35 y/o Wilt with his head at the rim (chase-down block)

[OGmittee]

Bill was more versatile on defense, but Wilt was almost as good on defense and an immensely superior player on offense. What made Bill special was his understanding of his own abilities (and inabilities) and how well he was woven into the Celtics. He never interupted the flow of the game offensively, in fact he could run every single play himself from any position, including bringing the ball up the court like a point guard. Wilt on the other hand, played a more traditional half court center game on offense and he was quite literally unstoppable at doing it. He scored better than any player in NBA history by a startling margin, and when (in the middle of his prime) he was asked to pass off to more talented teammates on the 76ers from the high post he became the best passing center of all time by an equally startling margin. There's no way you can discount the incredible success of either of these players. Bill owns the rings, Wilt owns the records (including "team" records on the two teams that were properly built around him). They're both GOAT status IMO.

Its an argument that will never be settled IMO. The greatness of both is undeniable by any true basketball fan. I do believe Bill had better teams for the most of their concurrent runs in the NBA. However, Wilt DID have better teams in a couple of years towards the end. And in those years Bill still prevailed over Wilt. Wilt's 6ers had an awful collapse after going up 3 games to 1, I'll always believe Russell was a better player because he was a winner and true champion in my eyes that had that extra special something besides physical ability, he could motivate his teammates, both while he was playing and coaching/playing. I would be remiss if I didnt mention I am from Boston as well but Bill did so many things that were even bigger than the game (i know this shouldnt factor in, but for me theres no way to ignore it) some of the social change he made for black athletes was very important.

 

[dantheman9758]

Its an argument that will never be settled IMO. The greatness of both is undeniable by any true basketball fan. I do believe Bill had better teams for the most of their concurrent runs in the NBA. However, Wilt DID have better teams in a couple of years towards the end. And in those years Bill still prevailed over Wilt. Wilt's 6ers had an awful collapse after going up 3 games to 1, I'll always believe Russell was a better player because he was a winner and true champion in my eyes that had that extra special something besides physical ability, he could motivate his teammates, both while he was playing and coaching/playing. I would be remiss if I didnt mention I am from Boston as well but Bill did so many things that were even bigger than the game (i know this shouldnt factor in, but for me theres no way to ignore it) some of the social change he made for black athletes was very important.

I have no issue with u thinking so highly of big Bill. I'm working on a mix of his too, but it won't be ready for a while. As long as u also respect Wilt I have nothing to add. I only step in when people try to throw one or the other of those two guys under the bus to try and make the other one seem disproportionately greater. Bill is a better all around player and more dominating force (offensively and defensively) than most people assume and Wilt is a better winner with more rotten luck than most people assume (such as the later seasons you alluded too... most of those his teammates and/or himself were injured despite having a good looking roster on paper). Also, facing Russell 7 times in the ECF or NBA Finals - the point disparity between Russell getting all those rings and Wilt is only total 9 points. It's not like Russell's teams were blowing Wilt's teams out, these were close games often decided by clutch buckets from Sam Jones, and freak steals by John Havlicek. And ultimately, their greatness is co-dependent IMO. U can't diss one w/o ultimately dissing the other since they are each others greatest competitors.

 

[craigsagersuit]

Its an argument that will never be settled IMO. The greatness of both is undeniable by any true basketball fan. I do believe Bill had better teams for the most of their concurrent runs in the NBA. However, Wilt DID have better teams in a couple of years towards the end. And in those years Bill still prevailed over Wilt. Wilt's 6ers had an awful collapse after going up 3 games to 1, I'll always believe Russell was a better player because he was a winner and true champion in my eyes that had that extra special something besides physical ability, he could motivate his teammates, both while he was playing and coaching/playing. I would be remiss if I didnt mention I am from Boston as well but Bill did so many things that were even bigger than the game (i know this shouldnt factor in, but for me theres no way to ignore it) some of the social change he made for black athletes was very important.

bill simmons dat u breh?

 

[OGmittee]

bill simmons dat u breh?

 

[dantheman9758]

bill simmons dat u breh?

Can't be him... Simmons HATES Wilt

 

[MorePower]

he lost to a better team, not a better center

I wish I could dap this 1000 times. Truest shyt I ever read on here. Even Bill Russell would've hit the dap button.