The NBA's history is filled with hypothetical scenarios, one of which remains - what if Wilt Chamberlain had not retired at the age of 36, considering he led the league in field goal percentage, games played, and rebounds in his last (1972-73) season?
The four-time MVP clearly possessed the capability for a continued high level of play. This assertion was well justified by coach Larry Brown , who once recalled a pickup game where 'Wilt The Stilt' schooled a prime Magic Johnson , much to his astonishment.
Chamberlain humbled Magic Johnson
The two-time NBA Champ and 1972 Finals MVP continued to actively participate in pickup games well into his 40s, willing to compete against active NBA players. During Brown's tenure as UCLA's coach, he witnessed The Big Dipper as a regular participant on the court with his young players.
Interestingly, on one occasion, Larry witnessed an epic game in which Magic Johnson, accompanied by stars like James Worthy, Bernard King, AC Green, and Byron Scott, decided to play a pickup game against Chamberlain and four UCLA freshmen.
Though the presumptive outcome was to see Johnson & Co. dominating the contest, the actual outcome was completely different. Wilt blocked Magic's game-winning skyhook, which led to both players arguing about the legality of the play. The LA Lakers' point guard was even willing to dismiss Brown's decision, stating how it was biased because his players played on Wilt's team. The 7'1" center proposed a rematch, during which he decisively showcased his superiority.
"Wilt says, 'Alright, look, we're gonna play a game 'till 12. We'll do it again. Winners stay, and there would be no more shots made at this basket,'" Brown recalled . "He blocked every shot. 43-years old. He was blocking everything. It was unbelievable."
Related: "I see now! You're trying to keep your distance" - Ahmad Rashad on how Michael Jordan was always step ahead of his rivals
Did Chamberlain retire too soon?
While fans acknowledge the longevity of players such as Kareem Abdul Jabbar, who played in the league until the age of 41, Michael Jordan, who averaged 20 points per game at 40, and LeBron James, who remains one of the league's top 10 players at 39, one can only imagine how the history of the NBA might have differed had Chamberlain chosen to extend his career to such an age.
Given that he shot better than 72% from the field in his farewell campaign, one can only contemplate the stiff challenge that many stars of the 80s might have faced had Wilt continued playing in the NBA in his 40s. Perhaps Brown would not have been the only one astonished by witnessing his prowess as a big man against a new generation of stars.
Related: “There will be a period of orientation for me like every newcomer in the NBA” - Wilt Chamberlain knew he needed some time to adjust to the NBA
Most Popular
Comments / 0