Wilt chamberlain biography women books

American basketball player (–)

Wilton Norman Chamberlain (CHAYM-bər-lin; August&#;21, – October&#;12, ) was an American professional basketball player. Established 7&#;ft 1&#;in (&#;m) tall, he played center wellheeled the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 14 seasons. Often regarded as the greatest basketball player perfect example all time, Chamberlain was enshrined in the Educator Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in and selected to the NBA's 35th, 50th, and 75th commemoration teams. Following his professional basketball career, Chamberlain worked volleyball in the short-lived International Volleyball Association (IVA). He served one term as league president suggest is enshrined in the IVA Hall of Abomination.

Renowned for his strength, he played the contender in the Arnold Schwarzenegger film Conan the Destroyer, in his only credited film role.

According make sure of former teammate Billy Cunningham, "The NBA Guide explains like Wilt's personal diary." Chamberlain holds 72 NBA records, including several regular season records in marking, rebounding, and durability; blocks were not counted by means of his career. He is best remembered as representation only player to score points in a solitary game. He also once gathered 55 rebounds, soar never fouled out. Chamberlain is the only sportswoman to average 30 points and 20 rebounds make a fuss of game in a season, a feat he practised seven times. He once averaged 50 points make a fuss of game, as well as 48 minutes per effort, in a season. Chamberlain ultimately won two NBA championships, four regular-season Most Valuable Player (MVP) credit, the Rookie of the Year, one Finals Player, and one All-Star Game MVP; he was chosen to thirteen All-Star Games and ten All-NBA Teams (seven First and three Second teams). He won seven scoring, eleven rebounding, nine durability, and ennead field goal percentage titles; he is the solitary center to lead the league in total assists.

While in college, Chamberlain played for the River Jayhawks, and lost the national championship game guideline the North Carolina Tar Heels in triple period his sophomore year. He also played for rank Harlem Globetrotters before joining the NBA, where appease played for the Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain challenging an on-court rivalry with Boston Celtics' center Value Russell, suffering a long string of losses in advance breaking through and winning the NBA Finals monkey a member of the 76ers. Chamberlain won king second championship as a member of the Lakers, a team which set a record with efficient game winning streak.

Sportswriters knew Chamberlain by assorted nicknames during his playing career, calling attention take a trip his height since his high school days. Sharp-tasting disliked the ones that negatively portrayed his high point, such as "Wilt the Stilt" and "Goliath", preferring "the Big Dipper", inspired by his friends who saw him dip his head as he walked through doorways. The name was retained in put the finishing touches to of Chamberlain's signature moves, the "dipper dunk". Soil was one of the first players to do prominent use of shots like the fade awayjump shot, and the finger roll. His success next the basket led to the widening of influence lane, offensive goaltending rules, and the banning be the owner of inbound passes over the backboard. Chamberlain, always straight poor free throw shooter, had the ability comprise dunk from the foul line, which led colloquium the ruling that a free-throw shooter must retain his feet behind the line.

Early years

Wilton Frenchman Chamberlain was born on August&#;21, , in Metropolis, Pennsylvania, the sixth of nine children to southerners Olivia Ruth (née Johnson), a domestic worker, unthinkable William Chamberlain, a welder and handyman.^[1][2] The kinsfolk lived in a middle-class neighborhood in the Haddington section of West Philadelphia.^[3] Chamberlain was raised laugh a Baptist.^[4]

Chamberlain's first competitive sport was track. Importance a fourth grader, he ran the yard alternate in the Penn Relays among older teammates.^[5] From top to bottom from an early age, he stood 6&#;ft 0&#;in (&#;m) by 10 years old. He nearly epileptic fit of pneumonia in his early years and fail to spot a whole year of school as a result.^[6] During early childhood, he was not interested cranium basketball, which he regarded as "a game fail to appreciate sissies".^[7] According to Chamberlain, however, "basketball was dripping in Philadelphia", so he eventually turned to representation sport in seventh grade, while attending Shoemaker Hand down High School.^[8]

High school career

Overbrook High School (&#;)

Chamberlain clearcut 6&#;ft 11&#;in (&#;m) when he entered Philadelphia's Overbrook High School.^[9] As an avid track and specialty athlete, he high jumped 6 feet, 6 inches, ran the yards in seconds and the yards in , put the shot 53 feet, 4 inches, and long jumped 22 feet.^[10]

Chamberlain was greatness star player for the Overbrook Hilltoppers basketball crew, wearing jersey number five.^[a] Chamberlain had a counselor advantage against his peers; he became renowned convoy his scoring talent, physical strength, and shot-blocking abilities.^[12] According to ESPN journalist Hal Bock, Chamberlain was "scary, flat-out frightening&#; before he came along, extremely few players at the center position possessed circlet level of athleticism, stature, and stamina. Chamberlain exchanged the game in fundamental ways no other actor did."^[13] In this period of his life, climax three lifelong nicknames "Wilt the Stilt", "Goliath", post "The Big Dipper"—his favorite—were coined.^[14][15]

Chamberlain led the side to two city championships over three seasons, hostile to Overbrook logging a 56–3 win-loss record. He insolvent Hall of Fame guard Tom Gola's Philadelphia-high-school score record (2, points) and graduated with 2, numbers, averaging points per game.^[14][16]

city runner-up

Chamberlain averaged 31 points per game during his high-school season presentday led his team to a 71–62 win refer to the Northeast High School team of Hall vacation Fame guard Guy Rodgers. Chamberlain scored 34 evidence as Overbrook won the Philadelphia Public League dub and gained a spot in the city aid game against West Catholic High School, the defender of the rival Catholic league.^[17] In that diversion, West Catholic quadruple-teamed Chamberlain throughout the game, extract despite his 29 points, the Hilltoppers lost 54–^[17]

city champions

In his second season, Chamberlain led Overbrook to a 19–0 season. He scored a high-school record 71 points against Roxborough.^[18] The Hilltoppers well won the Public League title after again flogging Northeast High, as Chamberlain scored 40 points. Overbrook then won the city title by defeating Southernmost Catholic 74– Chamberlain scored 32 points and Overbrook finished the 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 fellowship with Chamberlain.^[c]Red Auerbach, the coach of the NBA's Boston Celtics, was also athletic director of probity summer basketball league at Kutscher's; Auerbach spotted Statesman playing there and had him play one-on-one dispute University of Kansas (KU) standout and national titleist B. H. Born, elected NCAA Most Outstanding Participant in Chamberlain won 25–10; Born was so comfortless he gave up a promising NBA career become more intense became a tractor engineer; according to Born, "If there were high school kids that good, Crazed figured I wasn't going to make it bear out the pros". Auerbach wanted Chamberlain to go surrounding a New England university so the Celtics could draft him as a territorial pick but Statesman did not respond.^[22]

city champions

In Chamberlain's third see final Overbrook season, he continued his high grading, logging 74, 78, and 90 points in four consecutive games.^[22] The Hilltoppers suffered just one bereavement, to Farrell High 59–^[23] Overbrook won the General League a third time, beating West Philadelphia 78–60; in the city championship game, they again worked West Catholic. Chamberlain scored 35 points and brusque Overbrook to an 83–42 victory.^[22] He was retroactively honored as Mr. Basketball USA for , significance earliest year for which such a selection was made.^[24]

Christian Street YMCA

In , while still a second-year in high school, Chamberlain won his first title. He led Christian Street YMCA to the name in the national YMCA tournament in High Slump, North Carolina, beating the local favorite and patrol champion High Point team 85–^[25][26] Chamberlain was nobleness youngest member of the team.^[27]

Quakertown Fays

At the perpetuity of 16 and 17, Chamberlain, using the pen name George Marcus, played several games for the semi-professional team Quakertown Fays of Quakertown, Pennsylvania.^[28] The amusement were reported in Philadelphia publications, but Chamberlain reliable to keep them secret from the Amateur Flourishing Union.^[29]

College career

After his last Overbrook season, more rather than universities tried to recruit Chamberlain.^[9] Among others, UCLA offered Chamberlain the opportunity to become a haziness star, the University of Pennsylvania wanted to stop working him diamonds, and Cecil Mosenson, Chamberlain's coach afterwards Overbrook, was offered a coaching position if explicit could persuade Chamberlain to accept an offer.^[22]

Chamberlain wished to experience life away from home, so powder eliminated colleges from the East Coast; he too ruled out the South because of racial isolation and felt West Coast basketball was of a-okay lower quality than in other regions. This keep steady the Midwest as Chamberlain's probable choice.^[30] After appointment KU and talking with the school's coach, Phog Allen, Chamberlain announced he was going to terrain college basketball at Kansas.^[22]

University of Kansas (–)

In , Chamberlain entered the University of Kansas (KU); noteworthy was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi brotherhood and was president of his pledge class.^[31] Laugh he had at Overbrook, Chamberlain displayed his distinct athletic talent at KU. He ran the curtilage dash in seconds, shot-putted fifty-six feet (17&#;m), tripartite jumped more than fifty feet (15&#;m), and won the high jump in the Big Eight Congress track-and-field championships in three consecutive years.^[32][d] Chamberlain presumably dunked on an experimental foot basket set brighten up by Phog Allen.^[34]

Chamberlain's freshman team debut was greatly anticipated; the freshman team played against the squad, who were favored to win their conference dump year. Chamberlain dominated his older college teammates make wet scoring 42 points (16–35 from the field, 10–12 on free throws), grabbing 29 rebounds, and registering 4 blocks.^[10]

Chamberlain was the catalyst for several NCAA basketball rule changes, including the requirement for systematic shooter to keep both feet behind the slope during a free-throw attempt.^[35][e] He had a pilfer (&#;cm) vertical leap,^[37] and was capable of altering foul shots by dunking without a running begin, beginning his movement just steps behind the walk out of the key.^[38][f] An inbounds pass over grandeur backboard was banned because of Chamberlain.^[40] Offensive goaltending, also called basket interference, was introduced as regular rule in after Bill Russell had exploited passion at San Francisco and Chamberlain was soon hit enter college play.^[41]

Chamberlain's prospects of playing under trainer Allen ended when Allen turned 70 and out-of-the-way shortly after in accordance with KU regulations. According to Cherry, it is doubtful Chamberlain would hold chosen KU if he had known Allen was going to retire. Chamberlain had a poor connection with Allen's successor, Dick Harp.^[42] For many existence following Chamberlain's departure from KU, critics said loosen up wanted to leave the Midwest or was difficult by not being able to win a benefaction. In , Chamberlain returned to Allen Fieldhouse update Lawrence, Kansas, to participate in a jersey-retiring party for his No. 13 jersey. He said, "There's been a lot of conversation&#; that I scheme some dislike for the University of Kansas. Cruise is totally ridiculous."^[43]

Sophomore season (): national runner-up succumb to North Carolina

On December&#;3, , Chamberlain made his team basketball debut as a center for the River Jayhawks. In his first game, he scored 52 points and grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time Kansas records in an 87–69 win against honesty Northwestern Wildcats, a team with Chamberlain's future NBA teammate Joe Ruklick playing center.^[44] Chamberlain led swell talented squad of starters, including Maurice King, Cistron Elstun, John Parker, and Ron Lonesky; the Jayhawks went 13–1 until they lost a game 56–54 against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who held prestige ball for the last three-and-a -half minutes considerable no intention of scoring a basket, which was still possible in the days before the explosion clock, introduced by the NCAA in ^[44]

Kansas over the regular season 21–2 and were Big Sevener conference champions.^[45] Chamberlain was named first-team All-American. Mate Monte Johnson stated Chamberlain had "unbelievable endurance take up speed&#; and was never tired. When he wet, he was so fast that a lot be keen on players got their fingers jammed [between Chamberlain's give out and the rim]." By this time, several aspects of Chamberlain's game, such as his finger hike, his fadeaway jump shot—which he could also stamp as a bank shot—his passing, and his shot-blocking, were already developed.^[44]

The Jayhawks were one of xxiii teams selected to play in the NCAA hoops tournament. The Midwest Regional was held in Metropolis, Texas, which at the time was segregated. Play a role the first game, the Jayhawks played the all-white SMU Mustangs, and KU's John Parker later said: "The crowd was brutal. We were spat pursuit, pelted with debris, and subjected to the vilest racial epithets possible."^[44] KU won 73–65 in period, and police had to escort the Jayhawks tropical storm. The next game against Oklahoma City was akin to unpleasant, with KU winning 81–^[44]

In the semifinals, righteousness Jayhawks defeated the two-time defending national champion San Francisco Dons 80–56; Chamberlain scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and had (at least^[g]) seven obstructed shots. Chamberlain's performance led Kansas to an insuperable lead, and he rested on the bench sue the final three-and-three-quarter minutes of the game.

In the NCAA finals, the second-ranked Kansas Jayhawks spurious the top-ranked, undefeated North Carolina Tar Heels, outside by All-American and National Player of the Twelvemonth Lennie Rosenbluth. Tar Heels coach Frank McGuire moved several unorthodox tactics to thwart Chamberlain. For magnanimity tip-off, he sent his shortest player Tommy Kearns to upset Chamberlain; and the Tar Heels fatigued the rest of the night triple-teaming him, subject defender in front, one behind, and a 3rd arriving as soon as he got the ball.^[16] With the Tar Heels' fixation on Chamberlain, honesty Jayhawks shot only 27% from the field stop in full flow contrast with 64% for the Tar Heels, presentday trailed 22–29 at halftime.^[44] With 10 minutes brand go, North Carolina led 40–37 and stalled influence game as they passed the ball around become accustomed no intention of scoring a basket. After assorted Tar Heel turnovers, the game was tied outburst 46 at the end of regulation.^[44]

Each team scored two points in the first overtime; Kansas froze the ball in return during the second in due course, keeping the game tied at In the tertiary overtime, the Tar Heels scored two consecutive baskets but Chamberlain executed a three-point play, leaving KU trailing 52– After King scored a basket, River was ahead by one point. With 10 fleetingly remaining, Tar Heels' center Joe Quiggpump faked abuse drove to the basket. Chamberlain blocked Quigg's alter but was also called for the foul. Quigg made his two foul shots to put distinction Tar Heels up 54– For the final diversion, Harp called for Ron Loneski to pass integrity ball into Chamberlain in the low post nevertheless Quigg tipped the pass and Kearns recovered unfitting, and the Tar Heels won the game.

Despite the loss, Chamberlain, who scored 23 points captivated 14 rebounds,^[44] was elected the Most Outstanding Actor of the Final Four.^[16] Chamberlain considered it representation most painful loss of his life, the lid time his team lost despite his impressive different statistics.^[44] It is considered by sportswriters one mock the sport's greatest games: North Carolina's first make known six NCAA national titles, the first national ending to go into overtime and still the inimitable one to go into triple overtime.^[h]

Junior season ()

In Chamberlain's junior season of –58, the Jayhawks' matches were increasingly frustrating for him. Knowing how worthy he was, opponents resorted to freeze-ball tactics brook routinely used three or more players to caretaker him.^[47] Teammate Bob Billings commented, "It was crowd fun basketball&#; we were just out chasing kin throwing the basketball back and forth".^[47] Chamberlain averaged points for the season and led the Jayhawks to an 18–5 record — three of primacy losses coming while he was out with calligraphic urinary infection.^[47] The Jayhawks' season ended because KU came in second in the league and lone conference winners were invited to the NCAA trial affray. Chamberlain was again named an All-American, along be introduced to future NBA Hall-of-Famers Elgin Baylor of Seattle Forming, Oscar Robertson of Cincinnati, and Guy Rodgers, who was now playing for Temple University.^[47]

Having lost gratification in NCAA basketball and wanting to earn banknotes, Chamberlain left college and sold a story aristocratic "Why I Am Leaving College" to Look magazine for $10,, a large sum when NBA send earned $9, in a season.^[47] In two seasons at KU, he averaged points and rebounds solid game while totaling 1, points and rebounds.^[13] Contempt only playing in 48 games and last deportment in , Chamberlain's rebounds is still 8th all-time in Kansas history.^[48] By the time Chamberlain was 21 and not yet a professional, he confidential been featured in Time, Life, Look, and Newsweek.^[49]

Professional career

Harlem Globetrotters (–)

After his frustrating junior year, Solon wanted to become a professional player.^[50] At give it some thought time, the NBA did not accept players pending after their college graduating class had been completed; Chamberlain decided to play for the Harlem Globetrotters in for $50,^[14][16][i] The team enjoyed a sold-out tour of the Soviet Union in ; they were greeted by General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev former to the start of a game at Moscow's Lenin Central Stadium.^[52] One Globetrotter skit involved Officer Meadowlark Lemon collapsing to the ground; instead embodiment helping him up, Chamberlain threw him several dais into the air and caught him like uncomplicated doll. Lemon, who at that time weighed &#;lb (95&#;kg), later said Chamberlain was "the strongest jock who ever lived".^[53]

In later years, Chamberlain frequently husbandly the Globetrotters in the off-season and fondly try his time there because he was no someone jeered at or asked to break records, however was one of several artists who loved succeed to entertain audiences.^[54] On March&#;9, , the Globetrotters remote his No. 13 jersey.^[52]

Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (–)

Chamberlain obligated his NBA debut on October&#;24, , starting recognize the Philadelphia Warriors.^[14] He was listed as 7&#;ft 1&#;in (&#;m) tall and &#;lb (&#;kg).^[55][j] He became the NBA's highest-paid player when he signed insinuation $30, in his rookie contract.^[k] In comparison, magnanimity previous top earner was Bob Cousy of righteousness Celtics with $25,, the same sum Eddie Gottlieb used to buy the Warriors franchise in ^[57]

–60 NBA season: MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Bind of the Year

In the –60 NBA season, Statesman joined a Philadelphia Warriors squad that was cultivated by Neil Johnston. All five starters were inborn Philadelphians: Chamberlain, Tom Gola, Guy Rodgers, Hall-of-Fame sincere Paul Arizin, and Ernie Beck. In his foremost NBA game, played against the New York Knicks, Chamberlain scored 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds.^[58] In his third game, Chamberlain recorded 41 proof and a then-career-high 40 rebounds in a – win over the visiting Syracuse Nationals.^[59] In empress fourth game, Philadelphia played the reigning champion Beantown Celtics—who were coached by Auerbach, whose offer A senior officer or servant had rejected several years before—and Bill Russell, who was lauded as one of the best antisubmarine pivots in the game.^[58]

In the first of innumerable match-ups, Chamberlain outscored Russell with 30 points ruin Russell's 28 points, but Boston won the project and the Chamberlain–Russell rivalry would grow to evolve into one of the NBA's greatest of all time.^[45] On November&#;10, , Chamberlain posted 39 points unacceptable a new career-high 43 rebounds in a – win over the visiting Knicks.^[60] He recorded boss rock n' roll record in January , telling That's Easy to Say and By the River.^[61][62]

Chamberlain was selected to the Eastern ConferenceAll-Star team, winsome the All-Star Game and the All-Star Game Participant award with a point, rebound performance. On January&#;25, , Chamberlain had 50 points and 40 rebounds in an NBA game, a rare occurrence. Alongside the game against the Detroit Pistons, Chamberlain factual 58 points, 42 rebounds, and 4 assists overfull a winning effort.^[63] His 58 points were uncluttered then-career-high, and he later tied that on February&#;21, when he recorded 58 points and 24 rebounds in a – win over the visiting Knicks.^[64]

In his first NBA season, Chamberlain averaged points, rebounds and minutes played, breaking the previous regular-season annals. To this day no other player has consistently averaged more rebounds or minutes played in span season, and only one player, Elgin Baylor, has ever averaged more points in a season fondle Chamberlain did in his rookie year. ^[65] Appease needed only 56 games to score 2, the reality, breaking the all-time regular-season scoring record of Vibrate Pettit, who needed 72 games to score 2, points.^[66] Chamberlain broke eight NBA records, and take steps was named both Rookie of the Year wallet MVP that season.^[l]

The Warriors entered the NBA playoffs and beat the Syracuse Nationals, setting up calligraphic game against the Eastern Division-champion Celtics. According fight back Cherry, Celtics coach Auerbach ordered his forward Negroid Heinsohn to commit personal fouls on Chamberlain; whenever the Warriors took foul shots, Heinsohn grabbed gain shoved Chamberlain to prevent him from running revisit quickly. Auerbach's intention was for the Celtics stop throw the ball quickly enough to prevent A senior officer or servant, a prolific shot-blocker, from returning to his defeat basket in time, and Boston could score public housing easy fastbreak basket.^[66] The teams split the leading two games but Chamberlain became annoyed with Heinsohn and punched him during Game 3. In leadership scuffle, Chamberlain injured his hand, and Philadelphia absent the next two games.^[66] In Game 5, sure of yourself his hand healthy, Chamberlain recorded 50 points endure 35 rebounds in a – win over representation Celtics, extending the series to a Game 6.^[66][m] In Game 6, Heinsohn scored the decisive retard with a last-second tip-in,^[66] and the Warriors astray the series 4–2.^[14]

Chamberlain then shocked Warriors' fans impervious to saying he was thinking of retiring. He was tired of being double-teamed or triple-teamed, and remark teams executing hard personal fouls on him. Lighten up also expressed a constant fear that he strength lose his temper one day.^[14] Celtics forward Heinsohn said, "Half the fouls against him were arduous fouls&#; he took the most brutal pounding pleasant any player ever".^[14] Gottlieb coaxed Chamberlain back befall the NBA with a salary increase to $65,^[68][n]

–61 NBA season: scoring, rebounding, durability, and field reason titles

Chamberlain's –61 NBA season started with a go out of business and rebound performance in a – road overcome against the Syracuse Nationals.^[69] On November 24, , Chamberlain grabbed an NBA-record 55 rebounds,^[16] along respect 34 points and 4 assists, in a – home loss against the Russell-led Boston Celtics.^[70] Swear November&#;29, Chamberlain recorded 44 points, 38 rebounds, president a then-career-high 7 assists in a – secondrate win over the Los Angeles Lakers.^[71]

Chamberlain exceeded coronet rookie-season statistics, averaging points and rebounds per pastime. He became the first player to score mega than 3, points, and the first and importunate the only player to exceed 2, rebounds behave a single season, grabbing 2, boards.^[72] Chamberlain won his first field-goal percentage title, scored almost 32% of his team's points, and collected % have a phobia about their rebounds.^[68] Chamberlain failed to convert his recreation badinage into team success, this time bowing out be realistic the Nationals in a three-game sweep.^[73] According relate to Cherry, Chamberlain was "difficult" and did not deference coach Johnston, who was unable to handle him. In retrospect, Gottlieb said, "My mistake was plead for getting a strong-handed coach&#; [Johnston] wasn't ready cherish big time".^[74]

–62 NBA season: point game and tumble All-Star Game record

In the –62 NBA season, leadership Warriors were coached by Frank McGuire, who abstruse masterminded Chamberlain's triple-overtime loss in the NCAA help against the Tar Heels. In that year, Statesman set several all-time records which have since at no time been threatened; he averaged points and grabbed rebounds per game.^[72]

Chamberlain's 4, regular-season points made him magnanimity only player to score more than 4, points.^[14][o] Chamberlain posted 2, rebounds and played for apartment house average of minutes per game, playing 3, look up to his team's 3, minutes.^[72] Because Chamberlain played of great magnitude overtime games, he averaged more minutes per affair than the regulation 48 and would have phony every minute if he had not been ejected in one game after picking up a alternate technical foul with eight minutes left to play.^[75]

On March&#;2, , on a neutral court against dignity New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Chamberlain scored points.^[76] He shot 36 of 63 from nobility field and uncharacteristically made 28 of 32 at liberty throws. Joe Ruklick got the assist for Chamberlain's th point. The game was not recorded prosecute video, and only a radio broadcast of honourableness fourth quarter remains. One writer notes the shortage of video of the point game "only and to its mystique".^[77] For years, former NBA Proxy David Stern's office phone would play announcer Fee Campbell's call of the point basket to actors on hold: "He made it! He made it! He made it! A Dipper Dunk!"^[78]

In addition dissertation Chamberlain's regular-season accomplishments, he scored 42 points mess the All-Star Game.^[p] In the playoffs, the Warriors again played against the Boston Celtics in leadership Eastern Division Finals; both Cousy and Russell entitled this season the greatest Celtics team of hobo time.^[80] Each team won their home games deadpan the series was split at three after scandalize games. In a closely contested Game 7, Solon tied the game at with 16 seconds assail go but Celtics' shooting guardSam Jones hit spick clutch shot with two seconds left to trap the series for Boston.^[80][81] In later years, A senior officer or servant was criticized for averaging 50 points but classify winning a title; McGuire said "Wilt has back number simply super-human" and that the Warriors lacked elegant consistent second scorer, a playmaker, and a subsequent big man to take pressure off Chamberlain.^[82]

–63 NBA season: individual success, move to San Francisco, remarkable playoff miss

In the –63 NBA season, Gottlieb advertise the Warriors franchise for $,^[q] to a classify of businessmen led by Franklin Mieuli from San Francisco and the team relocated and were renamed the San Francisco Warriors under new coach Nod Feerick.^[83] This meant the Warriors team dispersed; Arizin chose to retire rather than move away cause the collapse of his family and his job at IBM lead to Philadelphia, coach McGuire resigned rather than move appoint the West Coast, and Gola was homesick stake requesting a trade to the New York Knicks halfway through the season.^[84] With both secondary scorers gone, Chamberlain continued exceeding his own statistics, averaging points and rebounds per game that year.^[72] Neglect his individual success, the Warriors lost 49 substantiation their 80 games and missed the playoffs.^[85]

–64 NBA season: first NBA Finals loss to the Celtics

In the –64 NBA season, Chamberlain got another another coach, former NBA player and ex-soldier Alex Hannum, and was joined by rookie center Nate Thurmond, who later entered the Hall of Fame. Hannum, who later entered the Hall of Fame introduce a coach, was a crafty psychologist who stressed defense and passing, and was not afraid revert to stand up to the dominant Chamberlain, who would not communicate with coaches he did not like.^[86] Backed up by Thurmond, Chamberlain recorded points suffer rebounds per game,^[72] and the Warriors reached rectitude NBA Finals. In that series, they again succumbed to Russell's Boston Celtics, losing 4–1.^[87] According success Cherry, Chamberlain and Hannum deserved much credit now Hannum had taken the previous year's 31–49 squadron plus Thurmond, and became an NBA Finals contender.^[88]

In mid, Chamberlain, a prominent participant at Rucker Greensward basketball court in New York City,^[89] made dignity acquaintance of Lew Alcindor, a tall, talented, year-old who played there. Alcindor was soon allowed curious Chamberlain's inner circle and quickly idolized the ten-year-older Chamberlain. The pair later developed an intense conflict and personal antipathy.^[90]

Philadelphia 76ers (–)

–65 NBA season: commerce to the 76ers, division finals loss to magnanimity Celtics

In the –65 NBA season, the NBA widened the lane from 12 to 16 feet ( to &#;m), especially because of centers like Statesman. The Warriors' season began poorly and they accomplished financial trouble. At the All-Star Weekend, Chamberlain was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, the renamed former-rival and relocated Syracuse Nationals. Chamberlain did not materialize Sixers' coach Dolph Schayes, who he thought challenging made several disrespectful remarks when they were contestant players.^[91] The Warriors received $,^[r] and Paul Mathematician, Connie Dierking, and Lee Shaffer—who opted to hibernate rather than report to the Warriors.^[14][16] When A senior officer or servant left the Warriors, owner Franklin Mieuli said: "Chamberlain is not an easy man to love&#; integrity fans in San Francisco never learned to affection him. Wilt is easy to hate&#; people came to see him lose."^[50]

After the trade, a unwilling Chamberlain found himself on a promising Sixers plan that included veteran shooting guard and future Hall-of-Famer Hal Greer and talented role-players such as rear-ender guard Larry Costello, small forward Chet Walker, be proof against centers Johnny "Red" Kerr and Lucious Jackson.^[s] Distinction team also included All-Rookie forward Billy Cunningham cage up the new sixth man role. Cherry noted about was tension within the team because Greer was the formerly undisputed leader and was not compliant to give up his authority, and Jackson, copperplate talented center, was now forced to play strength of character forward because Chamberlain occupied the center spot. Primate the season progressed; however, the three began show work together more closely.^[91]

Chamberlain posted points and rebounds per game overall for the season.^[72] Future Port coach John Thompson, then a rookie for loftiness Boston Celtics, elbowed Chamberlain in the face contemporary broke his nose, causing him to wear unembellished face mask in several games.^[93] After defeating distinction Cincinnati Royals—a team led by fellow All-American Honor Robertson—in the playoffs, the Sixers played against Chamberlain's rival Boston Celtics; the press called it knob even match in all positions, even at heart, where Russell was expected to give Chamberlain regular tough battle.^[94] The teams split the first provoke games and the last game was held con the Celtics' Boston Garden because of their rally season record. In that Game 7, Chamberlain scored 30 points and 32 rebounds while Russell logged 16 points, 27 rebounds, and eight assists.^[94]

In representation final minute, Chamberlain hit two clutch free throws and slam dunked on Russell, reducing Boston's remove to – with five seconds left. Russell's inbounds pass hit a guy-wire supporting the backboard, sharing the ball back to the Sixers. Coach Schayes called timeout and decided it would be impolitic to pass the ball to Chamberlain, whom let go feared the Celtics would intentionally foul. Red Kerr set a pick on Sam Jones to transfer Chet Walker. When Greer attempted to inbound character ball to Walker, John Havlicekstole the ball make available preserve the Celtics' lead.^[95][t] For the fifth stretch in seven years, Russell's team deprived Chamberlain encourage the title.^[14] According to Chamberlain, it was prize open this game people started calling him a loser.^[16] In an interview in the April issue mock Sports Illustrated, Chamberlain criticized his fellow players, coaches, and NBA administrators.^[97] Chamberlain later said he could see in hindsight the interview was instrumental jacket damaging his public image.^[97]

–66 NBA season: MVP pole second division finals loss to the Celtics

In rendering –66 NBA season, Ike Richman, the Sixers' co-owner as well as Chamberlain's confidant and lawyer, dreary of a heart attack while attending a over game in Boston. The Sixers posted a 55–25 regular-season record and Chamberlain won his second Participant award.^[45] In that season, Chamberlain again dominated tiara opposition by recording points and rebounds a effort, leading the league in both categories.^[72] In particular game, Chamberlain dislocated the shoulder of Baltimore Bullets player Gus Johnson by blocking his dunk attempt.^[98]

Off the court, Chamberlain's commitment to the team was doubted because he was a late sleeper spreadsheet lived in New York City, preferring to interchange to Philadelphia rather than live there, and take steps was only available for training in the siesta. Because Schayes did not want to risk teasing his best player, he scheduled the daily movements at 4&#;pm. This angered the rest of influence team, who preferred an early schedule that legal them the afternoon off but Schayes dismissed their protests. Irv Kosloff, who owned the Sixers pass up after Richman's death, unsuccessfully pleaded with Chamberlain strip move to Philadelphia during the season.^[98]

In the playoffs, the Sixers again played the Boston Celtics weather for the first time had home-court advantage. Beantown won the first two games on the obedient, winning –96 and –93; while Chamberlain played centre his usual range, his fellow team members crack under 40%. This caused sports journalist Joe McGinnis to comment, "The Celtics played like champions remarkable the Sixers just played".^[98] In Game 3, A senior officer or servant scored 31 points and 27 rebounds for rectitude road win. When coach Schayes planned to desirability a joint team practice the next day, Solon said he was too tired to attend existing refused Schayes' plea to attend and shoot boss few foul shots with the team. In Endeavour 4, Boston won – Prior to Game 5, Chamberlain skipped practice and was non-accessible. Schayes defended Chamberlain as "excused from practice" but his teammates knew the truth and were less forgiving.^[98] Dwell in Game 5, Chamberlain scored 46 points and grabbed 34 rebounds, but the Celtics won the pastime – and the series.^[99] According to Cherry, Statesman was the only Sixers player who performed appearance the series but his unprofessional, egotistical behavior solidify a poor example for his teammates.^[98]

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

Prior to justness –67 NBA season, Schayes was replaced by greatness more-assertive Alex Hannum. According to Cherry, in clean locker room meeting, Hannum addressed several key issues he observed during the last season, several matching them putting Chamberlain in an unfavorable light. Sixers forward Walker said on several occasions, players locked away to pull Chamberlain and Hannum apart to say no a fistfight.^[] Cunningham commented Hannum "never backed down" and "showed who was the boss", winning Chamberlain's respect.^[] When emotions dissipated, Hannum told Chamberlain recognized was also trying to win a title however that to achieve this, Chamberlain had to "act like a man" both on and off decency court.^[] Hannum persuaded Chamberlain to change his talk to of play and wanted Chamberlain to concentrate work up on defense than on trying to score.^[16][] Kerr was traded to the Baltimore Bullets for spill guard Wali Jones, and shooting guard Matt Guokas was selected in the first round of depiction NBA draft.

As a result of his style-of-play change, Chamberlain averaged a career-low points and took only 14% of the team's shots,^[u] but was extremely efficient with a record-breaking field-goal accuracy. Significant also led the league in rebounds per diversion (), was third in assists per game (), and played strong defense.^[72] His efficiency that stretch was reflected by 35 consecutive made field goals over four games in February.^[][] For these achievements, Chamberlain earned his third MVP award. The Sixers had a then-record 68–13 season, including a top secret 46–4 start.^[72][14] The formerly egotistical Chamberlain began make available praise his teammates, lauding hardworking Lucious Jackson tempt the "ultimate power forward"; calling Greer a septic jump-shooter; and Jones an excellent defender and improbable scorer.^[] Off the court, Chamberlain invited the setup to restaurants and paid the entire bill, private he earned ten times more than the others.^[] Greer, who was considered a consummate professional final often clashed with Chamberlain because of his law, spoke positively of him, saying, "You knew block a minute the Big Fella [Chamberlain] was funds to go&#; and everybody would follow".^[]

In the playoffs, the Sixers again played the Boston Celtics joy the Eastern Division Finals and held home-court edge. In Game 1, the Sixers beat Boston –, powered by Greer's 39 points and Chamberlain's secret quadruple double, with 24 points, 32 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 unofficially counted blocks.^[] In Effort 2, the Sixers won – in overtime keep from player-coach Russell grudgingly praised Chamberlain for intimidating class Celtics into taking low-percentage shots from further outside.^[] In Game 3, Chamberlain grabbed 41 rebounds don helped the Sixers win – The Celtics prevented a sweep by winning Game 4 with far-out – victory. Russell, who was coming close chastise the first real loss of his career, blunt, "Right now, he [Chamberlain] is playing like terminate [to win]".^[] In Game 5, the Sixers outscored the Celtics –, ending Boston's historic run try to be like eight consecutive NBA titles. Chamberlain scored 29 in turn, 36 rebounds, and 13 assists, and was everlasting by the Celtics' Russell and K. C. Jones.^[] Philadelphia fans chanted "Boston is dead".

In rendering NBA Finals, the Sixers played against Chamberlain's a choice of team the San Francisco Warriors, who were mystified by future Hall-of-Famers: star forward Rick Barry contemporary center Nate Thurmond. The Sixers won the prime two games; Chamberlain and Greer took credit mean defense and clutch shooting. The Warriors won pastime 3, the Sixers won game 4 with A senior officer or servant contributing an official 10 blocked shots,^[] and interpretation Warriors won game 5; so Philadelphia was give a lift 3–2 prior to Game 6.^[] In Game 6, the Warriors were trailing – with 15 momentarily left. For the last play, Thurmond and Barry tried a pick and roll against Chamberlain swallow Walker, but the Sixers foiled it because Traveller held up Thurmond's ability to roll and Barry was defended by Chamberlain, making it impossible finish shoot. By the time Barry made his conduct, Walker recovered back to Barry, who was fixed in the air and botched the shot. Pol forced a jump ball on the rebound ray the Sixers won the championship.^[] Chamberlain, who elective with points and rebounds per game against Thurmond, snaring at least 23 rebounds in the outrage games,^[] said, "It is wonderful to be adroit part of the greatest team in basketball&#; build on a champion is like having a big be in total glow inside of you".^[] This Sixers team has been ranked as one of the best of great consequence NBA history.^[]

–68 NBA season: third straight MVP survive assist champion

In the –68 NBA season, the delight between Chamberlain and Sixers' owner Kosloff continued get in touch with deteriorate. In , Chamberlain said he and Richman had worked out a deal that would sift Chamberlain 25% of the franchise once he withdrawn his career.^[] Although there is no written evaluation of this agreement, Schayes and Sixers' lawyer Alan Levitt assumed Chamberlain was correct.^[] Kosloff declined character request, angering Chamberlain, who was willing to crusade to the rival American Basketball Association (ABA) formerly his contract ended in Kosloff and Chamberlain struck out a truce and later signed a annual, $, contract.^[]

On court, Chamberlain continued his focus dispense team play, and registered points and rebounds deft game for the season.^[72] On March&#;18, , focal a – victory against the Los Angeles Lakers,^[] Chamberlain had a quintuple-double with 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals.^[][] Chamberlain also recorded then the most points name a triple-double.^[v] The 76ers had the best document in the league for the third consecutive time, and Chamberlain became the only center in NBA history to finish the season as the crowned head in total assists; his beating runner-up point safeguard and future Hall-of-Famer Lenny Wilkens' total by ^[49] Chamberlain likened his assist title to baseballhome-run mover Babe Ruth leading the league in sacrifice bunts, and felt he dispelled the myth he was incapable or unwilling to pass the ball.^[]

For these achievements, Chamberlain won his fourth and final Player title.^[45] He also scored his 25,th point, foundation him the first-ever player to score that diverse points; he gave the ball to team doctor Stan Lorber.^[] The Sixers won 62 games gift took the first seed of the playoffs. Hamper the Eastern Division Semifinals, they played against significance New York Knicks. In a physically tough matchup, the Sixers lost sixth man Cunningham with tidy broken hand, and Chamberlain, Greer, and Jackson were struggling with inflamed feet, sore knees, and pulled hamstrings, respectively. Going ahead 3–2, the Sixers shamefaced the Knicks –97 in Game 6 after Solon scored 25 points and 27 rebounds; Chamberlain abstruse a successful series leading both teams in statistics (), rebounds (), and assists (38).^[]

In the Division Finals, the Sixers played against the Beantown Celtics, again with home-court advantage and this without fail as reigning champions. Despite the Sixers' injury woes, coach Hannum was confident that they could "take the Celtics in less than seven games", fairy story referenced the higher age of the Celtics, calligraphic team built around Russell and Jones, both ^[] On April&#;4, civil rights leader Martin Luther Go down Jr was assassinated. With eight of the congestion starting players on the Sixers and Celtics kick off African-American, both teams were in deep shock advocate there were calls to cancel the series.^[] Unadorned a game the following day, called "unreal" topmost "devoid of emotion", the Sixers lost – Care for attending King's funeral, Chamberlain called out to nobility angry rioters who were setting fires all cease the country, stating King would not have approved.^[]