Who was better? Russell or Chamberlain? How many people over the years have said Russell because of the number of rings? But wasn't Russell on a team of future Hall of Famers? Did that diminish his legacy? Maybe LeBron really is a student of the game. Maybe he was paying attention to the history of the NBA, and Russell's contribution as the ultimate champion.
I agree. As the years go by, all anyone cares about is individual stats and championships won. If Russell had had the same career, statistically and defensively, but no titles, no one would even mention him in the greatest player ever debate (though he'd still, rightly, be a Hall of Famer). Championships matter a huge amount to the sports community and any star that cares about his legacy is smart to maximize his chances at multiple titles.
Who was better? Individually, Chamberlain was the best player EVER in the NBA. He was 3-8" taller than almost any other player, weighed more, and had total command of the key area. He was on one of the greatest (if not thee greatest team ever)teams ever, the 1967 Philadelphia Warriors. He scored (still current record) 100 pts in a game. He averaged a triple double for a season! They changed rules to prevent him from dominating the game. He also was a gentle giant and didn't use his size in the same manner as Shaq has. Unfortunate for him, he played mostly in the Celtics era of the 60's. They were a team. Russell was the anchor of that team. He was an outstanding defender and neutralized Chamberlain when playing one on one. But he also had great help from others on the team. Two greats of the NBA.
Wilt was better IMO. If you swap the two players, which teams are better? I would be shocked if the Wilt-led Celtics weren't at least as dominant as the Russell-led ones. Ed O.
Russell didn't neutralize Chamberlain in head-to-head matchups. Chamberlain averaged 28.7 PPG and 28.7 RPG in his matchups against Russell. He averaged 30.1 PPG and 22.9 RPG against everyone. So, if anything, Chamberlain was even better against Russell. Russell was a great player, but Chamberlain was even greater. Russell's advantage was the much superior supporting cast.
Honestly, I think a big part of the James backlash is due to how he left. Obviously, people would still be pissed, and calling him a ring-chaser, etc. but the way that he drew so much attention to himself irked a lot of people.
Yeah I understand the show was ridiculous, but the sales pitches that were done by New York and New Jersey played right into his ego. And in the end he chose the market that everyone said was the worst for his endorsements. And then some implied that his championships will be tarnished. And I think that in the end it won't be a factor. If they do win titles, I am sure there will be numerous highlights over the years that fans will remember more. He and Wade will share the spotlight. Bosh will become a great role player.
Depends if were talking Defense or Offense? Overall I'd say even. Damn God for making him a superman, LBJ has been the center of every sports arena/gym/discussion his whole life, but I guess I can understand where those people are coming from, It has always Irked me that Kobe is so good
What a useless thread. Odd, yet curious. Who had the better stats, Julius Erving or Bill Walton? Erving. Who had all the moves? Erving. Who played cerebral team ball and won the championship? Walton. There's mental skill and physical skill, and Russell was a better player than Chamberlain.
Hour long special, etc. That's what I'm talking about. LeBron is the most physically gifted player to ever come into the league. I'm not hating on him for that. I'm criticizing him for how he handles his fame. "The Decision" pissed off a lot of people based off whether they're from Cleveland, New York, or Nebraska. It's not like it was just one area that thought it was unnecessary. With that said, I hope he's able to turn the corner and conduct himself a little differently on the court in the future. It shows me something that he was willing to go to Wade's town, and take less than a max contract to do it. That shows me a lot actually. We'll see what the future holds for him.
Laker fans control the NBA media. If LeBron had announced he was going to the Lakers, you'd be seeing most opinion praising the 1-hour show. NBA opinion emanates from S. Calif. and the rest of the nation follows suit.
Walton played in 468 games. Dr J played in 1243 (ABA and NBA combined). How much better did Walton have to be in those games than Erving to make up that difference? Ed O.
