Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain is an American professional basketball player, born on August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Chamberlain began his professional career with the Harlem Globetrotters before moving to the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors in 1959, where he won multiple titles, including two NBA Championships.

Chamberlain is known for his incredible height, strength, scoring ability, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, including four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) titles, and holds multiple records, such as the most points in a single NBA game.

Off the court, Chamberlain is also recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Harlem Globetrotters

• Early Career: Chamberlain joined the Harlem Globetrotters in 1958 after graduating from the University of Kansas.

Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors

• Early Success: Chamberlain signed with the Warriors in 1959. He quickly established himself as one of the best centers in the league, winning the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in his rookie season.

Philadelphia 76ers

• Continued Success: In 1965, Chamberlain was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he won his first NBA Championship in 1967.

Los Angeles Lakers

• Final Years: Chamberlain joined the Lakers in 1968. During his time in Los Angeles, he added another NBA Championship to his collection in 1972 before retiring in 1973.

U.S. National Basketball Team

• Chamberlain did not have an international career as the United States did not allow NBA players to participate in the Olympics during his playing career.

• Position: Primarily a center.
• Skills: Known for his incredible height, strength, scoring ability, and rebounding prowess. Chamberlain is celebrated for his versatility, scoring ability, and defensive dominance.

• Family: Chamberlain never married and had no children. He was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and claimed to have had relationships with thousands of women.
• Philanthropy: Chamberlain was involved in various charitable activities and donated significant sums to children's hospitals and educational initiatives.

• Wilt Chamberlain is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his impact on professional basketball. His dominance on the court and his larger-than-life personality off it made him a cultural icon.

Most Points in a Single NBA Game:

• 100 points

Most Rebounds in NBA History:

• 23,924 rebounds

Most Points in a Season:

• 4,029 points in the 1961-62 season

NBA Championships:

• Two-time NBA Champion (1967, 1972)

Books

• Pomerantz, G. (2005) Wilt, 1962: The Night of 100 Points and the Dawn of a New Era. New York: Crown.
• Chamberlain, W. and Rapaport, D. (1991) A View From Above. New York: Villard.

Websites

• NBA: Information about Wilt Chamberlain’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.nba.com
• Philadelphia 76ers: Details about Chamberlain’s career at the 76ers. Available at: https://www.nba.com/sixers
• Los Angeles Lakers: Official site with updates on Chamberlain’s performance and records at the Lakers. Available at: https://www.nba.com/lakers

Articles

• ESPN: Wilt Chamberlain’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2520/wilt-chamberlain
• The New York Times: The Night Wilt Scored 100. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/02/sports/basketball/the-night-wilt-chamberlain-scored-100-points.html