Chamberlain was a dominant force on the court from the moment he entered the league. He was a seven-foot-tall center who possessed incredible athleticism and strength, as well as an unmatched scoring ability. In his rookie season with the Philadelphia Warriors, he averaged 37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Over the course of his career, Chamberlain would go on to win four NBA Most Valuable Player awards, two NBA championships, and set countless records. He is perhaps best known for his incredible 100-point game on March 2, 1962, which is still the NBA record for most points scored in a single game. In addition to his scoring prowess, Chamberlain was also an exceptional rebounder and shot blocker, leading the league in both categories multiple times.
Chamberlain played for several teams throughout his career, including the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He was a 13-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team seven times. He also played for the U.S. men's basketball team at the 1960 Olympics, helping them win a gold medal.
Chamberlain's career was not without controversy, however. He was known for his fierce competitiveness and at times, his confrontational attitude towards opponents, coaches, and teammates. He was also criticized for his poor free-throw shooting and his tendency to dominate the ball on offense, which some felt detracted from the team aspect of the game.
Despite these criticisms, there is no denying Chamberlain's incredible talent and impact on the sport of basketball. He was a trailblazer for future generations of players and helped to popularize the sport around the world. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978 and remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the game.
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Page from publication
1959
The Official comprehensive annual reference covering the sport of basketball in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The...
/ The Official comprehensive annual reference covering the sport of basketball in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The NCAA also publised a side-publication called the Official Collegiate Basketball Record Book that was essentially the same information, minus the official rules.
Page from publication
1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.
Page from publication
1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.