It is often quoted that Shaq is most like Wilt Chamberlain out of NBA players today... Many people say that they have similar games and similar attitudes! What do u guys think? I mean in one season Wilt averaged 50.4ppg and in another season 27.2 rpg, these are amazing stats but the competetion was much different at that time. He was NBA MVP in 1960, 1966, 1967 and 1968 and is considered by many to be one the greatest players of all time (with MJ) Its hard to compare players when they played at different times and never against each other... but still What do u guys reckon? Shaq and Wilt? Are they similar???
Wilt was the most dominant player of his time and was by far the best player of his time. Shaq is the most dominant player today however he is not the best player by any means. Wilt put up some amazing numbers while he was in the league. However the talent level that todays players have is greater then that of what Wilt played against. There is no way that Wilt could put up the numbers he did against todays competition. He could probablu put up so good numbers but no where near what he did. I dont think Shaq and Wilt are that similar. Wilt was not only the most dominant player in the league at his time he was also the best player. Shaq on the other hand isnt the best players and can be the most dominant if he wants to.
The day Shaq scores 100 points in a game or does 45/27 thats when I will even think of comparing him to Wilt.
Stats dont matter. Wilt played when there was not much hight in the League. If shaq played in that time he would of done the same things.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting deestillballin:</div><div class="quote_post">The day Shaq scores 100 points in a game or does 45/27 thats when I will even think of comparing him to Wilt.</div> Yea but as Dexter said... Shaq plays against a very different compettion, its taller, stronger and possibly has much better skills. Can you really compare them?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting J-MAC:</div><div class="quote_post">Stats dont matter. Wilt played when there was not much hight in the League. If shaq played in that time he would of done the same things.</div> I dunno?!?! support players plays a huge part of todays basketball... and lets face it, Kobe is fairly good... It cant have just been height
both sides r very debatable. i cant comment since i havent seen wilt play b4. but i heard he is REALLY good lol
Hard to compare legends, but I have seen footage of Wilt and he was great (what guy could score 100 in a game?!) but towards the end of his career he resorted to weak finger-rolls. Kareem did an admirable job on him, granted, Wilt was out of his prime, so if skinny Kareem can do that to Wilt, Shaq would rock his world. Shaq plays against harder competition but some of the moves he pulls would be illegal if he played back in the day. I have to pick Shaq, I am too bias and loyal!
I would pick Wilt in a heartbeat, if you have the slam classic top 50 GOAT, read the article on wilt.
I watched an interview on ESPN right before Wilt passed away. They asked him this very question, who would win, you or Shaq. He gave a very honest answer, "We would not be able to stop one another." He said Shaq would easily overpower him, but on defense, Shaq would not be able to stop him either. Wilt also pointed out at the end of the game Shaq would not have the energy to finish. One of the most overlooked aspects of Wilt's game was his stamina and running ability. He was a track star at the University of Kansas, and he said he would simply sprint up and down the court and wear Shaq down. So in the 4th quarter when the game is on the line then he would have the edge.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting the MDE:</div><div class="quote_post">Hard to compare legends, but I have seen footage of Wilt and he was great (what guy could score 100 in a game?!) but towards the end of his career he resorted to weak finger-rolls. Kareem did an admirable job on him, granted, Wilt was out of his prime, so if skinny Kareem can do that to Wilt, Shaq would rock his world. Shaq plays against harder competition but some of the moves he pulls would be illegal if he played back in the day. I have to pick Shaq, I am too bias and loyal! </div> So am I
This is a very tough match up to judge obviously. Shaq has the power and would, as said, easily over power Wilt in the low post. Wilt, as stated again, would be able to out perform Wilt because of his greater stamina skills and the fact he ran track in college and was in much better shape then Shaq is in right now. Anyway, once Wilt figured out how to defend Shaq in the post, the games over right there. Where as Wilt can take an occasional jumper or hook shot or finger roll without posting up, big old Shaq's game is 98% back to the basket posting up. Shaq can't shoot, he can't go past Wilt, I would have to say that the matchup would be hard as hell to predict...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting the MDE:</div><div class="quote_post">Hard to compare legends, but I have seen footage of Wilt and he was great (what guy could score 100 in a game?!) but towards the end of his career he resorted to weak finger-rolls. Kareem did an admirable job on him, granted, Wilt was out of his prime, so if skinny Kareem can do that to Wilt, Shaq would rock his world. Shaq plays against harder competition but some of the moves he pulls would be illegal if he played back in the day. I have to pick Shaq, I am too bias and loyal! </div> Ok, good point, maybe he did stay on too long and should have retired earlier, but in his prime in those few amazing seasons he was the man! an Unbeatable man! Shaq today against Wilt then... Id put my whole bank account on Wilt
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting the MDE:</div><div class="quote_post">Shaq plays against harder competition but some of the moves he pulls would be illegal if he played back in the day. I have to pick Shaq, I am too bias and loyal! </div> What harder competition does Shaq go against at the center spot? Especially since Wilt played against more hall of fame centers in his career than Shaq.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting sunsfan1357:</div><div class="quote_post">What harder competition does Shaq go against at the center spot? Especially since Wilt played against more hall of fame centers in his career than Shaq.</div> Not that I disagree, but Shaq has played against Hakeem, David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo........all of which will be HOFers. But Id take Wilt.............the reasons have already been mentioned in this thread, so there is no reason for me to repeat them.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting J-MAC:</div><div class="quote_post">Stats dont matter. Wilt played when there was not much hight in the League. If shaq played in that time he would of done the same things.</div> u dont know that. It's an amazing coincidence that someone with wilts size even thought to exploit it like that. He didnt grow up whatching tape of wilt chamberlain and revolutionary centers like shaq did he invented it himself before anyone even considered it. You cant just assume shaq wouldve had the smarts and the awareness and foresight to create that kind of style of play. I take Wilt easily. Shaq played against better centers but WIlt played against the Celtics of the 1960's
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Wilt also pointed out at the end of the game Shaq would not have the energy to finish. One of the most overlooked aspects of Wilt's game was his stamina and running ability. He was a track star at the University of Kansas, and he said he would simply sprint up and down the court and wear Shaq down. So in the 4th quarter when the game is on the line then he would have the edge.</div> This is why I'm going to choose Wilt. Better endurance.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Vintage:</div><div class="quote_post">Not that I disagree, but Shaq has played against Hakeem, David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo........all of which will be HOFers. </div> You are also forgetting Alonzo Mourning and Yao Ming, possiblly future HOFs...
I disagree with the endurance issue. Players today are so finely conditioned and work hard..they get tired of course, but most are fit, so I don't buy that..
