First, congratulations to KING Lebron James on becoming the all-time NBA scoring leader. He will probably end his career with 48,000 points in his career. While the KING may now hold that record, it is only fitting that I speak on the record-breaking KING of the NBA, Wilt Chamberlain. With 72 records maintained and 68 by him alone, Wilt Chamberlain is the second most dominant player in the history of the NBA. On Shaq: The Rookie Season, Shaquille O’Neal declares Wilt Chamberlain is one of the most dominant players in the history of the NBA. Let us reflect on a few of Chamberlain’s records:
- 50.4 points per game season (1962)
- 100 points in a single game (03/02/1962)
- 48.5 minutes per game for the season (1961-1962)
- 55 rebounds in a single game (11/24/1960)
- 4,209 points scored in a season (1961-1962)
We can not forget that Chamberlain achieved all this while being forced to enter EVERY arena, stadium, and gym from the back entrance, as all black people were required to do by law. Also, Chamberlain was called out for not joining the legendary Cleveland Summit. Nevertheless, this is about Wilt Chamberlain’s on-court achievements. Chamberlain’s strength and dedication led him to bench press an impressive 500 lbs. As I mentioned in the five records above, Wilt Chamberlain’s skill set and accomplishments are documented in the NBA history books.
Chamberlain excelled at track, field, and volleyball. Chamberlain’s most dominant sport and healthiest resume is undoubtedly basketball. The anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game, originally played and celebrated in Hershey, PA, is coming upon its 61st horizon. The truth is that it is time to give Chamberlain and his numerous records the attention they deserve. The NBA basketball icon holds many records at no risk of being broken, giving us a reason to celebrate his athletic prowess and memorable on-court moments. Chamberlain’s records include fierce battles with other icons in the same era, Bill Russell (RIP) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and many other achievements in the National Basketball Association. Many know of Chamberlain’s off-court facts and myths. However, compared to his long-held records, it concludes that Chamberlain is the NBA’s KING of records.
There is a strong need for people to question why Chamberlain’s on-court achievements are not celebrated the same as those of the GREAT Bill Russell and the GREAT Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Wilt Chamberlain’s resume speaks for itself, and he has some impressive records that are considered unbreakable. It would be advantageous to the current NBA Players Association to push Wilt Chamberlain’s on-court achievements to be held in esteem. Humans make mistakes, yet, Wilt Chamberlain made very few mistakes on the basketball court, so WHY NOT WILT?