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Would the great Wilt Chamberlain go 7-10 from three? (Original Post) Mosby Nov 15 OP
There was no 3-point line when Wilt played, so, no. Basso8vb Nov 15 #1
Wilt couldn't go 7 for 10 from the FT line, but Bluetus Nov 15 #2
Today's Wilt would need to develop better post skills. Mosby Nov 15 #4
Do you really see him stopping AD or KD? Bluetus Nov 15 #5
This is a joke question, right? Wilt couldn't go 7 of 10 from the free throw line Prof. P.E. Name Nov 15 #3

Basso8vb

(302 posts)
1. There was no 3-point line when Wilt played, so, no.
Fri Nov 15, 2024, 01:25 PM
Nov 15

The game has changed immensely over the past 50 years.

Bluetus

(101 posts)
2. Wilt couldn't go 7 for 10 from the FT line, but
Fri Nov 15, 2024, 01:31 PM
Nov 15

he would own Webby and any of the other beanpoles. Wilt was like Shaq, except that he had a really muscular, lean body with unbelievable athleticism. These skinny guys would get nowhere against players like Shaq and Wilt unless the refs bailed them out.

Mosby

(17,469 posts)
4. Today's Wilt would need to develop better post skills.
Fri Nov 15, 2024, 03:01 PM
Nov 15

And some range including from the FT line.

In todays NBA he wouldn't be able to score so easily.

I didn't believe the hype about Wemby, but if his defense keeps improving who knows how good he might get.

Wilt could be a good defender in today's NBA, but it would require a lot of training. Do you really see him stopping AD or KD? I dont.


Bluetus

(101 posts)
5. Do you really see him stopping AD or KD?
Fri Nov 15, 2024, 07:59 PM
Nov 15

In the post? Yes, but would probably foul out a lot. In Wilt's day, he could play within 12' of the basket, both offense and defense. He couldn't do that today, and away from the basket, Wilt's defensive advantages (length and strength) would be minimized. But none of those guys, and especially not Wemby, would stop Wilt near the bucket.

Plus, today's game has lots of cutting to the rim. Having Wilt in the middle offensively would mess up that flow.

But we have to judge the players against their peers, considering the style of play in their era. There has never been a more dominant player than Wilt. Today's "superstars" may have 5-10 really huge games each season. Wilt put up big numbers almost every game.

Here's a compilation for those who are too young to have seen him play. Notice the lost art of the bank shot. The thing that strikes me watching him is how quick he was, and what a leaper, for a man of almost 300#

Prof. P.E. Name

(62 posts)
3. This is a joke question, right? Wilt couldn't go 7 of 10 from the free throw line
Fri Nov 15, 2024, 01:44 PM
Nov 15

You should repeat that: FREE THROW LINE.
Without looking it up, i would guess he was closer to 3 of 10 in free throws

Three point line: never would have happened: Have you ever seen pictures of him shoot from anywhere other than right under the hoop?
Absolutely terrible shooting style.
Not even the same game being played today.

Full disclosure: my elementary school coaches were National Industrial Basketball League players (i.e.., professional level but
chose to work for corporations that sponsored the league.)

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