NBA Legends and Players Explain Why Wilt Chamberlain Would Dominate Today’s NBA
Wilt Chamberlain is one of the most dominant figures in basketball history. His records, including his famous 100-point game and his career averages of 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds per game, have stood the test of time. Yet, in modern basketball discussions, some question whether Chamberlain would be as effective in today’s game. However, numerous NBA legends and players firmly believe that Wilt would not only succeed but thrive in today’s league. Here’s why they think the Big Dipper would still be a monster in modern basketball.
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1. Unmatched Athleticism and Size
NBA legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have repeatedly praised Chamberlain’s athletic ability. Standing at 7’1″ with a reported vertical leap of 48 inches, Wilt had physical attributes that would be considered elite even today. Former players and analysts argue that if Wilt played with modern strength training, nutrition, and sports science, he could be an even greater force.
Kevin Garnett, a Hall of Famer himself, once said:
“You put Wilt in today’s game with all the advancements? He’s breaking the game just like he did back then.”
Even Shaq, who dominated the NBA in the early 2000s, has stated that Wilt’s combination of size, speed, and strength would make him an unstoppable force in today’s era, where the game is more spaced out and less physically grueling in the paint.
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2. Skill Set and Adaptability
A common argument against Wilt dominating today is that the game has changed, with a greater emphasis on three-point shooting and perimeter play. However, Chamberlain was not just a dominant post player; he was an incredibly skilled athlete who could pass, dribble, and even shoot from mid-range.
Bill Russell, one of Wilt’s fiercest rivals, acknowledged Wilt’s versatility:
“People don’t understand that Wilt could do anything on the court. If he wanted to lead the league in assists, he did. If he wanted to score, he did. He could adjust to any era.”
In 1968, Wilt led the NBA in assists, proving his ability to facilitate offense—something modern big men like Nikola Jokić are praised for today. Given his natural ability and intelligence, many believe he would have developed a three-point shot if he played in today’s NBA.
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3. The Lack of True Centers in Today’s NBA
In today’s game, dominant post players are rare, with most teams relying on smaller lineups and stretch bigs. Legends like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal argue that Wilt would feast in today’s era simply because there aren’t many players who could match his physicality and skill.
Barkley once said:
“Imagine Wilt playing against these centers today. He’d be getting 50 a night easy.”
With fewer dominant post defenders in the league, Wilt’s ability to score and rebound at will would be even more pronounced. Players like Rudy Gobert and Joel Embiid are among the few traditional centers left, but none possess the athleticism and raw power that Wilt brought to the game.
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4. The Pace and Space Era Would Benefit Wilt
Ironically, the modern era of fast-paced basketball with more possessions per game would work in Wilt’s favor. In his era, the game was slower and more physical, with teams averaging fewer shots per game compared to today. If Wilt played in today’s NBA, where teams emphasize transition play and quick scoring opportunities, his numbers could be even more absurd.
Oscar Robertson, one of Wilt’s contemporaries, once said:
“With the way teams play today, Wilt would probably be averaging 60 points and 30 rebounds a game. There’s nobody to stop him.”
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5. He Was a Physical Freak Even By Today’s Standards
Many players who played against Wilt described him as one of the most physically gifted athletes they had ever seen. He reportedly bench-pressed over 500 pounds, ran a sub-11-second 100-meter dash, and even competed in professional volleyball after retiring from basketball.
In an era where elite athletes like Giannis Antetokounmpo dominate with a combination of size and skill, Wilt would likely be even more dominant with access to modern sports science and training techniques.
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Conclusion: Wilt Would Still Be a Monster
When NBA legends and players talk about Wilt Chamberlain, they don’t just see a dominant force from the past—they see a player who could still break the game today. His size, strength, skill, and athleticism would make him an unstoppable force in the modern NBA.
Whether it’s Shaq, Barkley, Kareem, or Oscar Robertson, the consensus is clear: Wilt Chamberlain wouldn’t just survive in today’s NBA—he would dominate it.
