REMEMBERING OUR LEGEND: Wilt Chamberlain GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!
Wilt Chamberlain – Gone But Not Forgotten
25 years ago today, Wilt Chamberlain passed away. Wilt was a 13-time NBA All-Star, first-ballot Hall of Famer and holder of numerous records, many of which will never be broken.
In his first season with the Philadelphia Warriors, Chamberlain astonished the professional basketball world by averaging an NBA rookie record 37.6 points and 27.0 rebounds on his way to capturing the NBA MVP and NBA Rookie of the Year Awards following the 1959-60 season.
His 50+ point season and his 100 point game will never be forgotten. He won the scoring title and rebound title. People said he doesn’t pass enough, so he decided the next year to win the assist title. And he did!! As a center… 😱😱😱😱
Wilt Chamberlain: Gone But Not Forgotten – 25 Years Since the Passing of an NBA Legend
On October 12, 1999, the basketball world lost one of its greatest legends, Wilt Chamberlain, at the age of 63. Chamberlain, widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in NBA history, passed away at his home in Los Angeles due to heart failure. His death sent shockwaves through the sports world, as fans, former teammates, and fellow athletes mourned the loss of a true icon.
Born on August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chamberlain revolutionized the game with his unmatched athleticism, towering presence, and record-breaking performances. His impact was immediate, as he stunned the league in his rookie season with an NBA-record 37.6 points and 27.0 rebounds per game, earning both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors.
Chamberlain’s career was defined by jaw-dropping achievements. He remains the only player to score 100 points in a single game, a feat accomplished on March 2, 1962, against the New York Knicks. His 50.4 points per game average during the 1961-62 season remains untouchable. Beyond scoring, he also led the league in rebounds multiple times and, in response to critics who claimed he didn’t pass enough, went on to lead the NBA in assists during the 1967-68 season— as a center.
Over a 14-year career with the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers, Chamberlain won two NBA championships (1967, 1972), earned four MVP awards, and was selected as an NBA All-Star 13 times. His rivalry with Bill Russell remains one of the greatest in basketball history.
Despite his dominance, Chamberlain was more than just a basketball player. He was an accomplished track and field athlete, author, and businessman. After retiring, he remained involved in sports, entertainment, and philanthropy.
Chamberlain’s passing in 1999 was a tremendous loss, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes. Many of his records remain untouched, a testament to his greatness. Today, 25 years later, the basketball world still remembers Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain as one of the greatest to ever step on the court.
Rest in Peace, Wilt. Your legacy lives on.
Rest in peace!
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