Bill Russell was the ultimate winner during his time in the NBA. Doing anything and everything the team required of him, the Boston Celtics legend led the franchise to 11 NBA Championships despite playing in the same era as his rival, Wilt Chamberlain. Back in 1969, during Wilt’s time with the Lakers, Russell publicly praised the evolution in Chamberlain’s game, as per Bleacher Report in 2009.
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On the other hand, Chamberlain was honest about his dislike for his most decorated successor, Shaquille O’Neal. Despite initially praising his size and strength, Wilt would soon allege that Shaq wasn’t good enough to play in his era. So, perhaps it would irk the late legend just a little bit if he ever found out that Shaq is usually considered the favorite for the title of ‘Most Dominant Player ever’, alongside him.
Bill Russell did not hold back in his praises for Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain was often called a lanky figure, especially by supporters of Shaquille O’Neal. However, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. After all, the big man was known to lift 500 lbs (226.7 kg) with ease. But while that helped the two-time NBA Champion in his path to becoming an All-time great in the NBA, it was still a long time before he learned to play with his team.
During his younger years, Wilt was always a one man army. While that was incredible to watch and led to some amazing individual performances, it did not translate into winning Championships. So, when he finally transitioned into being a team player during his time with the Lakers, Chamberlain’s rival, Bill Russell believed that the big man deserved some praise. The following is what he said on the matter. As quoted in Sam Goldaper’s “Great Moments in Pro Basketball”, Russell said:
“Wilt [Chamberlain] is playing better than I used to — passing off, coming out to set up screens, picking up guys outside, and sacrificing himself for team play.”
Bleacher Report included the quote in their article on Wilt Chamberlain.
Clearly, Bill Russell was beyond impressed by Wilt Chamberlain’s evolution. Despite having 11 championship rings in his cabinet, the Celtics legend showed no hesitation in admitting Chamberlain was playing better than him.
Still, in the end, Wilt’s change of playing style didn’t get him too close to Bill Russell’s tally. However, he did win two championships before retiring.
Shaquille O’Neal admitted the ‘Most Dominant Player’ title isn’t his alone
During his 19 years in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal scored a total of 28,596 points, just 2,823 less than Wilt Chamberlain’s tally of 31,419.
Going on record to say that he regrets not passing Wilt Chamberlain in points during his time in the NBA, Shaq told Ahmad Rashad the following.
“I have said it myself that I have missed 250 games, averaging 25 points, that’s 5,000 points right there. If I didn’t miss those games, I would have passed Wilt Chamberlain up and I would have arrogantly said – ‘I am the most dominant player ever. I do not want to hear anybody’s name’. But for now I will allow people to say two of the most dominant players are Wilt and Shaq. But I wanted to pass him up so bad.”
Shaq is likely irked by the fact that he has to share his award with his biggest critic. Still, he retains his respect for the legend by publicly including him in all-time conversations.
