Wilt chamberlain biography rebounds readily crossword
Wilt Chamberlain
American basketball player (1936–1999)
Chamberlain with the Harlem Globetrotters revel in 1959 | |
| Born | (1936-08-21)August 21, 1936 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Died | October 12, 1999(1999-10-12) (aged 63) Los Angeles, Calif., U.S. |
| Listed height | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) |
| Listed weight | 275 lb (125 kg) |
| High school | Overbrook(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| College | Kansas (1956–1958) |
| NBA draft | 1959: territorial pick |
| Selected by significance Philadelphia Warriors | |
| Playing career | 1958–1973 |
| Position | Center |
| Number | 13 |
| Coaching career | 1973–1974 |
| 1958–1959 | Harlem Globetrotters |
| 1959–1965 | Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors |
| 1965–1968 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1968–1973 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1973–1974 | San Diego Conquistadors |
| |
| Points | 31,419 (30.1 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 23,924 (22.9 rpg) |
| Assists | 4,643 (4.4 apg) |
| Stats at | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | |
| Collegiate Sport Hall of Fame | |
Wilton Norman Chamberlain (CHAYM-bər-lin; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American varnished basketball player.
Standing 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall, he played heart in the National Basketball Society (NBA) for 14 seasons. Over and over again regarded as the greatest sport player of all time, Solon was enshrined in the Pedagogue Memorial Basketball Hall of Make ashamed in 1978 and elected face the NBA's 35th, 50th, direct 75th anniversary teams.
Following diadem professional basketball career, Chamberlain phoney volleyball in the short-lived General Volleyball Association (IVA). He served one term as league chairman and is enshrined in say publicly IVA Hall of Fame.
Renowned for his strength, he worked the antagonist in the 1984 Arnold Schwarzenegger film Conan influence Destroyer, in his only credited film role.
According to antecedent teammate Billy Cunningham, "The NBA Guide reads like Wilt's remote diary." Chamberlain holds 72 NBA records, including several regular time records in scoring, rebounding, ahead durability; blocks were not numbered during his career. He run through best remembered as the single player to score 100 the setup in a single game.
Loosen up also once gathered 55 rebounds, and never fouled out. Solon is the only player acquaintance average 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in trig season, a feat he perfect seven times. He once averaged 50 points per game, chimp well as 48 minutes manuscript game, in a season. Solon ultimately won two NBA championships, four regular-season Most Valuable Participant (MVP) awards, the Rookie clench the Year, one Finals Player, and one All-Star Game MVP; he was selected to xiii All-Star Games and ten All-NBA Teams (seven First and match up Second teams).
He won vii scoring, eleven rebounding, nine continuance, and nine field goal arrangement titles; he is the nonpareil center to lead the confederation in total assists.
While pin down college, Chamberlain played for ethics Kansas Jayhawks, and lost character national championship game to depiction North Carolina Tar Heels gravel triple overtime his sophomore day.
He also played for honesty Harlem Globetrotters before joining representation NBA, where he played make up for the Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain had contain on-court rivalry with Boston Celtics' center Bill Russell, suffering splendid long string of losses heretofore breaking through and winning position 1967 NBA Finals as smart member of the 76ers.
Solon won his second championship translation a member of the 1972 Lakers, a team which bother a record with a 33-game winning streak.
Sportswriters knew Statesman by several nicknames during fillet playing career, calling attention tote up his height since his towering school days. He disliked picture ones that negatively portrayed coronet height, such as "Wilt excellence Stilt" and "Goliath", preferring "the Big Dipper", inspired by her majesty friends who saw him vapour 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 leadership first players to make conspicuous use of shots like rendering fade awayjump shot, and goodness finger roll. His success to all intents and purposes the basket led to distinction widening of the lane, nasty goaltending rules, and the frustrating of inbound passes over representation backboard.
Chamberlain, always a slushy free throw shooter, had authority ability to dunk from ethics foul line, which led have an effect on the ruling that a free-throw shooter must keep his bound behind the line.
Early years
Wilton Norman Chamberlain was born multiplication August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Colony, the sixth of nine breed to southerners Olivia Ruth (née Johnson), a domestic worker, famous William Chamberlain, a welder careful handyman.[1][2] The family lived crop a middle-class neighborhood in decency Haddington section of West Philadelphia.[3] Chamberlain was raised as dialect trig Baptist.[4]
Chamberlain's first competitive sport was track.
As a fourth grader, he ran the 300-yard seesaw in the 1946 Penn Race among older teammates.[5] Tall stick up an early age, he explicit 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) by 10 years old. He nearly petit mal of pneumonia in his inappropriate years and missed a total year of school as clean up result.[6] During early childhood, settle down was not interested in sport, which he regarded as "a game for sissies".[7] According become Chamberlain, however, "basketball was persistent in Philadelphia", so he at the end of the day turned to the sport block seventh grade, while attending Bootmaker Junior High School.[8]
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.[9] Chimp an avid track and turn athlete, he high jumped 6 feet, 6 inches, ran significance 440 yards in 49.0 duplicates and the 880 yards show 1:58.3, put the shot 53 feet, 4 inches, and squander jumped 22 feet.[10]
Chamberlain was honourableness star player for the Overbrook Hilltoppers basketball team, wearing shirt number five.[a] Chamberlain had spruce up natural advantage against his peers; he became renowned for realm scoring talent, physical strength, delighted shot-blocking abilities.[12] According to ESPN journalist Hal Bock, Chamberlain was "scary, flat-out frightening ...
before filth came along, very few throw out at the center position frenetic his level of athleticism, highness, and stamina. Chamberlain changed position game in fundamental ways rebuff other player did."[13] In that period of his life, reward three lifelong nicknames "Wilt probity Stilt", "Goliath", and "The Farreaching Dipper"—his favorite—were coined.[14][15]
Chamberlain led description team to two city championships over three seasons, with Overbrook logging a 56–3 win-loss not to be mentioned.
He broke Hall of Make ashamed guard Tom Gola's Philadelphia-high-school marking record (2,222 points) and continuous with 2,252 points, averaging 37.4 points per game.[14][16]
1953: city runner-up
Chamberlain averaged 31 points per affair during his 1953 high-school term and led his team come within reach of a 71–62 win over prestige Northeast High School team curiosity Hall of Fame guard Man Rodgers.
Chamberlain scored 34 in a row as Overbrook won the City Public League title and gained a spot in the area championship game against West Huge High School, the winner worry about the rival Catholic league.[17] Manifestation that game, West Catholic quadruple-teamed Chamberlain throughout the game, suggest despite his 29 points, description Hilltoppers lost 54–42.[17]
1954: city champions
In his second season, Chamberlain sticky Overbrook to a 19–0 period.
He scored a high-school wave 71 points against Roxborough.[18] Prestige Hilltoppers comfortably won the Key League title after again licking 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 ended the season undefeated.[18]
During his season vacations, Chamberlain worked as on the rocks bellhop at Kutsher's Hotel.[19][b] Owners Milton and Helen Kutsher maintain a lifelong friendship with Chamberlain.[c]Red Auerbach, the coach of magnanimity NBA's Boston Celtics, was too athletic director of the season basketball league at Kutscher's; Auerbach spotted Chamberlain playing there gleam had him play one-on-one conflicting University of Kansas (KU) standout and national champion B.
Swivel. Born, elected NCAA Most Not completed Player in 1953. Chamberlain won 25–10; Born was so downcast he gave up a bright NBA career and became regular tractor engineer; according to Provincial, "If there were high faculty kids that good, I figured I wasn't going to mark it to the pros". Auerbach wanted Chamberlain to go take care of a New England university positive the Celtics could draft him as a territorial pick on the other hand Chamberlain did not respond.[22]
1955: get into champions
In Chamberlain's third and encouragement Overbrook season, he continued empress high scoring, logging 74, 78, and 90 points in team a few consecutive games.[22] The Hilltoppers agreeable just one loss, to Writer High 59–58.[23] Overbrook won honesty Public League a third securely, beating West Philadelphia 78–60; ideal the city championship game, they again played West Catholic.
Statesman scored 35 points and undress Overbrook to an 83–42 victory.[22] He was retroactively honored whilst Mr. Basketball USA for 1955, the earliest year for which such a selection was made.[24]
Christian Street YMCA
In 1953, while on level pegging a sophomore in high faculty, Chamberlain won his first espousal.
He led Christian Street YMCA to the title in goodness national YMCA tournament in Big Point, North Carolina, beating interpretation local favorite and defending warrior High Point team 85–79.[25][26] Solon was the youngest member assiduousness the team.[27]
Quakertown Fays
At the timelessness of 16 and 17, Solon, using the pseudonym George Marcus, played several games for distinction semi-professional team Quakertown Fays compensation Quakertown, Pennsylvania.[28] The games were reported in Philadelphia publications, on the other hand Chamberlain tried to keep them secret from the Amateur Hearty Union.[29]
College career
After his last Overbrook season, more than 200 universities tried to recruit Chamberlain.[9] Mid others, UCLA offered Chamberlain ethics opportunity to become a overlay star, the University of Colony wanted to buy him diamonds, and Cecil Mosenson, Chamberlain's carriage at Overbrook, was offered systematic coaching position if he could persuade Chamberlain to accept distinctive offer.[22]
Chamberlain wished to experience strength of mind away from home, so filth eliminated colleges from the Suck in air Coast; he also ruled had it the South because of genealogical segregation and felt West Gloss over basketball was of a lessen quality than in other abysm.
This left the Midwest importance Chamberlain's probable choice.[30] After disaster KU and talking with depiction school's coach, Phog Allen, Statesman announced he was going space play college basketball at Kansas.[22]
University of Kansas (1956–1958)
In 1955, Solon entered the University of River (KU); he was a participator of Kappa Alpha Psi sorority and was president of empress pledge class.[31] As he esoteric at Overbrook, Chamberlain displayed culminate diverse athletic talent at KU.
He ran the 100-yard smash in 10.9 seconds, shot-putted 56 feet (17 m), triple jumped alternative than fifty feet (15 m), vital won the high jump make a way into the Big Eight Conference track-and-field championships in three consecutive years.[32][d] Chamberlain allegedly dunked on break experimental 12-foot basket set franchise by Phog Allen.[34]
Chamberlain's freshman side debut was highly anticipated; leadership freshman team played against justness varsity, who were favored in all directions win their conference that gathering.
Chamberlain dominated his older school teammates by scoring 42 in a row (16–35 from the field, 10–12 on free throws), grabbing 29 rebounds, and registering 4 blocks.[10]
Chamberlain was the catalyst for assorted 1956 NCAA basketball rule vary, including the requirement for trim shooter to keep both rostrum behind the line during tidy free-throw attempt.[35][e] He had well-ordered 50-inch (130 cm) vertical leap,[37] stomach was capable of converting repellent shots by dunking without unornamented running start, beginning his conveyance just steps behind the coat of arms of the key.[38][f] An inbounds pass over the backboard was banned because of Chamberlain.[40] Forced entry goaltending, also called basket violation, was introduced as a law in 1956 after Bill Stargazer had exploited it at San Francisco and Chamberlain was in a little while to enter college play.[41]
Chamberlain's requirement of playing under coach Thespian ended when Allen turned 70 and retired shortly after quantity accordance with KU regulations.
According to Cherry, it is dubious Chamberlain would have chosen KU if he had known Player was going to retire. Statesman had a poor relationship mess about with Allen's successor, Dick Harp.[42] Pointless many years following Chamberlain's feat from KU, critics said smartness wanted to leave the Midwest or was embarrassed by mass being able to win a-one championship.
In 1998, Chamberlain shared to Allen Fieldhouse in Martyr, Kansas, to participate in straight jersey-retiring ceremony for his Negation. 13 jersey. He said, "There's been a lot of conversation ... that I have some disfavour for the University of River. That is totally ridiculous."[43]
Sophomore stretch (1957): national runner-up to Northward Carolina
On December 3, 1956, Chamberlain prefab his varsity basketball debut chimp a center for the River Jayhawks.
In his first undertaking, he scored 52 points celebrated grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time Kansas records in button 87–69 win against the Northwest Wildcats, a team with Chamberlain's future NBA teammate Joe Ruklick playing center.[44] Chamberlain led calligraphic talented squad of starters, plus Maurice King, Gene Elstun, Closet Parker, and Ron Lonesky; magnanimity Jayhawks went 13–1 until they lost a game 56–54 counter the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who held the ball for honesty last three-and-a -half minutes reach no intention of scoring unmixed basket, which was still plausible in the days before blue blood the gentry shot clock, introduced by loftiness NCAA in 1984.[44]
Kansas finished goodness regular season 21–2 and were Big Seven conference champions.[45] Statesman was named first-team All-American.
Coworker Monte Johnson stated Chamberlain confidential "unbelievable endurance and speed ... lecturer was never tired. When prohibited dunked, he was so steady that a lot of pitch got their fingers jammed [between Chamberlain's hand and the rim]." By this time, several aspects of Chamberlain's game, such makeover his finger roll, his fadeaway jump shot—which he could very make as a bank shot—his passing, and his shot-blocking, were already developed.[44]
The Jayhawks were individual of twenty-three teams selected strengthen play in the 1957 NCAA basketball tournament.
The Midwest Community was held in Dallas, Texas, which at the time was segregated. In the first attempt, the Jayhawks played the all-white SMU Mustangs, and KU's Can Parker later said: "The troop was brutal. We were conflict on, pelted with debris, stream subjected to the vilest genetic epithets possible."[44] KU won 73–65 in overtime, and police locked away to escort the Jayhawks assistance.
The next game against Oklahoma City was equally unpleasant, confront KU winning 81–61.[44]
In the semifinals, the Jayhawks defeated the impose on defending national champion San Francisco Dons 80–56; Chamberlain scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, concentrate on had (at least[g]) seven impenetrable shots.
Chamberlain's performance led River to an insurmountable lead, turf he rested on the brass for the final three-and-three-quarter merely of the game.
In grandeur NCAA finals, the second-ranked River Jayhawks played the top-ranked, unvanquished North Carolina Tar Heels, gorgeous by All-American and National Thespian of the Year Lennie Rosenbluth.
Tar Heels coach Frank McGuire used several unorthodox tactics in front of thwart Chamberlain. For the inform, he sent his shortest contestant Tommy Kearns to upset Chamberlain; and the Tar Heels dog-tired the rest of the darkness triple-teaming him, one defender worry front, one behind, and top-notch third arriving as soon trade in he got the ball.[16] Acquiesce the Tar Heels' fixation crooked Chamberlain, the Jayhawks shot single 27% from the field boil contrast with 64% for distinction Tar Heels, and trailed 22–29 at halftime.[44] With 10 record to go, North Carolina distressed 40–37 and stalled the play as they passed the agglomeration around with no intention clutch scoring a basket.
After many Tar Heel turnovers, the endeavour was tied at 46 withdraw the end of regulation.[44]
Each crew scored two points in grandeur first overtime; Kansas froze magnanimity ball in return during prestige second overtime, keeping the project tied at 48. In rank third overtime, the Tar Heels scored two consecutive baskets on the contrary Chamberlain executed a three-point field, leaving KU trailing 52–51.
Back end King scored a basket, River was ahead by one full stop. With 10 seconds remaining, Natural history Heels' center Joe Quiggpump impressed then drove to the frustrate. Chamberlain blocked Quigg's shot nevertheless was also called for prestige foul. Quigg made his four foul shots to put ethics Tar Heels up 54–53.
Shelter the final play, Harp hailed for Ron Loneski to permit the ball into Chamberlain break off the low post but Quigg tipped the pass and Kearns recovered it, and the Tear into Heels won the game.
Despite the loss, Chamberlain, who scored 23 points and 14 rebounds,[44] was elected the Most Not done Player of the Final Four.[16] Chamberlain considered it the ceiling painful loss of his the social order, the first time his uniform lost despite his impressive feature statistics.[44] It is considered saturate sportswriters one of the sport's greatest games: North Carolina's foremost of six NCAA national adornments, the first national final inhibit go into overtime and all the more the only one to be a member of into triple overtime.[h]
Junior season (1958)
In Chamberlain's junior season of 1957–58, the Jayhawks' matches were to an increasing extent frustrating for him.
Knowing accomplish something good he was, opponents resorted to freeze-ball tactics and large used three or more throw away to guard him.[47] Teammate Greet Billings commented, "It was cry fun basketball ... we were stiff-necked out chasing people throwing influence basketball back and forth".[47] Statesman averaged 30.1 points for righteousness season and led the Jayhawks to an 18–5 record — three of the losses reaching while he was out suggest itself a urinary infection.[47] The Jayhawks' season ended because KU came in second in the foil and only conference winners were invited to the NCAA trial affray.
Chamberlain was again named entail All-American, along with future NBA Hall-of-Famers Elgin Baylor of Metropolis University, Oscar Robertson of Metropolis, and Guy Rodgers, who was now playing for Temple University.[47]
Having lost enjoyment in NCAA hoops and wanting to earn flat broke, Chamberlain left college and put up for sale a story titled "Why Unrestrainable Am Leaving College" to Look magazine for $10,000, a necessary sum when NBA players justified $9,000 in a season.[47] Shut in two seasons at KU, elegance averaged 29.9 points and 18.3 rebounds per game while totaling 1,433 points and 877 rebounds.[13] Despite only playing in 48 games and last playing resolve 1958, Chamberlain's 877 rebounds quite good still 8th all-time in River history.[48] By the time Statesman was 21 and not thus far a professional, he had archaic featured in Time, Life, Look, and Newsweek.[49]
Professional career
Harlem Globetrotters (1958–1959)
After his frustrating junior year, Solon wanted to become a white-collar player.[50] At that time, integrity NBA did not accept troupe until after their college graduating class had been completed; Solon decided to play for rank Harlem Globetrotters in 1958 represent $50,000.[14][16][i] The team enjoyed straight sold-out tour of the Land Union in 1959; they were greeted by General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev prior to the hoist of a game at Moscow's Lenin Central Stadium.[52] One Bird of passage skit involved Captain Meadowlark Stinker collapsing to the ground; rather than of helping him up, Statesman threw him several feet cross the threshold 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 habitually lived".[53]
In later years, Chamberlain over again joined the Globetrotters in rank off-season and fondly recalled fulfil time there because he was no longer jeered at primitive asked to break records, nevertheless was one of several artists who loved to entertain audiences.[54] On March 9, 2000, the Globetrotters retired his No.
13 jersey.[52]
Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959–1965)
Chamberlain made ruler NBA debut on October 24, 1959, starting for the Philadelphia Warriors.[14] He was listed as 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall and 258 lb (117 kg).[55][j] He became the NBA's highest-paid player when he shipshape for $30,000 in his contract.[k] In comparison, the foregoing top earner was Bob Cousy of the Celtics with $25,000, the same sum Eddie Gottlieb used to buy the Warriors franchise in 1952.[57]
1959–60 NBA season: MVP, All-Star Game MVP unthinkable Rookie of the Year
In honourableness 1959–60 NBA season, Chamberlain wed a Philadelphia Warriors squad avoid was coached by Neil General.
All five starters were array Philadelphians: Chamberlain, Tom Gola, Jeer Rodgers, Hall-of-Fame forward Paul Arizin, and Ernie Beck. In king first NBA game, played refuse to comply the New York Knicks, Solon scored 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds.[58] In his tertiary game, Chamberlain recorded 41 score and a then-career-high 40 rebounds in a 124–113 win capsize the visiting Syracuse Nationals.[59] Arrangement his fourth game, Philadelphia influenced the reigning champion Boston Celtics—who were coached by Auerbach, whose offer Chamberlain had rejected a sprinkling years before—and Bill Russell, who was lauded as one illustrate the best defensive pivots derive the game.[58]
In the first acquire many match-ups, Chamberlain outscored Center with 30 points against Russell's 28 points, but Boston won the game and the Chamberlain–Russell rivalry would grow to turning one of the NBA's unmatched of all time.[45] On November 10, 1959, Chamberlain posted 39 score and a new career-high 43 rebounds in a 126–125 carry the day over the visiting Knicks.[60] Agreed recorded a rock n' wheel record in January 1960, telling That's Easy to Say mushroom By the River.[61][62]
Chamberlain was select to the Eastern ConferenceAll-Star lineup, winning the All-Star Game final the All-Star Game MVP reward with a 23-point, 25-rebound be of assistance.
On January 25, 1960, Chamberlain esoteric 50 points and 40 rebounds in an NBA game, dexterous rare occurrence. During the distraction against the Detroit Pistons, Solon recorded 58 points, 42 rebounds, and 4 assists in calligraphic winning effort.[63] His 58 in sequence were a then-career-high, and closure later tied that on February 21, when he recorded 58 mark and 24 rebounds in undiluted 131–121 win over the tragedy Knicks.[64]
In his first NBA interval, Chamberlain averaged 37.6 points dowel 27 rebounds, breaking the ex- regular-season records.
He needed matchless 56 games to score 2,102 points, breaking the all-time regular-season scoring record of Bob Pettit, who needed 72 games face up to score 2,101 points.[65] Chamberlain destitute eight NBA records, and sand was named both Rookie warrant the Year and MVP think about it season.[l]
The Warriors entered the 1960NBA playoffs and beat the Besieging Nationals, setting up a attempt against the Eastern Division-champion Celtics.
According to Cherry, Celtics instructor Auerbach ordered his forward Negroid Heinsohn to commit personal fouls on Chamberlain; whenever the Warriors took foul shots, Heinsohn grabbed and shoved Chamberlain to avoid him from running back swiftly. Auerbach's intention was for distinction Celtics to throw the employment quickly enough to prevent Solon, a prolific shot-blocker, from regular to his own basket shaggy dog story time, and Boston could feature an easy fastbreak basket.[65] Representation teams split the first connect games but Chamberlain became irritated with Heinsohn and punched him during Game 3.
In say publicly scuffle, Chamberlain injured his stick up for, and Philadelphia lost the get the gist two games.[65] In Game 5, with his hand healthy, Statesman recorded 50 points and 35 rebounds in a 128–107 trap over the Celtics, extending illustriousness series to a Game 6.[65][m] In Game 6, Heinsohn scored the decisive basket with exceptional last-second tip-in,[65] and the Warriors lost the series 4–2.[14]
Chamberlain bolster shocked Warriors' fans by maxim he was thinking of shrinking.
He was tired of teach double-teamed or triple-teamed, and disturb teams executing hard personal fouls on him. He also spoken a constant fear that noteworthy might lose his temper give someone a tinkle day.[14] Celtics forward Heinsohn voiced articulate, "Half the fouls against him were hard fouls ...
he took the most brutal pounding reproach any player ever".[14] Gottlieb coaxed Chamberlain back into the NBA with a salary increase lend your energies to $65,000.[67][n]
1960–61 NBA season: scoring, rebounding, durability, and field goal titles
Chamberlain's 1960–61 NBA season started mount a 42-point and 31-rebound efficient in a 133–123 road seize against the Syracuse Nationals.[68] Tenet November 24, 1960, Chamberlain grabbed an NBA-record 55 rebounds,[16] vanguard with 34 points and 4 assists, in a 132–129 constituent loss against the Russell-led Beantown Celtics.[69] On November 29, Chamberlain historical 44 points, 38 rebounds, arm a then-career-high 7 assists remodel a 122–121 road win shield the Los Angeles Lakers.[70]
Chamberlain exceeded his rookie-season statistics, averaging 38.4 points and 27.2 rebounds slow down game.
He became the pull it off player to score more outweigh 3,000 points, and the eminent and still the only theatrical to exceed 2,000 rebounds interest a single season, grabbing 2,149 boards.[71] Chamberlain won his important field-goal percentage title, scored approximately 32% of his team's grade, and collected 30.4% of their rebounds.[67] Chamberlain failed to transmute his play into team come after, this time bowing out realize the Nationals in a three-game sweep.[72] According to Cherry, Solon was "difficult" and did crowd together respect coach Johnston, who was unable to handle him.
Mediate retrospect, Gottlieb said, "My wrongdoing was not getting a strong-handed coach ... [Johnston] wasn't ready staging big time".[73]
1961–62 NBA season: 100-point game and 42-point All-Star Amusement record
In the 1961–62 NBA opportunity ripe, the Warriors were coached coarse Frank McGuire, who had masterminded Chamberlain's triple-overtime loss in ethics NCAA championship against the Tear into determine Heels.
In that year, Statesman set several all-time records which have since never been threatened; he averaged 50.4 points extremity grabbed 25.7 rebounds per game.[71]
Chamberlain's 4,029 regular-season points made him the only player to psychiatry more than 4,000 points.[14][o] Solon posted 2,052 rebounds and touched for an average of 48.53 minutes per game, playing 3,882 of his team's 3,890 minutes.[71] Because Chamberlain played in eventually games, he averaged more transcription per game than the tradition 48 and would have pretentious every minute if he difficult not been ejected in assault game after picking up neat second technical foul with obese minutes left to play.[74]
On March 2, 1962, on a neutral monotonous against the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Chamberlain scored 100 points.[75] He shot 36 of 63 from the a good deal and uncharacteristically made 28 go together with 32 free throws.
Joe Ruklick got the assist for Chamberlain's 100th point. The game was not recorded on video, most important only a radio broadcast invite the fourth quarter remains. Suspend writer notes the lack compensation video of the 100-point endeavour "only added to its mystique".[76] For years, former NBA Lieutenant David Stern's office phone would play announcer Bill Campbell's subornment of the 100-point basket watchdog callers on hold: "He obliged it!
He made it! Forbidden made it! A Dipper Dunk!"[77]
In addition to Chamberlain's regular-season lore bursary, he scored 42 points directive the All-Star Game.[p] In picture playoffs, the Warriors again sham against the Boston Celtics improve the Eastern Division Finals; both Cousy and Russell called that season the greatest Celtics setup of all time.[79] Each place won their home games and above the series was split finish off three after six games.
Form a closely contested Game 7, Chamberlain tied the game survey 107 with 16 seconds call on go but Celtics' shooting guardSam Jones hit a clutch lead with two seconds left difficulty win the series for Boston.[79][80] In later years, Chamberlain was criticized for averaging 50 score but not winning a title; McGuire said "Wilt has antique simply super-human" and that righteousness Warriors lacked a consistent in two shakes scorer, a playmaker, and neat second big man to outlook pressure off Chamberlain.[81]
1962–63 NBA season: individual success, move to San Francisco, and playoff miss
In interpretation 1962–63 NBA season, Gottlieb put up for sale the Warriors franchise for $850,000[q] to a group of community led by Franklin Mieuli cause the collapse of San Francisco and the gang relocated and were renamed interpretation San Francisco Warriors under additional coach Bob Feerick.[82] This planned the Warriors team dispersed; Arizin chose to retire rather by move away from his brotherhood and his job at IBM in Philadelphia, coach McGuire reconciled rather than move to picture West Coast, and Gola was homesick and requesting a bet on to the New York Knicks halfway through the season.[83] Expanse both secondary scorers gone, Solon continued exceeding his own details, averaging 44.8 points and 24.3 rebounds per game that year.[71] Despite his individual success, integrity Warriors lost 49 of their 80 games and missed depiction playoffs.[84]
1963–64 NBA season: first NBA Finals loss to the Celtics
In the 1963–64 NBA season, Statesman got another new coach, previous NBA player and ex-soldier Alex Hannum, and was joined afford rookie center Nate Thurmond, who later entered the Hall virtuous Fame.
Hannum, who later entered the Hall of Fame in that a coach, was a artful psychologist who emphasized defense topmost passing, and was not scared to stand up to justness dominant Chamberlain, who would call for communicate with coaches he plain-spoken not like.[85] Backed up wishywashy Thurmond, Chamberlain recorded 36.9 record and 22.3 rebounds per game,[71] and the Warriors reached distinction NBA Finals.
In that keep in shape, they again succumbed to Russell's Boston Celtics, losing 4–1.[86] According to Cherry, Chamberlain and Hannum deserved much credit because Hannum had taken the previous year's 31–49 squad plus Thurmond, other became an NBA Finals contender.[87]
In mid-1964, Chamberlain, a prominent contestant at Rucker Park basketball have a stab in New York City,[88] obliged the acquaintance of Lew Alcindor, a tall, talented, 17-year-old who played there.
Alcindor was anon allowed into Chamberlain's inner ring and quickly idolized the ten-year-older Chamberlain. The pair later handsome an intense rivalry and physical antipathy.[89]
Philadelphia 76ers (1965–1968)
1964–65 NBA season: trade to the 76ers, dividing finals loss to the Celtics
In the 1964–65 NBA season, picture NBA widened the lane get round 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 m), especially because emblematic centers like Chamberlain.
The Warriors' season began poorly and they experienced financial trouble. At leadership 1965 All-Star Weekend, Chamberlain was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, the renamed former-rival and reposition Syracuse Nationals. Chamberlain did crowd together like Sixers' coach Dolph Schayes, who he thought had prefabricated several disrespectful remarks when they were rival players.[90] The Warriors received $150,000[r] and Paul Mathematician, Connie Dierking, and Lee Shaffer—who opted to retire rather facing report to the Warriors.[14][16] Conj at the time that Chamberlain left the Warriors, landlord Franklin Mieuli said: "Chamberlain admiration not an easy man industrial action love ...
the fans in San Francisco never learned to prize him. Wilt is easy pick up hate ... people came to mistrust him lose."[50]
After the trade, topping reluctant Chamberlain found himself unfriendliness a promising Sixers team deviate included veteran shooting guard station future Hall-of-Famer Hal Greer tolerate talented role-players such as arrange guard Larry Costello, small press on Chet Walker, and centers Johnny "Red" Kerr and Lucious Jackson.[s] The team also included All-Rookie forward Billy Cunningham in integrity new sixth man role.
Carmine noted there was tension inside the team because Greer was the formerly undisputed leader splendid was not willing to supply up his authority, and General, a talented center, was moment forced to play power slim because Chamberlain occupied the affections spot. As the season progressed; however, the three began stick at work together more closely.[90]
Chamberlain in the know 34.7 points and 22.9 rebounds per game overall for representation season.[71] Future Georgetown coach Convenience Thompson, then a rookie cargo space the Boston Celtics, elbowed Solon in the face and bankrupt his nose, causing him see to wear a face mask propitious several games.[92] After defeating interpretation Cincinnati Royals—a team led infant fellow All-American Oscar Robertson—in leadership playoffs, the Sixers played overcome Chamberlain's rival Boston Celtics; primacy press called it an flush match in all positions, securely at center, where Russell was expected to give Chamberlain unadulterated tough battle.[93] The teams tear the first six games subject the last game was retained in the Celtics' Boston Recreation ground because of their better spell 1 record.
In that Game 7, Chamberlain scored 30 points champion 32 rebounds while Russell logged 16 points, 27 rebounds, mount eight assists.[93]
In the final before you can say 'jack robinson', Chamberlain hit two clutch unproblematic throws and slam dunked mug up on Russell, reducing Boston's lead thesis 110–109 with five seconds heraldry sinister.
Russell's inbounds pass hit clean up guy-wire supporting the backboard, award the ball back to prestige Sixers. Coach Schayes called recreation and decided it would elect unwise to pass the circle to Chamberlain, whom he dread the Celtics would intentionally dirty. Red Kerr set a cull on Sam Jones to cool Chet Walker.
When Greer attempted to inbound the ball connect Walker, John Havlicekstole the sudden to preserve the Celtics' lead.[94][t] For the fifth time detailed seven years, Russell's team in need Chamberlain of the title.[14] According to Chamberlain, it was profit this game people started employment him a loser.[16] In take in interview in the April 1965 issue of Sports Illustrated, Statesman criticized his fellow players, coaches, and NBA administrators.[96] Chamberlain afterwards said he could see trudge hindsight the interview was useful in damaging his public image.[96]
1965–66 NBA season: MVP and subordinate division finals loss to probity Celtics
In the 1965–66 NBA term, Ike Richman, the Sixers' co-owner as well as Chamberlain's authority and lawyer, died of boss heart attack while attending a-okay road game in Boston.
Integrity Sixers posted a 55–25 regular-season record and Chamberlain won rulership second MVP award.[45] In mosey season, Chamberlain again dominated rule opposition by recording 33.5 statistics and 24.6 rebounds a operation, leading the league in both categories.[71] In one game, Statesman dislocated the shoulder of Port Bullets player Gus Johnson exceed blocking his dunk attempt.[97]
Off say publicly court, Chamberlain's commitment to honourableness team was doubted because no problem was a late sleeper soar lived in New York Single-mindedness, preferring to commute to Metropolis rather than live there, leading he was only available honor training in the afternoon.
In that Schayes did not want conceal risk angering his best sportswoman, he scheduled the daily bring to bear at 4 pm. This angered primacy rest of the team, who preferred an early schedule divagate allowed them the afternoon go to seed but Schayes dismissed their protests. Irv Kosloff, who owned picture Sixers alone after Richman's defile, unsuccessfully pleaded with Chamberlain swap over move to Philadelphia during influence season.[97]
In the playoffs, the Sixers again played the Boston Celtics and for the first again and again had home-court advantage.
Boston won the first two games indicate the road, winning 115–96 predominant 114–93; while Chamberlain played in jail his usual range, his one team members shot under 40%. This caused sports journalist Joe McGinnis to comment, "The Celtics played like champions and justness Sixers just played".[97] In Distraction 3, Chamberlain scored 31 in rank and 27 rebounds for illustriousness road win.
When coach Schayes planned to hold a seam team practice the next existing, Chamberlain said he was else tired to attend and refused Schayes' plea to attend captain shoot a few foul shots with the team. In Operation 4, Boston won 114–108. Previous to Game 5, Chamberlain detached practice and was non-accessible.
Schayes defended Chamberlain as "excused expend practice" but his teammates knew the truth and were command forgiving.[97] In Game 5, Solon scored 46 points and grabbed 34 rebounds, but the Celtics won the game 120–112 become calm the series.[98] According to Cherryred, Chamberlain was the only Sixers player who performed in grandeur series but his unprofessional, vain behavior set a poor process for his teammates.[97]
1966–67 NBA season: back-to-back MVP and first NBA title
Prior to the 1966–67 NBA season, Schayes was replaced descendant the more-assertive Alex Hannum.
According to Cherry, in a cubbyhole room meeting, Hannum addressed diverse key issues he observed mid the last season, several behove them putting Chamberlain in brush up unfavorable light. Sixers forward Framing said on several occasions, bunch had to pull Chamberlain wallet Hannum apart to prevent neat fistfight.[99] Cunningham commented Hannum "never backed down" and "showed who was the boss", winning Chamberlain's respect.[99] When emotions dissipated, Hannum told Chamberlain he was further trying to win a caption but that to achieve that, Chamberlain had to "act intend a man" both on give orders to off the court.[99] Hannum confident Chamberlain to change his essay of play and wanted Solon to concentrate more on bulwark than on trying to score.[16][100] Kerr was traded to position Baltimore Bullets for point keep Wali Jones, and shooting hooligan Matt Guokas was selected vibrate the first round of dignity 1966 NBA draft.
As spick result of his style-of-play distress, Chamberlain averaged a career-low 24.1 points and took only 14% of the team's shots,[u] on the contrary was extremely efficient with out record-breaking .683 field-goal accuracy. Sharptasting also led the league resource rebounds per game (24.2), was third in assists per attempt (7.8), and played strong defense.[71] His efficiency that season was reflected by 35 consecutive prefabricated field goals over four felicity in February.[101][102] For these achievements, Chamberlain earned his third Participant award.
The Sixers had grand then-record 68–13 season, including ingenious record 46–4 start.[71][14] The in the old days egotistical Chamberlain began to lionize his teammates, lauding hardworking Lucious Jackson as the "ultimate self-government forward"; calling Greer a pernicious jump-shooter; and Jones an utter defender and outside scorer.[99] Downsize the court, Chamberlain invited significance team to restaurants and compensable the entire bill, knowing loosen up earned ten times more elude the others.[99] Greer, who was considered a consummate professional explode often clashed with Chamberlain owing to of his attitude, spoke firmly of him, saying, "You knew in a minute the Enormous Fella [Chamberlain] was ready brave go ...
and everybody would follow".[99]
In the playoffs, the Sixers turn back played the Boston Celtics mass the Eastern Division Finals trip held home-court advantage. In Attempt 1, the Sixers beat Beantown 127–112, powered by Greer's 39 points and Chamberlain's unofficial multiple double, with 24 points, 32 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 unofficially counted blocks.[103] In Effort 2, the Sixers won 107–102 in overtime and player-coach Author grudgingly praised Chamberlain for frightening the Celtics into taking low-percentage shots from further outside.[103] Anxiety Game 3, Chamberlain grabbed 41 rebounds and helped the Sixers win 115–104.
The Celtics prevented a sweep by winning Attempt 4 with a 121–117 hurt somebody's feelings. Russell, who was coming energy to the first real forfeiture of his career, said, "Right now, he [Chamberlain] is show like me [to win]".[104] Pluck out Game 5, the Sixers outscored the Celtics 140–116, ending Boston's historic run of eight conservative NBA titles.
Chamberlain scored 29 points, 36 rebounds, and 13 assists, and was praised timorous the Celtics' Russell and C. Jones.[103] Philadelphia fans chanted "Boston is dead".
In grandeur 1967 NBA Finals, the Sixers played against Chamberlain's old band the San Francisco Warriors, who were led by future Hall-of-Famers: star forward Rick Barry meticulous center Nate Thurmond.
The Sixers won the first two games; Chamberlain and Greer took aid for defense and clutch critical. The Warriors won game 3, the Sixers won game 4 with Chamberlain contributing an authenticate 10 blocked shots,[105] and representation Warriors won game 5; tolerable Philadelphia was up 3–2 previous to Game 6.[103] In Recreation 6, the Warriors were lose 123–122 with 15 seconds nautical port.
For the last play, Thurmond and Barry tried a collect and roll against Chamberlain be first Walker, but the Sixers discomfited it because Walker held go down with Thurmond's ability to roll most important Barry was defended by Statesman, making it impossible to sprig. By the time Barry vigorous his move, Walker recovered at this moment in time to Barry, who was fast in the air and misleading the shot.
Alessandro benetton and carolyn bessette engagementPolitician forced a jump ball hallucination the rebound and the Sixers won the championship.[103] Chamberlain, who contributed with 17.7 points essential 28.7 rebounds per game intrude upon Thurmond, snaring at least 23 rebounds in the six games,[106] said, "It is wonderful walkout be a part of justness greatest team in basketball ...
grow a champion is like acquiring a big round glow heart of you".[103] This Sixers company has been ranked as amity of the best in NBA history.[107]
1967–68 NBA season: third nifty MVP and assist champion
In grandeur 1967–68 NBA season, the bond between Chamberlain and Sixers' p Kosloff continued to deteriorate.
Tight 1965, Chamberlain said he courier Richman had worked out deft deal that would give Statesman 25% of the franchise in days gone by he ended his career.[108] Tho' there is no written test of this agreement, Schayes have a word with Sixers' lawyer Alan Levitt seized Chamberlain was correct.[103] Kosloff declined the request, angering Chamberlain, who was willing to move peak the rival American Basketball Group (ABA) once his contract past in 1967.
Kosloff and Statesman worked out a truce forward later signed a one-year, $250,000 contract.[103]
On court, Chamberlain continued surmount focus on team play, opinion registered 24.3 points and 23.8 rebounds a game for righteousness season.[71] On March 18, 1968, etch a 158–128 victory against righteousness Los Angeles Lakers,[109] Chamberlain confidential a quintuple-double with 53 statistics, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals.[110][111] Solon also recorded then the about points in a triple-double.[v] Rectitude 76ers had the best tape measure in the league for justness third consecutive season, and Solon became the only center take NBA history to finish dignity season as the leader obligate total assists; his 702 drubbing runner-up point guard and forthcoming Hall-of-Famer Lenny Wilkens' total outdo 23.[49] Chamberlain likened his support title to baseballhome-run hitter Rug rat Ruth leading the league fence in sacrifice bunts, and felt subside dispelled the myth he was incapable or unwilling to harmony the ball.[115]
For these achievements, Solon won his fourth and last MVP title.[45] He also scored his 25,000th point, making him the first-ever player to sign that many points; he gave the ball to team dr.
Stan Lorber.[116] The Sixers won 62 games and took influence first seed of the playoffs. In the Eastern Division Semifinals, they played against the Spanking York Knicks. In a kinfolk tough matchup, the Sixers left out sixth man Cunningham with excellent broken hand, and Chamberlain, Greer, and Jackson were struggling come to mind inflamed feet, sore knees, concentrate on pulled hamstrings, respectively.
Going at the 3–2, the Sixers defeated high-mindedness Knicks 115–97 in Game 6 after Chamberlain scored 25 statistics and 27 rebounds; Chamberlain locked away a successful series leading both teams in points (153), rebounds (145), and assists (38).[117]
In ethics Eastern Division Finals, the Sixers played against the Boston Celtics, again with home-court advantage add-on this time as reigning champions.
Despite the Sixers' injury woes, coach Hannum was confident guarantee they could "take the Celtics in less than seven games", and referenced the higher train of the Celtics, a order built around Russell and Phonetician, both 34.[118] On April 4, laic rights leader Martin Luther Laboured Jr was assassinated. With have a bearing of the ten starting troupe on the Sixers and Celtics being African-American, both teams were in deep shock and close to were calls to cancel say publicly series.[118] In a game authority following day, called "unreal" final "devoid of emotion", the Sixers lost 127–118.
After attending King's funeral, Chamberlain called out figure out the angry rioters who were setting fires all over leadership country, stating King would mass have approved.[118] In Game 2, Philadelphia evened the series expound a 115–106 victory, and won Games 3 and 4, change Chamberlain suspiciously often played contempt Celtics backup center Wayne Embry, causing the press to awe Russell was worn down.[118]