Since the first NBA superstars ascended the stage, the GOAT argument has been in full swing. Over time, a number of names have been mentioned in this discussion. However, Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan are two well-known figures who consistently find themselves at the center of the argument.
The two superstars are also included in the GOAT discussion for good cause. Physically impressive players like Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan revolutionized the globe while they were in the league. Both of their playing careers were distinguished by exceptional numbers and numerous championships.
The parallels between the stars extend beyond their outward characteristics as well. Coincidentally, Wilt and Jordan both finished their careers with exactly the same scoring average of 30.1 points per game. Amazing numbers over the course of their protracted careers.
While the 7-foot-1 juggernaut’s two championships pale in comparison to Michael Jordan’s six, there is substantial room for discussion as to who the better player is. For the broader public, at least.
However, Wilt Chamberlain didn’t think there was a disagreement in his own mind. especially if care was given in relation to each prime.
Wilt Chamberlain would Bet on Himself vs. Michael Jordan in Their Respective Primes
In contrast to Michael Jordan, Chamberlain, who was known for his confidence, seems to have believed in his own skills. And it’s easy to see why given how simple Wilt made the game appear and the numbers he posted.
In many ways, the Big Dipper’s best statistical season seems to be an outlier. For the season, Chamberlain averaged 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds per game. Wilt’s 1961–1962 season has a compelling case for being the best individual season of all time.
Naturally, Wilt supported himself over Michael Jordan, the more well-liked candidate for the GOAT label. And now that Chamberlain has supported his claim with statistics demonstrating his ludicrous athleticism, I for one am motivated to approach a one-on-one match in Wilt’s manner.
“If Wilt had to go up against Michael, would it be me or him in our prime? What amount of cash would you be willing to risk? An astonished interviewer queried Wilt about his choice of MJ as his GOAT.
“I complete a 100-meter run at a pace of 10:10, followed by a 52-foot vertical. I bench press approximately 600 pounds,” said Chamberlain, dispelling any ideas that Jordan would pose a threat by going one-on-one with him on the perimeter.
At the very least, Wilt is unrivaled in terms of confidence. In this regard, Michael Jordan is also no slouch. In every department, they are still up against rivals.
Jordan and Wilt Even Argued About Their Goat Claim in Public
When talent and confidence coexist in the same quantity as they did for MJ and Wilt, it can be quite entertaining. And this pair’s conviction was based on the argument for GOAT designation.
Being ardent defenders of their respective GOAT statuses, a discussion naturally broke out when they met. All of the NBA’s top 50 players were invited to this meeting because it was the league’s 50th-anniversary celebration.
Bill Walton, a fellow NBA 50 member, described Jordan and Wilt’s argument as “vociferous.”
And Chamberlain told the younger Jordan that because of the Big Dipper’s contributions to the game, His Airness had it easy.
Just keep in mind that they adjusted all the rules when you played to make it simpler for you to win. Sources from the event claim that Wilt said, “When I played, they modified all the rules to make it harder for me to dominate.
Wilt no longer exists, but he left behind enough for the discussion to continue. Both of these greats will continue to be discussed in the GOAT argument as constants.
