I have never learned more about the game from any other basketball player than the great William F. Russell. A great player-coach,and an even greater man.Thank you Russ
These guys were the Bird / Magic of their era. Great representatives of the game, great men, and more intellectual than most of today's players. Pure class.
Bird and Magic did not have to guard each other the WHOLE time. These two guys were the ones that decided what team was going to win the championship every year they play,and no other players in the history of the NBA have been able to do that from the start of their careers ( rookies) until the last games. I love Hakeem the Dream,but trufully I know that he didn't block more shots than either one of them.Both of them have blocked more than ten shots in a few times
"The first time I played him(Wilt), he picked me up like nothing and placed me away from him to get a favorable position. That's when I knew I was in trouble."-Bill Russell.
His physique and looks are insane for a 61 year old. He could easily pass for 40. And the crazy thing is that there is only a 2 year difference between Wilt and Bill.
@@thekodiak1382actually, I think a few years ago he said they were competitors not rivals, because they were great friends, but yeah on the court Russel and the Celtics were not playing around.
Absolutely love the chemistry between these two. Now this is what you call a true rivalry, saying nothing but good things about each other and having the highest amount of respect for each other while later becoming best friends. Unlike rivalries today where people feel the need to grill each other on “social media” and be crybaby’s about every little thing when it comes to competition. True men right here and GOATs in their own rights.
Wilt and Russ were two big men who were track and field stars before making names for themselves in basketball. So I don't think it's a coincidence that they both have the highest rebounding averages and blocked the most shots, also they have the two highest minutes per game averages. The two were world-class athletes, not just basketball players. They would be able to out-run and out-jump any center today.
"If Wilt were playing today, he would be even more dominant than he was then. I don't see a center out there now that could play against him. The reason people don't believe that is because Wilt's numbers were so big, they seemed so impossible that they almost don't seem real. So they try to find a way to dismiss them or devalue them and try to make them not real." -Bill Russell
True NBA Royalty.....for eternity. I don't know, I simply have a distinct, gut feeling that 50 years from now........Wilt Chamberlain & Bill Russell will STILL be considered the 2 greatest centers in the history of the National Basketball Association. I just can't conceive of any 2 individuals as uniquely GIFTED as Wilt & Bill, in all phases of the game.......appearing on the horizon any time soon. I truly don't expect it.
Wilt was so nice and gentle for being the strongest, he even apologized to his friends for scoring 100 points on them. This brings tears to my eyes - he was a good man
wilt: "... i wanted to play basketball the way that naismith invented it to be played." bill: "actually you played better than he invented it to be played." wilt: "probably right." lol, awesome.
In Russell's book,"Russell's Rules", he explains how his team would beat Jordan's 95-96 Bulls. He explains how good his team was at letting one person go off but still winning the game. That's the reason he won so many playoff series against Chamberlain.
+latinphil27 Imagine if he did play in this generation of the NBA! Then again if he brought Bill Russell along he be the force to deal with if they played in this generation!
Greatest offensive player, no argument. Underrated defensive player. VERY POOR team player in a TEAM SPORT. If they were in their prime TODAY they'd be the 2 best centers in the league hands down, STILL dominant rebounders and blockers - and Bill would STILL be winning more championships because he made his whole TEAM better. If blocks were a recorded statistic when Bill and Wilt played, they would probably dominate THAT list about as strongly as they dominate the "most rebounds in a season" list, where they own the top 18 and something like 23 of the top 30 entries.
So many people that say he is full of BS. Look at him! Very few sport stars at that height have that muscle mass at their best and he is 60+ in this interview. The only player in NBA history with no offensive skills and still named as the best players of all times and Wilt scored 62 against him!? Considering that no one plays defence nowdays I believe him when he say he would do 60 ppg. But not enough at 35-36 years at the end of his career he would totally crush Kareem, the player with most points ever, in defence. The same player humiliated the best defensive player in history and the best scorer in history, how can people even discuss if he is the greatest ever!?
Jesus Saldana the game now is more exposed, yes players now are more athletic but they’re also dumber. If any real big man existed in the league today they would dominate and win multiple championships, think about this the warriors death lineup had draymond at center, could draymond guard an old Wilt let alone a prime one
Your "without walking" statement is very true, and the officials just let it go, high school, college and NBA. It is a serious thing to me. All of that allowed traveling and carrying the ball, also known as turning the ball over on the dribble, are ruining the game. It benefits the offense, and hobbles the defense, seriously. It's all to make the offensive "super stars" look better and therefor, sell more tickets and merchandise. MONEY is the name of the game.
People do not seem to know the difference between athleticism, fundamentals, skills. Wilt had everything plus he was very knowledgeable about the game. If people say wilt play against a weak era than I am guessing George Mikan played in a weak era himself cause he was 6'11 285 playing in 1940 & 1950s. You people just imagine shaquille o Neal with Tim Duncan fundamentals and knowledge of the game plus Dwight Howard athletic ability plus Shaq presence plus Hakeem Olajuwon's skills. That is wilt chamberlain. I forgot to mention his defense of threat. He could rebound better than Dennis Rodman, blocked better than Mark Eaton, shut down any opponent, plus controlled the rebounds. He's size cover alot in the court. That is Wilt Chamberlain. No one comes close to him. No One Period.
Hen does not have Hakeem skills or defensive ability oh yeah Hakeem was superior in the playoffs he carried teams wilt was not as skilled he was more physically gifted now Shaq maybe and Dwight Howard not even close
I GOT TO SEE WILT IN 1973 THE YEAR THE LAKERS WON 33 STRAIGHT AND THE TITLE AT COLE FIELD HOUSE...THIS DUDE WAS HUGE AND HE WAS KIND HE TOOK TIME TO TAKE A PICTURE WITH ME AND A FRIEND OF MINE.... MY FAVORITE PLAYER EVER....
Tired of hearing uneducated garbage about Wilt only playing against 'short' players. In his career, he went up against 27 players that were 6' 10" or taller. They only looked 'shorter' because 7' 1" Wilt 'played' at about 8' 11". As far as who the GOAT is (I grew up in an era when the "goat" cost you the game. Go figure.), well, MJ might be His Airness and Lebron may be King, but Wilt is referred to as The Record Book. 'Nuff said.
presleyrules yeah mostly 6’10 and 220 pounds they weighted...look at Bill Russell 6’9 and 220 pounds...compare too Wilts 7’1 and 276 pounds...Kareem was 7’3 and 226 pounds and gaved Wilt a run for his money 😂😂😂
@@jesussaldana8430 Kareem was barley a half a inch taller than Wilt because of is giraffe like neck and afro. The stilt had a longer body legs and arms he could also jump higher in his prime he would destroy Kareem. Even with his leg injury and at 37 he blocked his skyhook three times in a row lmao. In the fourth quarter in the playoffs against Kareem he shut him down and dominated him like he was playing against a school girl.
I saw both Wilt and Russell in their primes. They were both tremendous athletes, who starred in track in hihg school and college as well as basketball. And Russell was strong, althouhg not nearly as strong as Wilt. Russell is correct when he says he made his teammates better. But one responder on this board is wrong when he says that Bill could have averaged 40-50 ppg. Russell was not a good shooter- either in college or the pros. Look, no one is perfect. Russell was the greatest defender ever, the 2nd greatest rebounder ever (under Wilt), and the best team player and leader ever. The fact that he couldn't score that well was a positive; it meant that he wasn't competing with the gunners on the team for shots like Heinsohn, Sharman, Cousy, Hondo and S. Jones. And the players reacted accordingly. He got thjem the ball and defended against the other teams' big men.
@@thekodiak1382 Russell could have averaged 20+ but that would have taken away from the team. He was never the first option, the Celtics had scorers and he provided them with the ball. And Wilt said Russ was the best rebounder by his playoff average.
Russell was a great scorer, just not shooter, but he was a Center. He was great at scoring in the paint. He easily could have scored 20+ a game (in fact he did at times in playoffs per game to prove that).. but he didn't need to. He shared the ball with all the other guys who also happened to be great scorers.
Prior to russells arrival the celtics needed a big man to shut down opposing big men under the rim rebound block shots. So Rus was sold on that and defense if it meant titles then thats what it got him. Because before rus came the celtics did not have a big man to do the job againsy mikan stokes pettit schayes. But once russell came oh boy were those guys in trouble excelt mikan.
Celtics teams were legendary. Just think, Wilt teamed up with Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, 3 superstars of that era and the Celtics still beat them. That 11 championship run is just mind boggling.
+Toph Beifong didn't you hear what bill russell said? His teammate chemistry was much stronger with his team than wilts team was with him. but one on one chamberlain was much stronger on offence and about the same on defence. I reckon wilt was better and it was proved many times by various achievements
The 1963 Celtics had 9 HOFers plus a solid bench player in Jim Loscutoff! The 9 HOFers are: Russell, Havlicek, Cousy, Sam Jones, KC Jones, Tom Heinsohn, Clyde Lovellette, Frank Ramsey and Satch Sanders!
Between Bill's wisdom and Wilt's surprisingly great humor I'm just amazed after watching. I seriously have chills and wish the modem day player had half the intelligence, spirit, and grace that both showed one another. RIP Wilt
This interview was GREAT! While their playing days were when I was young, I do think it was the single greatest INDIVIDUAL rivalry ever in the NBA. The Best TEAM rivalry was in the 80s between the Celtics & Lakers. Russell & Chamberlain will forever be linked as will Magic & Bird. What makes the Russell & Chamberlain matchup a bit more intense was they played the same position. But in the end, all said & done, they competed & BOTH rivalries were about RESPECT for each other. And being Friends!
I swear, just look at the body language of this interview. Bill and Wilt just reek of guys who have a profound like/respect for each other; it's like watching two high school friends being reunited after being apart for 20 years
Wilt was featured in magazines (Time, Life, etc.) before he ever turned pro. He was scrutinized the moment he entered the NBA with all the expectations on him and battled critics his whole life. In terms of adversity the rules of the game changed all around him to limit his dominance. So bad was the abuse he got teeth knocked out, eyes poked, and hounded each night to the point he contemplated early retirement. And FYI, that quote was actually from 1960 when Wilt was still a rookie.
That's great to hear him talk about how important it was to him to be a skilled player and not just rely on his superior athletic abilities and god-given gifts to overwhelm other players. Duncan is more like Wilt than Shaq ever was.
Anybody using the height of competition argument should keep in mind that players back then used actual height not height in shoes so add 2 inches and that's how tall they were. The centers of the 60s were every bit as tall as today's centers
Shame Wilt died so early. I just recently picked up to look more games about him and I cannot understand why he was so underappriciated. He was not just tall and strong, he was very skilled as well!
Russell explained in his book "Russell's Rules", that his 1960 Celtics team would blow away any team. He explains how good that they were at letting one person go off for 50-60 and still win. That explains why Wilt dropped 62 yet the Celtics still won. Rodman lock down Russell? Not necessarily. Russell wouldn't need to go off for 30 or even 20. He would just block shots in the paint and rebound to start breaks. The Celtics's high paced game would give them an advantage and limit fast-breaks.
No emotion involved in the conclusions I've reached, my friend. Even at the age of 56, I am STILL not old enough to have comprehended the true greatness of Wilt & Bill......I was approximately 13 when Mr.Russell retired. My vague childhood memories have been fortified by extensive reading of NBA history & viewing of various 1960's NBA documentaries. I have the utmost respect for players such as Abdul-Jabbar, Olajuwon, Ewing, Robinson & O'Neill. Wilt & Bill were each other's primary competion.
Wilt broke up fights. Usually by lifting a person out of the way & then the other person out of the way and telling them to knock it off. They always did.
wilt scoring game is even more incredible when you consider that he was a horrible free throw shooter and no three point shot...to score that many points you really had to be so efficient from the floor (averaging 70 points a game for a ten game str is bananas)
he started changing it before that too like last 5 years of his career his avgs dipped for scoring and also image if they kept blocked shot records !!!
dirk thats true too...alex hannum ask him too in Philadelphia cause of the talent around him and when he went to LA with west and baylor...goes to show wilt was very unselfish and also had the versatility to change his game when needed to help his team (something very little people give him credit for)
I love how these guys love and respect the game and sportsmanship. Their friendship is also very cool "My mother would say, well Wilt we shouldn't feed Bill so well next time" HAHAHAHAHA LOL love their humor!!! Classy gentlemen!
Back in the day, I watched many Sunday afternoon NBA Games of the week. I always hoped Wilt was playing. I loved basketball. I was most partial to the center position, but 6'3" was my tallest, though I dreamed of being 7'. Though I don't condone his, dangerous, and immoral, promiscuity, or the bit of ego, that he displayed, he was the only player that I wanted to emulate, on the court. Say what you will, he was the monster of basketball. After he bulked up, and was playing for The Lakers, when he went into the paint, for a dunk,. or finger roll, or block, he seemed to dwarf everybody, and everything else. In my opinion, Wilt and Larry Bird, for slightly different reasons, were the most satisfying players to watch play the game. Basketball championships won aside, for me, Chamberlain is the "GOAT". As a team player, Bird is not too far behind. We all have our opinions.
3:16 is the exact reason why Mr. Russell won all those championships. Intelligence doesn't show up in the stats. But it's the reason why I would pick Mr. Russell first if there were a draft of all players in history. Bird would be my 2nd pick, by the way. He was another one that made his teammates better.
@TanvirulH Don't kid yourself. Wilt still has a massive size, strength, and agility edge over centers to this very day. We're talking a 7'1-2" high jumping sprinting good-at-everything athlete with a freak 7'8" wingspan. Ever since Wilt retired it has been continuously suggested by contemporary players, legends, and coaches that still are part of today's NBA, that he would be dominating the **** out of "today's" league. This was said in the 80's, the 90's, the '00's and it is still said today.
@@ericpledge1 Why? I think that's a stupid thing to say, they played in a different era, but dominated their positions and won championships, just like Chamberlain and Russell.
It's actually much more difficult to grab 15 rebounds in a faster paced game than it is to grab the same amount in a slower pace due to being out of position more and the physical demands it requires. Bill Russell's heaviest playing weight was 238 pounds, about the same as Ben Wallace and Russell never had to do any weight training. Of course everyone blocks shots now because today's rules opened the lane up more than any other era. No problem for any defensive player.
Russell was measured at 6'9 5/8th WITHOUT shoes on. They measured players with their shoes off back then. Russell was probably close to 6'11 and he had a 7'4 wingspan. And yes he did jump over a guy he just spread his legs out so he wouldn't hit him. You can clearly see his pelvis go over the guys head
Yes, that's why the Nats took advantage of it. The Warriors tried this on Dwight in January. Wilt's job is stay under the rim, not leave the post to go guard perimeter players. If Sam Jones is scoring a lot then it's his teammate's fault, not his. Also, Wilt compiled his biggest stats against lesser teams, which is why his regular season averages were so high compared to his playoff numbers. The playoffs back then had fewer rounds and he'd play most of those games against tougher better teams.
I agree it's not just about scoring. Russell and Chamberlain were both also the most dominant at rebounding and have the highest career assist averages for the center position in league history. If they counted blocks back then they'd excel at that too. They were great because they were complete players. I think they'd be really good in any era.
Such a shame Wilt died so young. Is he an example of 'over-exercising'? I mean, he looked like he could still play in this interview lol. His arms looked like Hulk Hogans! He was a fitness junkie but died so young. Doesn't make much sense.
CLewey44 A lot of people disagree with me on this, but I say yes. Over exercising puts a lot of strain on the body. I know a lot of bodybuilders and marathon runners that had premature deaths. If you look up some supercentenarians on google you'll see that most of them lived pretty much a sedentary lifestyle. Low to moderate intensity exercise is the way to go in my opinion.
Afanasi Bushmanov I believe you should stay active, like you said. I read somewhere that there is a correlation between the ability to arise from a sitting position quickly and a person's lifespan. Staying active no question is important but Wilt was a physical freak of nature. Look at Willis Reed. Same age but has been very obese since he retired 40 years ago and was pretty overweight as a player but has lived well into his 70s now. Looking like an adonis your entire life doesn't necessarily equate to longevity.
what russell said at 3:25 was spot on. u dont just get good players to create a good team... u personally have to work with them to be better players...
@ZipperZappleZ I don't know, but back in the 1956 NBA Draft, the Celtics worked their way to the #2 Overall Draft Pick, with Rochester having the #1 Pick. So, Red Auerbach had to "Wine and Dine" the Rochester Royals from preventing them from drafting Bill Russell(Who was the top choice in the NBA Draft). So, in the 1956 NBA Draft, Rochester selected Sihugo Green with the #1 Overall Pick, and the Celtics selected Bill Russell(From the St. Louis Hawks) with the #2 Overall Pick.
Man O'Neal but unfortunately he developed a bad heart ( sick ) from no doubt fornicating with all the women he brags about a fate he had no control over, he should of walked more in the spirit ignoring all the women who I'm sure practically threw themselves at him would he have lived a ripe old age like he took for granted. Now please don't get me wrong I'm not judging Wilt Chamberlain, but had nothing but respect and was always in awe of the man in his ability and accomplishments but I personally would of loved to see Wilt Chamberlain alive today still as he was one of my favorite athletes of all time as was he many a people's.
@@georgemartinez8434 wasn't the women. That was BS he made up for a biography. Yeah he had a lot of women but nothing like the numbers suggested and not in his later years. He developed a heart condition and needed to reduce his training routine, change his diet etc. He didn't and died of heart failure. I suspect he always wanted to be the best athlete and even in his 60s he didn't accept that wasn't realistic.
True, Russell was a bit more aggressive on defense than Chamberlain was so he'll always be remembered as the greater defender. Wilt could have been as aggressive except he chose not to be. He held back because he knew his strength could easily hurt others. I remember reading something like Wilt would choose to be not aggressive enough rather than risk severely injuring someone.
No ^ he isn't wrong , go to the nba channel and watch "the ultimate wilt chamberlain highlights" it shows him doing a sky hook before Kareem was even in the league
Tunes342 There were many players before Wilt and Russell who shot the hook shot. The Celtics had two of them- Cousy and Heinsohn. And one of the best was the Wheel- Neil Johnston, the center of the Warriors before Wilt. Still, when Russell came into the league, he blocked Johnston's hook almost every time, just about putting Neil out of the league. Yes, Kareem's sky hook is different from the traditional hook. The sky hooks was shot from higher above his head.
More rebounds available does not mean it was easier, plus player role changes. Wilt would sometimes grab 15-20 rebounds in one half while concentrating on mid-range play later. Physical demands are not higher today, you only think that because there is more bodying in the post. There was a LOT more strain put on a player's body back then due to inferior technology. A 3 point line allows for a less crowded key and with guys resting on the perimeter rather than constant movement without the ball.
"Success is a journey, not a destination." Damn, Bill Russell is so wise !
I have never learned more about the game from any other basketball player than the great William F. Russell. A great player-coach,and an even greater man.Thank you Russ
Wtf, look at Wilt. At 61 years old this dude looks like he could go toe to toe with prime Shaq. He's from a different planet I swear
black don't crack
Yep it's hard to belive that he would sadly pass away just two years later.
Congenital heart disease is a bitch.
Steroids do wonders
Randy Marsh stop
This is a respectable rivalry. You can tell they genuinely like each other.
In HS days bill russel slept, eat and hangout with Wilt on thanksgiving.
The body language says it all
His laugh is contagious. MAY YOU RIP 🐐 BILL RUSSEL.
These guys were the Bird / Magic of their era. Great representatives of the game, great men, and more intellectual than most of today's players. Pure class.
Well said, my friend.
imagine if they played together like what superstars today do
Bird and Magic did not have to guard each other the WHOLE time. These two guys were the ones that decided what team was going to win the championship every year they play,and no other players in the history of the NBA have been able to do that from the start of their careers ( rookies) until the last games. I love Hakeem the Dream,but trufully I know that he didn't block more shots than either one of them.Both of them have blocked more than ten shots in a few times
Don't forget about Paul westphal and pistol Pete
@@bubblerap7176they took their chance to attend college to get a really good education. Two pillars on every sense of the word.
Wilt was a very funny and likable guy.
That was his problem
Idk man, he seems like a dude that people probably didn't like.
You do t smash 20k women & not have any type of charm
Word has it, he wasn't. I don't know though. I would love to talk to both of them though.
And a plaaaaaayyyyaaaa
"The first time I played him(Wilt), he picked me up like nothing and placed me away from him to get a favorable position. That's when I knew I was in trouble."-Bill Russell.
I'm still adjusting to a man casually talking about averaging 60+ points.
Yeah he was drooling thinking about having 1 on 1 coverage, he’s never played and not been doubled or triple teamed
@@lilripstaSSF4 Yo in his documentary they say they teied to double team and triple team him
Who is dis fool saying they didnt tripled him r u kidding wilt was always triple teamed n more dan dat
@@shoaibshaikh1777 facts
@@shoaibshaikh1777 Read the comment properly that's what he said. Triggered much smh🙄
Damn Wilt Chamberlain looking classy and fitted at 61 years old!
His physique and looks are insane for a 61 year old. He could easily pass for 40. And the crazy thing is that there is only a 2 year difference between Wilt and Bill.
+Ljungan 3 year fiffrrence , not that it matters 😊
Kinda crazy to think that Bill is only almost 4 years older yet Wilt wouldn't live to be as old as Bill was in this very video :/
Dude looks like he could have still played. 😐
If it wasnt for his congenital heart disease, i could see his age equalling his points record
"Competition not Rivalry" The mark of two great men in basketball and the world.
Don't get it twisted, in RUSSELL's eyes it was ALWAYS a rivalry
@@thekodiak1382actually, I think a few years ago he said they were competitors not rivals, because they were great friends, but yeah on the court Russel and the Celtics were not playing around.
Absolutely love the chemistry between these two. Now this is what you call a true rivalry, saying nothing but good things about each other and having the highest amount of respect for each other while later becoming best friends. Unlike rivalries today where people feel the need to grill each other on “social media” and be crybaby’s about every little thing when it comes to competition. True men right here and GOATs in their own rights.
RIP Mr. Russell, now you and Wilt will be together playing against each once again. Wow, that's heaven..
Wilt Chamberlain was not from the species homo sapien He was the first example of homo superius
Well-said
Damn at Wilt's muscles, and this man is retired during the interview. Imagine in his prime, how strong he was.
@@currypiston 61
Look at the highlights?
600 lb dead lifts..bench
These guys are class. This is what's missing in sports today.
Wilt and Russ were two big men who were track and field stars before making names for themselves in basketball. So I don't think it's a coincidence that they both have the highest rebounding averages and blocked the most shots, also they have the two highest minutes per game averages. The two were world-class athletes, not just basketball players. They would be able to out-run and out-jump any center today.
"If Wilt were playing today, he would be even more dominant than he was then. I don't see a center out there now that could play against him. The reason people don't believe that is because Wilt's numbers were so big, they seemed so impossible that they almost don't seem real. So they try to find a way to dismiss them or devalue them and try to make them not real." -Bill Russell
Mason Plumlee, Boogie Cousins, Lemarcus Aldridge, Horzengis, Doncik, Jocic, anybody else out there?
True NBA Royalty.....for eternity. I don't know, I simply have a distinct, gut feeling that 50 years from now........Wilt Chamberlain & Bill Russell will STILL be considered the 2 greatest centers in the history of the National Basketball Association. I just can't conceive of any 2 individuals as uniquely GIFTED as Wilt & Bill, in all phases of the game.......appearing on the horizon any time soon. I truly don't expect it.
This video gave me chills and almost brought tears to my eyes. Both so legendary. Both so gracious to one another. Beautiful. Both are the GOATS.
Bill's laugh is amazing!
2020
if Wilt played today, with the illegal defense rules, he'd score 80 points a game.
No, he wouldn't because in order to do that he'd have to shoot better than 60% from the free throw line and that would NEVER EVER happen
@Travis 17 he practiced all his LIFE and couldn't Crack 50% on a good day. You do the math
SMT Admin yeah right...they were all over the place in offense..not many players back then
@@greyk610 Your entire statement is completely false
@@thekodiak1382 Why are you so salty towards Wilt dude lol
Wilt was so nice and gentle for being the strongest, he even apologized to his friends for scoring 100 points on them. This brings tears to my eyes - he was a good man
Soft as hell even back then don't call em snowflakes for nothing
I hope people realize the legendary status of these two giants of the game, pure class both of them.
The two greatest players in NBA history
2020
agree
💯
wilt: "... i wanted to play basketball the way that naismith invented it to be played."
bill: "actually you played better than he invented it to be played."
wilt: "probably right."
lol, awesome.
"Actually it was better than he had envisioned."
In Russell's book,"Russell's Rules", he explains how his team would beat Jordan's 95-96 Bulls. He explains how good his team was at letting one person go off but still winning the game. That's the reason he won so many playoff series against Chamberlain.
I can watch this all day everyday. Two of the GOAT! Mr. Offense vs Mr. Defense
Wilt Chamberlain was and still is the greatest player ever in the NBA!
+latinphil27 Imagine if he did play in this generation of the NBA! Then again if he brought Bill Russell along he be the force to deal with if they played in this generation!
+John Nguyen That would be nice John.. I think Wilt would be even more dominant in todays game!
Greatest offensive player, no argument.
Underrated defensive player.
VERY POOR team player in a TEAM SPORT.
If they were in their prime TODAY they'd be the 2 best centers in the league hands down, STILL dominant rebounders and blockers - and Bill would STILL be winning more championships because he made his whole TEAM better.
If blocks were a recorded statistic when Bill and Wilt played, they would probably dominate THAT list about as strongly as they dominate the "most rebounds in a season" list, where they own the top 18 and something like 23 of the top 30 entries.
No, he's not and it ain't even close
@@bricefleckenstein9666 Good point on all counts
So many people that say he is full of BS. Look at him! Very few sport stars at that height have that muscle mass at their best and he is 60+ in this interview. The only player in NBA history with no offensive skills and still named as the best players of all times and Wilt scored 62 against him!? Considering that no one plays defence nowdays I believe him when he say he would do 60 ppg. But not enough at 35-36 years at the end of his career he would totally crush Kareem, the player with most points ever, in defence. The same player humiliated the best defensive player in history and the best scorer in history, how can people even discuss if he is the greatest ever!?
The way they laughed together was all luv sincere 2 good friends
Who wasn't born before these legends retired but loves watching this stuff?
"The best basketball athletes I've ever seen played in the 50's and 60's." Said by Wilt. Today's guys can't even make a move without walking!
Larry Blong yeah right lol basketball has evolved since then..you got players all over the world playing basketball...
Jesus Saldana the game now is more exposed, yes players now are more athletic but they’re also dumber. If any real big man existed in the league today they would dominate and win multiple championships, think about this the warriors death lineup had draymond at center, could draymond guard an old Wilt let alone a prime one
@@lilripstaSSF4 Draymond would piss his pants trying to guard Wilt 😂
There are guys today who can't guard sandwiches in a girl scouts picnic...
Your "without walking" statement is very true, and the officials just let it go, high school, college and NBA. It is a serious thing to me. All of that allowed traveling and carrying the ball, also known as turning the ball over on the dribble, are ruining the game. It benefits the offense, and hobbles the defense, seriously. It's all to make the offensive "super stars" look better and therefor, sell more tickets and merchandise. MONEY is the name of the game.
People do not seem to know the difference between athleticism, fundamentals, skills. Wilt had everything plus he was very knowledgeable about the game. If people say wilt play against a weak era than I am guessing George Mikan played in a weak era himself cause he was 6'11 285 playing in 1940 & 1950s. You people just imagine shaquille o Neal with Tim Duncan fundamentals and knowledge of the game plus Dwight Howard athletic ability plus Shaq presence plus Hakeem Olajuwon's skills. That is wilt chamberlain. I forgot to mention his defense of threat. He could rebound better than Dennis Rodman, blocked better than Mark Eaton, shut down any opponent, plus controlled the rebounds. He's size cover alot in the court. That is Wilt Chamberlain. No one comes close to him. No One Period.
Hen does not have Hakeem skills or defensive ability oh yeah Hakeem was superior in the playoffs he carried teams wilt was not as skilled he was more physically gifted now Shaq maybe and Dwight Howard not even close
facts well said
Hakeem over Wilt? idiot. :P STFU dude
I GOT TO SEE WILT IN 1973 THE YEAR THE LAKERS WON 33 STRAIGHT AND THE TITLE AT COLE FIELD HOUSE...THIS DUDE WAS HUGE AND HE WAS KIND HE TOOK TIME TO TAKE A PICTURE WITH ME AND A FRIEND OF MINE.... MY FAVORITE PLAYER EVER....
@@larrychamberlain8155 really? Lucky you!
Tired of hearing uneducated garbage about Wilt only playing against 'short' players. In his career, he went up against 27 players that were 6' 10" or taller. They only looked 'shorter' because 7' 1" Wilt 'played' at about 8' 11". As far as who the GOAT is (I grew up in an era when the "goat" cost you the game. Go figure.), well, MJ might be His Airness and Lebron may be King, but Wilt is referred to as The Record Book. 'Nuff said.
presleyrules yeah mostly 6’10 and 220 pounds they weighted...look at Bill Russell 6’9 and 220 pounds...compare too Wilts 7’1 and 276 pounds...Kareem was 7’3 and 226 pounds and gaved Wilt a run for his money 😂😂😂
@@jesussaldana8430 Kareem was barley a half a inch taller than Wilt because of is giraffe like neck and afro. The stilt had a longer body legs and arms he could also jump higher in his prime he would destroy Kareem. Even with his leg injury and at 37 he blocked his skyhook three times in a row lmao. In the fourth quarter in the playoffs against Kareem he shut him down and dominated him like he was playing against a school girl.
@@chonasimpson6487 stfu wilt retired at 35
Those two are both pure class.
Bob Costas does a great job, and both Russell and Chamberlain are awesome.
not really a hard interview when you talking to 2 life long friends.
This was a beautiful interview. These two greats are SO MATURE. They really come across as wise men, very different from today's youngsters.
Wilt Chamberlain!!!! Philadelphia legend, NBA Icon! Greatest Center of All-Time.
2020
@6:42 funniest story. The rivalry was so intense that his mother got the idea of not feeding Bill on Holidays
I get a big kick of them two in interviews. They're like mischievous kids. So much laughter and appreciation of each other.
I saw both Wilt and Russell in their primes. They were both tremendous athletes, who starred in track in hihg school and college as well as basketball. And Russell was strong, althouhg not nearly as strong as Wilt. Russell is correct when he says he made his teammates better. But one responder on this board is wrong when he says that Bill could have averaged 40-50 ppg. Russell was not a good shooter- either in college or the pros. Look, no one is perfect. Russell was the greatest defender ever, the 2nd greatest rebounder ever (under Wilt), and the best team player and leader ever. The fact that he couldn't score that well was a positive; it meant that he wasn't competing with the gunners on the team for shots like Heinsohn, Sharman, Cousy, Hondo and S. Jones. And the players reacted accordingly. He got thjem the ball and defended against the other teams' big men.
Bill could not have averaged 40-50 points a game even if he were in a room by HIMSELF
@@thekodiak1382 Russell could have averaged 20+ but that would have taken away from the team. He was never the first option, the Celtics had scorers and he provided them with the ball. And Wilt said Russ was the best rebounder by his playoff average.
@@thekodiak1382 He would score 40 a game on you right now.
Russell was a great scorer, just not shooter, but he was a Center. He was great at scoring in the paint. He easily could have scored 20+ a game (in fact he did at times in playoffs per game to prove that).. but he didn't need to. He shared the ball with all the other guys who also happened to be great scorers.
Prior to russells arrival the celtics needed a big man to shut down opposing big men under the rim rebound block shots. So Rus was sold on that and defense if it meant titles then thats what it got him. Because before rus came the celtics did not have a big man to do the job againsy mikan stokes pettit schayes. But once russell came oh boy were those guys in trouble excelt mikan.
Damn,Bill Russell 11 Championships in 13 seasons,that will never be duplicated in any sport!
How can you not love Bill Russell that laugh is infectious lol.
just can't imagine how dominating a team would be if both of them played in it together... that would be terrifying.
Celtics teams were legendary. Just think, Wilt teamed up with Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, 3 superstars of that era and the Celtics still beat them. That 11 championship run is just mind boggling.
+Toph Beifong didn't you hear what bill russell said? His teammate chemistry was much stronger with his team than wilts team was with him. but one on one chamberlain was much stronger on offence and about the same on defence. I reckon wilt was better and it was proved many times by various achievements
They had 7 hall of famers
The 1963 Celtics had 9 HOFers plus a solid bench player in Jim Loscutoff! The 9 HOFers are: Russell, Havlicek, Cousy, Sam Jones, KC Jones, Tom Heinsohn, Clyde Lovellette, Frank Ramsey and Satch Sanders!
Toph Beifong The greatest dynasty!
George Wagner And Hall of Fame coach.
Between Bill's wisdom and Wilt's surprisingly great humor I'm just amazed after watching. I seriously have chills and wish the modem day player had half the intelligence, spirit, and grace that both showed one another. RIP Wilt
This interview was GREAT! While their playing days were when I was young, I do think it was the single greatest INDIVIDUAL rivalry ever in the NBA. The Best TEAM rivalry was in the 80s between the Celtics & Lakers. Russell & Chamberlain will forever be linked as will Magic & Bird. What makes the Russell & Chamberlain matchup a bit more intense was they played the same position. But in the end, all said & done, they competed & BOTH rivalries were about RESPECT for each other. And being Friends!
I swear, just look at the body language of this interview. Bill and Wilt just reek of guys who have a profound like/respect for each other; it's like watching two high school friends being reunited after being apart for 20 years
I wish I had Bill Russell's basketball IQ and Wilt's athletic abilities...they are insane.
Wilt was featured in magazines (Time, Life, etc.) before he ever turned pro. He was scrutinized the moment he entered the NBA with all the expectations on him and battled critics his whole life. In terms of adversity the rules of the game changed all around him to limit his dominance. So bad was the abuse he got teeth knocked out, eyes poked, and hounded each night to the point he contemplated early retirement. And FYI, that quote was actually from 1960 when Wilt was still a rookie.
That's great to hear him talk about how important it was to him to be a skilled player and not just rely on his superior athletic abilities and god-given gifts to overwhelm other players. Duncan is more like Wilt than Shaq ever was.
Straight up Legends with the most wholesome friendship
Anybody using the height of competition argument should keep in mind that players back then used actual height not height in shoes so add 2 inches and that's how tall they were. The centers of the 60s were every bit as tall as today's centers
If this is true this should be well known.
@@stephenstrang590 Since when in todays society is the truth about anything well known lmao.
Two of the greatest ever. Rest in Peace you two.
Shame Wilt died so early. I just recently picked up to look more games about him and I cannot understand why he was so underappriciated. He was not just tall and strong, he was very skilled as well!
His skill was greater than any big man of all time.
Wilt was no joking when he was talking about scoring 70 points a game in the 90's NBA. Costas took it like a joke, but it was not a joke.
Russell explained in his book "Russell's Rules", that his 1960 Celtics team would blow away any team. He explains how good that they were at letting one person go off for 50-60 and still win. That explains why Wilt dropped 62 yet the Celtics still won. Rodman lock down Russell? Not necessarily. Russell wouldn't need to go off for 30 or even 20. He would just block shots in the paint and rebound to start breaks. The Celtics's high paced game would give them an advantage and limit fast-breaks.
No emotion involved in the conclusions I've reached, my friend. Even at the age of 56, I am STILL not old enough to have comprehended the true greatness of Wilt & Bill......I was approximately 13 when Mr.Russell retired. My vague childhood memories have been fortified by extensive reading of NBA history & viewing of various 1960's NBA documentaries. I have the utmost respect for players such as Abdul-Jabbar, Olajuwon, Ewing, Robinson & O'Neill. Wilt & Bill were each other's primary competion.
Wilt broke up fights. Usually by lifting a person out of the way & then the other person out of the way and telling them to knock it off. They always did.
I love both of them and i am absolutely sure that they would be just as good or even better in today's basketball
wilt scoring game is even more incredible when you consider that he was a horrible free throw shooter and no three point shot...to score that many points you really had to be so efficient from the floor (averaging 70 points a game for a ten game str is bananas)
***** yea it really blows my mind, if he was a better free throw shooter I cant imagine what his scoring average would be
he could shoot fadeaway and hooks he made 28 straight shots in a row still a record
most dominant force the nba has ever had..I imagine what his scoring totals would have been if he didn't change his game the last two years in LA
he started changing it before that too like last 5 years of his career his avgs dipped for scoring and also image if they kept blocked shot records !!!
dirk thats true too...alex hannum ask him too in Philadelphia cause of the talent around him and when he went to LA with west and baylor...goes to show wilt was very unselfish and also had the versatility to change his game when needed to help his team (something very little people give him credit for)
I love how these guys love and respect the game and sportsmanship. Their friendship is also very cool "My mother would say, well Wilt we shouldn't feed Bill so well next time" HAHAHAHAHA LOL love their humor!!! Classy gentlemen!
Kinda crazy to think that Bill is only almost 4 years older yet Wilt wouldn't live to be as old as Bill was in this very video :/
Love seeing them together....MUCH RESPECT!!!!
RIP to both legends 🕊
Legends has it that after that interview Wilt scored 50 and it wasn't on the court
Back in the day, I watched many Sunday afternoon NBA Games of the week. I always hoped Wilt was playing. I loved basketball. I was most partial to the center position, but 6'3" was my tallest, though I dreamed of being 7'. Though I don't condone his, dangerous, and immoral, promiscuity, or the bit of ego, that he displayed, he was the only player that I wanted to emulate, on the court. Say what you will, he was the monster of basketball. After he bulked up, and was playing for The Lakers, when he went into the paint, for a dunk,. or finger roll, or block, he seemed to dwarf everybody, and everything else. In my opinion, Wilt and Larry Bird, for slightly different reasons, were the most satisfying players to watch play the game. Basketball championships won aside, for me, Chamberlain is the "GOAT". As a team player, Bird is not too far behind. We all have our opinions.
yes i agree. I think bird is first or second. Everyone is so wrapped up with Judden.
3:16 is the exact reason why Mr. Russell won all those championships. Intelligence doesn't show up in the stats. But it's the reason why I would pick Mr. Russell first if there were a draft of all players in history. Bird would be my 2nd pick, by the way. He was another one that made his teammates better.
I just want to hang out with Russell and listen to him laugh.
This is like an interview with Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb. We're fortunate to have these clips of these legends.
I remember standing next to Wilt at Cobo Hall (Pistons game) in 1967 or 1968, and his thighs were as big as my chest (and I'm not a small guy)!
@TanvirulH Don't kid yourself. Wilt still has a massive size, strength, and agility edge over centers to this very day. We're talking a 7'1-2" high jumping sprinting good-at-everything athlete with a freak 7'8" wingspan. Ever since Wilt retired it has been continuously suggested by contemporary players, legends, and coaches that still are part of today's NBA, that he would be dominating the **** out of "today's" league. This was said in the 80's, the 90's, the '00's and it is still said today.
Seeing these two remind me of Larry being wilt and magic being Russell
Raul Gutierrez I wouldn't even compare Magic and Bird with these two legends.
9307 He meant their friendship. Not their skill level.
It reminds me of Larry being Russell and Magic being Wilt
@@ericpledge1 Why? I think that's a stupid thing to say, they played in a different era, but dominated their positions and won championships, just like Chamberlain and Russell.
Y’all need to chill lol. Meant as friendship and their character. Russell with his contagious laughing and wilt with his demeanor
It's actually much more difficult to grab 15 rebounds in a faster paced game than it is to grab the same amount in a slower pace due to being out of position more and the physical demands it requires. Bill Russell's heaviest playing weight was 238 pounds, about the same as Ben Wallace and Russell never had to do any weight training. Of course everyone blocks shots now because today's rules opened the lane up more than any other era. No problem for any defensive player.
6:41 just made me laugh so hard 😂😂😂
Love these two BROTHERS.
Russell was measured at 6'9 5/8th WITHOUT shoes on. They measured players with their shoes off back then. Russell was probably close to 6'11 and he had a 7'4 wingspan. And yes he did jump over a guy he just spread his legs out so he wouldn't hit him. You can clearly see his pelvis go over the guys head
Two great great players.enjoy watching them
Rest In Peace bill Russell you will be missed. And we won’t forget about
Yes, that's why the Nats took advantage of it. The Warriors tried this on Dwight in January. Wilt's job is stay under the rim, not leave the post to go guard perimeter players. If Sam Jones is scoring a lot then it's his teammate's fault, not his. Also, Wilt compiled his biggest stats against lesser teams, which is why his regular season averages were so high compared to his playoff numbers. The playoffs back then had fewer rounds and he'd play most of those games against tougher better teams.
6:45 I know he’s technically flexing but still to be that lenky and be ripped like that is incredible
wilt chamberlain=greatest of all time
2020
2 of the greatest Big Men to ever do it. Restbin Heaven Legends..
Bill Russell had a vert of 40"+. He could get his eyes at rim level.
I agree it's not just about scoring. Russell and Chamberlain were both also the most dominant at rebounding and have the highest career assist averages for the center position in league history. If they counted blocks back then they'd excel at that too. They were great because they were complete players. I think they'd be really good in any era.
Such a shame Wilt died so young. Is he an example of 'over-exercising'? I mean, he looked like he could still play in this interview lol. His arms looked like Hulk Hogans! He was a fitness junkie but died so young. Doesn't make much sense.
Illuminati killed him. lol
He lived his life to the fullest for 63 years. He burned out at 63, but he lived way more than any other human ever.
CLewey44 A lot of people disagree with me on this, but I say yes. Over exercising puts a lot of strain on the body. I know a lot of bodybuilders and marathon runners that had premature deaths. If you look up some supercentenarians on google you'll see that most of them lived pretty much a sedentary lifestyle. Low to moderate intensity exercise is the way to go in my opinion.
Afanasi Bushmanov I believe you should stay active, like you said. I read somewhere that there is a correlation between the ability to arise from a sitting position quickly and a person's lifespan. Staying active no question is important but Wilt was a physical freak of nature. Look at Willis Reed. Same age but has been very obese since he retired 40 years ago and was pretty overweight as a player but has lived well into his 70s now. Looking like an adonis your entire life doesn't necessarily equate to longevity.
Everyone ages differently. It very well could have been genetics. I think size can affect your life span, but I wouldn't go out and blame exercise.
My life has been a blast. Amen. What wonderful men.
55 rebounds!? What the H?!
I would have never believed that was possible
2020
what russell said at 3:25 was spot on. u dont just get good players to create a good team... u personally have to work with them to be better players...
The Best players ever!
+Miguel Saiz thank you
+Bill Russell Thanks, but it's true
+Wilt Chamberlain I appreciate that, but it's true
@ZipperZappleZ I don't know, but back in the 1956 NBA Draft, the Celtics worked their way to the #2 Overall Draft Pick, with Rochester having the #1 Pick. So, Red Auerbach had to "Wine and Dine" the Rochester Royals from preventing them from drafting Bill Russell(Who was the top choice in the NBA Draft). So, in the 1956 NBA Draft, Rochester selected Sihugo Green with the #1 Overall Pick, and the Celtics selected Bill Russell(From the St. Louis Hawks) with the #2 Overall Pick.
I would have LOVED to see MJ's Bulls against Russell's Celtics.
MJ would score 100 points.
Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell. Based on points + rebounds - field goal attempts they are the #1 and #2 basketball players of all time.
Wilt is only 2 yrs younger but looks like Russell's son lol
Russell is without doubt, the greatest Celtic ever.
Wilt was in crazy shape for his age.
Man O'Neal but unfortunately he developed a bad heart ( sick ) from no doubt fornicating with all the women he brags about a fate he had no control over, he should of walked more in the spirit ignoring all the women who I'm sure practically threw themselves at him would he have lived a ripe old age like he took for granted. Now please don't get me wrong I'm not judging Wilt Chamberlain, but had nothing but respect and was always in awe of the man in his ability and accomplishments but I personally would of loved to see Wilt Chamberlain alive today still as he was one of my favorite athletes of all time as was he many a people's.
@@georgemartinez8434 wasn't the women. That was BS he made up for a biography. Yeah he had a lot of women but nothing like the numbers suggested and not in his later years. He developed a heart condition and needed to reduce his training routine, change his diet etc. He didn't and died of heart failure. I suspect he always wanted to be the best athlete and even in his 60s he didn't accept that wasn't realistic.
True, Russell was a bit more aggressive on defense than Chamberlain was so he'll always be remembered as the greater defender. Wilt could have been as aggressive except he chose not to be. He held back because he knew his strength could easily hurt others. I remember reading something like Wilt would choose to be not aggressive enough rather than risk severely injuring someone.
I'm kinda starting to think that Kareem didn't actually create the hook, I think these guys did.
wrong again
No ^ he isn't wrong , go to the nba channel and watch "the ultimate wilt chamberlain highlights" it shows him doing a sky hook before Kareem was even in the league
He could've done it by accident to be honest Kareem Abdul Jabaar is the best center ever
Kareem started the sky hook, but Wilt and Russell used the original hook shot which is different than the sky hook
Tunes342 There were many players before Wilt and Russell who shot the hook shot. The Celtics had two of them- Cousy and Heinsohn. And one of the best was the Wheel- Neil Johnston, the center of the Warriors before Wilt. Still, when Russell came into the league, he blocked Johnston's hook almost every time, just about putting Neil out of the league. Yes, Kareem's sky hook is different from the traditional hook. The sky hooks was shot from higher above his head.
More rebounds available does not mean it was easier, plus player role changes. Wilt would sometimes grab 15-20 rebounds in one half while concentrating on mid-range play later. Physical demands are not higher today, you only think that because there is more bodying in the post. There was a LOT more strain put on a player's body back then due to inferior technology. A 3 point line allows for a less crowded key and with guys resting on the perimeter rather than constant movement without the ball.
JESES CHRIST LOOKM AT WILT AT WHAT 60 SUTTIN..LOOK AT THAT PHYSIQUE...DUDE RETIRED WAAAAAY TO EARLY..SEE THE ARMS!!!!