Wilt Chamberlain is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Even if you take out the fact that he scored 100 points in a single a game, a feat that has never been replicated in the NBA, his other statistical achievements are absolutely mind-blowing.
Chamberlain was a two-time NBA champ, a four-time league MVP, a 13-time All-Star and made the All-NBA First Team on seven separate occasions. Beyond that, he also led the NBA in scoring seven times, led it in rebounding 11 times and even led the league in assists once in 1968. Yes, as a center. Aside from his free-throw shooting, the man had no weaknesses.
Multiple rule changes were made due to how dominant Chamberlain was, including widening the lane, instituting offensive goaltending and making it against the rules to inbound the ball over the backboard.
Unfortunately, because Chamberlain’s pro playing career spanned from 1959 to 1973 – many hoops fans today never got a chance to see him play.
Until now.
This week, a 4K HD colorized video of some of Chamberlain’s best highlights made its way online. The video speaks for itself:
Naturally, fans had some reactions:
Wilt was 7’1 shooting mid rage jumpers and fadeaways with ease count your fucking days Ben Simmons https://t.co/olCdb9Fyrh
— Jon Been Snow (@AMBITIOUS_JOSH) October 17, 2021
The way he makes plays and shoots fadeaway, it reminds me of Jokic for some reason. https://t.co/TNmTH57b9H
— Halim (@imnotseeing) October 17, 2021
This shit is amazing https://t.co/cHubBvrOve
— Jody Thomas (@DmvJodyThomas) October 17, 2021
He ain’t have the best competition but y’all crazy if y’all look at this film and say he wouldn’t be cooking in this era. https://t.co/QxX9ChpVJe
— Chris #FlyEaglesFly(1-2) (@Mob_Reset) October 17, 2021
Wilt was finger rollin from the post and shit. https://t.co/dZ9Ay6ZqRK
— Travel Agent to Diggs Island (@Scotty_Jo_Yung) October 17, 2021
When LeBron James offered up his three best players of all time, Chamberlain was nowhere to be found.
Same with Dwyane Wade. And Allen Iverson. And Kyle Kuzma.
When Terry Bradshaw saw what Erin Andrews was wearing, he couldn’t help himself. https://t.co/Yg0qPqcErK
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 15, 2021
Based on this footage, though – it’s hard not to feel like maybe Chamberlain doesn’t get his historical due simply because so many folks didn’t get a chance to watch him play. Hopefully the emergence of this new video changes that.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
