=stats/> Because Chamberlain played in overtime games, he averaged more minutes per game than the regulation 48; in fact, Chamberlain would have reached the 3,890-minute mark if he had not been ejected in one game after picking up a second technical foul with 8 minutes left to play.<ref>Cherry, 106.</ref> | |||
] | |||
His extraordinary feats in the 1962 season were later subject of the book ''Wilt, 1962'' by ] (2005), who used Chamberlain as a metaphor for the uprising of Black America.<ref>{{cite web | last=Pomerantz | first=Gary M. | title=Wilt, 1962 | url=http://www.amazon.de/dp/1400051606 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> In addition to Chamberlain's regular-season accomplishments, he scored 42 points in the ], still the all-time record, on 17–23 shooting and pulled down 24 rebounds. | |||
In the NCAA finals, the second-ranked Kansas Jayhawks played the top-ranked, undefeated ], led by All-American and National Player of the Year ]. Tar Heels coach ] used several unorthodox tactics to thwart Chamberlain. For the ], he sent his shortest player ] to upset Chamberlain; and the Tar Heels spent the rest of the night ] him, one defender in front, one behind, and a third arriving as soon as he got the ball.<ref name="Schwartz 2007" /> With the Tar Heels' fixation on Chamberlain, the Jayhawks shot only 27% from the field in contrast with 64% for the Tar Heels, and trailed 22–29 at halftime.<ref name="cherry48_57" /> With 10 minutes to go, North Carolina led 40–37 and stalled the game as they passed the ball around with no intention of scoring a basket. After several Tar Heel ], the game was tied at 46 at the end of regulation.<ref name="cherry48_57" /> | |||
In the ], the Warriors met the Boston Celtics again in the Eastern Division Finals, a team which Bob Cousy and Bill Russell called the greatest Celtics team of all time.<ref name=cherry115_116>Cherry, 115–116.</ref> Each team won their home games, so the series was split at 3 after six games. In a closely contested Game 7, Chamberlain tied the game at 107 with 16 seconds to go, but Celtics shooting guard ] hit a clutch shot with 2 seconds left to win the series for Boston.<ref name=cherry115_116/><ref name=nba1962>{{cite web | last=basketball-reference.com | first= | title= 1962 NBA Season Summary | url= http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1962.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> In later years, Chamberlain was criticized for averaging 50 points, but not winning a title. In his defense, Warriors coach Frank McGuire said "Wilt has been simply super-human", and pointed out that the Warriors lacked a consistent second scorer, a playmaker, and a second big man to take pressure off Chamberlain.<ref name=cherry105_106>Cherry, 105–106.</ref> | |||
Each team scored two points in the first overtime; Kansas froze the ball in return during the second overtime, keeping the game tied at 48. In the third overtime, the Tar Heels scored two consecutive baskets but Chamberlain executed a ], leaving KU trailing 52–51. After King scored a basket, Kansas was ahead by one point. With 10 seconds remaining, Tar Heels' center ] ]d then drove to the basket. Chamberlain blocked Quigg's shot but was also called for the foul. Quigg made his two foul shots to put the Tar Heels up 54–53. For the final play, Harp called for Ron Loneski to pass the ball into Chamberlain in the low post but Quigg tipped the pass and Kearns recovered it, and the Tar Heels won the game. | |||
In the ], Eddie Gottlieb sold the Warriors franchise for $850,000 to a group of businessmen led by Marty Simmons from ], and the team relocated to become the ] under a new coach, ].<ref>Cherry, 118.</ref> This also meant, however, that the team broke apart, as Paul Arizin chose to retire rather than move away from his family and his job at IBM in Philadelphia, and Tom Gola was homesick, requesting a trade to the lowly New York Knicks halfway through the season.<ref>Cherry, 125.</ref> With both secondary scorers gone, Chamberlain continued his array of statistical feats, averaging 44.8 points and 24.3 rebounds per game that year.<ref name=stats/> Despite his individual success, the Warriors lost 49 of their 80 games and missed the playoffs.<ref name=nba1963>{{cite web | last=basketball-reference.com | first= | title= 1963 NBA Season Summary | url= http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1963.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> | |||
Despite the loss, Chamberlain, who scored 23 points and 14 rebounds,<ref name="cherry48_57" /> was elected the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.<ref name="Schwartz 2007" /> Chamberlain considered it the most painful loss of his life, the first time his team lost despite his impressive individual ].<ref name="cherry48_57" /> It is considered by sportswriters one of the sport's greatest games: North Carolina's first of six NCAA national titles, the first national final to go into overtime and still the only one to go into triple overtime.{{efn|In the semifinals, North Carolina also needed triple overtime to advance over ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www2.kusports.com/mens_basketball/ncaa_tournament/1957/|title=Triple OT: The 50th Anniversary of 1957 Championship {{pipe}} KUsports.com|website=www2.kusports.com|access-date=December 24, 2022|archive-date=December 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224062953/https://www2.kusports.com/mens_basketball/ncaa_tournament/1957/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | |||
In the ], Chamberlain got yet another new coach, ], and was joined by a promising rookie center, ], who eventually entered the Hall of Fame. Ex-soldier Hannum, who later entered the NBA Hall of Fame as a coach, was a crafty psychologist who emphasized defense and passing. Most importantly, he was not afraid to stand up to the dominant Chamberlain, who was known to "freeze out" (not communicate with) coaches he didn't like.<ref>Cherry, 128.</ref> Backed up by valuable rookie Thurmond, Chamberlain had another good season with 36.9 ppg and 22.3 rpg,<ref name="stats"/> and the Warriors went all the way to the ]. In that series they succumbed to Russell's ] yet again, this time losing 4–1.<ref name=nba1964>{{cite web | last=basketball-reference.com | first= | title= 1964 NBA Season Summary | url= http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1964.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> But as Cherry remarked, not only Chamberlain, but in particular Hannum deserved much credit because he had basically had taken the bad 31–49 squad of last year plus Thurmond and made it into a NBA Finalist.<ref>Cherry, 129.</ref> In the summer of 1964 Chamberlain, one of the prominent participants at the famed ] basketball court in ],<ref name=hawkins>{{cite web | title= Connie Hawkins: Thoughts on Wilt|url=http://www.nba.com/suns/news/wilt_memories.html#hawkins| accessdate=July 3, 2009}}</ref> made the acquaintance of a tall, talented 17-year old teenager who played there. Soon, the young ] was allowed into his inner circle, and quickly idolized the ten-year older NBA player. Unfortunately, Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as Alcindor would name himself later, would develop an intensely personal antipathy.<ref name=cherry130131>Cherry, 130–131.</ref> | |||
==== Junior season (1958) ==== | |||
In the following ], the Warriors got off to a terrible start and ran into financial trouble. At the 1965 ] Chamberlain was traded to the ], the new name of the relocated Syracuse Nationals. In return the Warriors received ], ], ] (who opted to retire rather than report to the Warriors), and $150,000.<ref name=nbacomsummary/><ref name=wiltvsloser/> When Chamberlain left the Warriors, owner ] said: "Chamberlain is not an easy man to love the fans in San Francisco never learned to love him. Wilt is easy to hate people came to see him lose."<ref name="lazenby"/> | |||
In Chamberlain's junior season of 1957–58, the Jayhawks' matches were increasingly frustrating for him. Knowing how good he was, opponents resorted to freeze-ball tactics and routinely used three or more players to guard him.<ref name="cherry68_71">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 68–71}}</ref> Teammate Bob Billings commented, "It was not fun basketball ... we were just out chasing people throwing the basketball back and forth".<ref name="cherry68_71"/> Chamberlain averaged 30.1 points for the season and led the Jayhawks to an 18–5 record — three of the losses coming while he was out with a urinary infection.<ref name="cherry68_71"/> The Jayhawks' season ended because KU came in second in the league and only conference winners were invited to the NCAA tournament. Chamberlain was again named an ], along with future NBA Hall-of-Famers ] of ], ] of ], and Guy Rodgers, who was now playing for ].<ref name="cherry68_71"/> | |||
Having lost enjoyment in NCAA basketball and wanting to earn money, Chamberlain left college and sold a story titled "Why I Am Leaving College" to '']'' for $10,000, a large sum when NBA players earned $9,000 in a season.<ref name="cherry68_71" /> In two seasons at KU, he averaged 29.9 points and 18.3 rebounds per game while totaling 1,433 points and 877 rebounds.<ref name="Bock 1999" /> Despite only playing in 48 games and last playing in 1958, Chamberlain's 877 rebounds is still 8th all-time in Kansas history.<ref>{{cite web |title=2023–24 Media Guide |url=https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Final-Media-Guide-min.pdf |website=KUAthletics.com |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110220611/https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Final-Media-Guide-min.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> By the time Chamberlain was 21 and not yet a professional, he had been featured in '']'', '']'', ''Look'', and '']''.<ref name="Schwartz 1999">{{cite web|last=Schwartz|first=Larry|date=October 29, 1999|url=http://static.espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00131528.html|title=A revolutionary force|work=ESPN|access-date=March 18, 2022|archive-date=November 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102183513/http://static.espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00131528.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Philadelphia 76ers (1965–1968) === | |||
After the trade Chamberlain found himself on a promising Sixers team that included guards ], a future Hall-of-Famer, and talented role players ], ] and ]. Cherry remarks that there was a certain tension within the team: Greer was the formerly undisputed leader and was not willing to give up his authority, and Jackson, a talented center, was now forced to play ] because Chamberlain blocked the center spot; however, as the season progressed, the three began to mesh better.<ref name=cherry138_139>Cherry, 138–139.</ref> Chamberlain did not care for the Sixer's coach, ], because Schayes, according to him, had made several disrespectful remarks when they were rival players in the NBA.<ref name=cherry138_139/> | |||
==Professional career== | |||
Statistically, Chamberlain was again outstanding, posting 34.7 ppg and 22.9 rpg for the second half of the season.<ref name=stats/> After defeating the ] led by ] in the ], the Sixers met Chamberlain's familiar rival, the Boston Celtics. The press called it an even matchup in all positions, even at center, where Bill Russell was expected to give Chamberlain a tough battle.<ref name=cherry141_143>Cherry, 141–143.</ref> Indeed, the two teams split the first six games, and because of the better season record, the last game was held in the Celtics' Boston Garden. In that Game 7, both centers were marvelous: Chamberlain scored 30 points and 32 rebounds, and Russell logged 16 points, 27 rebounds and 8 assists.<ref name=cherry141_143/> In the final minute, Chamberlain hit two clutch free throws and ]ed on Russell, bringing Boston's lead down to 110–109 with five seconds left. Russell botched the inbounds pass, hitting a guide wire over the backboard and giving the ball back to the Sixers. Coach Schayes called timeout, and decided to run the last play over ] rather than Chamberlain, because he feared the Celtics would ] because he was a poor foul shooter. But when Greer attempted to inbound the ball, ] stole it to preserve the Celtics' lead.<ref>{{cite web | last=nba.com/history | first= | title= NBA's Greatest Moments - "Havlicek Stole the Ball!" | url=http://www.nba.com/history/havliceksteal_moments.html | date=January 18, 2008 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> For the fifth time in seven years, Russell's team had deprived Chamberlain of the title.<ref name=nbacomsummary/> According to Chamberlain, that was the time that people started calling him "loser".<ref name=wiltvsloser/> Additionally, in an April 1965 issue of '']'' Chamberlain conducted an interview entitled "My Life In A Bush League" where he criticized his fellow players, coaches, and NBA administrators.<ref name=bookrags>{{cite web | last=bookrags.com | first= | title= Wilt Chamberlain | url=http://www.bookrags.com/biography/chamberlain-wilt-1936-sjpc-01/ | date=February 15, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> Chamberlain later commented that he could see in hindsight how the interview was instrumental in damaging his public image.<ref name=bookrags/> | |||
===Harlem Globetrotters (1958–1959)=== | |||
After his frustrating junior year, Chamberlain wanted to become a professional player.<ref name="Lazenby 2006">{{cite web|last=Lazenby|first=Roland|date=August 24, 2006|url=http://www.hoopshype.com/articles/wilt_lazenby.htm|url-status=dead|title=Big Norman|website=HoppsHype|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103050341/http://www.hoopshype.com/articles/wilt_lazenby.htm|archive-date=January 3, 2008|access-date=March 20, 2022}}</ref> At that time, the NBA did not accept players until after their college graduating class had been completed; Chamberlain decided to play for the ] in 1958 for $50,000.<ref name="NBA 2002"/><ref name="Schwartz 2007"/>{{efn|Equal to about ${{formatnum:{{inflation|US|50000|1958|r=-3}}}} in 2019.{{inflation-fn|US}}}} The team enjoyed a sold-out tour of the ] in 1959; they were greeted by General Secretary ] prior to the start of a game at Moscow's ].<ref name="Globetrotters">{{cite web|url=http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/team/legends/chamberlain.asp|url-status=dead|title=The Original Harlem Globetrotters|publisher=Harlem Globetrotters|date=February 10, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070812165609/http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/team/legends/chamberlain.asp|archive-date=August 12, 2007|access-date=January 26, 2008}}</ref> One Globetrotter skit involved Captain ] collapsing to the ground; instead of helping him up, Chamberlain threw him several feet into the air and caught him like a doll. Lemon, who at that time weighed {{cvt|210|lb}}, later said Chamberlain was "the strongest athlete who ever lived".<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 79}}</ref> | |||
In later years, Chamberlain frequently joined the Globetrotters in the off-season and fondly recalled his time there because he was no longer jeered at or asked to break records, but was one of several artists who loved to entertain audiences.<ref name="Deford 1999">{{cite news|last=Deford|first=Frank|date=February 10, 1999|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/1999/10/12/wilt_at_50/|title=Just doing fine, my man|work=CNN|access-date=March 18, 2022|archive-date=April 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402153242/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/1999/10/12/wilt_at_50/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March{{spaces}}9, 2000, the Globetrotters retired his No. 13 jersey.<ref name="Globetrotters"/> | |||
In the ] the Sixers experienced tragedy when Ike Richman, the Sixers' co-owner as well as Chamberlain's confidant and lawyer, died of a coronary. Still reeling from the shock, the Sixers posted a 55–25 regular season record, and for his strong play, Chamberlain was handed his second MVP award.<ref name=hoophall/> In that season, the center again dominated his opposition by scoring 33.5 points and 24.6 rebounds a game, leading the league in both categories.<ref name=stats/> In one particular game, Chamberlain blocked a dunk attempt by ] so hard that he dislocated Johnson's shoulder.<ref>Cherry, 161.</ref> Off the court, however, Chamberlain's commitment to the cause was doubted, as Chamberlain was a late sleeper, lived in New York and preferred to ''commute'' to Philadelphia rather than live there, and he was only available during the afternoon for training. Because Schayes did not want to risk angering his best player, he scheduled the daily workout at 4 pm; this angered the team, who preferred an early schedule to have the afternoon off, but Schayes just said: "There is no other way."<ref>Cherry, 160–161.</ref> Irv Kosloff, who now owned the Sixers alone after Richman's death, pleaded to him to move to Philadelphia during the season, but he was turned down.<ref name=cherry163_165/> | |||
===Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959–1965)=== | |||
In the ], the Sixers met their familiar foes, the Celtics, and for the first time even had home-court advantage. However, Boston easily won the first two games on the road, winning 115–96 and 114–93; Chamberlain played within his usual range, but his supporting cast shot under 40%. This caused sports journalist Joe McGinnis to comment: "The Celtics played like champions and the Sixers just played."<ref name=cherry163_165>Cherry, 163–165.</ref> In Game 3, Chamberlain scored 31 points and 27 rebounds for an important road win, and the next day, coach Schayes planned to hold a joint team practice. However, Chamberlain said he was "too tired" to attend, and even refused Schayes' plea to at least show up and shoot a few foul shots with the team. In Game 4, Boston won 114–108.<ref name=cherry163_165/> Prior to Game 5, Chamberlain was nowhere to be found, skipping practice and being non-accessible. Outwardly, Schayes defended his star center as "excused from practice", but his teammates knew the truth and were much less forgiving.<ref name=cherry163_165/> In Game 5 itself, Chamberlain was superb, scoring 46 points and 34 rebounds, but the Celtics won the game 120–112 and the series.<ref name=nba1966>{{cite web | last=basketball-reference.com | first= | title= 1966 NBA Season Summary | url= http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1966.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> Cherry is highly critical of Chamberlain: while conceding he was the only Sixers player who performed in the series, he pointed out his unprofessional, egotistical behavior as being a bad example for his teammates.<ref name=cherry163_165/> | |||
Chamberlain made his NBA debut on October{{spaces}}24, 1959, starting for the ].<ref name="NBA 2002"/> He was listed as {{height|ft=7|in=1}} tall and {{cvt|258|lb}}.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=March 5, 2007 |title=Warriors riding high on Wilt the Stilt |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/wilt/article9.html |url-status=dead |magazine=Sporting News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213003050/http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/wilt/article9.html |archive-date=December 13, 2007 |access-date=January 26, 2008}}</ref>{{efn|As his career progressed, he played at {{cvt|275|lb}}, adding more muscle, and eventually played at over {{cvt|300|lb}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/history/legends/profiles/wilt-chamberlain|title=Legends profile: Wilt Chamberlain|website=NBA.com|date=August 24, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2020|archive-date=September 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903053850/http://www.nba.com/history/legends/profiles/wilt-chamberlain|url-status=live}}</ref>}} He became the NBA's highest-paid player when he signed for $30,000 in his rookie contract.{{efn|Equal to about ${{formatnum:{{inflation|US|30000|1959|r=-3}}}} in 2019.{{inflation-fn|US}}}} In comparison, the previous top earner was ] of the Celtics with $25,000, the same sum ] used to buy the Warriors franchise in 1952.<ref name=cherry89>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 89}}</ref> | |||
====1959–60 NBA season: MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Rookie of the Year==== | |||
Prior to the ], the friendly but unassertive Schayes was replaced by a familiar face, the crafty but firm ]. In what Cherry calls a tumultuous locker room meeting, Hannum addressed several key issues he observed during the last season, several of them putting Chamberlain in an unfavorable light. Sixers forward Chet Walker testified that on several occasions, players had to pull Chamberlain and Hannum apart to prevent a fistfight.<ref name=cherry170_173>Cherry, 170–173.</ref> Fellow forward ] observed that Hannum "never backed down" and "showed who was the boss". By doing this, he won Chamberlain's respect.<ref name=cherry170_173/> When emotions cooled off, Hannum pointed out to Chamberlain that he was on the same page in trying to win a title; but to pull this off, he – like his teammates – had to "act like a man" both on and off the court.<ref name=cherry170_173/> Concerning basketball, he persuaded him to change his style of play. Loaded with several other players who could score, such as future Hall-of-Famers ] and newcomer ], Hannum wanted Chamberlain to concentrate more on defense.<ref name=wiltvsloser/><ref name=jackramsay>{{cite web | last=Ramsay | first=Jack | title= Wilt's spirit was larger than life | url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/columns/drjack_ramsay/111128.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> | |||
]]] | |||
In the ], Chamberlain joined a ] squad that was coached by ]. All five starters were native Philadelphians: Chamberlain, Tom Gola, Guy Rodgers, Hall-of-Fame forward ], and ]. In his first NBA game, played against the ], Chamberlain scored 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds.<ref name=cherry93_94>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 93–94}}</ref> In his third game, Chamberlain recorded 41 points and a then-career-high 40 rebounds in a 124–113 win over the visiting ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/195911040PHW.html|title=Syracuse Nationals at Philadelphia Warriors Box Score, November 4, 1959|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=September 18, 2019|archive-date=April 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424205638/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/195911040PHW.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In his fourth game, Philadelphia played the reigning champion ]—who were coached by Auerbach, whose offer Chamberlain had rejected several years before—and Bill Russell, who was lauded as one of the best defensive pivots in the game.<ref name=cherry93_94/> | |||
As a result, Chamberlain was less dominant, taking only 14% of the team's shots (in his 50.4 ppg season, it was 35.3%), but extremely efficient: he averaged a career-low 24.1 points, but he led the league in rebounds (24.2), ended third in assists (7.8), had a record breaking .683 field goal accuracy, and played strong defense.<ref name=stats/> For these feats, Chamberlain earned his third MVP award. The Sixers charged their way to a then-record 68–13 season, including a record 46–4 start.<ref name=nbacomsummary/> In addition, the formerly egotistical Chamberlain began to praise his teammates, lauding hardworking Luke Jackson as the "ultimate power forward", calling Hal Greer a deadly jumpshooter, and point guard ] an excellent defender and outsider scorer.<ref name=cherry170_173/> Off the court, the center invited the team to restaurants and paid the entire bill, knowing he earned 10 times more than all the others.<ref name=cherry170_173/> Greer, who was considered a consummate professional and often clashed with the center because of his attitude, spoke positively of the new Chamberlain: "You knew in a minute the Big Fella was ready to go... and everybody would follow."<ref name=cherry170_173/> | |||
] of the ] battle for the basketball.]] | |||
In the ], the Sixers yet again battled the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals, and again held home court advantage. In Game 1, the Sixers beat Boston 127–112, powered by Hal Greer's 39 points and Chamberlain's unofficial ], with 24 points, 32 rebounds, 13 assists and (unofficially counted) 12 blocks.<ref name=cherry173_179>Cherry, 173–179.</ref> In Game 2, the Sixers won 107–102 in overtime, and player-coach Russell grudgingly praised Chamberlain for intimidating the Celtics into taking low percentage shots from further outside.<ref name=cherry173_179/> In Game 3, Chamberlain grabbed 41 rebounds and helped the Sixers win 115–104. The Celtics prevented a sweep by winning Game 4 with a 121–117 victory, but in Game 5, the Sixers simply overpowered the Celtics 140–116, which effectively ended Boston's historic run of 8 consecutive NBA titles. The Sixers' center scored 29 points, 36 rebounds and 13 assists and was highly praised by Celtics Russell and ].<ref name=cherry173_179/> | |||
In the first of many match-ups, Chamberlain outscored Russell with 30 points against Russell's 28 points, but Boston won the game and the ] would grow to become one of the NBA's greatest of all time.<ref name="Hoophall 2007" /> On November{{spaces}}10, 1959, Chamberlain posted 39 points and a new career-high 43 rebounds in a 126–125 win over the visiting Knicks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/195911100PHW.html|title=New York Knicks at Philadelphia Warriors Box Score, November 10, 1959|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=September 18, 2019|archive-date=April 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423030443/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/195911100PHW.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He recorded a ] record in January 1960, singing ''That's Easy to Say'' and ''By the River''.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Jet|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=564DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA56|page=56|title=Wilt (the Stilt) Records Rock n' Roll Songs|date=January 28, 1960|access-date=June 2, 2023|archive-date=June 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602211755/https://books.google.com/books?id=564DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA56|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4x4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA35|title=New York|magazine=Billboard|date=January 18, 1960|page=35|access-date=June 2, 2023|archive-date=June 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602212724/https://books.google.com/books?id=4x4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA35|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In the ], the Sixers were pitted against Chamberlain's old team, the ] of his one-time backup Nate Thurmond and star forward ]. The Sixers won the first two games, with Chamberlain and Greer taking credit for respectively defensive dominance and clutch shooting, but San Francisco won two of the next three games, so Philadelphia was up 3–2 prior to Game 6.<ref name=cherry173_179/> In Game 6, the Warriors were trailing 123-122 with 15 seconds left. For the last play, Thurmond and Barry were assigned to do a ] against Chamberlain and whoever would guard Barry. However, the Sixers foiled it: when Barry ran past Thurmond's pick and drove to the basket, he was picked up by Chet Walker, making it impossible to shoot; Thurmond was covered by Chamberlain, which made it impossible to pass. Barry botched his shot attempt, and the Sixers won the championship.<ref name=cherry173_179/> Chamberlain said: "It is a wonderful to be a part of the greatest team in basketball... being a champion is like having a big round glow inside of you."<ref name=cherry173_179/> He had contributed with 17.7 ppg and 28.7 rpg against fellow future Hall-of-Fame pivot ], never failing to snare at least 23 rebounds in the six games.<ref name=wiltvsloser/><ref name=nba1967>{{cite web | last=basketball-reference.com | first= | title= 1967 NBA Season Summary | url= http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1967.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> Chamberlain himself described the team as the best in NBA history.<ref name="stats"/> In 2002, writer ] wrote a book about this remarkable Sixers season, ''Season of the 76ers'', centering on Chamberlain. | |||
Chamberlain was selected to the ] ] team, winning the ] and the ] award with a 23-point, 25-rebound performance. On January{{spaces}}25, 1960, Chamberlain had 50 points and 40 rebounds in an NBA game, a rare occurrence. During the game against the ], Chamberlain recorded 58 points, 42 rebounds, and 4 assists in a winning effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196001250DET.html|title=Philadelphia Warriors vs Detroit Pistons Box Score, January 25, 1960|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=September 18, 2019|archive-date=April 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423064728/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196001250DET.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His 58 points were a then-career-high, and he later tied that on February{{spaces}}21, when he recorded 58 points and 24 rebounds in a 131–121 win over the visiting Knicks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196002250PHW.html|title=New York Knicks at Philadelphia Warriors Box Score, February 25, 1960|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=September 18, 2019|archive-date=April 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424040621/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196002250PHW.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In the ], matters began to turn sour between Chamberlain and the Sixers' sole surviving owner, Irv Kosloff. This conflict had been going along for a while: in 1965, Chamberlain asserted that he and the late Richman had worked out a deal which would give the center 25% of the franchise once he had ended his career.<ref name=cherry185_187>Cherry, 185–187.</ref> Although there is no written proof for or against, ex-Sixers coach Dolph Schayes and Sixers lawyer Alan Levitt assumed Chamberlain was right;<ref name=cherry173_179/> in any case, Kosloff declined the request, leaving Chamberlain livid and willing to jump to the rival ] once his contract ended in 1967. Kosloff and Chamberlain worked out a truce, and later signed a one-year, $250,000 contract.<ref name=cherry173_179/> | |||
In his first NBA season, Chamberlain averaged 37.6 points and 27 rebounds, breaking the previous regular-season records. He needed only 56 games to score 2,102 points, breaking the all-time regular-season scoring record of ], who needed 72 games to score 2,101 points.<ref name="cherry96_97">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 96–97}}</ref> Chamberlain broke eight NBA records, and he was named both Rookie of the Year and MVP that season.{{efn|A feat matched only by fellow Hall-of-Famer ] in the ].<ref name="Schwartz 2007" /><ref name="cherry96_97" />}} | |||
On the hardwood, Chamberlain continued his focus on team play and registered 24.3 points and 23.8 rebounds a game for the season.<ref name=stats/> The 76ers had the best record in the league for the third straight season. Chamberlain made history by becoming the first and only center in NBA history to finish the season as the leader in assists, his 702 beating runner-up, Hall-of-Fame ] ]' total by 23.<ref name=wiltrevforce/> Chamberlain likened his assist title to legendary ] hitter "] leading the league in ]s", and he dispelled the myth that he could not and would not pass the ball.<ref>{{cite book |last=Pomerantz |first=Gary M. |page=199 |year=2005 |title=Wilt, 1962: The Night of 100 Points and the Dawn of a New Era |location=New York |publisher=Crown |isbn=1400051606|ref=pomerantz}}</ref> For these feats, Chamberlain won his fourth and last MVP title.<ref name=hoophall/> Another landmark was his 25,000th point, making him the first ever player to score these many points: he gave the ball to his ] Dr. Stan Lorber.<ref>Cherry, 188.</ref> Winning 62 games, the Sixers easily took the first playoff berth of the ]. In the 1968 Eastern Division Semifinals, they were pitted against the ]. In a physically tough matchup, the Sixers lost ] Billy Cunningham with a broken hand, and Chamberlain, Greer and Jackson were struggling with inflamed feet, bad knees, and pulled hamstrings respectively. Going ahead 3–2, the Sixers defeated the Knicks 115–97 in Game 6 after Chamberlain scored 25 points and 27 rebounds: he had a successful series in which he led both teams in points (153), rebounds (145) and assists (38).<ref>Cherry, 189.</ref> | |||
The Warriors entered the ] ] and beat the ], setting up a game against the ]-champion Celtics. According to Cherry, Celtics coach Auerbach ordered his forward ] to commit personal fouls on Chamberlain; whenever the Warriors took foul shots, Heinsohn grabbed and shoved Chamberlain to prevent him from running back quickly. Auerbach's intention was for the Celtics to throw the ball quickly enough to prevent Chamberlain, a prolific shot-blocker, from returning to his own basket in time, and Boston could score an easy ] basket.<ref name=cherry96_97/> The teams split the first two games but Chamberlain became annoyed with Heinsohn and punched him during Game 3. In the scuffle, Chamberlain injured his hand, and Philadelphia lost the next two games.<ref name=cherry96_97/> In Game 5, with his hand healthy, Chamberlain recorded 50 points and 35 rebounds in a 128–107 win over the Celtics, extending the series to a Game 6.<ref name=cherry96_97/>{{efn|As of 2019, he is the first and the only player in NBA history to record 50 points and 35 rebounds in an NBA playoff game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=game&year_min=1947&year_max=2019&is_playoffs=Y&age_min=0&age_max=99&season_start=1&season_end=-1&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&c1stat=pts&c1comp=gt&c1val=50&c2stat=trb&c2comp=gt&c2val=30&order_by=date_game|title=Players to have recorded 50 points and 30 rebounds in the playoffs|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=September 18, 2019|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030231931/https://stathead.com/basketball/player-game-finder.cgi|url-status=live}}</ref>}} In Game 6, Heinsohn scored the decisive basket with a last-second tip-in,<ref name=cherry96_97/> and the Warriors lost the series 4–2.<ref name="NBA 2002"/> | |||
In the 1968 Eastern Division Finals, the Sixers yet again met the Boston Celtics, again with home court advantage, and this time as reigning champions. Despite the Sixers' injury woes, coach Hannum was confident to "take the Celtics in less than seven games": he pointed out the age of the Celtics, who were built around Bill Russell and guard Sam Jones, both 34.<ref name=cherry190_199>Cherry, 190–199.</ref> But then, national tragedy struck as ] was assassinated on April 4, 1968. With eight of the ten starting players on the Sixers and Celtics being African-American, both teams were in deep shock, and there were calls to cancel the series.<ref name=cherry190_199/> In a game called "unreal" and "devoid of emotion", the Sixers lost 127–118 on April 5. After attending Dr. King's funeral, Chamberlain called out to the angry rioters who were setting fires all over the country, stating Dr. King would not have approved.<ref name=cherry190_199/> In Game 2, Philadelphia evened the series with a 115–106 victory, and won Games 3 and 4, with Chamberlain suspiciously often played by Celtics backup center ], causing the press to speculate Russell was worn down.<ref name=cherry190_199/> Prior to Game 5, the Celtics seemed dead: no NBA team had overcome a 3–1 series deficit before.<ref name=cherry190_199/> However, the Celtics rallied back, winning Games 5 and 6 122–104 and 114–106 respectively, powered by a spirited ] and helped by the Sixers' terrible shooting.<ref name=cherry190_199/> | |||
Chamberlain then shocked Warriors' fans by saying he was thinking of retiring. He was tired of being ]ed or triple-teamed, and of teams executing hard ] on him. He also expressed a constant fear that he might lose his temper one day.<ref name="NBA 2002"/> Celtics forward Heinsohn said, "Half the fouls against him were hard fouls ... he took the most brutal pounding of any player ever".<ref name="NBA 2002"/> Gottlieb coaxed Chamberlain back into the NBA with a salary increase to $65,000.<ref name=cherry99>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 99}}</ref>{{efn| Equal to about ${{formatnum:{{inflation|US|65000|1960|r=-3}}}} in 2019.{{inflation-fn|US}}}} | |||
What followed was the first of three consecutive controversial and painful Game 7s in which Chamberlain played. In that Game 7, the Sixers could not get their act together: 15,202 stunned Philadelphia fans witnessed a historic 100–96 defeat, making it the first time in NBA history a team lost a series after leading 3 games to 1. Although Cherry points out that the Sixers shot badly (Hal Greer, Wali Jones, Chet Walker, Luke Jackson and ] hit a combined 25 of 74 shots) and Chamberlain grabbed 34 rebounds and shot 4-of-9, the center himself scored only 14 points.<ref name=cherry190_199/> In the second half of Game 7, Chamberlain did not attempt a single shot from the field.<ref name=jackramsay/> Cherry observes a strange pattern in that game: in a typical Sixers game, Chamberlain got the ball 60 times in the low post, but only 23 times in Game 7, and only seven times in the third and only ''twice'' in the fourth quarter.<ref name=cherry190_199/> Chamberlain later blamed coach Hannum for the lack of touches (i.e. scoring opportunities), a point which the coach conceded himself, but Cherry points out that Chamberlain, who always thought of himself as the best player of all time, should have been outspoken enough to demand the ball himself.<ref name=cherry190_199/> The loss meant that Chamberlain was now 1–6 in playoff series against the Celtics. | |||
====1960–61 NBA season: scoring, rebounding, durability, and field goal titles==== | |||
After that season, coach Alex Hannum wanted to be closer to his family on the West Coast; he left the Sixers to coach the ] in the newly founded ].<ref>Cherry, 203.</ref> Chamberlain then asked for a trade, and Sixers ] ] traded him to the ] for ], ] and ].<ref name=jackramsay/> The motivation for this move remains in dispute. According to sportswriter ], a journalist close to the Lakers, Chamberlain was angry at Kosloff for breaking the alleged Richman-Chamberlain deal,<ref name=lazenby/> but according to Dr. ], who was the Sixers general manager then, Chamberlain also threatened to jump to the ABA after Hannum left, and forced the trade himself.<ref name=jackramsay/> Cherry finally adds several personal reasons: the center felt he had grown too big for Philadelphia, sought the presence of fellow celebrities (which were plenty in L.A.) and finally also desired the opportunity to date white women, which was possible for a black man in L.A. but hard to imagine elsewhere back then.<ref>Cherry, 205.</ref> | |||
Chamberlain's ] started with a 42-point and 31-rebound performance in a 133–123 road win against the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196010220SYR.html|title=Philadelphia Warriors at Syracuse Nationals Box Score, October 22, 1960|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=September 18, 2019|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108175341/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196010220SYR.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 24, 1960, Chamberlain grabbed an NBA-record 55 rebounds,<ref name="Schwartz 2007"/> along with 34 points and 4 assists, in a 132–129 home loss against the Russell-led ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196011240PHW.html|title=Boston Celtics at Philadelphia Warriors Box Score, November 24, 1960|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=September 18, 2019|archive-date=October 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021215323/http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196011240PHW.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On November{{spaces}}29, Chamberlain recorded 44 points, 38 rebounds, and a then-career-high 7 assists in a 122–121 road win over the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196011290LAL.html|title=Philadelphia Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, November 29, 1960|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=September 18, 2019|archive-date=August 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818123223/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196011290LAL.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Chamberlain exceeded his rookie-season statistics, averaging 38.4 points and 27.2 rebounds per game. He became the first player to score more than 3,000 points, and the first and still the only player to exceed 2,000 rebounds in a single season, grabbing 2,149 boards.<ref name=stats>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambwi01.html|title=Wilt Chamberlain Statistics|website=Basketball-Reference.com|date=February 14, 2007|access-date=March 18, 2022|archive-date=May 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512143015/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambwi01.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Chamberlain won his first field-goal percentage title, scored almost 32% of his team's points, and collected 30.4% of their rebounds.<ref name=cherry99/> Chamberlain failed to convert his play into team success, this time bowing out against the Nationals in a three-game sweep.<ref name=nba1961>{{cite web|website=Basketball-Reference.com|title=1961 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1961.html|date=February 10, 2007|access-date=January 26, 2008|archive-date=August 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804021926/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1961.html|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Cherry, Chamberlain was "difficult" and did not respect coach Johnston, who was unable to handle him. In retrospect, Gottlieb said, "My mistake was not getting a strong-handed coach ... wasn't ready for big time".<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 100}}</ref> | |||
=== Los Angeles Lakers (1968–1973) === | |||
On July 9, 1968, Chamberlain was the centerpiece of a major trade between the 76ers and the ], who sent center ] (the unfortunate ex-Knicks center who started against Chamberlain when the latter scored 100 points), forward ] and guard ] to Philadelphia, making it the first time a reigning NBA Most Valuable Player was traded the next season.<ref name=cherry206>Cherry, 206.</ref> Lakers owner ] gave Chamberlain an unprecedented contract, paying him $250,000 after taxes; in comparison, previous Laker top earner ] was paid $100,000 before taxes.<ref name=cherry213_215>Cherry, 213–215.</ref> | |||
====1961–62 NBA season: 100-point game and 42-point All-Star Game record ==== | |||
Chamberlain joined a squad which featured Hall-of-Fame forward ] and Hall-of-Fame guard Jerry West, along with backup center ], forwards ] and ] and talented but diminutive 5'11" guard ]. The lack of a second guard next to West (and thus, the lack of speed and quickness) concerned coach Butch Van Breda Kolff; after losing Clark and ], who joined the ] after the 1968 expansion draft, he said: "Egan gets murdered on defense because of his size...but if I don't play him, we look like a bunch of trucks."<ref name=cherry216_222>Cherry, 216–222.</ref> In addition, Cherry observed that Chamberlain was neither a natural leader nor a loyal follower, which made him difficult to fit in.<ref name=cherry213_215/> While he was on cordial terms with Jerry West, he often argued with team captain Elgin Baylor; regarding Baylor, he later explained: "We were good friends, but... black culture... you never let the other guy one-up you."<ref name=cherry213_215/> The greatest problem was his tense relationship with Lakers coach ]: pejoratively calling the new recruit "The Load", he later complained that Chamberlain was egotistical, never respected him, too often slacked off in practice and focused too much on his own statistics.<ref name=cherry213_215/> In return, the center blasted Van Breda Kolff as "the dumbest and worst coach ever".<ref name=lazenby/><ref name=cherry213_215/> Laker Keith Erickson observed that "Butch catered to Elgin and Jerry...and that is not a good way to get on Wilt's side...that relationship was doomed from the start."<ref name=cherry213_215/> | |||
In the ], the Warriors were coached by Frank McGuire, who had masterminded Chamberlain's triple-overtime loss in the NCAA championship against the Tar Heels. In that year, Chamberlain set several all-time records which have since never been threatened; he averaged 50.4 points and grabbed 25.7 rebounds per game.<ref name=stats/> | |||
] in 1962]] | |||
Chamberlain's 4,029 regular-season points made him the only player to score more than 4,000 points.<ref name="NBA 2002" />{{efn|The only other player to break the 3,000-point barrier is ], with 3,041 points in the ].}} Chamberlain posted 2,052 rebounds and played for an average of 48.53 minutes per game, playing 3,882 of his team's 3,890 minutes.<ref name="stats" /> Because Chamberlain played in overtime games, he averaged more minutes per game than the regulation 48 and would have played every minute if he had not been ejected in one game after picking up a second ] with eight minutes left to play.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 106}}</ref> | |||
On March{{spaces}}2, 1962, on a ] court against the ] in ], Chamberlain ].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Deford |first=Frank |date=February 29, 2012 |title=Chamberlain's 100-point game proves some things better with age |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2012/02/29/50-years-wilt-chamberlain-100-points |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=March 18, 2022 |archive-date=March 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318225700/https://www.si.com/more-sports/2012/02/29/50-years-wilt-chamberlain-100-points |url-status=live }}</ref> He shot 36 of 63 from the field and uncharacteristically made 28 of 32 free throws. Joe Ruklick got the assist for Chamberlain's 100th point. The game was not recorded on video, and only a radio broadcast of the fourth quarter remains. One writer notes the lack of video of the 100-point game "only added to its mystique".<ref>Pomerantz, p.194</ref> For years, former NBA Commissioner ]'s office phone would play announcer ]'s call of the 100-point basket to callers on hold: "He made it! He made it! He made it! A Dipper Dunk!"<ref>Pomerantz, p. 199</ref> | |||
Chamberlain experienced a problematic and often frustrating season. Van Breda Kolff benched him several times, which never happened in his career before; in mid-season, the perennial scoring champion had two games in which he scored only six and then only 2 points.<ref name=cherry216_222/> Playing through his problems, Chamberlain averaged 20.5 points and 21.1 rebounds a game that season.<ref name=stats/> However, Jack Kent Cooke was pleased, because since acquiring Chamberlain, ticket sales went up by 11%.<ref name=cherry216_222/> | |||
In addition to Chamberlain's regular-season accomplishments, he scored 42 points in the ].{{efn|A record that stood until broken by ] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last=Verrier|first=Justin|date=February 20, 2017|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18722458/anthony-davis-breaks-wilt-all-star-scoring-record-named-mvp|title=Anthony Davis breaks Wilt's All-Star scoring record, earns MVP honors|website=ESPN|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205072211/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18722458/anthony-davis-breaks-wilt-all-star-scoring-record-named-mvp|url-status=live}}</ref>}} In the ], the Warriors again played against the ] in the Eastern Division Finals; both Cousy and Russell called this season the greatest Celtics team of all time.<ref name="cherry115_116">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 115–116}}</ref> Each team won their home games so the series was split at three after six games. In a closely contested Game 7, Chamberlain tied the game at 107 with 16 seconds to go but Celtics' ] ] hit a ] shot with two seconds left to win the series for Boston.<ref name="cherry115_116" /><ref name="nba1962">{{cite web|website=Basketball-Reference.com|title=1962 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1962.html|date=February 10, 2007|access-date=January 26, 2008|archive-date=July 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704084545/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1962.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In later years, Chamberlain was criticized for averaging 50 points but not winning a title; McGuire said "Wilt has been simply super-human" and that the Warriors lacked a consistent second scorer, a playmaker, and a second big man to take pressure off Chamberlain.<ref name="cherry105_106">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 105–106}}</ref> | |||
In the ], the Lakers dispatched Chamberlain's old club, the ] 4–2 after losing the first two games, and then defeated the ] and met Chamberlain's familiar rivals, Bill Russell's Boston Celtics.<ref name=cherry216_222/> Going into the series as 3-to-1 favorites, the Lakers won the first two games, but dropped the next two. Chamberlain was criticized as a non-factor in the series, getting neutralized by Bill Russell with little effort.<ref name=cherry216_222/> But in Game 5, the Lakers center started to come to life, scoring 13 points and grabbing 31 rebounds, leading Los Angeles to a 117–104 win. In Game 6, the Celtics won 99–90, and Chamberlain only scored 8 points; Cherry accuses him of choking, because if "Chamberlain had came up big and put up a normal 30 point scoring night", L.A. would have probably won its first championship.<ref name=cherry216_222/> | |||
====1962–63 NBA season: individual success, move to San Francisco, and playoff miss==== | |||
Game 7 featured a surreal scene: in anticipation of a Lakers win, Lakers owner Jack Kent Cooke had put up thousands of balloons in the rafters of the Forum in Los Angeles. This display of arrogance motivated the Celtics and angered Jerry West.<ref name=cherry216_222/> In that match, Chamberlain experienced his second Game 7 debacle. The Lakers trailed 91-76 after three quarters. But powered by a limping Jerry West, who played with a deep thigh bruise after Game 5, the Lakers mounted a comeback; but then Chamberlain twisted his knee after a rebound and had to be replaced by ]. With three minutes to go, and West and Counts hitting clutch baskets, the Lakers trailed 103-102. But when the Celtics tightened up their defense, the Lakers committed costly turnovers and lost the game 108–106, despite a triple-double from West, who had 42 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. West became the only player in NBA history to be named Finals MVP despite being on the losing team.<ref name=cherry216_222/> | |||
] | |||
In the ], Gottlieb sold the Warriors franchise for $850,000{{efn|Equal to about ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|850000|1962}}}} in 2019.{{inflation-fn|US|}}}} to a group of businessmen led by ] from San Francisco and the team relocated and were renamed the ] under new coach ].<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 118}}</ref> This meant the ] team dispersed; Arizin chose to retire rather than move away from his family and his job at ] in Philadelphia, coach McGuire resigned rather than move to the West Coast, and Gola was homesick and requesting a trade to the ] halfway through the season.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 125}}</ref> With both secondary scorers gone, Chamberlain continued exceeding his own statistics, averaging 44.8 points and 24.3 rebounds per game that year.<ref name=stats/> Despite his individual success, the Warriors lost 49 of their 80 games and missed the ].<ref name=nba1963>{{cite web|website=Basketball-Reference.com|title=1963 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1963.html|date=February 10, 2007|access-date=January 26, 2008|archive-date=August 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805012025/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1963.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
After the game, the key question was why Chamberlain had stayed out the final six minutes. At the time of his final substitution, he had scored 18 points (hitting 7 of his 8 shots) and grabbed 27 rebounds, significantly better than the 10 points of Mel Counts on 4-of-13 shooting.<ref name=cherry216_222/> To justify a late minute sub, either Chamberlain's injury had to be grave, or Van Breda Kolff's trust in Counts absolute. Among others, Bill Russell didn't believe Chamberlain's injury was grave, and openly accused him of being a ]: "Any injury short of a broken leg or a broken back is not enough."<ref name=cherry216_222/> Ironically, Van Breda Kolff came to Chamberlain's defense, insisting the often-maligned Lakers center hardly was able to move in the end.<ref name=cherry216_222/> He himself was perceived as "pig-headed" for benching Chamberlain, and soon resigned as Lakers coach.<ref name=cherry216_222/> Cherry comments that according to some journalists, that Game 7 "destroyed two careers: Wilt's because he wouldn't take over and Van Breda Kolff because he wouldn't give in".<ref name=cherry216_222/> | |||
====1963–64 NBA season: first NBA Finals loss to the Celtics==== | |||
In his ] under new coach ], Chamberlain seriously injured his knee. He was injured in the ninth game of the schedule and missed the next several months before appearing in the final three games of the 82-game regular season. Owing to a great start, he managed to average 27.3 points, 18.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.<ref name=stats/> Again, the Lakers charged through ], and in the ], the Lakers were pitted against the ], loaded with future Hall-of-Famers ], ], ], and ]. Cherry observed that Reed, a prolific midrange shooter, was a bad matchup for Chamberlain: having lost lateral quickness due to his injury, the Lakers center was often too slow to block Reed's preferred high post jump shots.<ref name=cherry231_239>Cherry, 231–239.</ref> In Game 1, Reed masterminded a 124–112 win in which he scored 37 points on Chamberlain. In Game 2, Chamberlain scored 19 points, grabbed 24 rebounds and blocked Reed's shot in the final seconds, leading the Lakers to a 105–103 win.<ref name=cherry231_239/> Game 3 saw Jerry West famously hit a 60-foot shot ] to tie the game at 102; however, the Knicks took the game 111–108.<ref name=cherry231_239/> In Game 4, Chamberlain scored 18 points and grabbed 25 rebounds and helped tie the series at 2.<ref name=cherry231_239/> But in Game 5, things seemed to go awry for the Knicks: trailing by double digits, Reed pulled his thigh muscle and seemed to be done for the series. By conventional wisdom, Chamberlain now should have dominated against little-used Knicks backup centers ] and ] or forwards Bradley and DeBusschere, who gave up more than half a foot against the Lakers center.<ref name=cherry231_239/> Instead, the Lakers gave away their 13 point halftime lead and succumbed to the aggressive Knicks defense: L.A. committed 19 second half turnovers, and the two main scorers Chamberlain and West shot the ball only three and two times, respectively, in the entire second half.<ref name=cherry231_239/> The Lakers lost 107–100 in what was called one of the greatest comebacks in NBA Finals history.<ref name=cherry231_239/> In Game 6, Chamberlain scored 45 points and almost single-handedly equalized the series in a 135–113 Lakers win, and with Reed out, the Knicks seemed doomed prior to Game 7 in New York.<ref name=cherry231_239/> | |||
In the ], Chamberlain got another new coach, former NBA player and ex-soldier ], and was joined by rookie center ], who later entered the Hall of Fame. Hannum, who later entered the Hall of Fame as a coach, was a crafty psychologist who emphasized defense and passing, and was not afraid to stand up to the dominant Chamberlain, who would not communicate with coaches he did not like.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 128}}</ref> Backed up by Thurmond, Chamberlain recorded 36.9 points and 22.3 rebounds per game,<ref name=stats/> and the Warriors reached the ]. In that series, they again succumbed to Russell's ], losing 4–1.<ref name=nba1964>{{cite web|website=Basketball-Reference.com|title=1964 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1964.html|date=February 10, 2007|access-date=January 26, 2008|archive-date=August 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805083131/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1964.html|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Cherry, Chamberlain and Hannum deserved much credit because Hannum had taken the previous year's 31–49 squad plus Thurmond, and became an NBA Finals contender.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 129}}</ref> | |||
In mid-1964, Chamberlain, a prominent participant at ] basketball court in New York City,<ref name="hawkins">{{cite web |title=Connie Hawkins: Thoughts on Wilt |url=http://www.nba.com/suns/news/wilt_memories.html |access-date=July 3, 2009 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=January 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103172645/http://www.nba.com/suns/news/wilt_memories.html |url-status=live }}</ref> made the acquaintance of ], a tall, talented, 17-year-old who played there. Alcindor was soon allowed into Chamberlain's inner circle and quickly idolized the ten-year-older Chamberlain. The pair later developed an intense rivalry and personal antipathy.<ref name="cherry130131">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page=130–131}}</ref> | |||
However, the hero of that Game 7 was Willis Reed. He famously hobbled up court, scored the first four points, and inspired his team to one of the most famous playoff upsets of all time.<ref name="willisreed">{{cite web | last=nba.com | first= | title= Willis Reed Bio | url= http://www.nba.com/history/players/reed_bio.html| date=February 10, 2007 |accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref> The Knicks led by 27 at halftime, and despite scoring 21 points, Chamberlain couldn't prevent a third consecutive loss in a ]. The Lakers center himself was criticized for his inability to dominate his injured counterpart, but Cherry pointed out that Chamberlain's feat – coming back from career-threatening injury ''himself'' – was too quickly forgotten.<ref name=cherry231_239/> | |||
===Philadelphia 76ers (1965–1968)=== | |||
In the ], the Lakers made a notable move by signing future Hall-of-Fame guard ], who came back from the ] after playing for L.A. until 1968. Chamberlain averaged 20.7 points, 18.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists,<ref name=stats/> once again led the NBA in rebounding and the Lakers won the Pacific Division title. After losing Elgin Baylor to an Achilles tendon rupture that effectively ended his career, and especially after losing Jerry West after a knee injury, the handicapped Lakers were seen as underdogs against the ] of freshly crowned MVP Lew Alcindor, better known under his later ] name ], and veteran Hall-of-Fame guard ] in the ]. Winning the regular season with 66 wins, the Bucks were seen as favourites against the depleted Lakers; still, many pundits were looking forward to the matchup between the 34-year old Chamberlain and the 24-year old Alcindor.<ref name=cherry246_247>Cherry, 246–247.</ref> In Game 1, Abdul-Jabbar outscored Chamberlain 32–22, and the Bucks won 106–85. In Game 2, the Bucks won again despite the Lakers center scoring 26 points, four more than his Milwaukee counterpart. Prior to Game 3, things became even worse for the Lakers when Keith Erickson, West's stand-in, had an ] and was out for the season; with only rookie ] easing the scoring pressure, Chamberlain scored 24 points and 24 rebounds in a 118-107 victory, but the Bucks defeated the Lakers 117-94 in Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead. Milwaukee closed out the series at home with a 116–98 victory in Game 5.<ref name=nba1971>{{cite web | last=basketball-reference.com | first= | title= 1971 NBA Season Summary | url= http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1971.html | date=February 10, 2007 |accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref> Although Chamberlain lost, he was lauded for holding his own against MVP Alcindor, who was not only 10 years younger, but still had two healthy knees.<ref name=cherry246_247/> | |||
====1964–65 NBA season: trade to the 76ers, division finals loss to the Celtics==== | |||
After the ], Chamberlain had an offer to fight heavyweight boxing legend ]. The 15-round fight would have taken place on July 26, 1971 in the ] but Chamberlain finally refused the match.<ref name=wiltrevforce/> In an 1999 interview, Chamberlain stated that boxing trainer ] wanted to train him for the fight, and they offered Ali and him $5 million each to battle each other. However, after checking back with his father, Chamberlain finally said no.<ref name=wiltlastinterview>{{cite web | last=espn.com | title= Wilt spoke of regrets, women and Meadowlark | url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110905.html| date=February 10, 2007 |accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=eastsideboxing.com | title=Ali vs. Wilt Chamberlain: The Fight That Almost Was | url=http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=7095&more=1| date=March 2, 2007 |accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref> | |||
In the ], the NBA widened the lane from {{Convert|12|to|16|feet|abbr=out}}, especially because of centers like Chamberlain. The Warriors' season began poorly and they experienced financial trouble. At the 1965 ], Chamberlain was traded to the ], the renamed former-rival and relocated ]. Chamberlain did not like Sixers' coach ], who he thought had made several disrespectful remarks when they were rival players.<ref name="cherry138_139" /> The Warriors received $150,000{{efn|Equal to about ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|150000|1965}}}} in 2019.{{inflation-fn|US}}}} and ], ], and ]—who opted to retire rather than report to the Warriors.<ref name="NBA 2002" /><ref name="Schwartz 2007" /> When Chamberlain left the Warriors, owner ] said: "Chamberlain is not an easy man to love ... the fans in San Francisco never learned to love him. Wilt is easy to hate ... people came to see him lose."<ref name="Lazenby 2006" /> | |||
] | |||
In the ], the Lakers hired former Celtics star guard ] as head coach. Sharman introduced morning shoot-arounds, in which the perennial latecomer Chamberlain regularly participated (in contrast to earlier years with Dolph Schayes) and transformed him into a defensive-minded, low-scoring post defender in the mold of his old rival ].<ref name=wiltlegend>{{cite web | last=Lawrence | first=Mitch | title= Chamberlain's feats the stuff of legend | url= http://static.espn.go.com/nba/columns/lawrence_mitch/110858.html | date=February 10, 2007 |accessdate=January 27, 2008}}</ref> Furthermore, he told Chamberlain to use his rebounding and passing skills to quickly initiate ]s to his teammates, forwards ] and MacMillian, guards Goodrich and West, and bench players ] and ].<ref>Cherry, 255.</ref> | |||
After the trade, a reluctant Chamberlain found himself on a promising Sixers team that included veteran shooting guard and future Hall-of-Famer ] and talented role-players such as point guard ], small forward ], and centers ] and ].{{efn|Reportedly, Chamberlain once broke Kerr's toe with a slam dunk.<ref>{{Harvnb|Pluto|1992|page=237}}</ref>}} The team also included All-Rookie forward ] in the new ] role. Cherry noted there was tension within the team because Greer was the formerly undisputed leader and was not willing to give up his authority, and Jackson, a talented center, was now forced to play ] because Chamberlain occupied the center spot. As the season progressed; however, the three began to work together more closely.<ref name="cherry138_139">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 138–139}}</ref> | |||
While no longer being the main scorer, Chamberlain was named the new captain of the Lakers: after rupturing his Achilles tendon, perennial captain ] retired, leaving a void the center now filled. Initially, Sharman had wanted Chamberlain and West to share this duty, but West declined, stating he was injury-prone and wanted to solely concentrate on the game.<ref>Cherry, 257.</ref> Chamberlain accepted his new roles and posted an all-time low 14.8 points, but also won the rebound crown with 19.2 rpg and led the league with a .649 field goal percentage.<ref name=stats/> Powered by his defensive presence, the Lakers embarked on an unprecedented ] en route to a then-record 69 wins in the regular season. | |||
Chamberlain posted 34.7 points and 22.9 rebounds per game overall for the season.<ref name=stats/> Future Georgetown coach ], then a rookie for the ], elbowed Chamberlain in the face and broke his nose, causing him to wear a face mask in several games.<ref>{{Harvnb|Taylor|2005|page=223}}</ref> After defeating the ]—a team led by fellow All-American Oscar Robertson—in the ], the Sixers played against Chamberlain's rival Boston Celtics; the press called it an even match in all positions, even at center, where Russell was expected to give Chamberlain a tough battle.<ref name=cherry141_143>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 141–143}}</ref> The teams split the first six games and the last game was held in the Celtics' ] because of their better season record. In that Game 7, Chamberlain scored 30 points and 32 rebounds while Russell logged 16 points, 27 rebounds, and eight assists.<ref name=cherry141_143/> | |||
In the post-season, the Lakers defeated the ] in a sweep,<ref name=dbbb>{{cite web | last=databasebasketball.com | first= | title= Los Angeles Lakers 1971–72 Game Log and Scores | url= http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=LAL&yr=1971&lg=n | date=February 17, 2007 |accessdate=January 27, 2008 }}</ref> then went on to face the ] of young superstar center and regular-season ] Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (he had changed his name) again. The matchup between Chamberlain and Abdul-Jabbar was hailed by '']'' magazine as the greatest matchup in all of sports. Chamberlain would help lead the Lakers past Jabbar and the Bucks in 6 games.<ref name=dbbb/> Particularly, Chamberlain was lauded for his performance in Game 6, which the Lakers won 104–100 after trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter: he scored 24 points and 22 rebounds, played all 48 minutes and outsprinted the younger Bucks center on several late Lakers fast breaks.<ref name=cherry264265>Cherry, 264–265.</ref> Jerry West called it "the greatest ball-busting performance I have ever seen."<ref name=cherry264265 /> Chamberlain performed so well in the series that '']'' magazine stated, "In the N.B.A.'s western division title series with Milwaukee, he (Chamberlain) decisively outplayed basketball's newest giant superstar, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, eleven years his junior."<ref>{{cite news | last=time.com | first= | title= One for the Dipper | url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/printout/0,8816,879093,00.html | date=May 22, 1972 |accessdate=January 27, 2008 | work=Time}}</ref> | |||
In the final minute, Chamberlain hit two clutch free throws and slam dunked on Russell, reducing Boston's lead to 110–109 with five seconds left. Russell's inbounds pass hit a ] supporting the backboard, giving the ball back to the Sixers. Coach Schayes called ] and decided it would be unwise to pass the ball to Chamberlain, whom he feared the Celtics would intentionally ]. Red Kerr set a pick on Sam Jones to free Chet Walker. When Greer attempted to inbound the ball to Walker, ] ] to preserve the Celtics' lead.<ref>{{cite web|title=NBA's Greatest Moments – 'Havlicek Stole the Ball!'|website=NBA.com|url=http://www.nba.com/history/havliceksteal_moments.html|date=January 18, 2008|access-date=January 26, 2008|archive-date=December 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215151218/http://www.nba.com/history/havliceksteal_moments.html|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|Announcer ]'s radio call was dubbed by the NBA as the most famous in basketball history.<ref name=NBA>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/havliceksteal_moments.html|title=Havlicek Stole the Ball!|website=NBA.com|access-date=January 16, 2019|archive-date=January 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110234531/http://www.nba.com/history/havliceksteal_moments.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}} For the fifth time in seven years, Russell's team deprived Chamberlain of the title.<ref name="NBA 2002"/> According to Chamberlain, it was in this game people started calling him a loser.<ref name="Schwartz 2007"/> In an interview in the April 1965 issue of '']'', Chamberlain criticized his fellow players, coaches, and NBA administrators.<ref name="Bookrags 2007">{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.bookrags.com/biography/chamberlain-wilt-1936-sjpc-01/|url-status=dead|title=Chamberlain, Wilt (1936—) Biography|encyclopedia=St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture|publisher=Gale|date=February 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527184255/http://www.bookrags.com/biography/chamberlain-wilt-1936-sjpc-01/|archive-date=May 27, 2008|access-date=March 18, 2022|via=BookRags.com}}</ref> Chamberlain later said he could see in hindsight the interview was instrumental in damaging his public image.<ref name="Bookrags 2007"/> | |||
In the ], the Lakers again met the New York Knicks; the Knicks were shorthanded after losing Willis Reed to injury, and so, undersized 6'8" ] had the task to defend against the 7'1" Chamberlain.<ref name=cherry266_270>Cherry, 266–270.</ref> However, prolific outside shooter Lucas helped New York to win Game 1, hitting 9 of his 11 shots in the first half alone; in Game 2, which the Lakers won 106–92, Chamberlain put Lucas into foul trouble, and the Knicks lost defensive power forward ] to injury.<ref name=cherry266_270/> In Game 3, Chamberlain scored 26 points and grabbed 20 rebounds for another Lakers win, and in a fiercely battled Game 4, the Lakers center was playing with five fouls late in the game. Having never fouled out in his career – a feat that he was very proud of – he played aggressive defense despite the risk of fouling out, and blocked two of Lucas' shots in overtime, proving those wrong who said he only played for his own stats; he ended scoring a game-high 27 points.<ref name=cherry266_270/> But in that game, he had fallen on his right hand, and was said to have "sprained" it; it was actually broken. For Game 5, Chamberlain's hands were packed into thick pads normally destined for defensive linesmen in ]; he was offered a painkilling shot, but refused because he feared he would lose his shooting touch if his hands became numb.<ref name=cherry266_270/> In Game 5, Chamberlain recorded 24 points, 29 rebounds, 8 assists and 8 blocked shots. (While blocked shots were not an official NBA stat at that time, announcer ] counted the blocks during the broadcast.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}) Chamberlain's outstanding all-around performance helped the Lakers win their first championship with a decisive 114–100 win.<ref name=cherry266_270/> Chamberlain was named Finals MVP,<ref name=stats/> and was admired for dominating the Knicks in Game 5 while playing injured.<ref name=cherry266_270/> | |||
====1965–66 NBA season: MVP and second division finals loss to the Celtics==== | |||
The ] was to be Chamberlain's last, although he didn't know this at the time. In his last season, the Lakers had lost substance: Happy Hairston was injured, Flynn Robinson and LeRoy Ellis had left, and veteran Jerry West struggled with sensitive hamstrings.<ref name=cherry290>Cherry, 290.</ref> Chamberlain averaged 13.2 points and 18.6 rebounds, still enough to win the rebounding crown for the 11th time in his career. In addition, he shot ], bettering his own mark of .683 from the 1966–67 season — neither percentage has been topped by any other player.<ref name=stats/> It was the ninth time Chamberlain would lead the league in field goal percentage. The Lakers won 60 games in the regular season and reached the ] against the New York Knicks. This time, the tables were turned: the Knicks now featured a healthy team with a rejuvenated Willis Reed, and the Lakers were now handicapped by several injuries.<ref name=cherry290/> | |||
] of the ] competing for a rebound.]] | |||
In the ], ], the Sixers' co-owner as well as Chamberlain's confidant and lawyer, died of a heart attack while attending a road game in Boston. The Sixers posted a 55–25 regular-season record and Chamberlain won his second MVP award.<ref name="Hoophall 2007"/> In that season, Chamberlain again dominated his opposition by recording 33.5 points and 24.6 rebounds a game, leading the league in both categories.<ref name=stats/> In one game, Chamberlain ] of ] player ] by blocking his dunk attempt.<ref name="cherry160_165"/> | |||
In that series, the Lakers won Game 1 115–112, but the Knicks won Games 2 and 3; things worsened when Jerry West injured his hamstring yet again. In Game 4, the shorthanded Lakers were no match for New York, and in Game 5, the valiant, but injured West and Hairston had miserable games, and despite Chamberlain scoring 23 points and grabbing 21 rebounds, the Lakers lost 102–93 and the series.<ref name=cherry291>Cherry, 291.</ref><ref name=nba1973>{{cite web | last=basketball-reference.com | first= | title= 1973 NBA Season Summary | url= http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1973.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> After the Knicks finished off the close fifth game with a late flourish led by Earl Monroe and Phil Jackson, Wilt made a dunk shot with one second left, which turned out to be the last play of his basketball career. Chamberlain did not yet know that this loss was the last professional game of his career. | |||
Off the court, Chamberlain's commitment to the team was doubted because he was a late sleeper and lived in New York City, preferring to commute to Philadelphia rather than live there, and he was only available for training in the afternoon. Because Schayes did not want to risk angering his best player, he scheduled the daily workout at 4 pm. This angered the rest of the team, who preferred an early schedule that allowed them the afternoon off but Schayes dismissed their protests. ], who owned the Sixers alone after Richman's death, unsuccessfully pleaded with Chamberlain to move to Philadelphia during the season.<ref name="cherry160_165" /> | |||
=== San Diego Conquistadors (1973) === | |||
In 1973, the ] of the NBA rival league ] signed Chamberlain as a ] for a $600,000 salary.<ref name=cherry294_299>Cherry, 294–299.</ref> However, the Lakers sued their former star and successfully prevented him from actually playing, because he still owed them the option year of his contract.<ref name=wiltvsloser/> Barred from playing, Chamberlain mostly left the coaching duties to his assistant ], who recalled: "Chamberlain... has a great feel for pro basketball... the day-to-day things that are an important part of basketball... just bored him. He did not have the patience."<ref name=cherry294_299/> The players were split on Chamberlain, who was seen as competent, but often indifferent and more occupied with promotion of his autobiography ''Wilt: Just Like Any Other 7-Foot Black Millionaire Who Lives Next Door'' than with coaching.<ref name=cherry294_299/> In his single season as a coach, the "Qs", as the Conquistadors were colloquially called, went a mediocre 37–47 in the regular season and lost against the ] in the Division Semifinals.<ref name=cherry294_299/> However, Chamberlain was not pleased by the meagre Qs' attendance: the crowd was an average 1,843, hardly filling half of the Qs' small San Diego 3,200-seat sports arena.<ref name=cherry294_299/> After the season, Chamberlain retired from professional basketball. | |||
In the ], the Sixers again played the ] and for the first time had home-court advantage. Boston won the first two games on the road, winning 115–96 and 114–93; while Chamberlain played within his usual range, his fellow team members shot under 40%. This caused sports journalist Joe McGinnis to comment, "The Celtics played like champions and the Sixers just played".<ref name="cherry160_165">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 160–165}}</ref> In Game 3, Chamberlain scored 31 points and 27 rebounds for the road win. When coach Schayes planned to hold a joint team practice the next day, Chamberlain said he was too tired to attend and refused Schayes' plea to attend and shoot a few foul shots with the team. In Game 4, Boston won 114–108. Prior to Game 5, Chamberlain skipped practice and was non-accessible. Schayes defended Chamberlain as "excused from practice" but his teammates knew the truth and were less forgiving.<ref name="cherry160_165" /> In Game 5, Chamberlain scored 46 points and grabbed 34 rebounds, but the Celtics won the game 120–112 and the series.<ref name="nba1966">{{cite web|website=Basketball-Reference.com|title=1966 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1966.html|date=February 10, 2007|access-date=January 26, 2008|archive-date=August 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805082816/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1966.html|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Cherry, Chamberlain was the only Sixers player who performed in the series but his unprofessional, egotistical behavior set a poor example for his teammates.<ref name="cherry160_165" /> | |||
== Post-NBA career == | |||
After his stint with the Qs, Chamberlain successfully went into business and entertainment, made money in stocks and ], opened a popular ] nightclub, Big Wilt's Smalls Paradise, and invested in ]s.<ref name=wiltat50/> Chamberlain also sponsored his personal professional volleyball and track and field teams, and also provided high-level teams for girls and women in basketball, track, volleyball and softball,<ref name=ostler>{{cite web | last=Ostler | first=Scott | title= WILT: The Ultimate All-Star| url= http://www.nba.com/warriors/history/Ostler_chamberlain.html | date=March 16, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> and made money by appearing in ads for TWA, American Express, Volkswagen, ], ] and ].<ref name=wiltat50/> | |||
====1966–67 NBA season: back-to-back MVP and first NBA title==== | |||
After his basketball career, volleyball became Chamberlain's new passion: being a talented hobby volleyballer (albeit due to lack of technique, not as excellent as volleyball All-American Lakers team mate ]) during his Lakers days,<ref name=cherry291/> he became board member of the newly founded ] in 1974 and became its president one year later.<ref name=cherry311_316>Cherry, 311–316.</ref> As a testament to his importance, the IVA All-Star game was televised only because Chamberlain also played in it: he rose to the challenge and was named the game's MVP.<ref name=cherry311_316/> He played occasional matches for the IVA Seattle Smashers before the league folded in 1979. However, Chamberlain had promoted the sport so effectively that he was named to the ]: he became one of the few athletes who were enshrined in different sports.<ref name=cherry311_316/> | |||
Prior to the ], Schayes was replaced by the more-assertive Alex Hannum. According to Cherry, in a locker room meeting, Hannum addressed several key issues he observed during the last season, several of them putting Chamberlain in an unfavorable light. Sixers forward Walker said on several occasions, players had to pull Chamberlain and Hannum apart to prevent a fistfight.<ref name=cherry170_173>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 170–173}}</ref> Cunningham commented Hannum "never backed down" and "showed who was the boss", winning Chamberlain's respect.<ref name=cherry170_173/> When emotions dissipated, Hannum told Chamberlain he was also trying to win a title but that to achieve this, Chamberlain had to "act like a man" both on and off the court.<ref name=cherry170_173/> Hannum persuaded Chamberlain to change his style of play and wanted Chamberlain to concentrate more on defense than on trying to score.<ref name="Schwartz 2007" /><ref name="jackramsay">{{cite web|last=Ramsay|first=Jack|title=Wilt's spirit was larger than life|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/columns/drjack_ramsay/111128.html|date=February 10, 2007|access-date=January 26, 2008|archive-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520083050/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/columns/drjack_ramsay/111128.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Kerr was traded to the ] for point guard ], and shooting guard ] was selected in the first round of the ]. | |||
] | |||
In addition, Chamberlain played a villainous warrior and counterpart of ] in the film '']'' (1984), where his most remarkable spoken phrase is "thieves should be hanged": This caused his physician, Dr. Lorber, to jokingly greet Chamberlain with "thieves should be hanged" whenever they met.<ref>Cherry, 328.</ref> When million-dollar contracts became common in the NBA, Chamberlain increasingly felt he had been underpaid during his career.<ref>Cherry, 330.</ref> A result of this resentment was the 1997 book ''Who's Running the Asylum? Inside the Insane World of Sports Today'' (1997), in which he harshly criticized the NBA of the 1990s for being too disrespectful of players of the past.<ref>{{cite web | last=Chamberlain | first=Wilt | url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/1579010059 | title=Who's Running the Asylum? Inside the Insane World of Sports Today | date=March 2, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> | |||
As a result of his style-of-play change, Chamberlain averaged a career-low 24.1 points and took only 14% of the team's shots,{{efn|In his 50.4 points per game season, it was 35.3%.}} but was extremely efficient with a record-breaking .683 field-goal accuracy. He also led the league in rebounds per game (24.2), was third in assists per game (7.8), and played strong defense.<ref name=stats/> His efficiency that season was reflected by 35 consecutive made field goals over four games in February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/warriors/history/Wilt_Chamberlains_Records.html|title=Wilt Chamberlain's Records|website=NBA.com|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-date=November 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117143502/http://www.nba.com/warriors/history/Wilt_Chamberlains_Records.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambwi01/gamelog/1967/|title=Wilt Chamberlain 1966–67 Game Log|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513235712/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambwi01/gamelog/1967/|url-status=live}}</ref> For these achievements, Chamberlain earned his third MVP award. The Sixers had a then-record 68–13 season, including a record 46–4 start.<ref name=stats/><ref name="NBA 2002"/> The formerly egotistical Chamberlain began to praise his teammates, lauding hardworking Lucious Jackson as the "ultimate power forward"; calling Greer a deadly jump-shooter; and Jones an excellent defender and outside scorer.<ref name=cherry170_173/> Off the court, Chamberlain invited the team to restaurants and paid the entire bill, knowing he earned ten times more than the others.<ref name=cherry170_173/> Greer, who was considered a consummate professional and often clashed with Chamberlain because of his attitude, spoke positively of him, saying, "You knew in a minute the Big Fella was ready to go ... and everybody would follow".<ref name=cherry170_173/> | |||
Even far beyond his playing days, Chamberlain was a very fit person. In his mid-forties, he was able to humble rookie ] in practice,<ref name=untilhisdyingday>{{cite web | last=Sheridan | first=Chris | title= Until his dying day, Wilt was invincible | url= http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110842.html | date=February 10, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> and even in the 1980s, he flirted with making a comeback in the NBA. In the ], coach ] recalled that the 45-year-old Chamberlain had received an offer from the ]. When Chamberlain was 50, the ] had the same idea, and Chamberlain declined again.<ref name=untilhisdyingday/> However, he would continue to epitomize physical fitness for years to come, including participating in several marathons.<ref name=wiltvsloser/> | |||
In the ], the Sixers again played the ] in the Eastern Division Finals and held home-court advantage. In Game 1, the Sixers beat Boston 127–112, powered by Greer's 39 points and Chamberlain's unofficial ], with 24 points, 32 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 unofficially counted blocks.<ref name="cherry173_179">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 173–179}}</ref> In Game 2, the Sixers won 107–102 in overtime and player-coach Russell grudgingly praised Chamberlain for intimidating the Celtics into taking low-percentage shots from further outside.<ref name="cherry173_179"/> In Game 3, Chamberlain grabbed 41 rebounds and helped the Sixers win 115–104. The Celtics prevented a sweep by winning Game 4 with a 121–117 victory. Russell, who was coming close to the first real loss of his career, said, "Right now, he is playing like me ".<ref name="nbacomsummary">{{cite web|url=https://newsone.com/2003287/bill-russell-first-black-coach-in-pro-sports/|title=Bill Russell|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive|website=NBA.com|access-date=December 1, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112164417/http://www.nba.com/history/players/russell_bio.html|archive-date=November 12, 2006 |url-status=dead|via=Newsone.com}}</ref> In Game 5, the Sixers outscored the Celtics 140–116, ending Boston's historic run of eight consecutive NBA titles. Chamberlain scored 29 points, 36 rebounds, and 13 assists, and was praised by the Celtics' Russell and ].<ref name="cherry173_179"/> Philadelphia fans chanted "Boston is dead". | |||
In 1992, Chamberlain was briefly hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat.<ref>Hudson, Maryann. (1992, February 28). "", '']'', page C4</ref> According to those close to him, he eventually began taking medication for his heart troubles.<ref>{{cite news | last=Chamberlain | first=Wilt | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/1999/10/12/wilt_dead/ | title=Death Of A Legend| date=October 14, 1999 | work=CNN}}</ref><ref>Fordahl, Matthew. (1999, October 13). "", ].</ref> On October 12, 1999, rescuers found him dead upon being summoned to his ], home.<ref>Peters Ken. (1999, October 13). "", ].</ref> His agent reported, after speaking with Chamberlain's cardiologist, that Chamberlain died of ], his health having deteriorated rapidly during the month preceding his death.<ref>]. (1999, October 14). "", '']'', page C7</ref> | |||
In the ], the Sixers played against Chamberlain's old team the ], who were led by future Hall-of-Famers: star forward ] and center Nate Thurmond. The Sixers won the first two games; Chamberlain and Greer took credit for defense and clutch shooting. The Warriors won game 3, the Sixers won game 4 with Chamberlain contributing an official 10 blocked shots,<ref>{{cite news|author=Jack Stevenson|title=NBA Title-Bound 76ers Head Back to Philly}}</ref> and the Warriors won game 5; so Philadelphia was up 3–2 prior to Game 6.<ref name="cherry173_179"/> In Game 6, the Warriors were trailing 123–122 with 15 seconds left. For the last play, Thurmond and Barry tried a ] against Chamberlain and Walker, but the Sixers foiled it because Walker held up Thurmond's ability to roll and Barry was defended by Chamberlain, making it impossible to shoot. By the time Barry made his move, Walker recovered back to Barry, who was stuck in the air and botched the shot. Jackson forced a jump ball on the rebound and the Sixers won the championship.<ref name="cherry173_179"/> Chamberlain, who contributed with 17.7 points and 28.7 rebounds per game against Thurmond, snaring at least 23 rebounds in the six games,<ref name="nba1967">{{cite web|website=Basketball-Reference.com|title=1967 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1967.html|date=February 10, 2007|access-date=January 26, 2008|archive-date=July 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704071348/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1967.html|url-status=live}}</ref> said, "It is wonderful to be a part of the greatest team in basketball ... being a champion is like having a big round glow inside of you".<ref name="cherry173_179"/> This Sixers team has been ranked as one of the best in NBA history.<ref>{{cite book|author=Wayne Lynch|title=Season of the 76ers|year=2002}}</ref> | |||
== Legacy == | |||
{{see also|List of career achievements by Wilt Chamberlain}} | |||
{{pquote|He was basketball's unstoppable force, the most awesome offensive force the game has ever seen.|Introductory line of Chamberlain's ''NBA Encyclopedia'' biography|<ref name=nbacomsummary/>}} | |||
===Individual achievements and recognition=== | |||
Chamberlain is regarded as one of the most extraordinary and dominant basketball players in the history of the NBA.<ref name=hoophall>{{cite web | last=hoophall.com | first= | title= Wilt Chamberlain Biography | url= http://www.hoophall.com/halloffamers/Chamberlain.htm | date=February 10, 2007 }}</ref> The 1972 NBA Finals MVP is holder of numerous official NBA all-time records, establishing himself as a ], ] and ].<ref name=appreciation/> He led the NBA in scoring seven times, field goal percentage nine times, minutes played eight times, rebounding eleven times, and assists once.<ref name=pomerantz_p200>], p.200</ref> He was also responsible for several rule changes, including widening the lane from 12 to 16 feet, as well as changes to rules regarding inbounding the ball<ref name=appreciation>{{cite web | title=Wilt Chamberlain: An Appreciation |url=http://www.nba.com/history/wilt_appreciation.html| accessdate=2010-08-20}}</ref> and shooting free throws.<ref name="untilhisdyingday">{{cite web | last=Sheridan | first=Chris | title= Until his dying day, Wilt was invincible | url= http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110842.html | date=2007-02-10 }}</ref> Chamberlain's 100-point game is widely considered one of basketball's greatest records.<ref name=roundtable>{{cite news |title=Roundtable: Reliving Wilt's feats |date=March 2, 2010 |work=SI.com |publisher=Time Inc. |url=http://cnnsi.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=Wilt+Chamberlain%27s+100-point+game%2C+top+NBA+records%2C+more+musings+-+NBA+-+SI.com&urlID=421827677&action=cpt&partnerID=678937&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2F2010%2Fbasketball%2Fnba%2F03%2F02%2Froundtable.wilt%2Findex.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/65BX1X4d0 |archivedate=February 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sports' 10 Greatest Records |work=SportingNews.com |publisher=American City Business Journals | url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/125/sports-10-greatest-records/gallery/2/wilt-chamberlains-100 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/65BXnkuwm |archivedate=February 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Are all sports records made to be broken? |date=July 21, 2007 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=Hearst Communications |work=Chron.com |url=http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Are-all-sports-records-made-to-be-broken-1632648.php |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/65BY099lM |archivedate=February 3, 2012}}</ref> Decades after his record, many NBA teams did not even average 100 points as fewer field goals per game were being attempted.<ref name=roundtable/> The closest any player has gotten to 100 points was the ]' ], who scored 81 in 2006.<ref name=adande>{{cite news |last=Adande |first=J.A. |title=Where There's Wilt ... |date=January 24, 2006 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=http://articles.latimes.com/print/2006/jan/24/sports/sp-adande24 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/65BR25WbG |archivedate=February 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stein |first=Marc |title=Sorry, Wilt: You're no Kobe |date=January 24, 2006 |work=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2302749 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/65BYa48LC |archivedate=February 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/260122013/toronto-raptors-vs-la-lakers-lakers |title=Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers recap|publisher=ESPN.com |date=January 22, 2006 |accessdate=February 5, 2011}}</ref> Bryant afterwards said Chamberlain's record was "unthinkable ... It's pretty exhausting to think about it."<ref>{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=81 for the Books |date=January 23, 2006 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2006/jan/23/sports/sp-lakers23 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/65BTuXPq0 |archivedate=February 3, 2012}}</ref> Chamberlain's main weakness was his notoriously poor free throw shooting, where he has the third lowest career free throw percentage in NBA history with 51.1% (based on a minimum of 1,200 attempts). He later acknowledged that he was a "psycho case" in this matter.<ref name=cherry105_106/> On the other hand, he committed surprisingly few fouls during his NBA career, despite the rugged play in the post. Chamberlain never fouled out of a regular season or playoff game in his 14-year NBA career. His career average was only 2 fouls per game, despite having averaged 45.8 minutes per game over his career. He had 5 seasons where he committed less than 2 fouls per game, with a career low of 1.5 fouls during the 1962 season, in which he also averaged 50.4 points per game. His fouls per 36 minutes (a stat used to compare players that average vastly different minutes) was a remarkable 1.6 per game.<ref name="wilttower"/> "First he was a scorer. Then he was a rebounder and assist man. Then with our great Laker team in 1972, he concentrated on the defensive end," said Sharman.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Mitch | work=ESPN.com | title= Wilt Scores 100! | date=October 15, 1999 |url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/columns/lawrence_mitch/110858.html | accessdate=February 4, 2012}}</ref> In his two championship seasons, Chamberlain led the league in rebounding, while his scoring decreased to 24 and 15 points per game. By 1971–72 at age 35 and running less, his game had transformed to averaging only nine shots per game, compared to the 40 in his record-setting 1961–62 season.<ref name=pomerantz_p200/> | |||
====1967–68 NBA season: third straight MVP and assist champion==== | |||
For his feats, Chamberlain was enshrined in the ] in 1978, named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, ranked #2 in '']''{{'}}s Top 50 NBA Players of All-Time<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/the-magazine/features/2009/06/the-new-top-50/ |title=The New Top 50 |date=June 19, 2009 |work=SLAM Online |accessdate=March 22, 2011}}</ref> and #13 in the ESPN list "Top North American athletes of the century"<ref name=espntop100>{{cite web | title=ESPN: Top N. American athletes of the century | url=http://static.espn.go.com/sportscentury/athletes.html | date=March 5, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> and voted the second best center of All-Time by ESPN behind ] on March 6, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title=DAILY DIME: SPECIAL EDITION The game's greatest giants ever | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-GreatestCenters | date=March 6, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> His on-court rivalry against Bill Russell is acknowledged as one of the NBA's greatest individual rivalries.<ref name=hoophall/> | |||
In the ], the relationship between Chamberlain and Sixers' owner Kosloff continued to deteriorate. In 1965, Chamberlain said he and Richman had worked out a deal that would give Chamberlain 25% of the franchise once he ended his career.<ref name=cherry185_187>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 185–187}}</ref> Although there is no written proof of this agreement, Schayes and Sixers' lawyer Alan Levitt assumed Chamberlain was correct.<ref name=cherry173_179/> Kosloff declined the request, angering Chamberlain, who was willing to move to the rival ] (ABA) once his contract ended in 1967. Kosloff and Chamberlain worked out a truce and later signed a one-year, $250,000 contract.<ref name=cherry173_179/> | |||
On court, Chamberlain continued his focus on team play, and registered 24.3 points and 23.8 rebounds a game for the season.<ref name=stats/> On March{{spaces}}18, 1968, in a 158–128 victory against the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196803180PHI.html|title=Los Angeles Lakers at Philadelphia 76ers Box Score, March 18, 1968|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=April 5, 2021|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308123813/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196803180PHI.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Chamberlain had a ] with 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Martinez|first=Nico|date=April 1, 2020|url=https://fadeawayworld.net/2020/04/01/wilt-chamberlain-reportedly-had-a-quintuple-double-with-53-points-32-rebounds-14-assists-24-blocks-and-11-steals/|title=Wilt Chamberlain Reportedly Had A Quintuple-Double With 53 Points, 32 Rebounds, 14 Assists, 24 Blocks, And 11 Steals|website=Fadeaway World|access-date=April 5, 2021|archive-date=December 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221012701/https://fadeawayworld.net/2020/04/01/wilt-chamberlain-reportedly-had-a-quintuple-double-with-53-points-32-rebounds-14-assists-24-blocks-and-11-steals/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jajodia|first=Advait|date=April 4, 2020|url=https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-wilt-chamberlain-really-had-a-quintuple-double-nba-fans-stumped-by-lakers-and-sixers-legends-greatest-unofficial-statline-of-all-time/|title='Wilt Chamberlain really had a quintuple-double?': NBA fans stumped by Lakers and Sixers legend's greatest unofficial statline of all time|website=The Sports Rush|access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425172844/https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-wilt-chamberlain-really-had-a-quintuple-double-nba-fans-stumped-by-lakers-and-sixers-legends-greatest-unofficial-statline-of-all-time/|url-status=live}}</ref> Chamberlain also recorded then the most points in a ].{{efn|A record since broken by ] in 2017 and improved by ] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cato|first=Tim|date=December 31, 2016|title=James Harden tied Wilt Chamberlain for the most points scored in a triple-double|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2016/12/31/14137712/james-harden-53-points-wilt-chamberlain-triple-double-rockets|access-date=April 5, 2020|website=CBS Sports|archive-date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127051926/https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2016/12/31/14137712/james-harden-53-points-wilt-chamberlain-triple-double-rockets|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=March 29, 2017|title=Russell Westbrook scored 57 points for most in triple-double|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2017/03/30/russell-westbrook-most-triple-double-points-nba-history-thunder|access-date=April 5, 2021|magazine=Sports Illustrated|archive-date=January 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122130910/https://www.si.com/nba/2017/03/30/russell-westbrook-most-triple-double-points-nba-history-thunder|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ward-Henninger|first=Colin|date=January 30, 2018|title=Rockets' James Harden records first 60-point triple-double in NBA history|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/rockets-james-harden-records-first-60-point-triple-double-in-nba-history/|access-date=April 5, 2021|website=CBS Sports|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727223741/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/rockets-james-harden-records-first-60-point-triple-double-in-nba-history/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} The 76ers had the best record in the league for the third consecutive season, and Chamberlain became the only center in NBA history to finish the season as the leader in total assists; his 702 beating runner-up ] and future Hall-of-Famer ]' total by 23.<ref name="Schwartz 1999"/> Chamberlain likened his assist title to ] ] hitter ] leading the league in ]s, and felt he dispelled the myth he was incapable or unwilling to pass the ball.<ref>{{Harvnb|Pomerantz|2005|page=199}}</ref> | |||
===Chamberlain-Russell rivalry=== | |||
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] | |||
For these achievements, Chamberlain won his fourth and final MVP title.<ref name="Hoophall 2007" /> He also scored his 25,000th point, making him the first-ever player to score that many points; he gave the ball to ] Stan Lorber.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 188}}</ref> The Sixers won 62 games and took the first seed of the ]. In the Eastern Division Semifinals, they played against the ]. In a physically tough matchup, the Sixers lost sixth man Cunningham with a broken hand, and Chamberlain, Greer, and Jackson were struggling with inflamed feet, sore knees, and pulled hamstrings, respectively. Going ahead 3–2, the Sixers defeated the Knicks 115–97 in Game 6 after Chamberlain scored 25 points and 27 rebounds; Chamberlain had a successful series leading both teams in points (153), rebounds (145), and assists (38).<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 189}}</ref> | |||
From a historical NBA perspective, the rivalry between Chamberlain and his perennial nemesis ] is cited as the greatest on-court rivalry of all time.<ref name="hoophall"/> Its significance is documented by the 2005 book ''The Rivalry'' by sports journalist John Taylor. It was somewhat lopsided, as Russell’s Celtics won 7 of 8 playoff series against Chamberlain’s Warriors, Sixers and Lakers teams, and went 57-37 in the regular season and 29-20 in the playoffs against them.<ref> Hall-of-Famers who played with Chamberlain -- Warriors: ], ]; Sixers: ], ]; Lakers: ], ], ]; however, Baylor had a crippling career-ending injury when Goodrich came</ref> Chamberlain outscored Russell 30 to 14.2 per game and outrebounded him 28.2 to 22.9 in the regular season, and also in the playoffs, he outscored him 25.7 to 14.9 and outrebounded him 28 to 24.7.<ref name="wiltrevforce">{{cite web|last=Schwartz|first=Larry|title=A revolutionary force|url=http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00131528.html|date=2007-02-10}}</ref> The comparison between the two are often simplified to a great player (Chamberlain) versus a player who makes his team great (Russell), an individualist against a team player. In {{nbay|1961|full}} when Chamberlain averaged 50.4 points per game, he noted that Boston did not rely on Russell's scoring, and he could concentrate on defense and rebounding. He wished people would understand that their roles were different. Chamberlain said, "I've got to hit forty points or so, or this team is in trouble. I must score—understand? After that I play defense and get the ball off the boards. I try to do them all, best I can, but scoring comes first."<ref>], pp.124–5, 186</ref> | |||
In the Eastern Division Finals, the Sixers played against the ], again with home-court advantage and this time as reigning champions. Despite the Sixers' injury woes, coach Hannum was confident that they could "take the Celtics in less than seven games", and referenced the higher age of the Celtics, a team built around Russell and Jones, both 34.<ref name=cherry190_199>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 190–199}}</ref> On April{{spaces}}4, civil rights leader ] was ]. With eight of the ten starting players on the Sixers and Celtics being African-American, both teams were in deep shock and there were calls to cancel the series.<ref name=cherry190_199/> In a game the following day, called "unreal" and "devoid of emotion", the Sixers lost 127–118. After attending King's ], Chamberlain called out to the angry rioters who were setting fires all over the country, stating King would not have approved.<ref name=cherry190_199/> In Game 2, Philadelphia evened the series with a 115–106 victory, and won Games 3 and 4, with Chamberlain suspiciously often played by Celtics backup center ], causing the press to speculate Russell was worn down.<ref name=cherry190_199/> Prior to Game 5, the Sixers seemed poised to win the series because no NBA team had overcome a 3–1 deficit before.<ref name=cherry190_199/> The Celtics; however, rallied, winning the next two games 122–104 and 114–106, respectively, powered by a spirited ] and helped by the Sixers' poor shooting.<ref name=cherry190_199/> | |||
However, Russell and Chamberlain were best friends in private life. Russell never considered him his rival and disliked the term, instead pointing out that they rarely talked about basketball when they were alone. When Chamberlain died in 1999, Chamberlain’s nephew stated that Russell was the second person he was ordered to break the news to.<ref name="chat">{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Bill|title=Chat Transcript: Celtics Legend Bill Russell @ celtics.com|url=http://www.nba.com/celtics/chat/russell_050228.html|accessdate=2006-12-01}}</ref> | |||
In Game 7, 15,202 Philadelphia fans witnessed a 100–96 defeat for the Sixers, making it the first time in NBA history a team lost a series after leading 3–1. According to Cherry, the Sixers shot poorly—Greer, Jones, Walker, Jackson, and Guokas hit a combined 25 of 74 shots—while Chamberlain grabbed 34 rebounds and shot 4-of-9 for a total of 14 points.<ref name=cherry190_199/> In the second half of Game 7, Chamberlain did not attempt a shot from the field.<ref name=jackramsay/> Cherry said there is a strange pattern in that game because in a typical Sixers game, Chamberlain got the ball 60 times in the low post but only 23 times in Game 7, with seven in the third quarter and twice in the fourth quarter.<ref name=cherry190_199/> Chamberlain later blamed coach Hannum for the lack of touches, a point Hannum conceded. Cherry comments Chamberlain, who always thought of himself as the best player of all time, should have been outspoken enough to demand the ball.<ref name=cherry190_199/> | |||
The loss meant Chamberlain was 1–6 in playoff series against the Celtics. After that season, Hannum wanted to be closer to his family on the West Coast; he left the Sixers to coach the ] in the newly founded ABA.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 203}}</ref> Chamberlain then asked for a trade and Sixers general manager ] traded him to the ] for ], ], and ].<ref name=jackramsay/> The motivation for this move remains in dispute. According to sportswriter ], a journalist close to the Lakers, Chamberlain was angry at Kosloff for breaking the purported Chamberlain–Richman deal.<ref name="Lazenby 2006"/> According to Ramsay, Chamberlain threatened to move to the ABA after Hannum left and forced the trade.<ref name=jackramsay/> According to Cherry, there are several personal reasons, among them Chamberlain feeling he had grown too big for Philadelphia and sought the presence of fellow celebrities, of which there were plenty in Los Angeles, and that he wanted the opportunity to date white women, which was possible for a black man in Los Angeles but less acceptable elsewhere.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 205}}</ref> | |||
===Los Angeles Lakers (1968–1973)=== | |||
====1968–69 NBA season: second NBA finals loss to the Celtics==== | |||
On July{{spaces}}9, 1968, the trade between the ] and the Sixers was completed, making it the first time a reigning NBA MVP was traded the next season.<ref name=cherry206>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 206}}</ref> Lakers owner ] gave Chamberlain an unprecedented contract, paying him $250,000 after taxes—about ${{inflation|US|0.25|1968|r=1}} million in ] value; in comparison, previous Lakers top earner ] was paid $100,000 before taxes—about ${{inflation|US|100|1968|r=-1}},000 in real value.<ref name=cherry213_215>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 213–215}}</ref> | |||
For the ], Chamberlain joined a squad that included his fellow former All-American forward Elgin Baylor, Hall-of-Fame guard Jerry West, backup center ], forwards ] and ], and {{cvt|5|foot|11|inch}} guard ]. According to Cherry, Chamberlain was not a natural leader or a loyal follower, which made it difficult to fit in.<ref name=cherry213_215/> While he was on cordial terms with West, Chamberlain often argued with team captain Baylor, later saying in regard to Baylor: "We were good friends, but ... black culture ... you never let the other guy one-up you".<ref name=cherry213_215/> | |||
The lack of a second guard next to West and the lack of speed concerned coach ]. After losing Clark and Hall-of-Fame guard ], who joined the ] after the ], he said: "Egan gets murdered on defense because of his size ... but if I don't play him, we look like a bunch of trucks".<ref name="cherry216_222">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page=216–222}}</ref> The greatest problem was his tense relationship with van Breda Kolff. Pejoratively calling the new recruit "The Load", van Breda Kolff later said Chamberlain was egotistical, never respected him, too often slacked off in practice, and focused too much on his own statistics.<ref name="cherry213_215" /> Chamberlain described Van Breda Kolff as "the dumbest and worst coach ever".<ref name="Lazenby 2006" /><ref name="cherry213_215" /> Erickson commented, "Butch catered to Elgin and Jerry ... and that is not a good way to get on Wilt's side ... that relationship was doomed from the start".<ref name="cherry213_215" /> | |||
] in the ] against the ]]] | |||
Chamberlain experienced an often-frustrating season. Van Breda Kolff benched him several times, which never happened before in his career; in mid-season, Chamberlain, a perennial scoring champion, had two games in which he scored only six and then two points.<ref name=cherry216_222/> Playing through his problems, Chamberlain averaged 20.5 points and 21.1 rebounds a game that season.<ref name=stats/> Cooke was pleased because ticket sales went up by 11% since acquiring Chamberlain.<ref name=cherry216_222/> | |||
In the ], the Lakers defeated 4–2 Chamberlain's old club the ] after losing the first two games, then defeated the ], and then played Chamberlain's rivals, Russell's ].<ref name="cherry216_222" /> Going into the ] as 3-to-1 favorites, the Lakers won the first two games but lost the next two; Chamberlain was criticized as a non-factor in the series, being neutralized by Russell with little effort.<ref name="cherry216_222" /> In Game 4, Sam Jones again hit a clutch shot, this time off the wrong foot.<ref>''Boston Globe'', April 30, 1969</ref> | |||
In Game 5, Chamberlain scored 13 points and grabbed 31 rebounds, leading Los Angeles to a 117–104 win. In Game 6, Chamberlain recorded 18 rebounds and 4 assists but only 8 points, and the Celtics won 99–90. Cherry criticized his performance, saying if "Chamberlain had come up big and put up a normal 30 point scoring night", the Lakers would have probably won their first championship in Los Angeles.<ref name="cherry216_222" /> | |||
In Game 7, Cooke put up thousands of balloons in the rafters of ] in anticipation of a Lakers win, motivating the Celtics.<ref name="cherry216_222" /> In Game 7, the Lakers trailed 91–76 after three quarters but later rallied. Chamberlain twisted his knee after a rebound and had to be replaced by Counts. With three minutes to go, the Lakers trailed 103–102 but they committed costly turnovers and lost the game 108–106; this came despite a triple-double from West, who had 42 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, and became the only player in NBA history to be named Finals MVP despite being on the losing team.<ref name="cherry216_222" /> | |||
After the game, many wondered why Chamberlain sat out the final six minutes. At the time of his final substitution, Chamberlain had scored 18 points – hitting seven of his eight shots – and grabbed 27 rebounds, significantly more than the 10 points of Counts on 4-of-13 shooting.<ref name="cherry216_222" /> Among others, Russell did not believe Chamberlain's injury was grave and accused him of being a malingerer, stating: "Any injury short of a broken leg or a broken back is not enough".<ref name="cherry216_222" /> In spite of their earlier quarrels, Van Breda Kolff came to Chamberlain's defense, saying the often-maligned Chamberlain hardly was able to move by the end.<ref name="cherry216_222" /> Van Breda Kolff was perceived as "pig-headed" for benching Chamberlain and soon resigned as Lakers coach.<ref name="cherry216_222" /> Cherry commented some journalists reported Game 7 destroyed two careers: "Wilt's because he wouldn't take over and van Breda Kolff because he wouldn't give in".<ref name="cherry216_222" /> | |||
====1969–70 NBA season: first NBA finals loss to the Knicks==== | |||
Chamberlain began the ] under new coach ] strongly, averaging 32.2 points and 20.6 rebounds per game over the first nine games of the season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wilt Chamberlain 1969–70 Game Log|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambwi01/gamelog/1970/|access-date=March 17, 2022|website=Basketball-Reference.com|archive-date=April 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417235636/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambwi01/gamelog/1970|url-status=live}}</ref> During the ninth game, he had a serious knee injury, suffering a rupture of the ] at the base of his right kneecap,<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Gettysburg Times|last=Stevenson|first=Jack|title=Use Extension On Operating Table As Wilt Chamberlain Undergoes Tendon Surgery|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2202&dat=19691110&id=RE5AAAAAIBAJ&pg=4240,4968755&hl=en|date=November 10, 1969|access-date=March 17, 2022|via=Google News|archive-date=April 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415211757/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2202&dat=19691110&id=RE5AAAAAIBAJ&pg=4240,4968755&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> and he missed several months before appearing in the final three games of the 82-game regular season, the first season he failed to reach 20 rebounds per game. Owing to his strong start, he still put up a season-average 27.3 points, 18.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.<ref name=stats/> | |||
The Lakers again made the ]. In the first round, the Lakers defeated Goodrich, ], and the ] in a seven-game series. The Lakers swept the ] in the second round before ultimately reaching the ], where they played against the ], which included future Hall-of-Famers ], ], ], and ]. Having lost lateral speed due to his injury, Chamberlain was often too slow to block Reed's preferred high-post jump shots.<ref name="cherry231_239">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 231–239}}</ref> The Knicks won Game 1 124–112 and Reed scored 37 points. In Game 2, Chamberlain scored 19 points, grabbed 24 rebounds, and blocked Reed's shot in the final seconds, leading the Lakers to a 105–103 win.<ref name="cherry231_239" /> In Game 3, West hit a {{convert|60|foot|adj=on|abbr=out}} ] to tie the game at 102 but the Knicks won in overtime 111–108.<ref name="cherry231_239" /> In Game 4, Chamberlain scored 18 points and grabbed 25 rebounds, helping tie the series at 2.<ref name="cherry231_239" /> | |||
In Game 5, with the Knicks trailing by more than nine points, Reed pulled his thigh muscle and seemed to be out for the series. By convention, Chamberlain should have dominated against little-used Knicks backup centers ] and ], or forwards Bradley and DeBusschere, who gave up more than {{cvt|6|in}} against him.<ref name="cherry231_239" /> Instead, the Lakers gave away their 13-point halftime lead, succumbed to the aggressive Knicks defense, and committed 19 second-half turnovers. Chamberlain and West—the Lakers' two main scorers—shot the ball only thrice and twice, respectively, in the entire second half.<ref name="cherry231_239" /> The Lakers lost 107–100 in what was called one of the greatest comebacks in NBA Finals history.<ref name="cherry231_239" /> | |||
In Game 6, Chamberlain scored 45 points, grabbed 27 rebounds, and almost single-handedly equalized the series in a 135–113 Lakers win. With Reed out; the Knicks seemed doomed prior to Game 7 in New York City;<ref name=cherry231_239/> however, the hero of Game 7 was Reed, who hobbled up court, scored the first four points, and inspired his team to one of the most-famous playoff ] of all time.<ref name="willisreed">{{cite web|last=nba.com|title=Willis Reed Bio|website=NBA.com|url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/reed_bio.html|date=February 10, 2007|access-date=January 27, 2008|archive-date=September 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901181901/http://www.nba.com/history/players/reed_bio.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks led by 27 at halftime, and despite Chamberlain scoring 21 points, Lakers had their third consecutive loss in ]. Chamberlain was criticized for his inability to dominate his injured counterpart but according to Cherry, Chamberlain's feat, coming back from a career-threatening injury, was too-quickly forgotten.<ref name=cherry231_239/> | |||
====1970–71 NBA season: conference finals loss and challenge to Muhammad Ali==== | |||
] and Chamberlain fighting for a rebound in 1971]] | |||
In the ], the Lakers signed Gail Goodrich, who had returned from the Suns. Chamberlain averaged 20.7 points, 18.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists;<ref name=stats/> he once again led the NBA in rebounding and the Lakers won the ] title. When Hall-of-Fame ] center ], who was {{cvt|6|feet|11|in}} and {{cvt|250|lb}} as a rookie,<ref>{{cite web |title=Bob Lanier Career Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/laniebo01.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403194328/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/laniebo01.html |archive-date=April 3, 2013 |access-date=March 17, 2022 |website=Basketball-Reference.com}}</ref> was asked about the most memorable moment of his career, Lanier answered: "When Wilt Chamberlain lifted me up and moved me like a coffee cup so he could get a favorable position".<ref name="Deford 1999" /> | |||
After losing Baylor to an Achilles tendon rupture that effectively ended his career, and especially after losing West after a knee injury, the Lakers were seen as underdogs in the ] against the ] of Alcindor—freshly crowned MVP—and the veteran Hall-of-Fame guard Robertson, whom they played in the Western Conference Finals. After winning the regular season with 66 wins, the Bucks were seen as favorites against the depleted Lakers; many pundits were looking forward to the matchup between the 34-year-old Chamberlain and the 24-year-old Alcindor.<ref name="cherry246_247">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 246–247}}</ref> In Game 1, Alcindor outscored Chamberlain 32–22 and the Bucks won 106–85. In Game 2, the Bucks won again despite Chamberlain scoring 26 points—four more than his Milwaukee counterpart. Prior to Game 3, the Lakers' situation worsened when West's stand-in Erickson underwent an ] and was out for the season. With rookie ] easing the scoring pressure, Chamberlain scored 24 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in a 118–107 victory but the Bucks defeated the Lakers 117–94 in Game 4 to take a 3–1 series lead. Milwaukee ended the series at home with a 116–98 victory in Game 5.<ref name="nba1971">{{cite web|website=Basketball-Reference.com|title=1971 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1971.html|date=February 10, 2007|access-date=January 27, 2008|archive-date=August 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805085046/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1971.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Chamberlain lost, he was lauded for holding his own against MVP Alcindor, who was 10 years younger and healthy.<ref name="cherry246_247" /> | |||
].]] | |||
After the playoffs, Chamberlain challenged heavyweight boxing legend ] to a fight. Chamberlain trained with ] for the 15-round bout, set to take place on July{{spaces}}26, 1971, in the ].{{efn|In a 1999 interview, Chamberlain stated D'Amato had approached him with the idea in 1965 and 1967, offering he and Ali $5 million each.}} Ali refused to be intimidated, issuing his typical public boasts, this time of "Timber!" and "The tree will fall!".<ref>{{cite news |title=Ali's Remark Ended Wilt's Ring Career |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-01-15-sp-979-story.html |at=Morning Briefing |work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 15, 1989 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603030813/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-01-15/sports/sp-979_1_wilt-s-ring-career |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1965, Chamberlain consulted his father, who had seen Ali fight, and advised Chamberlain against it.<ref name="Associated Press 1999">{{cite news|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110905.html|title=Wilt spoke of regrets, women and Meadowlark|publisher=Associated Press|date=February 10, 2007|access-date=March 18, 2022|via=ESPN|archive-date=October 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021000655/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110905.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=East Side Boxing|title=Ali vs. Wilt Chamberlain: The Fight That Almost Was|url=http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=7095&more=1|date=March 2, 2007|access-date=January 27, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210180202/http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=7095&more=1|archive-date=February 10, 2008}}</ref> Cooke offered Chamberlain a record-setting contract on the condition he agreed to give up what Cooke termed "this boxing foolishness".<ref>{{cite news|title=Ali's Remark Ended Wilt's Ring Career|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-01-15-sp-979-story.html|at=Morning Briefing|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=January 15, 1989|access-date=March 17, 2022|archive-date=June 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603030813/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-01-15/sports/sp-979_1_wilt-s-ring-career|url-status=live}}</ref> Chamberlain ultimately used a contractual escape; ] gave Ali his first professional loss, enabling Chamberlain to legally withdraw from the bout.<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Reilly |first=Terry |date=August 30, 2018 |title=Achilles Heel Advertising: Repositioning the Competition |publisher=CBC |url=http://www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/achilles-heel-advertising-repositioning-the-competition-1.3473631 |access-date=March 27, 2016 |archive-date=March 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328021008/http://www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/achilles-heel-advertising-repositioning-the-competition-1.3473631 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=June 26, 2009 |title=5 Things You Didn't Know About Wilt Chamberlain |url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/22092/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-wilt-chamberlain |magazine=Mental Floss |access-date=June 26, 2009 |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629015123/http://mentalfloss.com/article/22092/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-wilt-chamberlain |url-status=live }}</ref> Retired NFL player ], who acted as Chamberlain's manager since 1967, got Ali's manager ] to mutually withdraw from the match set to take place at ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Jim Brown Talks Ali vs. Wilt Chamberlain // SiriusXM|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyrP3HqkpRw |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/AyrP3HqkpRw|archive-date=December 12, 2021|url-status=live|date=October 20, 2009|access-date=October 20, 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
====1971–72 NBA season: finals MVP and second NBA title==== | |||
In the ], the Lakers hired former Celtics star guard ] as head coach. Sharman introduced morning shoot-arounds, in which the perennial latecomer Chamberlain regularly participated, in contrast to earlier years with Schayes, and transformed him into a defensive-minded, low-scoring post defender in the style of Russell.<ref name="Lawrence 1999">{{cite web|last=Lawrence|first=Mitch|title=Chamberlain's feats the stuff of legend|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/columns/lawrence_mitch/110858.html |website=ESPN |date=October 15, 1999|access-date=January 27, 2008|archive-date=February 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220032709/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/columns/lawrence_mitch/110858.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Sharman told Chamberlain to use his rebounding and passing skills to quickly initiate fastbreaks to his teammates.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 255}}</ref> While no longer being the main scorer, Chamberlain was named the Lakers' new captain. After rupturing his Achilles tendon, perennial captain Baylor retired and was replaced with Chamberlain. Initially, Sharman wanted Chamberlain and West to share this duty but West declined, stating he was injury-prone and wanted to concentrate on the game.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 257}}</ref> Chamberlain accepted his new roles and posted an all-time low 14.8 points per game but also 19.2 rebounds per game, and led the league with a .649 field-goal percentage.<ref name=stats/> Powered by his defensive presence, the Lakers had an unprecedented 33-game winning streak, leading to a then-record 69 wins in the regular season. According to ], after the record-setting streak, Lakers owner Cooke sought to reward each of his players, who may have been expecting a trip to Hawaii, with a $5 pen set. In response, Chamberlain had everybody put the pens in the middle of the floor and stepped on them.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goldstein|first=Richard|title=Flynn Robinson, 72, Scorer on Dominant N.B.A. Club|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/25/sports/basketball/flynn-robinson-sharpshooting-nba-guard-dies-at-72.html|access-date=May 25, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 25, 2013|archive-date=May 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517224416/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/25/sports/basketball/flynn-robinson-sharpshooting-nba-guard-dies-at-72.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
In the ], the Lakers defeated the ] then played against the ], who were led by young center and regular-season MVP ] (formerly Lew Alcindor). '']'' called the matchup between Chamberlain and Abdul-Jabbar the greatest matchup in all sports. Chamberlain helped the Lakers defeat Abdul-Jabbar and the Bucks in six games, and he was lauded for his performance in Game 6, which the Lakers won 104–100 after trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter. Chamberlain scored 24 points, grabbed 22 rebounds, played all 48 minutes, and outsprinted the younger Bucks center on several late Lakers fast breaks.<ref name=cherry264265>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 264–265}}</ref> West called it "the greatest ball-busting performance I have ever seen".<ref name=cherry264265/> '']'' stated, "In the N.B.A.'s western division title series with Milwaukee, decisively outplayed basketball's newest giant superstar, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, eleven years his junior".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=One for the Dipper|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/printout/0,8816,879093,00.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120918122155/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/printout/0,8816,879093,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 18, 2012|date=May 22, 1972|access-date=January 27, 2008|magazine=Time}}</ref> | |||
In the ], the Lakers again met the ], who were shorthanded after losing {{convert|6|feet|9|inch|adj=on|abbr=out}} Reed to injury, and undersized {{convert|6|feet|8|inch|adj=on|abbr=out}} ] had to defend against {{convert|7|feet|1|inch|adj=on|abbr=out}} Chamberlain.<ref name=cherry266_270>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 266–270}}</ref> Prolific outside shooter Lucas helped New York to win Game 1, hitting 9 of his 11 shots in the first half. In Game 2, which the Lakers won 106–92, Chamberlain put Lucas into foul trouble and the Knicks lost defensive power forward Dave DeBusschere to injury.<ref name=cherry266_270/> In Game 3, Chamberlain scored 26 points and grabbed 20 rebounds for another Lakers win. | |||
In a fiercely battled Game 4, Chamberlain was playing with five fouls late in the game. Chamberlain had never fouled out in his career, a record for which he was very proud. Despite the risk of fouling out, Chamberlain played aggressive defense, and blocked two of Lucas' shots in overtime, proving wrong those who said he only played for his own statistics. He also scored a game-high 27 points<ref name="cherry266_270" /> and, at one point, fell on his right hand, and was thought to have sprained it, but it was broken. | |||
For Game 5, Chamberlain's hands were packed into thick pads that were normally used by ] in ]; he was offered a painkilling shot but refused for fear he would lose his shooting touch if his hands became numb.<ref name="cherry266_270" /> Chamberlain recorded 24 points, 29 rebounds, 8 assists, and 8 blocked shots; announcer ] counted the blocks during the broadcast. Chamberlain's all-around performance helped the Lakers win their first championship in Los Angeles with a decisive 114–100 win.<ref name="cherry266_270" /> Chamberlain was named the Finals MVP,<ref name="stats" /> and admired for playing while injured.<ref name="cherry266_270" /> | |||
====1972–73 NBA season: second NBA finals loss to the Knicks==== | |||
The ] was Chamberlain's last; the Lakers lost substance—] was injured, Robinson and ] had left, and West struggled with injury.<ref name=cherry290>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 290}}</ref> Chamberlain averaged 13.2 points and 18.6 rebounds to win the rebounding title for the 11th time in his career. He also shot an NBA record 0.727 for the season, bettering his own mark of 0.683 from the 1966–67 season.<ref name=stats/> It was the ninth time Chamberlain led the league in field-goal percentage. The Lakers won 60 games in the regular season and reached the ] against the ], a franchise that had a healthy team with a rejuvenated Reed whereas the Lakers were handicapped by several injuries.<ref name=cherry290/> In that series, the Lakers began with a 115–112 win but the Knicks won Games 2 and 3; and West again injured his hamstring. In Game 4, the shorthanded Lakers were defeated by the Knicks. In Game 5, the valiant-but-injured West and Hairston had bad games, and the Lakers lost the game 102–93 and the series 4–1 despite Chamberlain scoring 23 points and grabbing 21 rebounds. After the Knicks finished the game with a late flourish led by ] and ], Chamberlain made a dunk with one second left, which was the last play of his NBA career.<ref name=cherry291>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 291}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=Basketball-Reference.com|title=1973 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1973.html|date=February 10, 2007|access-date=January 26, 2008|archive-date=August 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805084717/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1973.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Coaching career== | |||
===San Diego Conquistadors (1973–1974)=== | |||
In 1973, the ], a member of the NBA-rival league ABA signed Chamberlain as a ] for a $600,000 salary.<ref name=cherry294_299>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 294–299}}</ref> According to Chamberlain, part of the reason for leaving the Lakers was his belief he had the right to renegotiate his contract after winning the 1971–72 NBA championship, and was upset the Lakers did not contact him until September 1972, before which they were trying to acquire ] star-center ], who ultimately decided to return to school for the 1972–73 season.<ref>{{cite news|via=newspapers.com|accessdate=January 5, 2023|newspaper=Sprinfield News-Sun|date=October 7, 1973|page=5C|title=Wilt Feels Jump Will Hasten Pro Merger|author=Roach, Ron|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115849908/springfield-news-sun/|archive-date=January 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105195942/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115849908/springfield-news-sun/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Lakers sued Chamberlain and prevented him from playing for the Conquistadors because he still owed the Lakers the option year of his contract.<ref name="Schwartz 2007"/> According to the two-year contract Chamberlain had signed prior to the 1971–72 season, if he failed to sign and mail back his next contract, his contract with the Lakers would be deemed to be renewed.<ref name=sue>{{cite news|via=newspapers.com|accessdate=January 5, 2023|date=October 2, 1973|newspaper=Independent|page=C-3|title=Lakers Sue Chamberlain|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115850665/independent/|archive-date=January 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105201053/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115850665/independent/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Lakers said they mailed Chamberlain a new contract in July 1973 but Chamberlain did not sign it so the old contract should be deemed to have been renewed for the 1973–74 season.<ref name=sue/> On October{{spaces}}10, 1973, the opening day of the Conquistadors' season, a judge ruled Chamberlain could coach the Conquistadors but could not play for any team other than the Lakers for 1973–74.<ref>{{cite news|via=newspapers.com|accessdate=January 5, 2023|date=October 11, 1973|newspaper=Dixon Evening Telegraph|page=15|title=Wilt Chamberlain on Sidelines as Conquistadors win 121–106|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115851113/dixon-evening-telegraph/|archive-date=January 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105201719/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115851113/dixon-evening-telegraph/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
While he was barred from playing, Chamberlain mostly left coaching duties to his assistant ], who said Chamberlain "has a great feel for pro basketball ... the day-to-day things that are an important part of basketball ... just bored him. He did not have the patience."<ref name=cherry294_299/> The players were split on Chamberlain, who was seen as competent but often indifferent, and was more occupied with promotion of his autobiography ''Wilt: Just Like Any Other 7-Foot Black Millionaire Who Lives Next Door'' than with coaching. He once skipped a game to sign autographs for the book.<ref name=cherry294_299/> In his single season as a coach, the Conquistadors scored 37–47 in the regular season and lost against the ] in the division semifinals.<ref name=cherry294_299/> After the season, Chamberlain retired from professional basketball; he was displeased by the meager attendance as crowds averaged 1,843, occupying just over half of the team's 3,200-seat ] sports arena.<ref name=cherry294_299/> | |||
==NBA career statistics== | |||
{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y|record=y}} | |||
===Regular season=== | |||
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:100%; text-align:right;" | |||
|- | |||
!Year | |||
!Team(s) | |||
!GP | |||
!MPG | |||
!FG% | |||
!FT% | |||
!RPG | |||
!APG | |||
!PPG | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|72 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|46.4* || .461 || .582 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|27.0* || 2.3 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|37.6* | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|bgcolor="CFECEC"|79* || bgcolor="CFECEC"|47.8* || bgcolor="CFECEC"|.509* || .504 || bgcolor="EOCEF2"|'''27.2'''{{double-dagger}} || 1.9 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|38.4* | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|bgcolor="CFECEC"|80* || bgcolor="EOCEF2"|'''48.5'''{{double-dagger}} || .506 || '''.613''' || bgcolor="CFECEC"|25.7* || 2.4 || bgcolor="EOCEF2"|'''50.4'''{{double-dagger}} | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|bgcolor="CFECEC"|80* || bgcolor="CFECEC"|47.6* || bgcolor="CFECEC"|.528* || .593 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|24.3* || 3.4 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|44.8* | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|80 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|46.1* || .524 || .531 || 22.3 || 5.0 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|36.9* | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|38 || 45.9 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|.499* || .416 || 23.5 || 3.1 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|38.9* | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1964–65 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|35 || 44.5 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|.528* || .526 || 22.3 || 3.8 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|30.1* | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|79 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|47.3* || bgcolor="CFECEC"|.540* || .513 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|24.6* || 5.2 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|33.5* | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|]† | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|bgcolor="CFECEC"|81* || bgcolor="CFECEC"|45.5* || bgcolor="CFECEC"| .683* || .441 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|24.2* || 7.8 || 24.1 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|'''82''' || bgcolor="CFECEC"|46.8* || bgcolor="CFECEC"| .595* || .380 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|23.8* || bgcolor="CFECEC"|'''8.6'''* || 24.3 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|81 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|45.3* || bgcolor="CFECEC"| .583* || .446 || bgcolor="CFECEC"| 21.1* || 4.5 || 20.5 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|12 || 42.1 || .568 || .446 || 18.4 || 4.1 || 27.3 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|'''82''' || 44.3 || .545 || .538 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|18.2* || 4.3 || 20.7 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|]† | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|'''82''' || 42.3 || bgcolor="CFECEC"| .649* || .422 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|19.2* || 4.0 || 14.8 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|bgcolor="CFECEC"|'''82'''* || 43.2 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|'''.727'''* || .510 || bgcolor="CFECEC"|18.6* || 4.5 || 13.2 | |||
|-class="sortbottom" | |||
|style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career | |||
|1,045 || style="background:#E0CEF2; width:3em"|45.8{{double-dagger}} || .540 || .511 || style="background:#E0CEF2; width:3em"|22.9{{double-dagger}}||4.4||30.1 | |||
|-class="sortbottom" | |||
|style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|All-Star | |||
|13 || 29.8 || .590 || .500 || 15.1 || 2.7 || 14.6 | |||
|} | |||
The NBA started to keep track of blocked shots the season after Wilt retired. | |||
===Playoffs=== | |||
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:100%; text-align:right;" | |||
|- | |||
!Year | |||
!Team(s) | |||
!GP | |||
!MPG | |||
!FG% | |||
!FT% | |||
!RPG | |||
!APG | |||
!PPG | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1960 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|9 || 46.1 || .496 || .445 || 25.8 || 2.1 || 33.2 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1961 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|3 || 48.0 || .489 || .553 || 23.0 || 2.0 || '''37.0''' | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1962 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|12 || 48.0 || .467 || '''.636''' || 26.6 || 3.1 || 35.0 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1964 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|12 || 46.5 || .543 || .475 || 25.2 || 3.3 || 34.7 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1965 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|11 || '''48.7''' || .530 || .559 || 27.2 || 4.4 || 29.3 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1966 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|5 || 48.0 || .509 || .412 || '''30.2''' || 3.0 || 28.0 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|1967† | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|15 || 47.9 || '''.579''' || .388 || 29.1 || '''9.0''' || 21.7 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1968 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|13 || 48.5 || .534 || .380 || 24.7 || 6.5 || 23.7 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1969 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|'''18''' || 46.2 || .545 || .392 || 24.7 || 2.6 || 13.9 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1970 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|'''18''' || 47.3 || .549 || .406 || 22.2 || 4.5 || 22.1 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1971 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|12 || 46.2 || .455 || .515 || 20.2 || 4.4 || 18.3 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|1972† | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|15 || 46.9 || .563 || .492 || 21.0 || 3.3 || 14.7 | |||
|- | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|1973 | |||
|style="text-align:left;"|] | |||
|17 || 47.1 || .552 || .500 || 22.5 || 3.5 || 10.4 | |||
|-class="sortbottom" | |||
|style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career | |||
|160 || style="background:#E0CEF2; width:3em"|47.2{{double-dagger}} || .522 || .465 || 24.5 || 4.2 || 22.5 | |||
|} | |||
==Post-NBA career== | |||
After his stint with the Conquistadors, Chamberlain went into business and entertainment, made money in stocks and real estate, bought a popular ] nightclub which he renamed Big Wilt's ], and invested in ]s.<ref name="Deford 1999"/> He appeared in advertisements for TWA, American Express, Volkswagen, Drexel Burnham, Le Tigre Clothing, and Foot Locker.<ref name="Deford 1999"/> | |||
=== Athletics === | |||
Chamberlain sponsored his own professional volleyball and track and field teams, and provided high-level teams for girls and women in basketball, track, volleyball, and softball.<ref name="ostler">{{cite web |last=Ostler |first=Scott |date=March 16, 2007 |title=Wilt: The Ultimate All-Star |url=http://www.nba.com/warriors/history/Ostler_chamberlain.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026071329/http://www.nba.com/warriors/history/Ostler_chamberlain.html |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |access-date=January 26, 2008 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> | |||
Volleyball became Chamberlain's new athletic passion, having been a talented hobby volleyballer during his Lakers days.<ref name="cherry291" /> He became a board member of the newly founded ] (IVA) in 1974 and became its president in 1975.<ref name="cherry311_316">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 311–316}}</ref> As a testament to his importance, the IVA All-Star game was televised only because Chamberlain also played in it; he was named the game's MVP.<ref name="cherry311_316" /> Chamberlain played occasional matches for IVA Seattle Smashers before the league folded in 1979. Chamberlain promoted the sport so effectively he was named to the IVA Hall of Fame and became one of the few athletes who were enshrined in multiple sports.<ref name="cherry311_316" /> | |||
In the 1970s, Chamberlain formed Wilt's Athletic Club, a track-and-field club in southern California<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Young|first=Andrew Spurgeon|date=October 1982|url=http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/48679245/track-team-that-wilt-built|url-status=dead|title=The Track Team that Wilt Built|magazine=Ebony|volume=37|issue=12|page=68|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222163506/http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/48679245/track-team-that-wilt-built|archive-date=February 22, 2014|access-date=March 16, 2022|via=EBSCO Connect}}</ref> that was coached by ] assistant coach ] in the early part of his career. The team included ] before she set the world records in the ] and ]; three-time world champion ];<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19820130&id=6LVPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kAYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5539,7344786|title=Nehemiah Snaps Hurdle Mark|newspaper=Ocala Star-Banner|date=January 30, 1982|page=11|access-date=March 16, 2022|via=Google News|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226223136/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19820130&id=6LVPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kAYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5539,7344786|url-status=live}}</ref> and future Olympic Gold medalists ], ], and ]. Chamberlain signed 60 athletes and planned to expand to 100. While actively promoting the sport in 1982, Chamberlain said he was considering a return to athletic competition in ]; he stated he had only once been beaten in the high jump by Olympic champion ], and that he had never been beaten in ], beating Olympic shot put champion ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19820216&id=PY0yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vecFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6716,2781585|title=Chamberlain considers return|newspaper=Lawrence Journal-World|date=February 16, 1982|page=6|access-date=March 16, 2022|via=Google News|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104114910/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19820216&id=PY0yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vecFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6716%2C2781585|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Following his playing days, Chamberlain maintained his high level of fitness. In his mid-forties, he was able to humble rookie ] in practice,<ref name="Sheridan 1999">{{cite web|last=Sheridan|first=Chris|date=October 14, 1999|title=Until his dying day, Wilt was invincible|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110842.html|work=ESPN|access-date=March 17, 2022|archive-date=February 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220032713/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110842.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and he planned a return to the NBA in the 1980s. In the ], coach ] said the 45-year-old Chamberlain had received an offer from the ]. When Chamberlain was 50, the ] made Chamberlain an offer, which he declined.<ref name="Sheridan 1999" /> He continued to maintain his physical fitness for several years, participating in several marathons.<ref name="Schwartz 2007" /> When million-dollar contracts became common in the NBA, Chamberlain increasingly felt he had been underpaid during his career.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 330}}</ref> A result of this resentment was the 1997 book ''Who's Running the Asylum? Inside the Insane World of Sports Today'', in which he criticized the NBA for being too disrespectful of former players.<ref>{{Harvnb|Chamberlain|1997}}</ref> | |||
=== Film === | |||
In 1976, Chamberlain, who was interested in movies, forming a film production and distribution company to make his first film, which was entitled ''Go For It''.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 2, 1976 |title=Wilt Chamberlain now a movie mogul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mEIDAAAAMBAJ&q=wilt+chamberlain,+bio-pic&pg=PA63 |magazine=Jet |volume=50 |issue=24 |page=63 |access-date=March 17, 2022 |via=Google Books |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030231925/https://books.google.com/books?id=mEIDAAAAMBAJ&q=wilt+chamberlain,+bio-pic&pg=PA63#v=snippet&q=wilt%20chamberlain%2C%20bio-pic&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> Chamberlain played a villainous warrior and counterpart of ] in the 1984 film '']'', including fight scenes against Schwarzenegger and ]. It remained his only credited film role.<ref></ref> | |||
In November 1998, he signed with Ian Ng Cheng Hin, CEO of Northern Cinema House Entertainment, to produce his own bio-pic, wanting to tell his life story his way.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hoffman |first=Andy |date=December 14, 1998 |title=Chamberlain biopic has Canuck coproducer |url=http://playbackonline.ca/1998/12/14/23988-19981214/ |magazine=Playback |access-date=March 16, 2022 |archive-date=August 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811040009/http://playbackonline.ca/1998/12/14/23988-19981214/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He had been working on the screenplay notes for over a year at the time of his death.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110738.html |title=Reaction to a basketball legend's death |access-date=May 22, 2023 |archive-date=May 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522023112/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110738.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==Death== | |||
Chamberlain, who had a history of ], was briefly hospitalized for an ] in 1992.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hudson|first=Maryann|date=February 28, 1992|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/61580293.html?dids=61580293:61580293&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT|title=Chamberlain Has Irregular Heartbeat|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|page=C4|access-date=March 16, 2022|via=ProQuest Archiver|archive-date=November 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104060935/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/61580293.html?dids=61580293:61580293&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to those close to him, he began taking medication for his heart problems.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fordahl|first=Matthew|date=October 13, 1999|url=http://www.sddt.com/News/article.cfm?SourceCode=19991013cb|title=Chamberlain Was Seeing Heart Specialist, Taking Medication|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=March 16, 2022|via=San Diego Source|archive-date=January 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114100515/http://www.sddt.com/News/article.cfm?SourceCode=19991013cb|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/1999/10/12/wilt_dead/|url-status=dead|title=Death Of A Legend|publisher=Associated Press|date=October 14, 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000903192745/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/1999/10/12/wilt_dead/|archive-date=September 3, 2000|access-date=March 16, 2022|via=CNN/SI}}</ref> His condition rapidly deteriorated in 1999 and he lost {{convert|50|lb|spell=in}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.assuredlisting.com/health-therapy/article4849.htm|last=Mirkin|first=Gabe|title=STD's, Cardiomyopathy and Wilt Chamberlain|access-date=March 2, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805111006/http://www.assuredlisting.com/health-therapy/article4849.htm|archive-date=August 5, 2009}}</ref> After undergoing dental surgery in the week before his death, he was in great pain and seemed unable to recover from the stress. On October{{spaces}}12, 1999, Chamberlain died at age 63 at his home in Bel Air.<ref name="ESPN 1999"/><ref name=wdblg>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=j1VWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wOsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5689%2C3749135 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |last=Peters |first=Ken |title=Wilt's death brings death to a legend |date=October 13, 1999 |page=1A |access-date=August 1, 2022 |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030231931/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=j1VWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wOsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5689%2C3749135 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nba-legend-wilt-chamberlain-dies-1999-article-1.2393843|title=The day Wilt Chamberlain, NBA legend, died at 63 in 1999|website=]|date=October 12, 2015|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-date=December 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227013251/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nba-legend-wilt-chamberlain-dies-1999-article-1.2393843|url-status=live}}</ref> His longtime attorney Sy Goldberg stated Chamberlain died of ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iJsNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GHADAAAAIBAJ&pg=5024,1474617|title=Agent says Chamberlain had congestive heart failure|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|agency=Associated Press|date=October 14, 1999|page=C7|access-date=March 16, 2022|via=Google News|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024110955/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iJsNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GHADAAAAIBAJ&pg=5024%2C1474617|url-status=live}}</ref> Goldberg said: | |||
<blockquote>He was more inquisitive than anybody I ever knew. He was writing a screenplay about his life. He was interested in world affairs, sometimes he'd call me up late at night and discuss philosophy. I think he'll be remembered as a great man. He happened to make a living playing basketball, but he was more than that. He could talk on any subject. He was a Goliath.<ref name="Reactions">{{cite news |date=October 13, 1999 |title=Reaction to a basketball legend's death |publisher=Associated Press |url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110738.html |access-date=March 17, 2022 |via=ESPN |archive-date=May 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512125104/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110738.html |url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote> | |||
A memorial service for Chamberlain was held at the City of Angels Church of Religious Science in Los Angeles on October 16, 1999. A second memorial service was held at his home church, Mount Carmel Baptist Church, in Philadelphia on October 21, 1999.<ref>{{cite news |title=Service for Chamberlain Is Scheduled for Today |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-16-sp-23040-story.html |newspaper=LA Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629220913/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-16-sp-23040-story.html |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |date=October 16, 1999 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Several NBA players and officials were saddened at Chamberlain's death; they remembered him as one of the greatest players in the history of basketball.<ref name="Reactions" /> On-court rival and personal friend Bill Russell stated: "the fierceness of our competition bonded us together for eternity".<ref>How Life Imitates Sports by Ira Berkow</ref> | |||
==Legacy== | |||
===Awards and honors=== | |||
{{main|List of career achievements by Wilt Chamberlain}} | |||
Chamberlain is regarded as one of the most extraordinary and dominant basketball players in NBA history,<ref name="Hoophall 2007" /><ref name="ESPN 1999" /><ref name="NBA 2002" /> and is often suggested as the greatest NBA player of all time, ahead of ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2020 |title=The NBA's true greatest player of all time, Wilt Chamberlain |url=https://hoopshabit.com/2020/04/29/nba-wilt-chamberlain-true-greatest/ |access-date=April 30, 2022 |website=Hoops Habit |language=en-US |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912025321/https://hoopshabit.com/2020/04/29/nba-wilt-chamberlain-true-greatest/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Swartz |first=Bryn |title=The Greatest NBA Player of All-Time: Michael Jordan or Wilt Chamberlain? |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/68568-the-greatest-nba-player-of-all-time-michael-jordan-or-wilt-chamberlain |access-date=April 30, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430171813/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/68568-the-greatest-nba-player-of-all-time-michael-jordan-or-wilt-chamberlain |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Steve |title=Greatness Revisited: Why Wilt Chamberlain Was the Greatest NBA Player Ever |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/130817-greatness-revisited-why-wilt-chamberlain-is-the-greatest-nba-player-ever |access-date=April 30, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430171815/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/130817-greatness-revisited-why-wilt-chamberlain-is-the-greatest-nba-player-ever |url-status=live }}</ref> Contemporaneous colleagues were often terrified of playing against Chamberlain. Russell regularly feared being embarrassed by Chamberlain,<ref name="Lazenby 2006" /> and Walt Frazier called his dominance on the court "comical".<ref name="Reactions" /> | |||
Chamberlain holds numerous official NBA all-time records. Former teammate Billy Cunningham said, "The NBA Guide reads like Wilt's personal diary."<ref>{{cite web |title=11 Memorable Wilt Chamberlain Performances |url=https://www.nba.com/sixers/features/11_memorable_wilt_chamberlain__2010_10_12.html |website=] |access-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-date=February 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228024733/https://www.nba.com/sixers/features/11_memorable_wilt_chamberlain__2010_10_12.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was a scoring champion, all-time top rebounder, and accurate field-goal shooter. He led the NBA in scoring seven times, field-goal percentage nine times, minutes played eight times, rebounding eleven times, and assists once.<ref name="ESPN 1999" /><ref name="pomerantz_p200">{{Harvnb|Pomerantz|2005|page=200}}</ref> Chamberlain is most remembered for his 100-point game,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110687.html|url-status=live|title=Wilt: 'I Maybe Could have Scored 140'|publisher=Associated Press|date=October 13, 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090524034852/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110687.html|archive-date=May 24, 2009|access-date=March 17, 2022|via=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Pomerantz|2005|page=196, 217}}</ref> which is widely considered one of basketball's greatest records.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2010/03/02/roundtable-wilt|title=Roundtable: Reliving Wilt's feats|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=March 2, 2010|access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316200854/https://www.si.com/nba/2010/03/02/roundtable-wilt|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/125/sports-10-greatest-records/gallery/2/wilt-chamberlains-100|url-status=dead|title=Sports' 10 Greatest Records|magazine=Sporting News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424114627/http://aol.sportingnews.com/125/sports-10-greatest-records/gallery/2/wilt-chamberlains-100|archive-date=April 24, 2011|access-date=March 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Are-all-sports-records-made-to-be-broken-1632648.php|url-status=dead|title=Are all sports records made to be broken?|publisher=Associated Press|date=July 21, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226035924/http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Are-all-sports-records-made-to-be-broken-1632648.php|archive-date=February 26, 2014|access-date=March 17, 2022|via=Chron.com}}</ref> Decades after his record, many NBA teams did not average 100 points.{{efn|The closest any player has gotten to 100 points was the Lakers' ], who scored 81 in 2006.<ref>{{cite news|last=Adande|first=J. A.|date=January 24, 2006|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-jan-24-sp-adande24-story.html |url-status=live|title=Where There's Wilt ...|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017174025/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2006/jan/24/sports/sp-adande24|archive-date=October 17, 2015|access-date=March 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Stein|first=Marc|date=January 24, 2006|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2302749|url-status=live|title=Sorry, Wilt: You're no Kobe|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901065417/https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2302749|archive-date=September 1, 2017|access-date=March 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/260122013/toronto-raptors-vs-la-lakers-lakers|title=Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers recap|website=ESPN|date=January 22, 2006|access-date=February 5, 2011|archive-date=January 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117001713/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/260122013/toronto-raptors-vs-la-lakers-lakers|url-status=dead}}</ref> Afterward, Bryant said Chamberlain's record is "unthinkable ... It's pretty exhausting to think about it".<ref>{{cite news|last=Bresnahan|first=Mike|date=January 23, 2006|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-jan-23-sp-lakers23-story.html |url-status=live|title=81 for the Books|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303052704/http://articles.latimes.com/2006/jan/23/sports/sp-lakers23|archive-date=March 3, 2014|access-date=March 17, 2022}}</ref>}} | |||
In high school and college, Chamberlain was Mr. Basketball USA, NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in ], and twice consensus first-team All-American in ] and ]. His number 13 jersey was retired by the ], ], ], ], and ]. Chamberlain won two NBA championships, four regular-season Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, the Rookie of the Year award, one Finals MVP award, and one All-Star Game MVP award, and was selected to 13 All-Star Games and 10 All-NBA Teams—seven First and three Second teams. He also twice made All-Defensive First Team. | |||
During his NBA career, Chamberlain committed few fouls despite his rugged play in the post, and he never fouled out of a regular-season or playoff game in his 14-year NBA career. His career average was two fouls per game despite having averaged 45.8 minutes per game over his career. He had five seasons in which he committed fewer than two fouls per game, and a career-low of 1.5 fouls during the 1962 season, in which he also averaged 50.4 points per game. His fouls per 36 minutes—a statistic that is used to compare players who average vastly different minutes—was 1.6 per game.<ref name="ESPN 1999" /> | |||
Chamberlain's game evolved during his playing career. Chamberlain's Lakers coach Bill Sharman said, "First he was a scorer. Then he was a rebounder and assist man. Then with our great Laker team in 1972, he concentrated on the defensive end."<ref name="Lawrence 1999"/> During his two-championship seasons, Chamberlain led the league in rebounding while his scoring decreased. During his first championship season, his assists also increased, recording two consecutive seasons with eight assists per game, and winning one assist title. By 1971–72, at age 35 and running less, his game was averaging only nine shots per game compared to the 40 in his record-setting 1961–62 season.<ref name="pomerantz_p200" /> During Chamberlain's time, defensive statistics like blocks and steals had not yet been recorded. According to 1960s Sixers general manager Jack Ramsay, "] said he used to tell one of his statisticians to keep track of Wilt's blocks in big games ... One night, they got up to 25".<ref>{{cite book|last1=Heisler|first1=Mark|last2=Newell|first2=Pete|year=2005|title=Giants: Big Men Who Shook the NBA|location=Chicago|publisher=Trumph Books|page=14|isbn=978-1572437661}}</ref> Reported data for 112 games played by Chamberlain for the Lakers in the 1970s shows he averaged 8.8 blocks per game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martinez |first=Nico |date=April 5, 2020 |title=In 112 Career Games, Wilt Chamberlain Averaged 8.8 Blocks Per Game. That Would Be An NBA Record By A Margin of 3.3 Blocks. |url=https://fadeawayworld.net/nba-media/in-112-career-games-wilt-chamberlain-averaged-8-8-blocks-per-game-that-would-be-an-nba-record-by-margin-of-5-3-blocks |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=Fadeaway World |archive-date=October 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003053811/https://fadeawayworld.net/nba-media/in-112-career-games-wilt-chamberlain-averaged-8-8-blocks-per-game-that-would-be-an-nba-record-by-margin-of-5-3-blocks |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
For his feats, Chamberlain was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978, named part of the NBA 35th Anniversary Team in 1980, one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and was ranked 13th in ESPN's list "Top North American Athletes of the Century" in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 21, 2021 |title=NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced |url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020223835/https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shapiro|first=Leonard|date=January 22, 1999|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1999/01/22/espns-sportscentury-goes-back-back-back-through-the-annals-of-sports-history/7a824d06-30c0-4009-8849-cbd52bb8b8e2/|title=ESPN's 'SportsCentury' Goes Back-Back-Back|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 18, 2022|archive-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828051503/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1999/01/22/espns-sportscentury-goes-back-back-back-through-the-annals-of-sports-history/7a824d06-30c0-4009-8849-cbd52bb8b8e2/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://static.espn.go.com/sportscentury/athletes.html|title=Top N. American athletes of the century|work=ESPN|date=October 29, 1999|access-date=March 18, 2022|archive-date=May 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090524073844/http://static.espn.go.com/sportscentury/athletes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2007, ESPN rather Chamberlain the second-best center of all time by behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,<ref>{{cite web|title=Daily Dime: Special Edition The game's greatest giants ever|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-GreatestCenters|date=March 6, 2007|access-date=January 26, 2008|archive-date=March 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325001933/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-GreatestCenters|url-status=live}}</ref> and was ranked second in '']''{{'}}s "Top 50 NBA Players of All-Time in NBA History" in 2009,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/the-magazine/features/2009/06/the-new-top-50/|title=The New Top 50|date=June 19, 2009|magazine=Slam|access-date=March 22, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622072004/http://www.slamonline.com/online/the-magazine/features/2009/06/the-new-top-50/|archive-date=June 22, 2009}}</ref> and sixth in ESPN's list of the top 74 NBA players of all time in 2020, and the third-best center of all-time behind Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29105801/ranking-top-74-nba-players-all-nos-10-1|title=Ranking the top 74 NBA players of all time: Nos. 10–1|website=ESPN.com|date=May 13, 2020|access-date=May 19, 2021|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119203144/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29105801/ranking-top-74-nba-players-all-nos-10-1|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, Chamberlain was ranked fifth in ESPN's list of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33297498/the-nba-75th-anniversary-team-ranked-where-76-basketball-legends-check-our-list|title=The NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, ranked: Where 76 basketball legends check in on our list|website=ESPN.com|date=February 21, 2022|access-date=April 7, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425080052/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33297498/the-nba-75th-anniversary-team-ranked-where-76-basketball-legends-check-our-list|url-status=live}}</ref> and sixth in a similar list by '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/3137873/2022/02/23/the-nba-75-the-top-75-nba-players-of-all-time-from-mj-and-lebron-to-lenny-wilkens/|title=NBA 75: Top 75 NBA players of all time, from MJ and LeBron to Lenny Wilkens|website=The Athletic|date=February 23, 2022|access-date=April 7, 2022|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407031715/https://theathletic.com/3137873/2022/02/23/the-nba-75-the-top-75-nba-players-of-all-time-from-mj-and-lebron-to-lenny-wilkens/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Rule changes=== | ===Rule changes=== | ||
Part of Chamberlain's impact on basketball is his direct responsibility for several rule changes in the NBA, including a widening of the lane to try to keep big men more distant from the basket, the instituting of offensive goaltending, a ban on dunking to convert free throws, and a revision of rules governing inbounding the ball, such as making it illegal to inbound the ball over the backboard.<ref name="ESPN 1999" /><ref name="Sheridan 1999" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Sachare |first=Alex |date=2000 |title=Wilt Chamberlain: An Appreciation |url=http://www.nba.com/history/wilt_appreciation.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816170643/http://www.nba.com/history/wilt_appreciation.html |archive-date=August 16, 2000 |access-date=August 20, 2010 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> In basketball history, pundits have stated the only other player who forced such a massive change of rules is {{cvt|6|feet|10|inch}} ] center ], who played a decade before Chamberlain and also caused many rule changes designed to thwart dominant centers, such as a widening the lane and defensive goaltending.<ref name="Lawrence 1999"/> | |||
===Chamberlain–Russell rivalry=== | |||
Chamberlain's impact on the game is also reflected in the fact that he was directly responsible for several rule changes in the NBA, including widening the lane to try to keep him farther away from the hoop, instituting offensive goaltending and revising rules governing inbounding the ball and shooting free throws (such as making it against the rules to inbound the ball over the backboard).<ref name="wilttower"/><ref name="untilhisdyingday">{{cite web|last=Sheridan|first=Chris|title=Until his dying day, Wilt was invincible|url= http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110842.html|date=2007-02-10}}</ref> Chamberlain, who reportedly had a 50-inch vertical leap<ref name=dupree>{{cite web|last=DuPree|first=David|title=Wilt Chamberlain: A Tribute |url=http://www.nba.com/warriors/history/Dupree_Chamberlain.html|publisher=nba.com|accessdate=2010-08-20}}</ref>, was physically capable of converting foul shots via a ] without a running start (beginning his movement at the top of the key).<ref name=ostler>{{Cite news|last=Ostler|first=Scott|title = The Leaping Legends of Basketball|newspaper=]|year=2006|date=February 12, 1989|postscript=.}}</ref> When his dunks practically undermined the difficulty of a foul shot, the NBA banned his modus operandi.<ref name="wilttower"/><ref name="untilhisdyingday"/> In basketball history, pundits have stated that the only other player who forced such a massive change of rules is 6'10" ] center ], who played a decade before Chamberlain and also caused many rule changes designed to thwart so-called "big men".<ref name="wiltlegend">{{cite web|last=Lawrence| first=Mitch|title= Chamberlain's feats the stuff of legend |url= http://static.espn.go.com/nba/columns/lawrence_mitch/110858.html|date=2007-02-10}}</ref> | |||
] in 1966]] | |||
The on-court rivalry between Chamberlain and Bill Russell is cited as one of the greatest of all time.<ref name="Hoophall 2007"/>{{efn|While there were three ] matchups in the later ], ] and ] played different positions and did not guard each other.<ref name="cherry360_361" />}} Russell won 11 NBA titles in his career while Chamberlain won two.<ref>], p. 201.</ref> Chamberlain was named All-NBA First Team seven times in comparison to Russell's three but Russell was named the NBA MVP—then selected by players—five times against Chamberlain's four.<ref name="Cherry 2004 page= 362">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 362}}</ref> Russell's Celtics won seven of eight playoff series against Chamberlain's Warriors, 76ers, and Lakers teams, and went 57–37 against them in the regular season and 29–20 in the playoffs. Russell's teams won all four series-deciding seventh games against Chamberlain's by a combined margin of nine points.<ref name=pomerantz_p200/> | |||
===Reputation=== | |||
<!-- ******NOTE***** This section is linked from ] /--> | |||
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Although Chamberlain racked up some of the most impressive statistics in the history of Northern American professional sports, because he won "just" two NBA championships and lost seven out of eight playoff series against the ] teams of his on-court nemesis ], Chamberlain was often called "selfish" and a "loser".<ref name="wiltvsloser">{{cite web | last=Schwartz | first=Larry | title= Wilt battled loser label | url=http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00014133.html | date=2007-02-10 }}</ref> ] of ] said that Chamberlain was caught in a no-win situation: "If you win, everybody says, 'Well, look at him, he's that big.' If you lose, everybody says, 'How could he lose, a guy that size?' "<ref name="wiltrevforce" /> Chamberlain himself often said: "Nobody roots for ]."<ref name="wiltvsloser" /> | |||
The comparison between Chamberlain and Russell is often simplified to one between a great player (Chamberlain) with a player who makes his team great (Russell); an individualist against a team player. Chamberlain would say Boston did not rely on Russell's scoring, and that Russell could concentrate on defense and rebounding. Chamberlain went on: "I've got to hit forty points or so, or this team is in trouble. I must score—understand? After that I play defense and get the ball off the boards. I try to do them all, best I can, but scoring comes first."<ref>], pp. 124–125, 186.</ref> Chamberlain outscored Russell 30 to 14.2 and out-rebounded him 28.2 to 22.9 in the regular season, and he outscored Russell 25.7 to 14.9, and out-rebounded Russell 28 to 24.7 in the playoffs.<ref name="Schwartz 1999"/> | |||
Similar to later superstar ], Chamberlain was also a target of criticism because of his bad ] shooting. He connected on an abysmal .511 average, including a career low of .380 during the 1967-68 season.<ref name="stats" /> Countless suggestions were offered; he shot them underhanded, one-handed, two-handed, from the side of the circle, from well behind the line. Once, Sixers coach ] suggested to him to shoot his famous fadeaway jumpshot as a foul shot; but Chamberlain was too scared to bring even more attention to his one great failing.<ref name="wiltat50" /> | |||
Russell and Chamberlain were friends in private life. Russell never considered Chamberlain his rival and disliked the term, preferring "competitors", and also said they rarely talked about basketball when they were alone. When Chamberlain died in 1999, Chamberlain's nephew stated Russell was the second person whom he was ordered to inform.<ref>{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Bill|date=February 28, 2005|title=Chat Transcript: Celtics Legend Bill Russell|website=NBA.com|url=http://www.nba.com/celtics/chat/russell_050228.html|access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-date=October 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023143500/http://www.nba.com/celtics/chat/russell_050228.html|url-status=live}}</ref> While previously friends, after Russell criticized Chamberlain for his performance during Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals, the two men did not speak for two decades. Russell privately apologized to Chamberlain and later publicly apologized in a 1997 joint interview with ].<ref name="cherry360_361" /> The 1969 NBA Finals is arguably the biggest stain on Chamberlain's career; supporters of Chamberlain said Russell won more games because he had better-skilled teammates; in the finals; however, Chamberlain's team was favored and lost.<ref>"SportsCentury 1999"</ref> | |||
Furthermore, Chamberlain damaged his reputation in an April 1965 article with '']''. In an interview entitled "My Life In A Bush League", he criticized his fellow players, coaches, and NBA administrators.<ref name="bookrags">{{cite web | last=bookrags.com | first= | title= Wilt Chamberlain | url=http://www.bookrags.com/biography/chamberlain-wilt-1936-sjpc-01/ | date=2007-02-15 }}</ref> Chamberlain later commented that he could see in hindsight how the interview could have been instrumental in hurting his public image.<ref name="bookrags" /> | |||
===Reputation as a loser=== | |||
However, contemporary colleagues were often terrified to play against Chamberlain. Bill Russell regularly feared being embarrassed by Chamberlain,<ref name="lazenby" /> ] called his dominance on the court “comical”,<ref name="reactions">{{cite web | last=espn.com | first= | title= Reaction to a basketball legend’s death | url= http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110738.html| date=2007-02-10 }}</ref> and when 6 ft 11 in 250-pound (in his early years)<ref>{{cite web|last=basketball-reference.com|first=|title=Bob Lanier Career Statistics|url=http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/laniebo01.html}}</ref> Hall-of-Fame center ] was asked about the most memorable moment of his career, Lanier answered: “When Wilt Chamberlain lifted me up and moved me like a coffee cup so he could get a favorable position.”<ref name="wiltat50" /> | |||
Although Chamberlain accumulated some of the most-impressive statistics in the history of professional sports, he was often called selfish and a loser because he won only two NBA championships and lost seven out of eight playoff series against Bill Russell's Celtics teams.<ref name="Schwartz 1999"/> ] of ESPN said Chamberlain was caught in a no-win situation: "If you win, everybody says, 'Well, look at him, he's that big'. If you lose, everybody says, 'How could he lose, a guy that size?' "<ref name="Schwartz 1999"/> Quoting coach Alex Hannum's explanation of his situation, Chamberlain often said: "Nobody roots for Goliath".<ref name="Schwartz 2007" /> | |||
=== Other === | |||
In political philosophy, Chamberlain is known for the so-called "Wilt Chamberlain Argument." ] ] ] states that if fans agreed to pay to see him play, then Chamberlain was entitled to a greater amount of resources because the inequality would have resulted from a free exchange of resources. Nozick used Chamberlain as a real-life example to argue that ] were inherently ].<ref>{{cite web | last=Johnson | first=R. N. | title= Nozick: The Wilt Chamberlain Argument | url=http://web.missouri.edu/~johnsonrn/nozick.html | date=February 20, 2007 | accessdate=January 26, 2008}}</ref> | |||
Rick Barry wrote: | |||
Despite his very public persona, Chamberlain's philanthropy was mostly done out of the spotlight. Upon his death, it was revealed that in his estate he had left $650,000 to the Kansas University Endowment Association. The money was used to establish scholarships for a variety of students, including first-generation low-income students, women athletes, and men's basketball student-athletes. $150,000 established the Wilt Chamberlain KU Basketball Clinic for Special Olympics Fund that aids the existing annual basketball clinic for Special Olympians that are run by the KU athletics department. | |||
<blockquote>I'll say what most players feel, which is that Wilt is a loser ... He is terrible in big games. He knows he is going to lose and be blamed for the loss, so he dreads it, and you can see it in his eyes; and anyone who has ever played with him will agree with me, regardless of whether they would admit it publicly ... When it comes down to the closing minutes of a tough game, an important game, he doesn't want the ball, he doesn't want any part of the pressure. It is at these times that greatness is determined and Wilt doesn't have it. There is no way you can compare him to a pro like a Bill Russell or a Jerry West ... these are clutch competitors.<ref>Rick Barry, Confessions of a Basketball Gypsy: The Rick Barry Story</ref></blockquote> | |||
Chamberlain's main weakness was his poor free-throw shooting, a .511 career average, the third-lowest in NBA history, with a low of .380 over the 1967–68 season.<ref name="stats" /> Chamberlain later said he was a "psycho case" in this matter.<ref name="cherry105_106" /> Much like later center ], Chamberlain would be ] and was a target of criticism because of it. Many suggestions were offered; he shot them underhanded, one-handed, two-handed, from the side of the circle, from well behind the line, and banked it in. Coach Hannum once suggested Chamberlain shoot his fadeaway jumper as a free throw but Chamberlain feared drawing more attention to his main failing.<ref name="Deford 1999"/> | |||
== Personal life == | |||
{{main|Personal life of Wilt Chamberlain}} | |||
{{summarize|from|Personal life of Wilt Chamberlain}} | |||
Despite his foul-line problems, Chamberlain set the NBA record, which was later equaled by ], for the most free throws made (28) using the underhand technique in a regular-season game in his 1962 100-point game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/records/regular_freethrows.html|website=NBA.com|title=Regular Season Records: Free Throws|access-date=September 5, 2012|archive-date=July 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724135025/http://www.nba.com/history/records/regular_freethrows.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Chamberlain later said he was too embarrassed by the underhand technique to continue using it, although it consistently gave him better results.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vcmV2aXNpb25pc3RoaXN0b3J5|title=The Big Man Can't Shoot|last=Gladwell|first=Malcolm|website=Revisionist History|date=June 29, 2016|access-date=March 22, 2021|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308064027/https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vcmV2aXNpb25pc3RoaXN0b3J5|url-status=live}}</ref> Chamberlain stated he intentionally missed free throws so a teammate could get the rebound and score two points instead of one.<ref name="fixler20121213">{{cite web |last=Fixler |first=Kevin |date=December 13, 2012 |title=Shooting for Perfection |url=https://www.sbnation.com/longform/2012/12/13/3758698/rick-barry-underhand-free-throw-nba |access-date=December 16, 2012 |website=SB Nation |archive-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216014212/http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2012/12/13/3758698/rick-barry-underhand-free-throw-nba |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
== See also == | |||
* ] | |||
==Personal life== | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
===Star status=== | |||
* ] | |||
Chamberlain was the first big earner of basketball; upon entering the NBA, he immediately became the highest-paid player. Chamberlain was basketball's first player to earn at least $100,000 a year; and he earned an unprecedented $1.5 million during his Lakers years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 207}}</ref>{{efn|The American philosopher ] in his book '']'' has the "]" arguing against some egalitarian distribution of resources. Nozick has the intuition Chamberlain received his money legitimately.}} As a Philadelphia 76er, he could afford to rent a New York apartment and commute to Philadelphia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wilt was Philadelphia's greatest athlete|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110852.html|work=ESPN|date=October 13, 1999|access-date=January 12, 2022|archive-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520081617/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110852.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He would often stay out late into the night and wake up at noon.<ref name="Lawrence 1999"/> | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
Jazz composer ] named the music composition "]" after Chamberlain. When he became a Laker, Chamberlain built a million-dollar mansion in ] and named it after ], a play on his nickname "The Big Dipper". It had a {{convert|2200|lb|kg|adj=on|abbr=out}} pivot as a front door and contained great displays of luxury. Cherry described Chamberlain's house as a miniature ], where he regularly held parties and lived his later-notorious sex life. This was also helped by the fact Chamberlain was a near-]c who often skipped sleeping.<ref name=cherry343_356>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 343–356}}</ref> The house was designed according to Chamberlain's preferences; it had no right angles, and had an X-rated room with mirrored walls and a fur-covered waterbed.<ref name="life19720324">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=elIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60|title=House that Wilt built|magazine=Life|volume=72|issue=11|date=March 24, 1973|pages=–63|issn=0024-3019|access-date=January 12, 2022|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030231926/https://books.google.com/books?id=elIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> Chamberlain lived alone,<ref>{{Harvnb|Taylor|2005|page=44}}</ref> relying on many automated gadgets, with two cats named Zip and Zap, and several Great Dane dogs. Chamberlain drove a ], a ], and a ]-style car called Searcher One that was designed and built at a cost of $750,000 in 1996.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/sports/basketball/24glass.html|newspaper=The New York Times|last=Bierman|first=Fred|title=N.B.A. Accessorizing: Supersize My Ride|date=December 24, 2006|access-date=January 12, 2022|archive-date=March 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329213358/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/sports/basketball/24glass.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
Following his death in 1999, Chamberlain's estate was valued at $25 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-apr-16-me-20192-story.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|last=O'Neil|first=Ann|title=A Full-Court Press to Regain Late Basketball Great's Items|date=April 16, 2000|access-date=January 12, 2022|archive-date=October 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017060934/http://articles.latimes.com/2000/apr/16/local/me-20192|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* ] | |||
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===Love life=== | |||
* ] | |||
] with two dancers at ] in ]]] | |||
* ] | |||
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Although Chamberlain was shy and insecure as a teenager, he later became known for his ]. According to his lawyer Seymour Goldberg, "Some people collect stamps, Wilt collected women".<ref name="cherry343_356"/> Swedish Olympic high jumper ], who met Chamberlain when he was 40 and she was 19, said he was a ] who was extremely confident yet respectful, saying: "I think Wilt hit on everything that moved ... he never was bad or rude".<ref name="cherry343_356"/> '']'' columnist David Shaw said Chamberlain was "rude and sexist toward his own date, as he usually was" during a dinner with Shaw and his wife; he added at one point Chamberlain left the table to get the telephone number of an attractive woman at a nearby table.<ref name=shaw1999>{{cite news|last=Shaw|first=David|title=A Gracious Man, but Driven to Win|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=October 13, 1999|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-13-mn-21800-story.html|access-date=January 12, 2022|archive-date=November 5, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105033904/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/oct/13/news/mn-21800|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* ] | |||
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In Chamberlain's second book ''A View from Above'', he claimed to have had sex with 20,000 women.<ref>{{Harvnb|Chamberlain|1992|page=258}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=October 13, 1999 |title=Sexual claim transformed perception of Wilt |publisher=Associated Press |url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110836.html |access-date=March 29, 2022 |via=ESPN |archive-date=May 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515051924/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1012/110836.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to his contemporary Rod Roddewig, Chamberlain documented his love life using a ]. Every time Chamberlain had sex with a different woman, he put a check in his Day-Timer. Over a ten-day period, there were 23 checks in the book; a rate of 2.3 women per day. Chamberlain halved that number to be conservative and to correct for degrees of variation. He then multiplied that number by the number of days he had been alive and subtracted 15 years, giving him the 20,000 number.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page=348}}</ref> | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
In response to public backlash regarding his ], Chamberlain later said: "the point of using the number was to show that sex was a great part of my life as basketball was a great part of my life. That's the reason why I was single."<ref name="whalen">{{cite book|last=Whalen|first=Thomas|page=|year=2003|title=Dynasty's End: Bill Russell and the 1968–69 World Champion Boston Celtics|location=Boston|publisher=Northeastern University Press|isbn=978-1555535797|url=https://archive.org/details/dynastysendbillr00whal/page/122|access-date=March 17, 2022|via=Internet Archive}}</ref> In a 1999 interview shortly before his death, Chamberlain regretted not having explained the sexual climate at the time of his promiscuity and warned other men who admired him for it, saying: "With all of you men out there who think that having a thousand different ladies is pretty cool, I have learned in my life I've found out that having one woman a thousand different times is much more satisfying".<ref name="Associated Press 1999"/><ref>{{Harvnb|Chamberlain|1992|page=276}}</ref> Chamberlain also said he never came close to marrying and had no intention of raising any children.<ref name="Deford 1999"/> | |||
In 2015, a man named Aaron Levi claimed to be Chamberlain's son based on non-identifying papers from his adoption and information from his biological mother. Chamberlain's sister refused to provide DNA evidence for testing so Levi's claim is not conclusive.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Pomerantz|first=Gary M.|date=March 4, 2015|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2015/03/04/wilt-chamberlain-aaron-levi-a-giant-shadow-son-secret|title=A Giant Shadow: Did Wilt Chamberlain have a son? Levi may be living proof|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-date=July 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718151043/https://www.si.com/nba/2015/03/04/wilt-chamberlain-aaron-levi-a-giant-shadow-son-secret|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Relationships=== | |||
According to Cherry, although Chamberlain was an ], he had good relationships with many of his contemporaries and enjoyed a great deal of respect. He was lauded for his good rapport with his fans, often providing tickets and signing autographs. ] said Chamberlain regularly took walks in downtown Philadelphia and acknowledged honking horns with the air of a man enjoying the attention.<ref name=jackramsay/> Jerry West called Chamberlain a "complex ... very nice person",<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= vii–viii}}</ref> and NBA rival ] said: "The best thing that happened to the NBA is that God made Wilt a nice person ... he could have killed us all with his left hand".<ref>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= 85}}</ref> Celtics contemporary ] assumed if Chamberlain had been less fixated on being popular, he would have been meaner and able to win more titles.<ref name="Cherry 2004 page= 362"/> | |||
During most of his NBA career, Chamberlain was good friends with Bill Russell; he often invited Russell over to Thanksgiving and visited Russell's home, where conversation mostly concerned Russell's electric trains.<ref name="cherry360_361">{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|pages= 360–361}}</ref> As the championship count became increasingly lopsided, the relationship deteriorated and became hostile after Russell accused Chamberlain of "copping out" in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals.<ref name="cherry360_361" /> The two reconciled after two decades but Chamberlain maintained a level of bitterness, regretted he had not been "more physical" with Russell in their games, and privately continued accusing his rival of negatively intellectualizing basketball.<ref name="cherry360_361" /> | |||
Chamberlain's relationship with fellow center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, eleven years his junior, was hostile. Although Abdul-Jabbar idolized Chamberlain as a teenager and was once part of his inner circle,<ref name=cherry130131/> the student–mentor bond deteriorated into intense mutual loathing, especially after Chamberlain retired. Chamberlain often criticized Abdul-Jabbar for a perceived lack of scoring, rebounding, and defense. Abdul-Jabbar accused Chamberlain of being a traitor to the black race for his Republican political leanings, support of ], and relationships with white women.<ref name=cherry245>{{Harvnb|Cherry|2004|page= p. 245}}</ref> When Abdul-Jabbar broke Chamberlain's all-time scoring record in 1984, Chamberlain criticized Abdul-Jabbar's game and called on him to retire. When Abdul-Jabbar published his autobiography in 1990, he wrote a paper titled "To Wilt Chumperlane"<!-- Not a typo. -->, in which he stated: "Now that I am done playing, history will remember me as someone who helped teammates to win, while you will be remembered as a crybaby, a loser, and a quitter". Their relationship remained mostly strained until Chamberlain's death.<ref name=cherry245/> | |||
===Politics=== | |||
Chamberlain denounced the ] and other ] movements in the late 1960s, and he supported Republican Richard Nixon in the ] and ] presidential elections.<ref>{{Harvnb|Chamberlain|1992|page=277}}</ref> Chamberlain accompanied Nixon to the funeral of ]<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Booker|first=Simeon|date=January 1969|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LuIDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA27|title=What Blacks Can Expect From Nixon|magazine=Ebony|volume=24|issue=3|page=27|issn=0012-9011|access-date=March 16, 2022|via=Google Books}}</ref> and considered himself a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/u4ndl0/black-celebrities-with-republican-ties/7mmbkc|url-status=live|title=Black Celebrities With Republican Ties|website=BET|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128060335/http://www.bet.com/news/features/vote-2012/news/politics/photos/2012/09/15-black-celebrities-with-republican-ties.html#!100111-national-Wilt-Chamberlain|archive-date=November 28, 2020|access-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref> | |||
===Sexual assault allegation=== | |||
In 2021, actress ], who is primarily known for her alter ego Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, said in her memoir, ''Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark'', that Chamberlain had sexually assaulted her during a party at his mansion in the 1970s. Chamberlain supposedly forced Peterson to perform oral sex after offering to show her a closet containing his NBA jerseys. Peterson stated she had blamed herself and was almost "convinced that I was a very bad person for letting that happen" until the ] made her reconsider the experience. Peterson felt the assault was "creepier" because Chamberlain had been a friend.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/movies/elvira-cassandra-peterson-accuses-late-wilt-chamberlain-sexual-assault/|title=Elvira's Cassandra Peterson Accuses NBA Pro Wilt Chamberlain of Sexual Assault: 'I Kept That a Secret'|magazine=People|last=Garner|first=Glenn|date=September 23, 2021|access-date=September 27, 2021|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927022455/https://people.com/movies/elvira-cassandra-peterson-accuses-late-wilt-chamberlain-sexual-assault/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://torontosun.com/entertainment/celebrity/elvira-accuses-basketball-legend-wilt-chamberlain-of-sexual-abuse|title=Elvira accuses basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain of sexual abuse|newspaper=The Toronto Sun|date=September 23, 2021|access-date=September 27, 2021|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927023416/https://torontosun.com/entertainment/celebrity/elvira-accuses-basketball-legend-wilt-chamberlain-of-sexual-abuse|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | |||
{{Portal|Basketball|Philadelphia|Volleyball}} | |||
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== |
==Notes== | ||
{{Notelist}} | |||
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} | |||
{{reflist|group=note}} | |||
==References== | |||
== Further reading == | |||
{{reflist|30em}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Chamberlain |first=Wilt |authorlink= |coauthors=Shaw, David |title=Wilt: Just Like Any Other 7-Foot Black Millionaire Who Lives Next Door |year=1973 |publisher=Macmillan |location=New York |id= }} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Chamberlain |first=Wilt |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=A View From Above |year=1992 |publisher=New York Signet Books |location=New York |isbn=0-451-17493-3}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Chamberlain |first=Wilt |title=Who's Running the Asylum? Inside the Insane World of Sports Today|year=1997 |publisher=International Promotions|isbn=1-57901-005-9}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Cherry |first=Robert |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=] |year=2004 |publisher=Triumph Books |location=Chicago |isbn=1-57243-672-7}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Heisler |first=Mark |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Giants: The 25 Greatest Centers of All Time |year=2003 |publisher=Triumph Books |location=Chicago |isbn=1-57243-577-1}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Mosenson |first=Cecil |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=It All Began With Wilt |year=2008 |publisher=Tate Publishing & Enterprises |location=Oklahoma |isbn=978-1-60604-055-3}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Pluto |first=Terry |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Tall Tales: The Glory Years of the NBA in the Words of the Men Who Played, Coached, and Built Pro Basketball |year=1992 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |location=New York |isbn=0-671-74279-5}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Pomerantz |first=Gary M. |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Wilt, 1962: The Night of 100 Points and the Dawn of a New Era |year=2005 |publisher=Crown |location=New York |isbn=1-4000-5160-6}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Taylor |first=John |title=The rivalry : Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and the golden age of basketball |year=2005 |location=New York |publisher=Random House |isbn=1400061148|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=qiKBNaDzv3gC&printsec=frontcover&dq=isbn:1400061148&hl=en&sa=X&ei=3IowT8SNJqqpsQLQhfHXBg&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false|accessdate=February 6, 2012}} | |||
==Works cited== | |||
== External links == | |||
* {{cite book|last=Chamberlain|first=Wilt|title=A View From Above|year=1992|publisher=New York Signet Books|location=New York|isbn=0-451-17493-3|url=https://archive.org/details/viewfromabove00cham_1}} | |||
{{Commons category|Wilt Chamberlain}} | |||
* {{cite book|last=Chamberlain|first=Wilt|title=Who's Running the Asylum? Inside the Insane World of Sports Today|year=1997|location=Los Angeles|publisher=International Promotions|isbn=1-57901-005-9|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/whosrunningasylu0000cham}} | |||
{{wikiquote}} | |||
* {{cite book|last=Cherry|first=Robert|title=]|year=2004|publisher=Triumph Books|location=Chicago|isbn=1-57243-672-7}} | |||
* {{NBA historical player|wilt_chamberlain}} | |||
* {{cite book|last=Pluto|first=Terry|title=Tall Tales: The Glory Years of the NBA in the Words of the Men Who Played, Coached, and Built Pro Basketball|year=1992|publisher=Simon & Schuster|location=New York|isbn=0-671-74279-5|url=https://archive.org/details/talltales00plut}} | |||
* {{Basketball-reference|Wilt Chamberlain}} | |||
* {{cite book|last=Pomerantz|first=Gary M.|title=Wilt, 1962: The Night of 100 Points and the Dawn of a New Era|year=2005|publisher=Crown|location=New York|isbn=1-4000-5160-6|url=https://archive.org/details/wilt1962nightof00pome}} | |||
* {{Basketballhof|wilton-n-wilt-chamberlain}} | |||
* {{cite book|last=Taylor|first=John|title=The Rivalry: Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and the Golden Age of Basketball|year=2005|location=New York|publisher=Random House|isbn=1-4000-6114-8|url=https://archive.org/details/rivalrybillrusse0000tayl|url-access=registration|quote=isbn:1400061148.|access-date=February 6, 2012}} | |||
* {{databasebasketball|CHAMBWI01}} | |||
* {{IMDb name|0150219}} | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
==Further reading== | |||
{{clear}} | |||
* {{cite book|last=Chamberlain|first=Wilt|author2=Shaw, David|title=Wilt: Just Like Any Other 7-Foot Black Millionaire Who Lives Next Door|url=https://archive.org/details/wiltjustlikeanyo00cham|url-access=registration|year=1973|publisher=Macmillan|location=New York}} | |||
{{Navboxes|list1= | |||
* {{cite book|last=Heisler|first=Mark|title=Giants: The 25 Greatest Centers of All Time|year=2003|publisher=Triumph Books|location=Chicago|isbn=1-57243-577-1}} | |||
* {{cite book|last=Mosenson|first=Cecil|title=It All Began With Wilt|year=2008|publisher=Tate Publishing & Enterprises|location=Oklahoma|isbn=978-1-60604-055-3}} | |||
==External links== | |||
{{sister project links|d=Q182455|c=category:Wilt Chamberlain|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|s=no|wikt=no|species=no}} | |||
{{basketballstats|nba=76375|bbr=c/chambwi01}} | |||
* Career statistics and coach information from | |||
* {{basketballhof|wilt-chamberlain}} | |||
* {{IMDb name|150219}} | |||
* at the ] | |||
* at NBA.com | |||
* at the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball | |||
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050428062831/http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/wilt/ |date=April 28, 2005 }} at ] | |||
* at '']'', June{{spaces}}4, 2005 | |||
* at the '']'' Photographic Archive (Collection 1429), UCLA Library Special Collections, ], ] | |||
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Latest revision as of 19:31, 8 January 2025
American basketball player (1936–1999)
Wilton Norman Chamberlain (/ˈtʃeɪmbərlɪn/ CHAYM-bər-lin; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional basketball player. Standing 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall, he played center in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 14 seasons. Often regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Chamberlain was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978 and elected to the NBA's 35th, 50th, and 75th anniversary teams. Following his professional basketball career, Chamberlain played volleyball in the short-lived International Volleyball Association (IVA). He served one term as league president and is enshrined in the IVA Hall of Fame.
Renowned for his strength, he played the antagonist in the 1984 Arnold Schwarzenegger film Conan the Destroyer, in his only credited film role.
According to former teammate Billy Cunningham, "The NBA Guide reads like Wilt's personal diary." Chamberlain holds 72 NBA records, including several regular season records in scoring, rebounding, and durability; blocks were not counted during his career. He is best remembered as the only player to score 100 points in a single game. He also once gathered 55 rebounds, and never fouled out. Chamberlain is the only player to average 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in a season, a feat he accomplished seven times. He once averaged 50 points per game, as well as 48 minutes per game, in a season. Chamberlain ultimately won two NBA championships, four regular-season Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, the Rookie of the Year, one Finals MVP, and one All-Star Game MVP; he was selected to thirteen All-Star Games and ten All-NBA Teams (seven First and three Second teams). He won seven scoring, eleven rebounding, nine durability, and nine field goal percentage titles; he is the only center to lead the league in total assists.
While in college, Chamberlain played for the Kansas Jayhawks, and lost the national championship game to the North Carolina Tar Heels in triple overtime his sophomore year. He also played for the Harlem Globetrotters before joining the NBA, where he played for the Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain had an on-court rivalry with Boston Celtics' center Bill Russell, suffering a long string of losses before breaking through and winning the 1967 NBA Finals as a member of the 76ers. Chamberlain won his second championship as a member of the 1972 Lakers, a team which set a record with a 33-game winning streak.
Sportswriters knew Chamberlain by several nicknames during his playing career, calling attention to his height since his high school days. He disliked the ones that negatively portrayed his height, such as "Wilt the Stilt" and "Goliath", preferring "the Big Dipper", inspired by his friends who saw him dip his head as he walked through doorways. The name was retained in one of Chamberlain's signature moves, the "dipper dunk". He was one of the first players to make prominent use of shots like the fade away jump shot, and the finger roll. His success near the basket led to the widening of the lane, offensive goaltending rules, and the banning of inbound passes over the backboard. Chamberlain, always a poor free throw shooter, had the ability to dunk from the foul line, which led to the ruling that a free-throw shooter must keep his feet behind the line.
Early years
Wilton Norman Chamberlain was born on August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the sixth of nine children to southerners Olivia Ruth (née Johnson), a domestic worker, and William Chamberlain, a welder and handyman. The family lived in a middle-class neighborhood in the Haddington section of West Philadelphia. Chamberlain was raised as a Baptist.
Chamberlain's first competitive sport was track. As a fourth grader, he ran the 300-yard shuttle in the 1946 Penn Relays among older teammates. Tall from an early age, he stood 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) by 10 years old. He nearly died of pneumonia in his early years and missed a whole year of school as a result. During early childhood, he was not interested in basketball, which he regarded as "a game for sissies". According to Chamberlain, however, "basketball was king in Philadelphia", so he eventually turned to the sport in seventh grade, while attending Shoemaker Junior High School.
High school career
Overbrook High School (1953–1955)
Chamberlain stood 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) when he entered Philadelphia's Overbrook High School. As an avid track and field athlete, he high jumped 6 feet, 6 inches, ran the 440 yards in 49.0 seconds and the 880 yards in 1:58.3, put the shot 53 feet, 4 inches, and long jumped 22 feet.
Chamberlain was the star player for the Overbrook Hilltoppers basketball team, wearing jersey number five. Chamberlain had a natural advantage against his peers; he became renowned for his scoring talent, physical strength, and shot-blocking abilities. According to ESPN journalist Hal Bock, Chamberlain was "scary, flat-out frightening ... before he came along, very few players at the center position possessed his level of athleticism, stature, and stamina. Chamberlain changed the game in fundamental ways no other player did." In this period of his life, his three lifelong nicknames "Wilt the Stilt", "Goliath", and "The Big Dipper"—his favorite—were coined.
Chamberlain led the team to two city championships over three seasons, with Overbrook logging a 56–3 win-loss record. He broke Hall of Fame guard Tom Gola's Philadelphia-high-school scoring record (2,222 points) and graduated with 2,252 points, averaging 37.4 points per game.
1953: city runner-up
Chamberlain averaged 31 points per game during his 1953 high-school season and led his team to a 71–62 win over the Northeast High School team of Hall of Fame guard Guy Rodgers. Chamberlain scored 34 points as Overbrook won the Philadelphia Public League title and gained a spot in the city championship game against West Catholic High School, the winner of the rival Catholic league. In that game, West Catholic quadruple-teamed Chamberlain throughout the game, and despite his 29 points, the Hilltoppers lost 54–42.
1954: city champions
In his second season, Chamberlain led Overbrook to a 19–0 season. He scored a high-school record 71 points against Roxborough. The Hilltoppers comfortably won the Public League title after again beating Northeast High, as Chamberlain scored 40 points. Overbrook then won the city title by defeating South Catholic 74–50. Chamberlain scored 32 points and Overbrook finished the season undefeated.
During his summer vacations, Chamberlain worked as a bellhop at Kutsher's Hotel. Owners Milton and Helen Kutsher maintained a lifelong friendship with Chamberlain. Red Auerbach, the coach of the NBA's Boston Celtics, was also athletic director of the summer basketball league at Kutscher's; Auerbach spotted Chamberlain playing there and had him play one-on-one against University of Kansas (KU) standout and national champion B. H. Born, elected NCAA Most Outstanding Player in 1953. Chamberlain won 25–10; Born was so dejected he gave up a promising NBA career and became a tractor engineer; according to Born, "If there were high school kids that good, I figured I wasn't going to make it to the pros". Auerbach wanted Chamberlain to go to a New England university so the Celtics could draft him as a territorial pick but Chamberlain did not respond.
1955: city champions
In Chamberlain's third and final Overbrook season, he continued his high scoring, logging 74, 78, and 90 points in three consecutive games. The Hilltoppers suffered just one loss, to Farrell High 59–58. Overbrook won the Public League a third time, beating West Philadelphia 78–60; in the city championship game, they again played West Catholic. Chamberlain scored 35 points and led Overbrook to an 83–42 victory. He was retroactively honored as Mr. Basketball USA for 1955, the earliest year for which such a selection was made.
Christian Street YMCA
In 1953, while still a sophomore in high school, Chamberlain won his first championship. He led Christian Street YMCA to the title in the national YMCA tournament in High Point, North Carolina, beating the local favorite and defending champion High Point team 85–79. Chamberlain was the youngest member of the team.
Quakertown Fays
At the ages of 16 and 17, Chamberlain, using the pseudonym George Marcus, played several games for the semi-professional team Quakertown Fays of Quakertown, Pennsylvania. The games were reported in Philadelphia publications, but Chamberlain tried to keep them secret from the Amateur Athletic Union.
College career
After his last Overbrook season, more than 200 universities tried to recruit Chamberlain. Among others, UCLA offered Chamberlain the opportunity to become a movie star, the University of Pennsylvania wanted to buy him diamonds, and Cecil Mosenson, Chamberlain's coach at Overbrook, was offered a coaching position if he could persuade Chamberlain to accept an offer.
Chamberlain wished to experience life away from home, so he eliminated colleges from the East Coast; he also ruled out the South because of racial segregation and felt West Coast basketball was of a lower quality than in other regions. This left the Midwest as Chamberlain's probable choice. After visiting KU and talking with the school's coach, Phog Allen, Chamberlain announced he was going to play college basketball at Kansas.
University of Kansas (1956–1958)
In 1955, Chamberlain entered the University of Kansas (KU); he was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and was president of his pledge class. As he had at Overbrook, Chamberlain displayed his diverse athletic talent at KU. He ran the 100-yard dash in 10.9 seconds, shot-putted fifty-six feet (17 m), triple jumped more than fifty feet (15 m), and won the high jump in the Big Eight Conference track-and-field championships in three consecutive years. Chamberlain allegedly dunked on an experimental 12-foot basket set up by Phog Allen.
Chamberlain's freshman team debut was highly anticipated; the freshman team played against the varsity, who were favored to win their conference that year. Chamberlain dominated his older college teammates by scoring 42 points (16–35 from the field, 10–12 on free throws), grabbing 29 rebounds, and registering 4 blocks.
Chamberlain was the catalyst for several 1956 NCAA basketball rule changes, including the requirement for a shooter to keep both feet behind the line during a free-throw attempt. He had a 50-inch (130 cm) vertical leap, and was capable of converting foul shots by dunking without a running start, beginning his movement just steps behind the top of the key. An inbounds pass over the backboard was banned because of Chamberlain. Offensive goaltending, also called basket interference, was introduced as a rule in 1956 after Bill Russell had exploited it at San Francisco and Chamberlain was soon to enter college play.
Chamberlain's prospects of playing under coach Allen ended when Allen turned 70 and retired shortly after in accordance with KU regulations. According to Cherry, it is doubtful Chamberlain would have chosen KU if he had known Allen was going to retire. Chamberlain had a poor relationship with Allen's successor, Dick Harp. For many years following Chamberlain's departure from KU, critics said he wanted to leave the Midwest or was embarrassed by not being able to win a championship. In 1998, Chamberlain returned to Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas, to participate in a jersey-retiring ceremony for his No. 13 jersey. He said, "There's been a lot of conversation ... that I have some dislike for the University of Kansas. That is totally ridiculous."
Sophomore season (1957): national runner-up to North Carolina
On December 3, 1956, Chamberlain made his varsity basketball debut as a center for the Kansas Jayhawks. In his first game, he scored 52 points and grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time Kansas records in an 87–69 win against the Northwestern Wildcats, a team with Chamberlain's future NBA teammate Joe Ruklick playing center. Chamberlain led a talented squad of starters, including Maurice King, Gene Elstun, John Parker, and Ron Lonesky; the Jayhawks went 13–1 until they lost a game 56–54 against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who held the ball for the last three-and-a -half minutes with no intention of scoring a basket, which was still possible in the days before the shot clock, introduced by the NCAA in 1984.
Kansas finished the regular season 21–2 and were Big Seven conference champions. Chamberlain was named first-team All-American. Teammate Monte Johnson stated Chamberlain had "unbelievable endurance and speed ... and was never tired. When he dunked, he was so fast that a lot of players got their fingers jammed ." By this time, several aspects of Chamberlain's game, such as his finger roll, his fadeaway jump shot—which he could also make as a bank shot—his passing, and his shot-blocking, were already developed.
The Jayhawks were one of twenty-three teams selected to play in the 1957 NCAA basketball tournament. The Midwest Regional was held in Dallas, Texas, which at the time was segregated. In the first game, the Jayhawks played the all-white SMU Mustangs, and KU's John Parker later said: "The crowd was brutal. We were spat on, pelted with debris, and subjected to the vilest racial epithets possible." KU won 73–65 in overtime, and police had to escort the Jayhawks out. The next game against Oklahoma City was equally unpleasant, with KU winning 81–61.
In the semifinals, the Jayhawks defeated the two-time defending national champion San Francisco Dons 80–56; Chamberlain scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and had (at least) seven blocked shots. Chamberlain's performance led Kansas to an insurmountable lead, and he rested on the bench for the final three-and-three-quarter minutes of the game.
In the NCAA finals, the second-ranked Kansas Jayhawks played the top-ranked, undefeated North Carolina Tar Heels, led by All-American and National Player of the Year Lennie Rosenbluth. Tar Heels coach Frank McGuire used several unorthodox tactics to thwart Chamberlain. For the tip-off, he sent his shortest player Tommy Kearns to upset Chamberlain; and the Tar Heels spent the rest of the night triple-teaming him, one defender in front, one behind, and a third arriving as soon as he got the ball. With the Tar Heels' fixation on Chamberlain, the Jayhawks shot only 27% from the field in contrast with 64% for the Tar Heels, and trailed 22–29 at halftime. With 10 minutes to go, North Carolina led 40–37 and stalled the game as they passed the ball around with no intention of scoring a basket. After several Tar Heel turnovers, the game was tied at 46 at the end of regulation.
Each team scored two points in the first overtime; Kansas froze the ball in return during the second overtime, keeping the game tied at 48. In the third overtime, the Tar Heels scored two consecutive baskets but Chamberlain executed a three-point play, leaving KU trailing 52–51. After King scored a basket, Kansas was ahead by one point. With 10 seconds remaining, Tar Heels' center Joe Quigg pump faked then drove to the basket. Chamberlain blocked Quigg's shot but was also called for the foul. Quigg made his two foul shots to put the Tar Heels up 54–53. For the final play, Harp called for Ron Loneski to pass the ball into Chamberlain in the low post but Quigg tipped the pass and Kearns recovered it, and the Tar Heels won the game.
Despite the loss, Chamberlain, who scored 23 points and 14 rebounds, was elected the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Chamberlain considered it the most painful loss of his life, the first time his team lost despite his impressive individual statistics. It is considered by sportswriters one of the sport's greatest games: North Carolina's first of six NCAA national titles, the first national final to go into overtime and still the only one to go into triple overtime.
Junior season (1958)
In Chamberlain's junior season of 1957–58, the Jayhawks' matches were increasingly frustrating for him. Knowing how good he was, opponents resorted to freeze-ball tactics and routinely used three or more players to guard him. Teammate Bob Billings commented, "It was not fun basketball ... we were just out chasing people throwing the basketball back and forth". Chamberlain averaged 30.1 points for the season and led the Jayhawks to an 18–5 record — three of the losses coming while he was out with a urinary infection. The Jayhawks' season ended because KU came in second in the league and only conference winners were invited to the NCAA tournament. Chamberlain was again named an All-American, along with future NBA Hall-of-Famers Elgin Baylor of Seattle University, Oscar Robertson of Cincinnati, and Guy Rodgers, who was now playing for Temple University.
Having lost enjoyment in NCAA basketball and wanting to earn money, Chamberlain left college and sold a story titled "Why I Am Leaving College" to Look magazine for $10,000, a large sum when NBA players earned $9,000 in a season. In two seasons at KU, he averaged 29.9 points and 18.3 rebounds per game while totaling 1,433 points and 877 rebounds. Despite only playing in 48 games and last playing in 1958, Chamberlain's 877 rebounds is still 8th all-time in Kansas history. By the time Chamberlain was 21 and not yet a professional, he had been featured in Time, Life, Look, and Newsweek.
Professional career
Harlem Globetrotters (1958–1959)
After his frustrating junior year, Chamberlain wanted to become a professional player. At that time, the NBA did not accept players until after their college graduating class had been completed; Chamberlain decided to play for the Harlem Globetrotters in 1958 for $50,000. The team enjoyed a sold-out tour of the Soviet Union in 1959; they were greeted by General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev prior to the start of a game at Moscow's Lenin Central Stadium. One Globetrotter skit involved Captain Meadowlark Lemon collapsing to the ground; instead of helping him up, Chamberlain threw him several feet into the air and caught him like a doll. Lemon, who at that time weighed 210 lb (95 kg), later said Chamberlain was "the strongest athlete who ever lived".
In later years, Chamberlain frequently joined the Globetrotters in the off-season and fondly recalled his time there because he was no longer jeered at or asked to break records, but was one of several artists who loved to entertain audiences. On March 9, 2000, the Globetrotters retired his No. 13 jersey.
Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959–1965)
Chamberlain made his NBA debut on October 24, 1959, starting for the Philadelphia Warriors. He was listed as 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall and 258 lb (117 kg). He became the NBA's highest-paid player when he signed for $30,000 in his rookie contract. In comparison, the previous top earner was Bob Cousy of the Celtics with $25,000, the same sum Eddie Gottlieb used to buy the Warriors franchise in 1952.
1959–60 NBA season: MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Rookie of the Year
In the 1959–60 NBA season, Chamberlain joined a Philadelphia Warriors squad that was coached by Neil Johnston. All five starters were native Philadelphians: Chamberlain, Tom Gola, Guy Rodgers, Hall-of-Fame forward Paul Arizin, and Ernie Beck. In his first NBA game, played against the New York Knicks, Chamberlain scored 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds. In his third game, Chamberlain recorded 41 points and a then-career-high 40 rebounds in a 124–113 win over the visiting Syracuse Nationals. In his fourth game, Philadelphia played the reigning champion Boston Celtics—who were coached by Auerbach, whose offer Chamberlain had rejected several years before—and Bill Russell, who was lauded as one of the best defensive pivots in the game.
In the first of many match-ups, Chamberlain outscored Russell with 30 points against Russell's 28 points, but Boston won the game and the Chamberlain–Russell rivalry would grow to become one of the NBA's greatest of all time. On November 10, 1959, Chamberlain posted 39 points and a new career-high 43 rebounds in a 126–125 win over the visiting Knicks. He recorded a rock n' roll record in January 1960, singing That's Easy to Say and By the River.
Chamberlain was selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team, winning the All-Star Game and the All-Star Game MVP award with a 23-point, 25-rebound performance. On January 25, 1960, Chamberlain had 50 points and 40 rebounds in an NBA game, a rare occurrence. During the game against the Detroit Pistons, Chamberlain recorded 58 points, 42 rebounds, and 4 assists in a winning effort. His 58 points were a then-career-high, and he later tied that on February 21, when he recorded 58 points and 24 rebounds in a 131–121 win over the visiting Knicks.
In his first NBA season, Chamberlain averaged 37.6 points and 27 rebounds, breaking the previous regular-season records. He needed only 56 games to score 2,102 points, breaking the all-time regular-season scoring record of Bob Pettit, who needed 72 games to score 2,101 points. Chamberlain broke eight NBA records, and he was named both Rookie of the Year and MVP that season.
The Warriors entered the 1960 NBA playoffs and beat the Syracuse Nationals, setting up a game against the Eastern Division-champion Celtics. According to Cherry, Celtics coach Auerbach ordered his forward Tom Heinsohn to commit personal fouls on Chamberlain; whenever the Warriors took foul shots, Heinsohn grabbed and shoved Chamberlain to prevent him from running back quickly. Auerbach's intention was for the Celtics to throw the ball quickly enough to prevent Chamberlain, a prolific shot-blocker, from returning to his own basket in time, and Boston could score an easy fastbreak basket. The teams split the first two games but Chamberlain became annoyed with Heinsohn and punched him during Game 3. In the scuffle, Chamberlain injured his hand, and Philadelphia lost the next two games. In Game 5, with his hand healthy, Chamberlain recorded 50 points and 35 rebounds in a 128–107 win over the Celtics, extending the series to a Game 6. In Game 6, Heinsohn scored the decisive basket with a last-second tip-in, and the Warriors lost the series 4–2.
Chamberlain then shocked Warriors' fans by saying he was thinking of retiring. He was tired of being double-teamed or triple-teamed, and of teams executing hard personal fouls on him. He also expressed a constant fear that he might lose his temper one day. Celtics forward Heinsohn said, "Half the fouls against him were hard fouls ... he took the most brutal pounding of any player ever". Gottlieb coaxed Chamberlain back into the NBA with a salary increase to $65,000.
1960–61 NBA season: scoring, rebounding, durability, and field goal titles
Chamberlain's 1960–61 NBA season started with a 42-point and 31-rebound performance in a 133–123 road win against the Syracuse Nationals. On November 24, 1960, Chamberlain grabbed an NBA-record 55 rebounds, along with 34 points and 4 assists, in a 132–129 home loss against the Russell-led Boston Celtics. On November 29, Chamberlain recorded 44 points, 38 rebounds, and a then-career-high 7 assists in a 122–121 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Chamberlain exceeded his rookie-season statistics, averaging 38.4 points and 27.2 rebounds per game. He became the first player to score more than 3,000 points, and the first and still the only player to exceed 2,000 rebounds in a single season, grabbing 2,149 boards. Chamberlain won his first field-goal percentage title, scored almost 32% of his team's points, and collected 30.4% of their rebounds. Chamberlain failed to convert his play into team success, this time bowing out against the Nationals in a three-game sweep. According to Cherry, Chamberlain was "difficult" and did not respect coach Johnston, who was unable to handle him. In retrospect, Gottlieb said, "My mistake was not getting a strong-handed coach ... wasn't ready for big time".
1961–62 NBA season: 100-point game and 42-point All-Star Game record
In the 1961–62 NBA season, the Warriors were coached by Frank McGuire, who had masterminded Chamberlain's triple-overtime loss in the NCAA championship against the Tar Heels. In that year, Chamberlain set several all-time records which have since never been threatened; he averaged 50.4 points and grabbed 25.7 rebounds per game.
Chamberlain's 4,029 regular-season points made him the only player to score more than 4,000 points. Chamberlain posted 2,052 rebounds and played for an average of 48.53 minutes per game, playing 3,882 of his team's 3,890 minutes. Because Chamberlain played in overtime games, he averaged more minutes per game than the regulation 48 and would have played every minute if he had not been ejected in one game after picking up a second technical foul with eight minutes left to play.
On March 2, 1962, on a neutral court against the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Chamberlain scored 100 points. He shot 36 of 63 from the field and uncharacteristically made 28 of 32 free throws. Joe Ruklick got the assist for Chamberlain's 100th point. The game was not recorded on video, and only a radio broadcast of the fourth quarter remains. One writer notes the lack of video of the 100-point game "only added to its mystique". For years, former NBA Commissioner David Stern's office phone would play announcer Bill Campbell's call of the 100-point basket to callers on hold: "He made it! He made it! He made it! A Dipper Dunk!"
In addition to Chamberlain's regular-season accomplishments, he scored 42 points in the All-Star Game. In the playoffs, the Warriors again played against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals; both Cousy and Russell called this season the greatest Celtics team of all time. Each team won their home games so the series was split at three after six games. In a closely contested Game 7, Chamberlain tied the game at 107 with 16 seconds to go but Celtics' shooting guard Sam Jones hit a clutch shot with two seconds left to win the series for Boston. In later years, Chamberlain was criticized for averaging 50 points but not winning a title; McGuire said "Wilt has been simply super-human" and that the Warriors lacked a consistent second scorer, a playmaker, and a second big man to take pressure off Chamberlain.
1962–63 NBA season: individual success, move to San Francisco, and playoff miss
In the 1962–63 NBA season, Gottlieb sold the Warriors franchise for $850,000 to a group of businessmen led by Franklin Mieuli from San Francisco and the team relocated and were renamed the San Francisco Warriors under new coach Bob Feerick. This meant the Warriors team dispersed; Arizin chose to retire rather than move away from his family and his job at IBM in Philadelphia, coach McGuire resigned rather than move to the West Coast, and Gola was homesick and requesting a trade to the New York Knicks halfway through the season. With both secondary scorers gone, Chamberlain continued exceeding his own statistics, averaging 44.8 points and 24.3 rebounds per game that year. Despite his individual success, the Warriors lost 49 of their 80 games and missed the playoffs.
1963–64 NBA season: first NBA Finals loss to the Celtics
In the 1963–64 NBA season, Chamberlain got another new coach, former NBA player and ex-soldier Alex Hannum, and was joined by rookie center Nate Thurmond, who later entered the Hall of Fame. Hannum, who later entered the Hall of Fame as a coach, was a crafty psychologist who emphasized defense and passing, and was not afraid to stand up to the dominant Chamberlain, who would not communicate with coaches he did not like. Backed up by Thurmond, Chamberlain recorded 36.9 points and 22.3 rebounds per game, and the Warriors reached the NBA Finals. In that series, they again succumbed to Russell's Boston Celtics, losing 4–1. According to Cherry, Chamberlain and Hannum deserved much credit because Hannum had taken the previous year's 31–49 squad plus Thurmond, and became an NBA Finals contender.
In mid-1964, Chamberlain, a prominent participant at Rucker Park basketball court in New York City, made the acquaintance of Lew Alcindor, a tall, talented, 17-year-old who played there. Alcindor was soon allowed into Chamberlain's inner circle and quickly idolized the ten-year-older Chamberlain. The pair later developed an intense rivalry and personal antipathy.
Philadelphia 76ers (1965–1968)
1964–65 NBA season: trade to the 76ers, division finals loss to the Celtics
In the 1964–65 NBA season, the NBA widened the lane from 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 m), especially because of centers like Chamberlain. The Warriors' season began poorly and they experienced financial trouble. At the 1965 All-Star Weekend, Chamberlain was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, the renamed former-rival and relocated Syracuse Nationals. Chamberlain did not like Sixers' coach Dolph Schayes, who he thought had made several disrespectful remarks when they were rival players. The Warriors received $150,000 and Paul Neumann, Connie Dierking, and Lee Shaffer—who opted to retire rather than report to the Warriors. When Chamberlain left the Warriors, owner Franklin Mieuli said: "Chamberlain is not an easy man to love ... the fans in San Francisco never learned to love him. Wilt is easy to hate ... people came to see him lose."
After the trade, a reluctant Chamberlain found himself on a promising Sixers team that included veteran shooting guard and future Hall-of-Famer Hal Greer and talented role-players such as point guard Larry Costello, small forward Chet Walker, and centers Johnny "Red" Kerr and Lucious Jackson. The team also included All-Rookie forward Billy Cunningham in the new sixth man role. Cherry noted there was tension within the team because Greer was the formerly undisputed leader and was not willing to give up his authority, and Jackson, a talented center, was now forced to play power forward because Chamberlain occupied the center spot. As the season progressed; however, the three began to work together more closely.
Chamberlain posted 34.7 points and 22.9 rebounds per game overall for the season. Future Georgetown coach John Thompson, then a rookie for the Boston Celtics, elbowed Chamberlain in the face and broke his nose, causing him to wear a face mask in several games. After defeating the Cincinnati Royals—a team led by fellow All-American Oscar Robertson—in the playoffs, the Sixers played against Chamberlain's rival Boston Celtics; the press called it an even match in all positions, even at center, where Russell was expected to give Chamberlain a tough battle. The teams split the first six games and the last game was held in the Celtics' Boston Garden because of their better season record. In that Game 7, Chamberlain scored 30 points and 32 rebounds while Russell logged 16 points, 27 rebounds, and eight assists.
In the final minute, Chamberlain hit two clutch free throws and slam dunked on Russell, reducing Boston's lead to 110–109 with five seconds left. Russell's inbounds pass hit a guy-wire supporting the backboard, giving the ball back to the Sixers. Coach Schayes called timeout and decided it would be unwise to pass the ball to Chamberlain, whom he feared the Celtics would intentionally foul. Red Kerr set a pick on Sam Jones to free Chet Walker. When Greer attempted to inbound the ball to Walker, John Havlicek stole the ball to preserve the Celtics' lead. For the fifth time in seven years, Russell's team deprived Chamberlain of the title. According to Chamberlain, it was in this game people started calling him a loser. In an interview in the April 1965 issue of Sports Illustrated, Chamberlain criticized his fellow players, coaches, and NBA administrators. Chamberlain later said he could see in hindsight the interview was instrumental in damaging his public image.
1965–66 NBA season: MVP and second division finals loss to the Celtics
In the 1965–66 NBA season, Ike Richman, the Sixers' co-owner as well as Chamberlain's confidant and lawyer, died of a heart attack while attending a road game in Boston. The Sixers posted a 55–25 regular-season record and Chamberlain won his second MVP award. In that season, Chamberlain again dominated his opposition by recording 33.5 points and 24.6 rebounds a game, leading the league in both categories. In one game, Chamberlain dislocated the shoulder of Baltimore Bullets player Gus Johnson by blocking his dunk attempt.
Off the court, Chamberlain's commitment to the team was doubted because he was a late sleeper and lived in New York City, preferring to commute to Philadelphia rather than live there, and he was only available for training in the afternoon. Because Schayes did not want to risk angering his best player, he scheduled the daily workout at 4 pm. This angered the rest of the team, who preferred an early schedule that allowed them the afternoon off but Schayes dismissed their protests. Irv Kosloff, who owned the Sixers alone after Richman's death, unsuccessfully pleaded with Chamberlain to move to Philadelphia during the season.
In the playoffs, the Sixers again played the Boston Celtics and for the first time had home-court advantage. Boston won the first two games on the road, winning 115–96 and 114–93; while Chamberlain played within his usual range, his fellow team members shot under 40%. This caused sports journalist Joe McGinnis to comment, "The Celtics played like champions and the Sixers just played". In Game 3, Chamberlain scored 31 points and 27 rebounds for the road win. When coach Schayes planned to hold a joint team practice the next day, Chamberlain said he was too tired to attend and refused Schayes' plea to attend and shoot a few foul shots with the team. In Game 4, Boston won 114–108. Prior to Game 5, Chamberlain skipped practice and was non-accessible. Schayes defended Chamberlain as "excused from practice" but his teammates knew the truth and were less forgiving. In Game 5, Chamberlain scored 46 points and grabbed 34 rebounds, but the Celtics won the game 120–112 and the series. According to Cherry, Chamberlain was the only Sixers player who performed in the series but his unprofessional, egotistical behavior set a poor example for his teammates.
1966–67 NBA season: back-to-back MVP and first NBA title
Prior to the 1966–67 NBA season, Schayes was replaced by the more-assertive Alex Hannum. According to Cherry, in a locker room meeting, Hannum addressed several key issues he observed during the last season, several of them putting Chamberlain in an unfavorable light. Sixers forward Walker said on several occasions, players had to pull Chamberlain and Hannum apart to prevent a fistfight. Cunningham commented Hannum "never backed down" and "showed who was the boss", winning Chamberlain's respect. When emotions dissipated, Hannum told Chamberlain he was also trying to win a title but that to achieve this, Chamberlain had to "act like a man" both on and off the court. Hannum persuaded Chamberlain to change his style of play and wanted Chamberlain to concentrate more on defense than on trying to score. Kerr was traded to the Baltimore Bullets for point guard Wali Jones, and shooting guard Matt Guokas was selected in the first round of the 1966 NBA draft.
As a result of his style-of-play change, Chamberlain averaged a career-low 24.1 points and took only 14% of the team's shots, but was extremely efficient with a record-breaking .683 field-goal accuracy. He also led the league in rebounds per game (24.2), was third in assists per game (7.8), and played strong defense. His efficiency that season was reflected by 35 consecutive made field goals over four games in February. For these achievements, Chamberlain earned his third MVP award. The Sixers had a then-record 68–13 season, including a record 46–4 start. The formerly egotistical Chamberlain began to praise his teammates, lauding hardworking Lucious Jackson as the "ultimate power forward"; calling Greer a deadly jump-shooter; and Jones an excellent defender and outside scorer. Off the court, Chamberlain invited the team to restaurants and paid the entire bill, knowing he earned ten times more than the others. Greer, who was considered a consummate professional and often clashed with Chamberlain because of his attitude, spoke positively of him, saying, "You knew in a minute the Big Fella was ready to go ... and everybody would follow".
In the playoffs, the Sixers again played the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals and held home-court advantage. In Game 1, the Sixers beat Boston 127–112, powered by Greer's 39 points and Chamberlain's unofficial quadruple double, with 24 points, 32 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 unofficially counted blocks. In Game 2, the Sixers won 107–102 in overtime and player-coach Russell grudgingly praised Chamberlain for intimidating the Celtics into taking low-percentage shots from further outside. In Game 3, Chamberlain grabbed 41 rebounds and helped the Sixers win 115–104. The Celtics prevented a sweep by winning Game 4 with a 121–117 victory. Russell, who was coming close to the first real loss of his career, said, "Right now, he is playing like me ". In Game 5, the Sixers outscored the Celtics 140–116, ending Boston's historic run of eight consecutive NBA titles. Chamberlain scored 29 points, 36 rebounds, and 13 assists, and was praised by the Celtics' Russell and K. C. Jones. Philadelphia fans chanted "Boston is dead".
In the 1967 NBA Finals, the Sixers played against Chamberlain's old team the San Francisco Warriors, who were led by future Hall-of-Famers: star forward Rick Barry and center Nate Thurmond. The Sixers won the first two games; Chamberlain and Greer took credit for defense and clutch shooting. The Warriors won game 3, the Sixers won game 4 with Chamberlain contributing an official 10 blocked shots, and the Warriors won game 5; so Philadelphia was up 3–2 prior to Game 6. In Game 6, the Warriors were trailing 123–122 with 15 seconds left. For the last play, Thurmond and Barry tried a pick and roll against Chamberlain and Walker, but the Sixers foiled it because Walker held up Thurmond's ability to roll and Barry was defended by Chamberlain, making it impossible to shoot. By the time Barry made his move, Walker recovered back to Barry, who was stuck in the air and botched the shot. Jackson forced a jump ball on the rebound and the Sixers won the championship. Chamberlain, who contributed with 17.7 points and 28.7 rebounds per game against Thurmond, snaring at least 23 rebounds in the six games, said, "It is wonderful to be a part of the greatest team in basketball ... being a champion is like having a big round glow inside of you". This Sixers team has been ranked as one of the best in NBA history.
1967–68 NBA season: third straight MVP and assist champion
In the 1967–68 NBA season, the relationship between Chamberlain and Sixers' owner Kosloff continued to deteriorate. In 1965, Chamberlain said he and Richman had worked out a deal that would give Chamberlain 25% of the franchise once he ended his career. Although there is no written proof of this agreement, Schayes and Sixers' lawyer Alan Levitt assumed Chamberlain was correct. Kosloff declined the request, angering Chamberlain, who was willing to move to the rival American Basketball Association (ABA) once his contract ended in 1967. Kosloff and Chamberlain worked out a truce and later signed a one-year, $250,000 contract.
On court, Chamberlain continued his focus on team play, and registered 24.3 points and 23.8 rebounds a game for the season. On March 18, 1968, in a 158–128 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, Chamberlain had a quintuple-double with 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals. Chamberlain also recorded then the most points in a triple-double. The 76ers had the best record in the league for the third consecutive season, and Chamberlain became the only center in NBA history to finish the season as the leader in total assists; his 702 beating runner-up point guard and future Hall-of-Famer Lenny Wilkens' total by 23. Chamberlain likened his assist title to baseball home-run hitter Babe Ruth leading the league in sacrifice bunts, and felt he dispelled the myth he was incapable or unwilling to pass the ball.
For these achievements, Chamberlain won his fourth and final MVP title. He also scored his 25,000th point, making him the first-ever player to score that many points; he gave the ball to team physician Stan Lorber. The Sixers won 62 games and took the first seed of the playoffs. In the Eastern Division Semifinals, they played against the New York Knicks. In a physically tough matchup, the Sixers lost sixth man Cunningham with a broken hand, and Chamberlain, Greer, and Jackson were struggling with inflamed feet, sore knees, and pulled hamstrings, respectively. Going ahead 3–2, the Sixers defeated the Knicks 115–97 in Game 6 after Chamberlain scored 25 points and 27 rebounds; Chamberlain had a successful series leading both teams in points (153), rebounds (145), and assists (38).
In the Eastern Division Finals, the Sixers played against the Boston Celtics, again with home-court advantage and this time as reigning champions. Despite the Sixers' injury woes, coach Hannum was confident that they could "take the Celtics in less than seven games", and referenced the higher age of the Celtics, a team built around Russell and Jones, both 34. On April 4, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. With eight of the ten starting players on the Sixers and Celtics being African-American, both teams were in deep shock and there were calls to cancel the series. In a game the following day, called "unreal" and "devoid of emotion", the Sixers lost 127–118. After attending King's funeral, Chamberlain called out to the angry rioters who were setting fires all over the country, stating King would not have approved. In Game 2, Philadelphia evened the series with a 115–106 victory, and won Games 3 and 4, with Chamberlain suspiciously often played by Celtics backup center Wayne Embry, causing the press to speculate Russell was worn down. Prior to Game 5, the Sixers seemed poised to win the series because no NBA team had overcome a 3–1 deficit before. The Celtics; however, rallied, winning the next two games 122–104 and 114–106, respectively, powered by a spirited John Havlicek and helped by the Sixers' poor shooting.
In Game 7, 15,202 Philadelphia fans witnessed a 100–96 defeat for the Sixers, making it the first time in NBA history a team lost a series after leading 3–1. According to Cherry, the Sixers shot poorly—Greer, Jones, Walker, Jackson, and Guokas hit a combined 25 of 74 shots—while Chamberlain grabbed 34 rebounds and shot 4-of-9 for a total of 14 points. In the second half of Game 7, Chamberlain did not attempt a shot from the field. Cherry said there is a strange pattern in that game because in a typical Sixers game, Chamberlain got the ball 60 times in the low post but only 23 times in Game 7, with seven in the third quarter and twice in the fourth quarter. Chamberlain later blamed coach Hannum for the lack of touches, a point Hannum conceded. Cherry comments Chamberlain, who always thought of himself as the best player of all time, should have been outspoken enough to demand the ball.
The loss meant Chamberlain was 1–6 in playoff series against the Celtics. After that season, Hannum wanted to be closer to his family on the West Coast; he left the Sixers to coach the Oakland Oaks in the newly founded ABA. Chamberlain then asked for a trade and Sixers general manager Jack Ramsay traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers for Darrall Imhoff, Archie Clark, and Jerry Chambers. The motivation for this move remains in dispute. According to sportswriter Roland Lazenby, a journalist close to the Lakers, Chamberlain was angry at Kosloff for breaking the purported Chamberlain–Richman deal. According to Ramsay, Chamberlain threatened to move to the ABA after Hannum left and forced the trade. According to Cherry, there are several personal reasons, among them Chamberlain feeling he had grown too big for Philadelphia and sought the presence of fellow celebrities, of which there were plenty in Los Angeles, and that he wanted the opportunity to date white women, which was possible for a black man in Los Angeles but less acceptable elsewhere.
Los Angeles Lakers (1968–1973)
1968–69 NBA season: second NBA finals loss to the Celtics
On July 9, 1968, the trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sixers was completed, making it the first time a reigning NBA MVP was traded the next season. Lakers owner Jack Kent Cooke gave Chamberlain an unprecedented contract, paying him $250,000 after taxes—about $2.2 million in real value; in comparison, previous Lakers top earner Jerry West was paid $100,000 before taxes—about $880,000 in real value.
For the 1968–69 NBA season, Chamberlain joined a squad that included his fellow former All-American forward Elgin Baylor, Hall-of-Fame guard Jerry West, backup center Mel Counts, forwards Keith Erickson and Tom Hawkins, and 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) guard Johnny Egan. According to Cherry, Chamberlain was not a natural leader or a loyal follower, which made it difficult to fit in. While he was on cordial terms with West, Chamberlain often argued with team captain Baylor, later saying in regard to Baylor: "We were good friends, but ... black culture ... you never let the other guy one-up you".
The lack of a second guard next to West and the lack of speed concerned coach Butch van Breda Kolff. After losing Clark and Hall-of-Fame guard Gail Goodrich, who joined the Phoenix Suns after the 1968 NBA expansion draft, he said: "Egan gets murdered on defense because of his size ... but if I don't play him, we look like a bunch of trucks". The greatest problem was his tense relationship with van Breda Kolff. Pejoratively calling the new recruit "The Load", van Breda Kolff later said Chamberlain was egotistical, never respected him, too often slacked off in practice, and focused too much on his own statistics. Chamberlain described Van Breda Kolff as "the dumbest and worst coach ever". Erickson commented, "Butch catered to Elgin and Jerry ... and that is not a good way to get on Wilt's side ... that relationship was doomed from the start".
Chamberlain experienced an often-frustrating season. Van Breda Kolff benched him several times, which never happened before in his career; in mid-season, Chamberlain, a perennial scoring champion, had two games in which he scored only six and then two points. Playing through his problems, Chamberlain averaged 20.5 points and 21.1 rebounds a game that season. Cooke was pleased because ticket sales went up by 11% since acquiring Chamberlain.
In the playoffs, the Lakers defeated 4–2 Chamberlain's old club the San Francisco Warriors after losing the first two games, then defeated the Atlanta Hawks, and then played Chamberlain's rivals, Russell's Boston Celtics. Going into the NBA Finals as 3-to-1 favorites, the Lakers won the first two games but lost the next two; Chamberlain was criticized as a non-factor in the series, being neutralized by Russell with little effort. In Game 4, Sam Jones again hit a clutch shot, this time off the wrong foot.
In Game 5, Chamberlain scored 13 points and grabbed 31 rebounds, leading Los Angeles to a 117–104 win. In Game 6, Chamberlain recorded 18 rebounds and 4 assists but only 8 points, and the Celtics won 99–90. Cherry criticized his performance, saying if "Chamberlain had come up big and put up a normal 30 point scoring night", the Lakers would have probably won their first championship in Los Angeles.
In Game 7, Cooke put up thousands of balloons in the rafters of the Forum in anticipation of a Lakers win, motivating the Celtics. In Game 7, the Lakers trailed 91–76 after three quarters but later rallied. Chamberlain twisted his knee after a rebound and had to be replaced by Counts. With three minutes to go, the Lakers trailed 103–102 but they committed costly turnovers and lost the game 108–106; this came despite a triple-double from West, who had 42 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, and became the only player in NBA history to be named Finals MVP despite being on the losing team.
After the game, many wondered why Chamberlain sat out the final six minutes. At the time of his final substitution, Chamberlain had scored 18 points – hitting seven of his eight shots – and grabbed 27 rebounds, significantly more than the 10 points of Counts on 4-of-13 shooting. Among others, Russell did not believe Chamberlain's injury was grave and accused him of being a malingerer, stating: "Any injury short of a broken leg or a broken back is not enough". In spite of their earlier quarrels, Van Breda Kolff came to Chamberlain's defense, saying the often-maligned Chamberlain hardly was able to move by the end. Van Breda Kolff was perceived as "pig-headed" for benching Chamberlain and soon resigned as Lakers coach. Cherry commented some journalists reported Game 7 destroyed two careers: "Wilt's because he wouldn't take over and van Breda Kolff because he wouldn't give in".
1969–70 NBA season: first NBA finals loss to the Knicks
Chamberlain began the 1969–70 NBA season under new coach Joe Mullaney strongly, averaging 32.2 points and 20.6 rebounds per game over the first nine games of the season. During the ninth game, he had a serious knee injury, suffering a rupture of the patellar tendon at the base of his right kneecap, and he missed several months before appearing in the final three games of the 82-game regular season, the first season he failed to reach 20 rebounds per game. Owing to his strong start, he still put up a season-average 27.3 points, 18.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
The Lakers again made the playoffs. In the first round, the Lakers defeated Goodrich, Connie Hawkins, and the Phoenix Suns in a seven-game series. The Lakers swept the Atlanta Hawks in the second round before ultimately reaching the NBA Finals, where they played against the New York Knicks, which included future Hall-of-Famers Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, and Walt Frazier. Having lost lateral speed due to his injury, Chamberlain was often too slow to block Reed's preferred high-post jump shots. The Knicks won Game 1 124–112 and Reed scored 37 points. In Game 2, Chamberlain scored 19 points, grabbed 24 rebounds, and blocked Reed's shot in the final seconds, leading the Lakers to a 105–103 win. In Game 3, West hit a 60-foot (18 m) shot at the buzzer to tie the game at 102 but the Knicks won in overtime 111–108. In Game 4, Chamberlain scored 18 points and grabbed 25 rebounds, helping tie the series at 2.
In Game 5, with the Knicks trailing by more than nine points, Reed pulled his thigh muscle and seemed to be out for the series. By convention, Chamberlain should have dominated against little-used Knicks backup centers Nate Bowman and Bill Hosket Jr., or forwards Bradley and DeBusschere, who gave up more than 6 in (150 mm) against him. Instead, the Lakers gave away their 13-point halftime lead, succumbed to the aggressive Knicks defense, and committed 19 second-half turnovers. Chamberlain and West—the Lakers' two main scorers—shot the ball only thrice and twice, respectively, in the entire second half. The Lakers lost 107–100 in what was called one of the greatest comebacks in NBA Finals history.
In Game 6, Chamberlain scored 45 points, grabbed 27 rebounds, and almost single-handedly equalized the series in a 135–113 Lakers win. With Reed out; the Knicks seemed doomed prior to Game 7 in New York City; however, the hero of Game 7 was Reed, who hobbled up court, scored the first four points, and inspired his team to one of the most-famous playoff upsets of all time. The Knicks led by 27 at halftime, and despite Chamberlain scoring 21 points, Lakers had their third consecutive loss in Game 7. Chamberlain was criticized for his inability to dominate his injured counterpart but according to Cherry, Chamberlain's feat, coming back from a career-threatening injury, was too-quickly forgotten.
1970–71 NBA season: conference finals loss and challenge to Muhammad Ali
In the 1970–71 NBA season, the Lakers signed Gail Goodrich, who had returned from the Suns. Chamberlain averaged 20.7 points, 18.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists; he once again led the NBA in rebounding and the Lakers won the Pacific Division title. When Hall-of-Fame Detroit Pistons center Bob Lanier, who was 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) and 250 lb (110 kg) as a rookie, was asked about the most memorable moment of his career, Lanier answered: "When Wilt Chamberlain lifted me up and moved me like a coffee cup so he could get a favorable position".
After losing Baylor to an Achilles tendon rupture that effectively ended his career, and especially after losing West after a knee injury, the Lakers were seen as underdogs in the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks of Alcindor—freshly crowned MVP—and the veteran Hall-of-Fame guard Robertson, whom they played in the Western Conference Finals. After winning the regular season with 66 wins, the Bucks were seen as favorites against the depleted Lakers; many pundits were looking forward to the matchup between the 34-year-old Chamberlain and the 24-year-old Alcindor. In Game 1, Alcindor outscored Chamberlain 32–22 and the Bucks won 106–85. In Game 2, the Bucks won again despite Chamberlain scoring 26 points—four more than his Milwaukee counterpart. Prior to Game 3, the Lakers' situation worsened when West's stand-in Erickson underwent an appendectomy and was out for the season. With rookie Jim McMillian easing the scoring pressure, Chamberlain scored 24 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in a 118–107 victory but the Bucks defeated the Lakers 117–94 in Game 4 to take a 3–1 series lead. Milwaukee ended the series at home with a 116–98 victory in Game 5. Although Chamberlain lost, he was lauded for holding his own against MVP Alcindor, who was 10 years younger and healthy.
After the playoffs, Chamberlain challenged heavyweight boxing legend Muhammad Ali to a fight. Chamberlain trained with Cus d'Amato for the 15-round bout, set to take place on July 26, 1971, in the Houston Astrodome. Ali refused to be intimidated, issuing his typical public boasts, this time of "Timber!" and "The tree will fall!". In 1965, Chamberlain consulted his father, who had seen Ali fight, and advised Chamberlain against it. Cooke offered Chamberlain a record-setting contract on the condition he agreed to give up what Cooke termed "this boxing foolishness". Chamberlain ultimately used a contractual escape; Joe Frazier gave Ali his first professional loss, enabling Chamberlain to legally withdraw from the bout. Retired NFL player Jim Brown, who acted as Chamberlain's manager since 1967, got Ali's manager Jabir Herbert Muhammad to mutually withdraw from the match set to take place at Madison Square Garden.
1971–72 NBA season: finals MVP and second NBA title
In the 1971–72 NBA season, the Lakers hired former Celtics star guard Bill Sharman as head coach. Sharman introduced morning shoot-arounds, in which the perennial latecomer Chamberlain regularly participated, in contrast to earlier years with Schayes, and transformed him into a defensive-minded, low-scoring post defender in the style of Russell. Sharman told Chamberlain to use his rebounding and passing skills to quickly initiate fastbreaks to his teammates. While no longer being the main scorer, Chamberlain was named the Lakers' new captain. After rupturing his Achilles tendon, perennial captain Baylor retired and was replaced with Chamberlain. Initially, Sharman wanted Chamberlain and West to share this duty but West declined, stating he was injury-prone and wanted to concentrate on the game. Chamberlain accepted his new roles and posted an all-time low 14.8 points per game but also 19.2 rebounds per game, and led the league with a .649 field-goal percentage. Powered by his defensive presence, the Lakers had an unprecedented 33-game winning streak, leading to a then-record 69 wins in the regular season. According to Flynn Robinson, after the record-setting streak, Lakers owner Cooke sought to reward each of his players, who may have been expecting a trip to Hawaii, with a $5 pen set. In response, Chamberlain had everybody put the pens in the middle of the floor and stepped on them.
In the playoffs, the Lakers defeated the Chicago Bulls then played against the Milwaukee Bucks, who were led by young center and regular-season MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor). Life called the matchup between Chamberlain and Abdul-Jabbar the greatest matchup in all sports. Chamberlain helped the Lakers defeat Abdul-Jabbar and the Bucks in six games, and he was lauded for his performance in Game 6, which the Lakers won 104–100 after trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter. Chamberlain scored 24 points, grabbed 22 rebounds, played all 48 minutes, and outsprinted the younger Bucks center on several late Lakers fast breaks. West called it "the greatest ball-busting performance I have ever seen". Time stated, "In the N.B.A.'s western division title series with Milwaukee, decisively outplayed basketball's newest giant superstar, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, eleven years his junior".
In the NBA Finals, the Lakers again met the New York Knicks, who were shorthanded after losing 6-foot-9-inch (2.06 m) Reed to injury, and undersized 6-foot-8-inch (2.03 m) Jerry Lucas had to defend against 7-foot-1-inch (2.16 m) Chamberlain. Prolific outside shooter Lucas helped New York to win Game 1, hitting 9 of his 11 shots in the first half. In Game 2, which the Lakers won 106–92, Chamberlain put Lucas into foul trouble and the Knicks lost defensive power forward Dave DeBusschere to injury. In Game 3, Chamberlain scored 26 points and grabbed 20 rebounds for another Lakers win.
In a fiercely battled Game 4, Chamberlain was playing with five fouls late in the game. Chamberlain had never fouled out in his career, a record for which he was very proud. Despite the risk of fouling out, Chamberlain played aggressive defense, and blocked two of Lucas' shots in overtime, proving wrong those who said he only played for his own statistics. He also scored a game-high 27 points and, at one point, fell on his right hand, and was thought to have sprained it, but it was broken.
For Game 5, Chamberlain's hands were packed into thick pads that were normally used by defensive linemen in football; he was offered a painkilling shot but refused for fear he would lose his shooting touch if his hands became numb. Chamberlain recorded 24 points, 29 rebounds, 8 assists, and 8 blocked shots; announcer Keith Jackson counted the blocks during the broadcast. Chamberlain's all-around performance helped the Lakers win their first championship in Los Angeles with a decisive 114–100 win. Chamberlain was named the Finals MVP, and admired for playing while injured.
1972–73 NBA season: second NBA finals loss to the Knicks
The 1972–73 NBA season was Chamberlain's last; the Lakers lost substance—Happy Hairston was injured, Robinson and LeRoy Ellis had left, and West struggled with injury. Chamberlain averaged 13.2 points and 18.6 rebounds to win the rebounding title for the 11th time in his career. He also shot an NBA record 0.727 for the season, bettering his own mark of 0.683 from the 1966–67 season. It was the ninth time Chamberlain led the league in field-goal percentage. The Lakers won 60 games in the regular season and reached the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, a franchise that had a healthy team with a rejuvenated Reed whereas the Lakers were handicapped by several injuries. In that series, the Lakers began with a 115–112 win but the Knicks won Games 2 and 3; and West again injured his hamstring. In Game 4, the shorthanded Lakers were defeated by the Knicks. In Game 5, the valiant-but-injured West and Hairston had bad games, and the Lakers lost the game 102–93 and the series 4–1 despite Chamberlain scoring 23 points and grabbing 21 rebounds. After the Knicks finished the game with a late flourish led by Phil Jackson and Earl Monroe, Chamberlain made a dunk with one second left, which was the last play of his NBA career.
Coaching career
San Diego Conquistadors (1973–1974)
In 1973, the San Diego Conquistadors, a member of the NBA-rival league ABA signed Chamberlain as a player-coach for a $600,000 salary. According to Chamberlain, part of the reason for leaving the Lakers was his belief he had the right to renegotiate his contract after winning the 1971–72 NBA championship, and was upset the Lakers did not contact him until September 1972, before which they were trying to acquire UCLA star-center Bill Walton, who ultimately decided to return to school for the 1972–73 season. The Lakers sued Chamberlain and prevented him from playing for the Conquistadors because he still owed the Lakers the option year of his contract. According to the two-year contract Chamberlain had signed prior to the 1971–72 season, if he failed to sign and mail back his next contract, his contract with the Lakers would be deemed to be renewed. The Lakers said they mailed Chamberlain a new contract in July 1973 but Chamberlain did not sign it so the old contract should be deemed to have been renewed for the 1973–74 season. On October 10, 1973, the opening day of the Conquistadors' season, a judge ruled Chamberlain could coach the Conquistadors but could not play for any team other than the Lakers for 1973–74.
While he was barred from playing, Chamberlain mostly left coaching duties to his assistant Stan Albeck, who said Chamberlain "has a great feel for pro basketball ... the day-to-day things that are an important part of basketball ... just bored him. He did not have the patience." The players were split on Chamberlain, who was seen as competent but often indifferent, and was more occupied with promotion of his autobiography Wilt: Just Like Any Other 7-Foot Black Millionaire Who Lives Next Door than with coaching. He once skipped a game to sign autographs for the book. In his single season as a coach, the Conquistadors scored 37–47 in the regular season and lost against the Utah Stars in the division semifinals. After the season, Chamberlain retired from professional basketball; he was displeased by the meager attendance as crowds averaged 1,843, occupying just over half of the team's 3,200-seat Golden Hall sports arena.
NBA career statistics
GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
† | Won an NBA championship | * | Led the league | ‡ | NBA record |
Regular season
Year | Team(s) | GP | MPG | FG% | FT% | RPG | APG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1959–60 | Philadelphia | 72 | 46.4* | .461 | .582 | 27.0* | 2.3 | 37.6* |
1960–61 | Philadelphia | 79* | 47.8* | .509* | .504 | 27.2‡ | 1.9 | 38.4* |
1961–62 | Philadelphia | 80* | 48.5‡ | .506 | .613 | 25.7* | 2.4 | 50.4‡ |
1962–63 | San Francisco | 80* | 47.6* | .528* | .593 | 24.3* | 3.4 | 44.8* |
1963–64 | San Francisco | 80 | 46.1* | .524 | .531 | 22.3 | 5.0 | 36.9* |
1964–65 | San Francisco | 38 | 45.9 | .499* | .416 | 23.5 | 3.1 | 38.9* |
1964–65 | Philadelphia | 35 | 44.5 | .528* | .526 | 22.3 | 3.8 | 30.1* |
1965–66 | Philadelphia | 79 | 47.3* | .540* | .513 | 24.6* | 5.2 | 33.5* |
1966–67† | Philadelphia | 81* | 45.5* | .683* | .441 | 24.2* | 7.8 | 24.1 |
1967–68 | Philadelphia | 82 | 46.8* | .595* | .380 | 23.8* | 8.6* | 24.3 |
1968–69 | L.A. Lakers | 81 | 45.3* | .583* | .446 | 21.1* | 4.5 | 20.5 |
1969–70 | L.A. Lakers | 12 | 42.1 | .568 | .446 | 18.4 | 4.1 | 27.3 |
1970–71 | L.A. Lakers | 82 | 44.3 | .545 | .538 | 18.2* | 4.3 | 20.7 |
1971–72† | L.A. Lakers | 82 | 42.3 | .649* | .422 | 19.2* | 4.0 | 14.8 |
1972–73 | L.A. Lakers | 82* | 43.2 | .727* | .510 | 18.6* | 4.5 | 13.2 |
Career | 1,045 | 45.8‡ | .540 | .511 | 22.9‡ | 4.4 | 30.1 | |
All-Star | 13 | 29.8 | .590 | .500 | 15.1 | 2.7 | 14.6 |
The NBA started to keep track of blocked shots the season after Wilt retired.
Playoffs
Year | Team(s) | GP | MPG | FG% | FT% | RPG | APG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1960 | Philadelphia | 9 | 46.1 | .496 | .445 | 25.8 | 2.1 | 33.2 |
1961 | Philadelphia | 3 | 48.0 | .489 | .553 | 23.0 | 2.0 | 37.0 |
1962 | Philadelphia | 12 | 48.0 | .467 | .636 | 26.6 | 3.1 | 35.0 |
1964 | San Francisco | 12 | 46.5 | .543 | .475 | 25.2 | 3.3 | 34.7 |
1965 | Philadelphia | 11 | 48.7 | .530 | .559 | 27.2 | 4.4 | 29.3 |
1966 | Philadelphia | 5 | 48.0 | .509 | .412 | 30.2 | 3.0 | 28.0 |
1967† | Philadelphia | 15 | 47.9 | .579 | .388 | 29.1 | 9.0 | 21.7 |
1968 | Philadelphia | 13 | 48.5 | .534 | .380 | 24.7 | 6.5 | 23.7 |
1969 | L.A. Lakers | 18 | 46.2 | .545 | .392 | 24.7 | 2.6 | 13.9 |
1970 | L.A. Lakers | 18 | 47.3 | .549 | .406 | 22.2 | 4.5 | 22.1 |
1971 | L.A. Lakers | 12 | 46.2 | .455 | .515 | 20.2 | 4.4 | 18.3 |
1972† | L.A. Lakers | 15 | 46.9 | .563 | .492 | 21.0 | 3.3 | 14.7 |
1973 | L.A. Lakers | 17 | 47.1 | .552 | .500 | 22.5 | 3.5 | 10.4 |
Career | 160 | 47.2‡ | .522 | .465 | 24.5 | 4.2 | 22.5 |
Post-NBA career
After his stint with the Conquistadors, Chamberlain went into business and entertainment, made money in stocks and real estate, bought a popular Harlem nightclub which he renamed Big Wilt's Smalls Paradise, and invested in broodmares. He appeared in advertisements for TWA, American Express, Volkswagen, Drexel Burnham, Le Tigre Clothing, and Foot Locker.
Athletics
Chamberlain sponsored his own professional volleyball and track and field teams, and provided high-level teams for girls and women in basketball, track, volleyball, and softball.
Volleyball became Chamberlain's new athletic passion, having been a talented hobby volleyballer during his Lakers days. He became a board member of the newly founded International Volleyball Association (IVA) in 1974 and became its president in 1975. As a testament to his importance, the IVA All-Star game was televised only because Chamberlain also played in it; he was named the game's MVP. Chamberlain played occasional matches for IVA Seattle Smashers before the league folded in 1979. Chamberlain promoted the sport so effectively he was named to the IVA Hall of Fame and became one of the few athletes who were enshrined in multiple sports.
In the 1970s, Chamberlain formed Wilt's Athletic Club, a track-and-field club in southern California that was coached by UCLA assistant coach Bob Kersee in the early part of his career. The team included Florence Griffith before she set the world records in the 100 meters and 200 meters; three-time world champion Greg Foster; and future Olympic Gold medalists Andre Phillips, Alice Brown, and Jeanette Bolden. Chamberlain signed 60 athletes and planned to expand to 100. While actively promoting the sport in 1982, Chamberlain said he was considering a return to athletic competition in masters athletics; he stated he had only once been beaten in the high jump by Olympic champion Charles Dumas, and that he had never been beaten in shot put, beating Olympic shot put champion Al Oerter.
Following his playing days, Chamberlain maintained his high level of fitness. In his mid-forties, he was able to humble rookie Magic Johnson in practice, and he planned a return to the NBA in the 1980s. In the 1980–81 NBA season, coach Larry Brown said the 45-year-old Chamberlain had received an offer from the Cleveland Cavaliers. When Chamberlain was 50, the New Jersey Nets made Chamberlain an offer, which he declined. He continued to maintain his physical fitness for several years, participating in several marathons. When million-dollar contracts became common in the NBA, Chamberlain increasingly felt he had been underpaid during his career. A result of this resentment was the 1997 book Who's Running the Asylum? Inside the Insane World of Sports Today, in which he criticized the NBA for being too disrespectful of former players.
Film
In 1976, Chamberlain, who was interested in movies, forming a film production and distribution company to make his first film, which was entitled Go For It. Chamberlain played a villainous warrior and counterpart of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1984 film Conan the Destroyer, including fight scenes against Schwarzenegger and Grace Jones. It remained his only credited film role.
In November 1998, he signed with Ian Ng Cheng Hin, CEO of Northern Cinema House Entertainment, to produce his own bio-pic, wanting to tell his life story his way. He had been working on the screenplay notes for over a year at the time of his death.
Death
Chamberlain, who had a history of cardiovascular disease, was briefly hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat in 1992. According to those close to him, he began taking medication for his heart problems. His condition rapidly deteriorated in 1999 and he lost fifty pounds (23 kg). After undergoing dental surgery in the week before his death, he was in great pain and seemed unable to recover from the stress. On October 12, 1999, Chamberlain died at age 63 at his home in Bel Air. His longtime attorney Sy Goldberg stated Chamberlain died of congestive heart failure. Goldberg said:
He was more inquisitive than anybody I ever knew. He was writing a screenplay about his life. He was interested in world affairs, sometimes he'd call me up late at night and discuss philosophy. I think he'll be remembered as a great man. He happened to make a living playing basketball, but he was more than that. He could talk on any subject. He was a Goliath.
A memorial service for Chamberlain was held at the City of Angels Church of Religious Science in Los Angeles on October 16, 1999. A second memorial service was held at his home church, Mount Carmel Baptist Church, in Philadelphia on October 21, 1999.
Several NBA players and officials were saddened at Chamberlain's death; they remembered him as one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. On-court rival and personal friend Bill Russell stated: "the fierceness of our competition bonded us together for eternity".
Legacy
Awards and honors
Main article: List of career achievements by Wilt ChamberlainChamberlain is regarded as one of the most extraordinary and dominant basketball players in NBA history, and is often suggested as the greatest NBA player of all time, ahead of Michael Jordan. Contemporaneous colleagues were often terrified of playing against Chamberlain. Russell regularly feared being embarrassed by Chamberlain, and Walt Frazier called his dominance on the court "comical".
Chamberlain holds numerous official NBA all-time records. Former teammate Billy Cunningham said, "The NBA Guide reads like Wilt's personal diary." He was a scoring champion, all-time top rebounder, and accurate field-goal shooter. He led the NBA in scoring seven times, field-goal percentage nine times, minutes played eight times, rebounding eleven times, and assists once. Chamberlain is most remembered for his 100-point game, which is widely considered one of basketball's greatest records. Decades after his record, many NBA teams did not average 100 points.
In high school and college, Chamberlain was Mr. Basketball USA, NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1957, and twice consensus first-team All-American in 1957 and 1958. His number 13 jersey was retired by the Kansas Jayhawks, Harlem Globetrotters, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain won two NBA championships, four regular-season Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, the Rookie of the Year award, one Finals MVP award, and one All-Star Game MVP award, and was selected to 13 All-Star Games and 10 All-NBA Teams—seven First and three Second teams. He also twice made All-Defensive First Team.
During his NBA career, Chamberlain committed few fouls despite his rugged play in the post, and he never fouled out of a regular-season or playoff game in his 14-year NBA career. His career average was two fouls per game despite having averaged 45.8 minutes per game over his career. He had five seasons in which he committed fewer than two fouls per game, and a career-low of 1.5 fouls during the 1962 season, in which he also averaged 50.4 points per game. His fouls per 36 minutes—a statistic that is used to compare players who average vastly different minutes—was 1.6 per game.
Chamberlain's game evolved during his playing career. Chamberlain's Lakers coach Bill Sharman said, "First he was a scorer. Then he was a rebounder and assist man. Then with our great Laker team in 1972, he concentrated on the defensive end." During his two-championship seasons, Chamberlain led the league in rebounding while his scoring decreased. During his first championship season, his assists also increased, recording two consecutive seasons with eight assists per game, and winning one assist title. By 1971–72, at age 35 and running less, his game was averaging only nine shots per game compared to the 40 in his record-setting 1961–62 season. During Chamberlain's time, defensive statistics like blocks and steals had not yet been recorded. According to 1960s Sixers general manager Jack Ramsay, "Harvey said he used to tell one of his statisticians to keep track of Wilt's blocks in big games ... One night, they got up to 25". Reported data for 112 games played by Chamberlain for the Lakers in the 1970s shows he averaged 8.8 blocks per game.
For his feats, Chamberlain was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978, named part of the NBA 35th Anniversary Team in 1980, one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and was ranked 13th in ESPN's list "Top North American Athletes of the Century" in 1999. In 2007, ESPN rather Chamberlain the second-best center of all time by behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and was ranked second in Slam's "Top 50 NBA Players of All-Time in NBA History" in 2009, and sixth in ESPN's list of the top 74 NBA players of all time in 2020, and the third-best center of all-time behind Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell. In 2022, Chamberlain was ranked fifth in ESPN's list of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, and sixth in a similar list by The Athletic.
Rule changes
Part of Chamberlain's impact on basketball is his direct responsibility for several rule changes in the NBA, including a widening of the lane to try to keep big men more distant from the basket, the instituting of offensive goaltending, a ban on dunking to convert free throws, and a revision of rules governing inbounding the ball, such as making it illegal to inbound the ball over the backboard. In basketball history, pundits have stated the only other player who forced such a massive change of rules is 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) Minneapolis Lakers center George Mikan, who played a decade before Chamberlain and also caused many rule changes designed to thwart dominant centers, such as a widening the lane and defensive goaltending.
Chamberlain–Russell rivalry
The on-court rivalry between Chamberlain and Bill Russell is cited as one of the greatest of all time. Russell won 11 NBA titles in his career while Chamberlain won two. Chamberlain was named All-NBA First Team seven times in comparison to Russell's three but Russell was named the NBA MVP—then selected by players—five times against Chamberlain's four. Russell's Celtics won seven of eight playoff series against Chamberlain's Warriors, 76ers, and Lakers teams, and went 57–37 against them in the regular season and 29–20 in the playoffs. Russell's teams won all four series-deciding seventh games against Chamberlain's by a combined margin of nine points.
The comparison between Chamberlain and Russell is often simplified to one between a great player (Chamberlain) with a player who makes his team great (Russell); an individualist against a team player. Chamberlain would say Boston did not rely on Russell's scoring, and that Russell could concentrate on defense and rebounding. Chamberlain went on: "I've got to hit forty points or so, or this team is in trouble. I must score—understand? After that I play defense and get the ball off the boards. I try to do them all, best I can, but scoring comes first." Chamberlain outscored Russell 30 to 14.2 and out-rebounded him 28.2 to 22.9 in the regular season, and he outscored Russell 25.7 to 14.9, and out-rebounded Russell 28 to 24.7 in the playoffs.
Russell and Chamberlain were friends in private life. Russell never considered Chamberlain his rival and disliked the term, preferring "competitors", and also said they rarely talked about basketball when they were alone. When Chamberlain died in 1999, Chamberlain's nephew stated Russell was the second person whom he was ordered to inform. While previously friends, after Russell criticized Chamberlain for his performance during Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals, the two men did not speak for two decades. Russell privately apologized to Chamberlain and later publicly apologized in a 1997 joint interview with Bob Costas. The 1969 NBA Finals is arguably the biggest stain on Chamberlain's career; supporters of Chamberlain said Russell won more games because he had better-skilled teammates; in the finals; however, Chamberlain's team was favored and lost.
Reputation as a loser
Although Chamberlain accumulated some of the most-impressive statistics in the history of professional sports, he was often called selfish and a loser because he won only two NBA championships and lost seven out of eight playoff series against Bill Russell's Celtics teams. Frank Deford of ESPN said Chamberlain was caught in a no-win situation: "If you win, everybody says, 'Well, look at him, he's that big'. If you lose, everybody says, 'How could he lose, a guy that size?' " Quoting coach Alex Hannum's explanation of his situation, Chamberlain often said: "Nobody roots for Goliath".
Rick Barry wrote:
I'll say what most players feel, which is that Wilt is a loser ... He is terrible in big games. He knows he is going to lose and be blamed for the loss, so he dreads it, and you can see it in his eyes; and anyone who has ever played with him will agree with me, regardless of whether they would admit it publicly ... When it comes down to the closing minutes of a tough game, an important game, he doesn't want the ball, he doesn't want any part of the pressure. It is at these times that greatness is determined and Wilt doesn't have it. There is no way you can compare him to a pro like a Bill Russell or a Jerry West ... these are clutch competitors.
Chamberlain's main weakness was his poor free-throw shooting, a .511 career average, the third-lowest in NBA history, with a low of .380 over the 1967–68 season. Chamberlain later said he was a "psycho case" in this matter. Much like later center Shaquille O'Neal, Chamberlain would be intentionally fouled and was a target of criticism because of it. Many suggestions were offered; he shot them underhanded, one-handed, two-handed, from the side of the circle, from well behind the line, and banked it in. Coach Hannum once suggested Chamberlain shoot his fadeaway jumper as a free throw but Chamberlain feared drawing more attention to his main failing.
Despite his foul-line problems, Chamberlain set the NBA record, which was later equaled by Adrian Dantley, for the most free throws made (28) using the underhand technique in a regular-season game in his 1962 100-point game. Chamberlain later said he was too embarrassed by the underhand technique to continue using it, although it consistently gave him better results. Chamberlain stated he intentionally missed free throws so a teammate could get the rebound and score two points instead of one.
Personal life
Star status
Chamberlain was the first big earner of basketball; upon entering the NBA, he immediately became the highest-paid player. Chamberlain was basketball's first player to earn at least $100,000 a year; and he earned an unprecedented $1.5 million during his Lakers years. As a Philadelphia 76er, he could afford to rent a New York apartment and commute to Philadelphia. He would often stay out late into the night and wake up at noon.
Jazz composer Thad Jones named the music composition "Big Dipper" after Chamberlain. When he became a Laker, Chamberlain built a million-dollar mansion in Bel-Air and named it after Ursa Major, a play on his nickname "The Big Dipper". It had a 2,200-pound (1,000 kg) pivot as a front door and contained great displays of luxury. Cherry described Chamberlain's house as a miniature Playboy Mansion, where he regularly held parties and lived his later-notorious sex life. This was also helped by the fact Chamberlain was a near-insomniac who often skipped sleeping. The house was designed according to Chamberlain's preferences; it had no right angles, and had an X-rated room with mirrored walls and a fur-covered waterbed. Chamberlain lived alone, relying on many automated gadgets, with two cats named Zip and Zap, and several Great Dane dogs. Chamberlain drove a Ferrari, a Bentley, and a Le Mans-style car called Searcher One that was designed and built at a cost of $750,000 in 1996.
Following his death in 1999, Chamberlain's estate was valued at $25 million.
Love life
Although Chamberlain was shy and insecure as a teenager, he later became known for his womanizing. According to his lawyer Seymour Goldberg, "Some people collect stamps, Wilt collected women". Swedish Olympic high jumper Annette Tånnander, who met Chamberlain when he was 40 and she was 19, said he was a pick-up artist who was extremely confident yet respectful, saying: "I think Wilt hit on everything that moved ... he never was bad or rude". Los Angeles Times columnist David Shaw said Chamberlain was "rude and sexist toward his own date, as he usually was" during a dinner with Shaw and his wife; he added at one point Chamberlain left the table to get the telephone number of an attractive woman at a nearby table.
In Chamberlain's second book A View from Above, he claimed to have had sex with 20,000 women. According to his contemporary Rod Roddewig, Chamberlain documented his love life using a Day-Timer. Every time Chamberlain had sex with a different woman, he put a check in his Day-Timer. Over a ten-day period, there were 23 checks in the book; a rate of 2.3 women per day. Chamberlain halved that number to be conservative and to correct for degrees of variation. He then multiplied that number by the number of days he had been alive and subtracted 15 years, giving him the 20,000 number.
In response to public backlash regarding his promiscuity, Chamberlain later said: "the point of using the number was to show that sex was a great part of my life as basketball was a great part of my life. That's the reason why I was single." In a 1999 interview shortly before his death, Chamberlain regretted not having explained the sexual climate at the time of his promiscuity and warned other men who admired him for it, saying: "With all of you men out there who think that having a thousand different ladies is pretty cool, I have learned in my life I've found out that having one woman a thousand different times is much more satisfying". Chamberlain also said he never came close to marrying and had no intention of raising any children.
In 2015, a man named Aaron Levi claimed to be Chamberlain's son based on non-identifying papers from his adoption and information from his biological mother. Chamberlain's sister refused to provide DNA evidence for testing so Levi's claim is not conclusive.
Relationships
According to Cherry, although Chamberlain was an egotist, he had good relationships with many of his contemporaries and enjoyed a great deal of respect. He was lauded for his good rapport with his fans, often providing tickets and signing autographs. Jack Ramsay said Chamberlain regularly took walks in downtown Philadelphia and acknowledged honking horns with the air of a man enjoying the attention. Jerry West called Chamberlain a "complex ... very nice person", and NBA rival Jack McMahon said: "The best thing that happened to the NBA is that God made Wilt a nice person ... he could have killed us all with his left hand". Celtics contemporary Bob Cousy assumed if Chamberlain had been less fixated on being popular, he would have been meaner and able to win more titles.
During most of his NBA career, Chamberlain was good friends with Bill Russell; he often invited Russell over to Thanksgiving and visited Russell's home, where conversation mostly concerned Russell's electric trains. As the championship count became increasingly lopsided, the relationship deteriorated and became hostile after Russell accused Chamberlain of "copping out" in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals. The two reconciled after two decades but Chamberlain maintained a level of bitterness, regretted he had not been "more physical" with Russell in their games, and privately continued accusing his rival of negatively intellectualizing basketball.
Chamberlain's relationship with fellow center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, eleven years his junior, was hostile. Although Abdul-Jabbar idolized Chamberlain as a teenager and was once part of his inner circle, the student–mentor bond deteriorated into intense mutual loathing, especially after Chamberlain retired. Chamberlain often criticized Abdul-Jabbar for a perceived lack of scoring, rebounding, and defense. Abdul-Jabbar accused Chamberlain of being a traitor to the black race for his Republican political leanings, support of Richard Nixon, and relationships with white women. When Abdul-Jabbar broke Chamberlain's all-time scoring record in 1984, Chamberlain criticized Abdul-Jabbar's game and called on him to retire. When Abdul-Jabbar published his autobiography in 1990, he wrote a paper titled "To Wilt Chumperlane", in which he stated: "Now that I am done playing, history will remember me as someone who helped teammates to win, while you will be remembered as a crybaby, a loser, and a quitter". Their relationship remained mostly strained until Chamberlain's death.
Politics
Chamberlain denounced the Black Panthers Party and other black nationalist movements in the late 1960s, and he supported Republican Richard Nixon in the 1968 and 1972 presidential elections. Chamberlain accompanied Nixon to the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr. and considered himself a Republican.
Sexual assault allegation
In 2021, actress Cassandra Peterson, who is primarily known for her alter ego Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, said in her memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark, that Chamberlain had sexually assaulted her during a party at his mansion in the 1970s. Chamberlain supposedly forced Peterson to perform oral sex after offering to show her a closet containing his NBA jerseys. Peterson stated she had blamed herself and was almost "convinced that I was a very bad person for letting that happen" until the Me Too movement made her reconsider the experience. Peterson felt the assault was "creepier" because Chamberlain had been a friend.
See also
- List of basketball players who have scored 100 points in a single game
- List of NBA annual field goal percentage leaders
- List of NBA annual minutes leaders
- List of NBA annual rebounding leaders
- List of NBA career field goal percentage leaders
- List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders
- List of NBA career minutes played leaders
- List of NBA career triple-double leaders
- List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders
- List of NBA career playoff rebounding leaders
- List of NBA career playoff scoring leaders
- List of NBA career playoff triple-double leaders
- List of NBA career rebounding leaders
- List of NBA career scoring leaders
- List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders
- List of NBA longest winning streaks
- List of NBA rookie single-season scoring leaders
- List of NBA single-game assists leaders
- List of NBA single-game playoff scoring leaders
- List of NBA single-game rebounding leaders
- List of NBA single-game scoring leaders
- List of NBA single-season rebounding leaders
- List of NBA single-season scoring leaders
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 30 or more rebounds in a game
Notes
- Overbrook had previously produced star basketball players like Jackie Moore and Hal Lear.
- Chamberlain could lift luggage to the second floor window without needing to use the stairs.
- They were "his second set of parents" according to their son Mark.
- In the days before the Fosbury Flop, the straddle technique was preferred in the high jump. Chamberlain liked to wear a red and black plaid cap during his college track events.
- Until the ball touches the rim, backboard or the free throw ends.
- Tex Winter, coach at rival Kansas State, was a member of the rules committee who watched Chamberlain dunk from the foul line during scrimmages at Hoch Auditorium.
- The game film is unclear whether an eighth block occurred or the ball fell short due to Chamberlain's intimidation.
- In the semifinals, North Carolina also needed triple overtime to advance over Michigan State.
- Equal to about $528,000 in 2019.
- As his career progressed, he played at 275 lb (125 kg), adding more muscle, and eventually played at over 300 lb (140 kg).
- Equal to about $314,000 in 2019.
- A feat matched only by fellow Hall-of-Famer Wes Unseld in the 1968–69 NBA season.
- As of 2019, he is the first and the only player in NBA history to record 50 points and 35 rebounds in an NBA playoff game.
- Equal to about $669,000 in 2019.
- The only other player to break the 3,000-point barrier is Michael Jordan, with 3,041 points in the 1986–87 NBA season.
- A record that stood until broken by Anthony Davis in 2017.
- Equal to about $8.56 million in 2019.
- Equal to about $1.45 million in 2019.
- Reportedly, Chamberlain once broke Kerr's toe with a slam dunk.
- Announcer Johnny Most's radio call was dubbed by the NBA as the most famous in basketball history.
- In his 50.4 points per game season, it was 35.3%.
- A record since broken by Russell Westbrook in 2017 and improved by James Harden in 2018.
- In a 1999 interview, Chamberlain stated D'Amato had approached him with the idea in 1965 and 1967, offering he and Ali $5 million each.
- The closest any player has gotten to 100 points was the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, who scored 81 in 2006. Afterward, Bryant said Chamberlain's record is "unthinkable ... It's pretty exhausting to think about it".
- While there were three NBA Finals matchups in the later Bird–Magic rivalry, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson played different positions and did not guard each other.
- The American philosopher Robert Nozick in his book Anarchy State and Utopia has the "Wilt Chamberlain argument" arguing against some egalitarian distribution of resources. Nozick has the intuition Chamberlain received his money legitimately.
References
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I wanted the feeling of the house to be like the Baptist church I remember when I was growing up
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The mourners came to Mount Carmel Baptist Church on Race Street, site of Wilt's old Sunday school.
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Works cited
- Chamberlain, Wilt (1992). A View From Above. New York: New York Signet Books. ISBN 0-451-17493-3.
- Chamberlain, Wilt (1997). Who's Running the Asylum? Inside the Insane World of Sports Today. Los Angeles: International Promotions. ISBN 1-57901-005-9.
- Cherry, Robert (2004). Wilt: Larger than Life. Chicago: Triumph Books. ISBN 1-57243-672-7.
- Pluto, Terry (1992). Tall Tales: The Glory Years of the NBA in the Words of the Men Who Played, Coached, and Built Pro Basketball. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-671-74279-5.
- Pomerantz, Gary M. (2005). Wilt, 1962: The Night of 100 Points and the Dawn of a New Era. New York: Crown. ISBN 1-4000-5160-6.
- Taylor, John (2005). The Rivalry: Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and the Golden Age of Basketball. New York: Random House. ISBN 1-4000-6114-8. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
isbn:1400061148.
Further reading
- Chamberlain, Wilt; Shaw, David (1973). Wilt: Just Like Any Other 7-Foot Black Millionaire Who Lives Next Door. New York: Macmillan.
- Heisler, Mark (2003). Giants: The 25 Greatest Centers of All Time. Chicago: Triumph Books. ISBN 1-57243-577-1.
- Mosenson, Cecil (2008). It All Began With Wilt. Oklahoma: Tate Publishing & Enterprises. ISBN 978-1-60604-055-3.
External links
- Career statistics from NBA.com and Basketball Reference
- Career statistics and coach information from Basketball-Reference.com
- Wilt Chamberlain at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
- Wilt Chamberlain at IMDb
- Wilt Chamberlain at the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball
- NBA Chamberlain's summary at NBA.com
- KU Chamberlain's summary at the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball
- 4th-quarter radio broadcast of Chamberlain's 100-point game Archived April 28, 2005, at the Wayback Machine at Random House
- How Chamberlain's 100-point game almost went unrecorded at Weekend America, June 4, 2005
- Image of Chamberlain making a dunk during a Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks game in 1971 at the Los Angeles Times Photographic Archive (Collection 1429), UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles
- Wilt Chamberlain
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