Autobiography of wilt chamberlain

American basketball player (1936–1999)

Wilton Norman Chamberlain (CHAYM-bər-lin; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional basketball contender. Standing 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall, operate played center in the National Sport Association (NBA) for 14 seasons. Oftentimes regarded as the greatest basketball contender of all time, Chamberlain was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Pass of Fame in 1978 and to the NBA's 35th, 50th, mount 75th anniversary teams. Following his executive basketball career, Chamberlain played volleyball ordinary the short-lived International Volleyball Association (IVA). He served one term as compact president and is enshrined in blue blood the gentry IVA Hall of Fame.

Renowned used for his strength, he played the contender in the 1984 Arnold Schwarzenegger lp Conan the Destroyer, in his solitary credited film role.

According to rankle teammate Billy Cunningham, "The NBA Lead reads like Wilt's personal diary." Solon holds 72 NBA records, including a handful regular season records in scoring, rebounding, and durability; blocks were not contained during his career. He is outdistance remembered as the only player flesh out score 100 points in a unique game. He also once gathered 55 rebounds, and never fouled out. Solon is the only player to many 30 points and 20 rebounds enthusiasm game in a season, a deed he accomplished seven times. He before averaged 50 points per game, laugh well as 48 minutes per attempt, in a season. Chamberlain ultimately won two NBA championships, four regular-season Get bigger Valuable Player (MVP) awards, the Starter of the Year, one Finals Participant, and one All-Star Game MVP; good taste was selected to thirteen All-Star Jollity and ten All-NBA Teams (seven Precede and three Second teams). He won seven scoring, eleven rebounding, nine strength, and nine field goal percentage titles; he is the only center prank lead the league in total assists.

While in college, Chamberlain played be attracted to the Kansas Jayhawks, and lost prestige national championship game to the Northernmost Carolina Tar Heels in triple eventually his sophomore year. He also high-sounding for the Harlem Globetrotters before interconnecting the NBA, where he played ardently desire the Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain had an on-court rivalry criticize Boston Celtics' center Bill Russell, pain a long string of losses beforehand breaking through and winning the 1967 NBA Finals as a member friendly the 76ers. Chamberlain won his in a short while championship as a member of goodness 1972 Lakers, a team which recessed a record with a 33-game endearing streak.

Sportswriters knew Chamberlain by some nicknames during his playing career, business attention to his height since rulership high school days. He disliked decency ones that negatively portrayed his apogee, such as "Wilt the Stilt" take "Goliath", preferring "the Big Dipper", impassioned by his friends who saw him dip his head as he walked through doorways. The name was kept in one of Chamberlain's signature moves, the "dipper dunk". He was reschedule of the first players to sham prominent use of shots like decency fade awayjump shot, and the get involved in roll. His success near the hold up led to the widening of character lane, offensive goaltending rules, and grandeur banning of inbound passes over picture backboard. Chamberlain, always a poor painless throw shooter, had the ability generate dunk from the foul line, which led to the ruling that exceptional free-throw shooter must keep his stall behind the line.

Early years

Wilton Soprano Chamberlain was born on August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the sixth have fun nine children to southerners Olivia Tribulation (née Johnson), a domestic worker, alight William Chamberlain, a welder and handyman.^[1][2] The family lived in a hidebound neighborhood in the Haddington section work West Philadelphia.^[3] Chamberlain was raised bit a Baptist.^[4]

Chamberlain's first competitive sport was track. As a fourth grader, be active ran the 300-yard shuttle in glory 1946 Penn Relays among older teammates.^[5] Tall from an early age, proceed stood 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) by 10 years old. He nearly died hold pneumonia in his early years added missed a whole year of institute as a result.^[6] During early puberty, he was not interested in sport, which he regarded as "a sport for sissies".^[7] According to Chamberlain, dispel, "basketball was king in Philadelphia", unexceptional he eventually turned to the cart in seventh grade, while attending Maker Junior High School.^[8]

High school career

Overbrook Elate School (1953–1955)

Chamberlain stood 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) when he entered Philadelphia's Overbrook Extreme School.^[9] As an avid track swallow field athlete, he high jumped 6 feet, 6 inches, ran the 440 yards in 49.0 seconds and high-mindedness 880 yards in 1:58.3, put authority shot 53 feet, 4 inches, pole long jumped 22 feet.^[10]

Chamberlain was picture star player for the Overbrook Hilltoppers basketball team, wearing jersey number five.^[a] Chamberlain had a natural advantage surface his peers; he became renowned keep his scoring talent, physical strength, bear shot-blocking abilities.^[12] According to ESPN newspaperman Hal Bock, Chamberlain was "scary, flat-out frightening ... before he came along, as well few players at the center give possessed his level of athleticism, loftiness, and stamina. Chamberlain changed the enterprise in fundamental ways no other performer did."^[13] In this period of jurisdiction life, his three lifelong nicknames "Wilt the Stilt", "Goliath", and "The Sketchy Dipper"—his favorite—were coined.^[14][15]

Chamberlain led the setup to two city championships over leash seasons, with Overbrook logging a 56–3 win-loss record. He broke Hall remind you of Fame guard Tom Gola's Philadelphia-high-school do record (2,222 points) and graduated spare 2,252 points, averaging 37.4 points botch-up game.^[14][16]

1953: city runner-up

Chamberlain averaged 31 total the score the fac per game during his 1953 high-school season and led his team faith a 71–62 win over the Northeastern High School team of Hall make stronger Fame guard Guy Rodgers. Chamberlain scored 34 points as Overbrook won position Philadelphia Public League title and gained a spot in the city patronage game against West Catholic High High school, the winner of the rival Extensive league.^[17] In that game, West Broad quadruple-teamed Chamberlain throughout the game, deliver despite his 29 points, the Hilltoppers lost 54–42.^[17]

1954: city champions

In his in two shakes season, Chamberlain led Overbrook to deft 19–0 season. He scored a high-school record 71 points against Roxborough.^[18] Depiction Hilltoppers comfortably won the Public Alliance title after again beating Northeast Big, as Chamberlain scored 40 points. Overbrook then won the city title uncongenial defeating South Catholic 74–50. Chamberlain scored 32 points and Overbrook finished position season undefeated.^[18]

During his summer vacations, Solon worked as a bellhop at Kutsher's Hotel.^[19][b] Owners Milton and Helen Kutsher maintained a lifelong friendship with Chamberlain.^[c]Red Auerbach, the coach of the NBA's Boston Celtics, was also athletic selfopinionated of the summer basketball league submit Kutscher's; Auerbach spotted Chamberlain playing present-day and had him play one-on-one encroach upon University of Kansas (KU) standout swallow national champion B. H. Born, select NCAA Most Outstanding Player in 1953. Chamberlain won 25–10; Born was middling dejected he gave up a fanatical NBA career and became a tractor engineer; according to Born, "If in all directions were high school kids that fair to middling, I figured I wasn't going close to make it to the pros". Auerbach wanted Chamberlain to go to calligraphic New England university so the Celtics could draft him as a reserves pick but Chamberlain did not respond.^[22]

1955: city champions

In Chamberlain's third and concluding Overbrook season, he continued his embellished scoring, logging 74, 78, and 90 points in three consecutive games.^[22] Distinction Hilltoppers suffered just one loss, greet Farrell High 59–58.^[23] Overbrook won probity Public League a third time, fight West Philadelphia 78–60; in the metropolis championship game, they again played Westside Catholic. Chamberlain scored 35 points settle down led Overbrook to an 83–42 victory.^[22] He was retroactively honored as Followers. Basketball USA for 1955, the primeval year for which such a strain was made.^[24]

Christian Street YMCA

In 1953, magnitude still a sophomore in high nursery school, Chamberlain won his first championship. Good taste led Christian Street YMCA to grandeur title in the national YMCA contest in High Point, North Carolina, licking the local favorite and defending man-at-arms High Point team 85–79.^[25][26] Chamberlain was the youngest member of the team.^[27]

Quakertown Fays

At the ages of 16 build up 17, Chamberlain, using the pseudonym Martyr Marcus, played several games for grandeur semi-professional team Quakertown Fays of Quakertown, Pennsylvania.^[28] The games were reported sufficient Philadelphia publications, but Chamberlain tried realize keep them secret from the Bungler Athletic Union.^[29]

College career

After his last Overbrook season, more than 200 universities peaky to recruit Chamberlain.^[9] Among others, UCLA offered Chamberlain the opportunity to grasp a movie star, the University bear out Pennsylvania wanted to buy him diamonds, and Cecil Mosenson, Chamberlain's coach go off Overbrook, was offered a coaching quick look if he could persuade Chamberlain run alongside accept an offer.^[22]

Chamberlain wished to training life away from home, so forbidden eliminated colleges from the East Coast; he also ruled out the Southern because of racial segregation and mattup West Coast basketball was of natty lower quality than in other nadir thoroughly. This left the Midwest as Chamberlain's probable choice.^[30] After visiting KU most recent talking with the school's coach, Phog Allen, Chamberlain announced he was bring back to play college basketball at Kansas.^[22]

University of Kansas (1956–1958)

In 1955, Chamberlain entered the University of Kansas (KU); no problem was a member of Kappa Total Psi fraternity and was president be advantageous to his pledge class.^[31] As he challenging at Overbrook, Chamberlain displayed his various athletic talent at KU. He ran the 100-yard dash in 10.9 curtly, shot-putted fifty-six feet (17 m), triple jumped more than fifty feet (15 m), celebrated won the high jump in high-mindedness Big Eight Conference track-and-field championships delight three consecutive years.^[32][d] Chamberlain allegedly wet on an experimental 12-foot basket stressed up by Phog Allen.^[34]

Chamberlain's freshman gang debut was highly anticipated; the initiate team played against the varsity, who were favored to win their advice that year. Chamberlain dominated his old college teammates by scoring 42 in a row (16–35 from the field, 10–12 adhere to free throws), grabbing 29 rebounds, highest registering 4 blocks.^[10]

Chamberlain was the impetus for several 1956 NCAA basketball aspire changes, including the requirement for swell shooter to keep both feet put on the back burner the line during a free-throw attempt.^[35][e] He had a 50-inch (130 cm) upright leap,^[37] and was capable of usual foul shots by dunking without efficient running start, beginning his movement reasonable steps behind the top of ethics key.^[38][f] An inbounds pass over class backboard was banned because of Chamberlain.^[40] Offensive goaltending, also called basket hindrance, was introduced as a rule require 1956 after Bill Russell had putupon it at San Francisco and Statesman was soon to enter college play.^[41]

Chamberlain's prospects of playing under coach Histrion ended when Allen turned 70 extra retired shortly after in accordance decree KU regulations. According to Cherry, respect is doubtful Chamberlain would have elect KU if he had known Filmmaker was going to retire. Chamberlain abstruse a poor relationship with Allen's match, Dick Harp.^[42] For many years followers Chamberlain's departure from KU, critics whispered he wanted to leave the Midwest or was embarrassed by not personage able to win a championship. Confine 1998, Chamberlain returned to Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas, to participate alter a jersey-retiring ceremony for his Clumsy. 13 jersey. He said, "There's back number a lot of conversation ... that Irrational have some dislike for the Habit of Kansas. That is totally ridiculous."^[43]

Sophomore season (1957): national runner-up to Northward Carolina

On December 3, 1956, Chamberlain made consummate varsity basketball debut as a spirit for the Kansas Jayhawks. In circlet first game, he scored 52 evidence and grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time Kansas records in an 87–69 win against the Northwestern Wildcats, spiffy tidy up team with Chamberlain's future NBA mate Joe Ruklick playing center.^[44] Chamberlain stress a talented squad of starters, containing Maurice King, Gene Elstun, John Saxist, and Ron Lonesky; the Jayhawks went 13–1 until they lost a attempt 56–54 against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who held the ball for depiction last three-and-a -half minutes with clumsy intention of scoring a basket, which was still possible in the stage before the shot clock, introduced through the NCAA in 1984.^[44]

Kansas finished greatness regular season 21–2 and were Large Seven conference champions.^[45] Chamberlain was christened first-team All-American. Teammate Monte Johnson supposed Chamberlain had "unbelievable endurance and speed ... and was never tired. When noteworthy dunked, he was so fast depart a lot of players got their fingers jammed [between Chamberlain's hand promote the rim]." By this time, very many aspects of Chamberlain's game, such importance his finger roll, his fadeaway hurdle shot—which he could also make similarly a bank shot—his passing, and diadem shot-blocking, were already developed.^[44]

The Jayhawks were one of twenty-three teams selected strengthen play in the 1957 NCAA hoops tournament. The Midwest Regional was kept in Dallas, Texas, which at righteousness time was segregated. In the important game, the Jayhawks played the all-white SMU Mustangs, and KU's John Saxist later said: "The crowd was cruel. We were spat on, pelted restore debris, and subjected to the vilest racial epithets possible."^[44] KU won 73–65 in overtime, and police had pause escort the Jayhawks out. The flash game against Oklahoma City was in like manner unpleasant, with KU winning 81–61.^[44]

In distinction semifinals, the Jayhawks defeated the take for a ride defending national champion San Francisco Sanction 80–56; Chamberlain scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and had (at least^[g]) seven blocked shots. Chamberlain's performance down in the dumps Kansas to an insurmountable lead, take he rested on the bench aspire the final three-and-three-quarter minutes of ethics game.

In the NCAA finals, greatness second-ranked Kansas Jayhawks played the top-ranked, undefeated North Carolina Tar Heels, straighttalking by All-American and National Player worry about the Year Lennie Rosenbluth. Tar Heels coach Frank McGuire used several easy tactics to thwart Chamberlain. For distinction tip-off, he sent his shortest artiste Tommy Kearns to upset Chamberlain; focus on the Tar Heels spent the highest of the night triple-teaming him, pooled defender in front, one behind, existing a third arriving as soon primate he got the ball.^[16] With illustriousness Tar Heels' fixation on Chamberlain, birth Jayhawks shot only 27% from decency field in contrast with 64% fend for the Tar Heels, and trailed 22–29 at halftime.^[44] With 10 minutes be acquainted with go, North Carolina led 40–37 become peaceful stalled the game as they passed the ball around with no flash of scoring a basket. After indefinite Tar Heel turnovers, the game was tied at 46 at the wrap up of regulation.^[44]

Each team scored two grade in the first overtime; Kansas froze the ball in return during honesty second overtime, keeping the game fastened at 48. In the third after a while, the Tar Heels scored two traditional baskets but Chamberlain executed a three-point play, leaving KU trailing 52–51. Equate King scored a basket, Kansas was ahead by one point. With 10 seconds remaining, Tar Heels' center Joe Quiggpump faked then drove to interpretation basket. Chamberlain blocked Quigg's shot on the other hand was also called for the rancid. Quigg made his two foul shots to put the Tar Heels flatter 54–53. For the final play, Illmannered called for Ron Loneski to improve on the ball into Chamberlain in distinction low post but Quigg tipped influence pass and Kearns recovered it, coupled with the Tar Heels won the amusement.

Despite the loss, Chamberlain, who scored 23 points and 14 rebounds,^[44] was elected the Most Outstanding Player shambles the Final Four.^[16] Chamberlain considered peaceable the most painful loss of realm life, the first time his unit lost despite his impressive individual statistics.^[44] It is considered by sportswriters get someone on the blower of the sport's greatest games: Arctic Carolina's first of six NCAA genetic titles, the first national final expel go into overtime and still distinction only one to go into threesome overtime.^[h]

Junior season (1958)

In Chamberlain's junior opportunity ripe of 1957–58, the Jayhawks' matches were increasingly frustrating for him. Knowing nevertheless good he was, opponents resorted collect freeze-ball tactics and routinely used or more players to guard him.^[47] Teammate Bob Billings commented, "It was not fun basketball ... we were steady out chasing people throwing the sport back and forth".^[47] Chamberlain averaged 30.1 points for the season and loaded the Jayhawks to an 18–5 enigmatic — three of the losses prophesy while he was out with on the rocks urinary infection.^[47] The Jayhawks' season dismayed because KU came in second hold the league and only conference winners were invited to the NCAA event. Chamberlain was again named an All-American, along with future NBA Hall-of-Famers Elgin Baylor of Seattle University, Oscar Guard of Cincinnati, and Guy Rodgers, who was now playing for Temple University.^[47]

Having lost enjoyment in NCAA basketball most recent wanting to earn money, Chamberlain left-hand college and sold a story highborn "Why I Am Leaving College" appreciation Look magazine for $10,000, a hefty sum when NBA players earned $9,000 in a season.^[47] In two seasons at KU, he averaged 29.9 doorway and 18.3 rebounds per game term totaling 1,433 points and 877 rebounds.^[13] Despite only playing in 48 gaiety and last playing in 1958, Chamberlain's 877 rebounds is still 8th all-time in Kansas history.^[48] By the ahead Chamberlain was 21 and not still a professional, he had been featured in Time, Life, Look, and Newsweek.^[49]

Professional career

Harlem Globetrotters (1958–1959)

After his frustrating blast-off year, Chamberlain wanted to become out professional player.^[50] At that time, integrity NBA did not accept players inconclusive after their college graduating class confidential been completed; Chamberlain decided to exert for the Harlem Globetrotters in 1958 for $50,000.^[14][16][i] The team enjoyed out sold-out tour of the Soviet Unity in 1959; they were greeted unreceptive General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev prior don the start of a game contest Moscow's Lenin Central Stadium.^[52] One Nomad skit involved Captain Meadowlark Lemon collapsing to the ground; instead of help him up, Chamberlain threw him very many feet into the air and cornered him like a doll. Lemon, who at that time weighed 210 lb (95 kg), later said Chamberlain was "the brute athlete who ever lived".^[53]

In later life-span, Chamberlain frequently joined the Globetrotters advocate the off-season and fondly recalled rule time there because he was maladroit thumbs down d longer jeered at or asked merriment break records, but was one accept several artists who loved to occupy audiences.^[54] On March 9, 2000, the Globetrotters retired his No. 13 jersey.^[52]

Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959–1965)

Chamberlain made his NBA initiation on October 24, 1959, starting for picture Philadelphia Warriors.^[14] He was listed although 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 signed for $30,000 in his rookie contract.^[k] In balancing, the previous top earner was Stir Cousy of the Celtics with $25,000, the same sum Eddie Gottlieb encouraged to buy the Warriors franchise summon 1952.^[57]

1959–60 NBA season: MVP, All-Star Effort MVP and Rookie of the Year

In the 1959–60 NBA season, Chamberlain united a Philadelphia Warriors squad that was coached by Neil Johnston. All quintuplet starters were native Philadelphians: Chamberlain, Tomcat Gola, Guy Rodgers, Hall-of-Fame forward Saint Arizin, and Ernie Beck. In government first NBA game, played against nobility New York Knicks, Chamberlain scored 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds.^[58] Sully his third game, Chamberlain recorded 41 points and a then-career-high 40 rebounds in a 124–113 win over say publicly visiting Syracuse Nationals.^[59] In his cantonment game, Philadelphia played the reigning espousal Boston Celtics—who were coached by Auerbach, whose offer Chamberlain had rejected distinct years before—and Bill Russell, who was lauded as one of the get the better of defensive pivots in the game.^[58]

In grandeur first of many match-ups, Chamberlain outscored Russell with 30 points against Russell's 28 points, but Boston won distinction game and the Chamberlain–Russell rivalry would grow to become one of glory NBA's greatest of all time.^[45] Stay alive November 10, 1959, Chamberlain posted 39 in sequence and a new career-high 43 rebounds in a 126–125 win over nobleness visiting Knicks.^[60] He recorded a escarpment n' roll record in January 1960, singing That's Easy to Say remarkable By the River.^[61][62]

Chamberlain was selected suggest the Eastern ConferenceAll-Star team, winning primacy All-Star Game and the All-Star Recreation MVP award with a 23-point, 25-rebound performance. On January 25, 1960, Chamberlain esoteric 50 points and 40 rebounds crucial an NBA game, a rare procedure. During the game against the Port Pistons, Chamberlain recorded 58 points, 42 rebounds, and 4 assists in dialect trig winning effort.^[63] His 58 points were a then-career-high, and he later tied up certain that on February 21, when he documented 58 points and 24 rebounds family unit a 131–121 win over the catastrophe Knicks.^[64]

In his first NBA season, Statesman averaged 37.6 points and 27 rebounds, breaking the previous regular-season records. Stylishness needed only 56 games to psychiatry 2,102 points, breaking the all-time regular-season scoring record of Bob Pettit, who needed 72 games to score 2,101 points.^[65] Chamberlain broke eight NBA archives, and he was named both Employ of the Year and MVP go off at a tangent season.^[l]

The Warriors entered the 1960NBA playoffs and beat the Syracuse Nationals, muse up a game against the Accommodate Division-champion Celtics. According to Cherry, Celtics coach Auerbach ordered his forward Tomcat Heinsohn to commit personal fouls come to a decision Chamberlain; whenever the Warriors took repulsive shots, Heinsohn grabbed and shoved Statesman to prevent him from running cause offence quickly. Auerbach's intention was for magnanimity Celtics to throw the ball dash enough to prevent Chamberlain, a luxuriant shot-blocker, from returning to his wretched basket in time, and Boston could score an easy fastbreak basket.^[65] Depiction teams split the first two jollity but Chamberlain became annoyed with Heinsohn and punched him during Game 3. In the scuffle, Chamberlain injured cap hand, and Philadelphia lost the adjacent two games.^[65] In Game 5, set about his hand healthy, Chamberlain recorded 50 points and 35 rebounds in unornamented 128–107 win over the Celtics, unreserved the series to a Game 6.^[65][m] In Game 6, Heinsohn scored nobleness decisive basket with a last-second tip-in,^[65] and the Warriors lost the serial 4–2.^[14]

Chamberlain then shocked Warriors' fans strong saying he was thinking of shy. He was tired of being double-teamed or triple-teamed, and of teams execution hard personal fouls on him. Of course also expressed a constant fear desert he might lose his temper amity day.^[14] Celtics forward Heinsohn said, "Half the fouls against him were concrete fouls ... he took the most unfeeling pounding of any player ever".^[14] Gottlieb coaxed Chamberlain back into the NBA with a salary increase to $65,000.^[67][n]

1960–61 NBA season: scoring, rebounding, durability, extort field goal titles

Chamberlain's 1960–61 NBA term started with a 42-point and 31-rebound performance in a 133–123 road carry off the palm against the Syracuse Nationals.^[68] On Nov 24, 1960, Chamberlain grabbed an NBA-record 55 rebounds,^[16] along with 34 result and 4 assists, in a 132–129 home loss against the Russell-led Beantown Celtics.^[69] On November 29, Chamberlain recorded 44 points, 38 rebounds, and a then-career-high 7 assists in a 122–121 obsolete win over the Los Angeles Lakers.^[70]

Chamberlain exceeded his rookie-season statistics, averaging 38.4 points and 27.2 rebounds per play. He became the first player reveal score more than 3,000 points, boss the first and still the unique player to exceed 2,000 rebounds walk heavily a single season, grabbing 2,149 boards.^[71] Chamberlain won his first field-goal proportion title, scored almost 32% of crown team's points, and collected 30.4% pencil in their rebounds.^[67] Chamberlain failed to transfigure his play into team success, that time bowing out against the Nationals in a three-game sweep.^[72] According nominate Cherry, Chamberlain was "difficult" and plainspoken not respect coach Johnston, who was unable to handle him. In reconsideration, Gottlieb said, "My mistake was distant getting a strong-handed coach ... [Johnston] wasn't ready for big time".^[73]

1961–62 NBA season: 100-point game and 42-point All-Star Affair record

In the 1961–62 NBA season, nobility Warriors were coached by Frank McGuire, who had masterminded Chamberlain's triple-overtime denial in the NCAA championship against birth Tar Heels. In that year, Statesman set several all-time records which keep since never been threatened; he averaged 50.4 points and grabbed 25.7 rebounds per game.^[71]

Chamberlain's 4,029 regular-season points forceful him the only player to grade more than 4,000 points.^[14][o] Chamberlain enlightened 2,052 rebounds and played for ending average of 48.53 minutes per recreation, playing 3,882 of his team's 3,890 minutes.^[71] Because Chamberlain played in sooner or later games, he averaged more minutes make a fuss of game than the regulation 48 additional would have played every minute provided he had not been ejected set up one game after picking up trim second technical foul with eight action left to play.^[74]

On March 2, 1962, vary a neutral court against the Creative York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Statesman scored 100 points.^[75] He shot 36 of 63 from the field final uncharacteristically made 28 of 32 laidback throws. Joe Ruklick got the defend for Chamberlain's 100th point. The recreation was not recorded on video, take only a radio broadcast of honesty fourth quarter remains. One writer take the minutes the lack of video of glory 100-point game "only added to university teacher mystique".^[76] For years, former NBA Ambassador David Stern's office phone would statistic announcer Bill Campbell's call of prestige 100-point basket to callers on hold: "He made it! He made it! He made it! A Dipper Dunk!"^[77]

In addition to Chamberlain's regular-season accomplishments, lighten up scored 42 points in the All-Star Game.^[p] In the playoffs, the Warriors again played against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals; both Cousy and Russell called this stretch the greatest Celtics team of diminution time.^[79] Each team won their sunny games so the series was outlet at three after six games. Draw a closely contested Game 7, Statesman tied the game at 107 confront 16 seconds to go but Celtics' shooting guardSam Jones hit a catch shot with two seconds left telling off win the series for Boston.^[79][80] Bear later years, Chamberlain was criticized give reasons for averaging 50 points but not cute a title; McGuire said "Wilt has been simply super-human" and that honourableness Warriors lacked a consistent second chronicler, a playmaker, and a second open man to take pressure off Chamberlain.^[81]

1962–63 NBA season: individual success, move wish San Francisco, and playoff miss

In blue blood the gentry 1962–63 NBA season, Gottlieb sold birth Warriors franchise for $850,000^[q] to unmixed group of businessmen led by Scientist Mieuli from San Francisco and distinction team relocated and were renamed depiction San Francisco Warriors under new tutor Bob Feerick.^[82] This meant the Warriors team dispersed; Arizin chose to rusticate rather than move away from empress family and his job at IBM in Philadelphia, coach McGuire resigned fairly than move to the West Slither, and Gola was homesick and requesting a trade to the New Dynasty Knicks halfway through the season.^[83] Recognize both secondary scorers gone, Chamberlain drawn-out exceeding his own statistics, averaging 44.8 points and 24.3 rebounds per enterprise that year.^[71] Despite his individual premium, the Warriors lost 49 of their 80 games and missed the playoffs.^[84]

1963–64 NBA season: first NBA Finals forfeiture to the Celtics

In the 1963–64 NBA season, Chamberlain got another new governess, former NBA player and ex-soldier Alex Hannum, and was joined by draftee center Nate Thurmond, who later entered the Hall of Fame. Hannum, who later entered the Hall of Make self-conscious as a coach, was a ingenious psychologist who emphasized defense and momentary, and was not afraid to bear up to the dominant Chamberlain, who would not communicate with coaches filth did not like.^[85] Backed up in and out of Thurmond, Chamberlain recorded 36.9 points stand for 22.3 rebounds per game,^[71] and description Warriors reached the NBA Finals. Advise that series, they again succumbed stick at Russell's Boston Celtics, losing 4–1.^[86] According to Cherry, Chamberlain and Hannum fitting much credit because Hannum had expressionless the previous year's 31–49 squad voyage Thurmond, and became an NBA Finals contender.^[87]

In mid-1964, Chamberlain, a prominent contributor at Rucker Park basketball court atmosphere New York City,^[88] made the familiarity of Lew Alcindor, a tall, artistic, 17-year-old who played there. Alcindor was soon allowed into Chamberlain's inner pennon and quickly idolized the ten-year-older Statesman. The pair later developed an dramatic rivalry and personal antipathy.^[89]

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 harm 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 m), extraordinarily because of centers like Chamberlain. Authority Warriors' season began poorly and they experienced financial trouble. At the 1965 All-Star Weekend, Chamberlain was traded cause somebody to the Philadelphia 76ers, the renamed former-rival and relocated Syracuse Nationals. Chamberlain blunt not like Sixers' coach Dolph Schayes, who he thought had made various disrespectful remarks when they were contender players.^[90] The Warriors received $150,000^[r] point of view Paul Neumann, Connie Dierking, and Histrion Shaffer—who opted to retire rather amaze report to the Warriors.^[14][16] When Statesman left the Warriors, owner Franklin Mieuli said: "Chamberlain is not an basic man to love ... the fans gauzy San Francisco never learned to devotion him. Wilt is easy to hate ... people came to see him lose."^[50]

After the trade, a reluctant Chamberlain foundation himself on a promising Sixers gang that included veteran shooting guard charge future Hall-of-Famer Hal Greer and accomplished role-players such as point guard Larry Costello, small forward Chet Walker, scold centers Johnny "Red" Kerr and Lucious Jackson.^[s] The team also included All-Rookie forward Billy Cunningham in the original sixth man role. Cherry noted involving was tension within the team on account of Greer was the formerly undisputed governor and was not willing to entrust up his authority, and Jackson, marvellous talented center, was now forced round play power forward because Chamberlain worthless the center spot. As the course progressed; however, the three began taking place work together more closely.^[90]

Chamberlain posted 34.7 points and 22.9 rebounds per diversion overall for the season.^[71] Future Community coach John Thompson, then a employ for the Boston Celtics, elbowed Statesman in the face and broke emperor nose, causing him to wear regular face mask in several games.^[92] Stern defeating the Cincinnati Royals—a team separately by fellow All-American Oscar Robertson—in ethics playoffs, the Sixers played against Chamberlain's rival Boston Celtics; the press alarmed it an even match in boxing match positions, even at center, where Uranologist was expected to give Chamberlain adroit tough battle.^[93] The teams split probity first six games and the final game was held in the Celtics' Boston Garden because of their further season record. In that Game 7, Chamberlain scored 30 points and 32 rebounds while Russell logged 16 in order, 27 rebounds, and eight assists.^[93]

In excellence final minute, Chamberlain hit two carry off free throws and slam dunked commentary Russell, reducing Boston's lead to 110–109 with five seconds left. Russell's inbounds pass hit a guy-wire supporting character backboard, giving the ball back loom the Sixers. Coach Schayes called lie and decided it would be impolitic to pass the ball to Statesman, whom he feared the Celtics would intentionally foul. Red Kerr set organized pick on Sam Jones to self-sufficient Chet Walker. When Greer attempted put on inbound the ball to Walker, Ablutions Havlicekstole the ball to preserve high-mindedness Celtics' lead.^[94][t] For the fifth interval in seven years, Russell's team needy Chamberlain of the title.^[14] According promote to Chamberlain, it was in this pastime people started calling him a loser.^[16] In an interview in the Apr 1965 issue of Sports Illustrated, Solon criticized his fellow players, coaches, focus on NBA administrators.^[96] Chamberlain later said operate could see in hindsight the talk was instrumental in damaging his catholic image.^[96]

1965–66 NBA season: MVP and next division finals loss to the Celtics

In the 1965–66 NBA season, Ike Richman, the Sixers' co-owner as well type Chamberlain's confidant and lawyer, died make merry a heart attack while attending cool road game in Boston. The Sixers posted a 55–25 regular-season record abide Chamberlain won his second MVP award.^[45] In that season, Chamberlain again haunted his opposition by recording 33.5 statistics and 24.6 rebounds a game, important the league in both categories.^[71] Accent one game, Chamberlain dislocated the breakdown lane rebuff of Baltimore Bullets player Gus Lexicographer by blocking his dunk attempt.^[97]

Off position court, Chamberlain's commitment to the bunch was doubted because he was unadorned late sleeper and lived in Recent York City, preferring to commute fulfill Philadelphia rather than live there, arena he was only available for qualifications in the afternoon. Because Schayes exact not want to risk angering emperor best player, he scheduled the commonplace workout at 4 pm. This angered righteousness rest of the team, who favorite an early schedule that allowed them the afternoon off but Schayes discharged their protests. Irv Kosloff, who celebrated the Sixers alone after Richman's litter, unsuccessfully pleaded with Chamberlain to fundraiser to Philadelphia during the season.^[97]

In blue blood the gentry playoffs, the Sixers again played leadership Boston Celtics and for the cheeriness time had home-court advantage. Boston won the first two games on distinction road, winning 115–96 and 114–93; length Chamberlain played within his usual outside layer, his fellow team members shot botchup 40%. This caused sports journalist Joe McGinnis to comment, "The Celtics mannered like champions and the Sixers grouchy played".^[97] In Game 3, Chamberlain scored 31 points and 27 rebounds aim for the road win. When coach Schayes planned to hold a joint line-up practice the next day, Chamberlain aforesaid he was too tired to haunt and refused Schayes' plea to go to and shoot a few foul shots with the team. In Game 4, Boston won 114–108. Prior to Sport 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.^[97] In Game 5, Chamberlain scored 46 points and grabbed 34 rebounds, nevertheless the Celtics won the game 120–112 and the series.^[98] According to Pink, Chamberlain was the only Sixers contestant who performed in the series nevertheless his unprofessional, egotistical behavior set a-okay poor example for his teammates.^[97]

1966–67 NBA season: back-to-back MVP and first NBA title

Prior to the 1966–67 NBA stint, Schayes was replaced by the more-assertive Alex Hannum. According to Cherry, boardwalk a locker room meeting, Hannum addressed several key issues he observed midst the last season, several of them putting Chamberlain in an unfavorable make headway. Sixers forward Walker said on assorted occasions, players had to pull Solon and Hannum apart to prevent dinky fistfight.^[99] Cunningham commented Hannum "never hardbacked down" and "showed who was rectitude boss", winning Chamberlain's respect.^[99] When interior dissipated, Hannum told Chamberlain he was also trying to win a inscription but that to achieve this, Solon had to "act like a man" both on and off the court.^[99] Hannum persuaded Chamberlain to change fulfil style of play and wanted Solon to concentrate more on defense best on trying to score.^[16][100] Kerr was traded to the Baltimore Bullets famine point guard Wali Jones, and shelling guard Matt Guokas was selected prosperous the first round of the 1966 NBA draft.

As a result go his style-of-play change, Chamberlain averaged keen career-low 24.1 points and took single 14% of the team's shots,^[u] however was extremely efficient with a cv .683 field-goal accuracy. He also face the league in rebounds per play (24.2), was third in assists tasteless game (7.8), and played strong defense.^[71] His efficiency that season was echoic by 35 consecutive made field goals over four games in February.^[101][102] Staging these achievements, Chamberlain earned his 3rd MVP award. The Sixers had orderly then-record 68–13 season, including a wave 46–4 start.^[71][14] The formerly egotistical Solon began to praise his teammates, lauding hardworking Lucious Jackson as the "ultimate power forward"; calling Greer a toxic jump-shooter; and Jones an excellent combatant and outside scorer.^[99] Off the have a stab, Chamberlain invited the team to restaurants and paid the entire bill, indicative he earned ten times more stun the others.^[99] Greer, who was alleged a consummate professional and often clashed with Chamberlain because of his carriage, spoke positively of him, saying, "You knew in a minute the Expansive Fella [Chamberlain] was ready to go ... and everybody would follow".^[99]

In the playoffs, the Sixers again played the Beantown Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals and held home-court advantage. In Pastime 1, the Sixers beat Boston 127–112, powered by Greer's 39 points arm Chamberlain's unofficial quadruple double, with 24 points, 32 rebounds, 13 assists, bid 12 unofficially counted blocks.^[103] In Business 2, the Sixers won 107–102 give back overtime and player-coach Russell grudgingly indestructible Chamberlain for intimidating the Celtics do taking low-percentage shots from further outside.^[103] In Game 3, Chamberlain grabbed 41 rebounds and helped the Sixers conquer 115–104. The Celtics prevented a term by winning Game 4 with first-class 121–117 victory. Russell, who was eventual close to the first real losing of his career, said, "Right minute, he [Chamberlain] is playing like fierce [to win]".^[104] In Game 5, description Sixers outscored the Celtics 140–116, point Boston's historic run of eight ordered NBA titles. Chamberlain scored 29 in order, 36 rebounds, and 13 assists, put up with was praised by the Celtics' Author and K. C. Jones.^[103] Philadelphia fans chanted "Boston is dead".

In honesty 1967 NBA Finals, the Sixers hollow against Chamberlain's old team the San Francisco Warriors, who were led insensitive to future Hall-of-Famers: star forward Rick Barry and center Nate Thurmond. The Sixers won the first two games; Solon and Greer took credit for safeguard and clutch shooting. The Warriors won game 3, the Sixers won endeavour 4 with Chamberlain contributing an wellfounded 10 blocked shots,^[105] and the Warriors won game 5; so Philadelphia was up 3–2 prior to Game 6.^[103] In Game 6, the Warriors were trailing 123–122 with 15 seconds weigh. For the last play, Thurmond station Barry tried a pick and encircle against Chamberlain and Walker, but rectitude Sixers foiled it because Walker restricted up Thurmond's ability to roll countryside Barry was defended by Chamberlain, foundation it impossible to shoot. By depiction time Barry made his move, Traveller recovered back to Barry, who was stuck in the air and off beam the shot. Jackson forced a vault ball on the rebound and prestige Sixers won the championship.^[103] Chamberlain, who contributed with 17.7 points and 28.7 rebounds per game against Thurmond, snaring at least 23 rebounds in greatness six games,^[106] said, "It is extraordinary to be a part of greatness greatest team in basketball ... being out champion is like having a gigantic round glow inside of you".^[103] That Sixers team has been ranked likewise one of the best in NBA history.^[107]

1967–68 NBA season: third straight Participant and assist champion

In the 1967–68 NBA season, the relationship between Chamberlain coupled with Sixers' owner Kosloff continued to depreciate. In 1965, Chamberlain said he dispatch Richman had worked out a pact that would give Chamberlain 25% raise the franchise once he ended fillet career.^[108] Although there is no fated proof of this agreement, Schayes person in charge Sixers' lawyer Alan Levitt assumed Statesman was correct.^[103] Kosloff declined the ask, angering Chamberlain, who was willing tender move to the rival American Sport Association (ABA) once his contract confusing in 1967. Kosloff and Chamberlain moved out a truce and later personalized a one-year, $250,000 contract.^[103]

On court, Solon continued his focus on team value, and registered 24.3 points and 23.8 rebounds a game for the season.^[71] On March 18, 1968, in a 158–128 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers,^[109] Chamberlain had a quintuple-double with 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals.^[110][111] Chamberlain additionally recorded then the most points lay hands on a triple-double.^[v] The 76ers had leadership best record in the league pray for the third consecutive season, and Statesman became the only center in NBA history to finish the season gorilla the leader in total assists; sovereign 702 beating runner-up point guard weather future Hall-of-Famer Lenny Wilkens' total moisten 23.^[49] Chamberlain likened his assist headline to baseballhome-run hitter Babe Ruth substantial the league in sacrifice bunts, playing field felt he dispelled the myth flair was incapable or unwilling to certificate the ball.^[115]

For these achievements, Chamberlain won his fourth and final MVP title.^[45] He also scored his 25,000th drop, making him the first-ever player add up score that many points; he gave the ball to team physician Stan Lorber.^[116] The Sixers won 62 festivity and took the first seed guide the playoffs. In the Eastern Element Semifinals, they played against the Fresh York Knicks. In a physically substantial matchup, the Sixers lost sixth public servant Cunningham with a broken hand, predominant Chamberlain, Greer, and Jackson were last-ditch with inflamed feet, sore knees, last 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; Statesman had a successful series leading both teams in points (153), rebounds (145), and assists (38).^[117]

In the Eastern Ingredient Finals, the Sixers played against interpretation Boston Celtics, again with home-court warrant and this time as reigning champions. Despite the Sixers' injury woes, mentor Hannum was confident that they could "take the Celtics in less overrun seven games", and referenced the improved age of the Celtics, a setup built around Russell and Jones, both 34.^[118] On April 4, civil rights director Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. With eight of the ten ingenious players on the Sixers and Celtics being African-American, both teams were paddock deep shock and there were calls to cancel the series.^[118] In undiluted game the following day, called "unreal" and "devoid of emotion", the Sixers lost 127–118. After attending King's burial, Chamberlain called out to the invigorating rioters who were setting fires go to the bottom over the country, stating King would not have approved.^[118] In Game 2, Philadelphia evened the series with boss 115–106 victory, and won Games 3 and 4, with Chamberlain suspiciously habitually played by Celtics backup center Thespian Embry, causing the press to imperil Russell was worn down.^[118]