Wilt Chamberlain is one of the most interesting figures in NBA history: from his outlandish statistical output to the 100-point game to his off-court exploits, Chamberlain has given fans entertainment for over six decades.
There's no doubt that Wilt was the most statistically dominant player who has or will ever play the game. Averaging 30.1 points (second all-time) and 22.9 rebounds (first all-time), as well as holding records for minutes, field goals made, and free-throw attempts per game makes for a legendary career.
Somehow, Chamberlain's excellence can fly under the radar because he played in the 1960s and early 1970s, or because he only won two championships in an era dominated by Bill Russell's Celtics. Nonetheless, he was one of the greatest players of all-time. We should take time to listen to his opinions on the basketball he watched after retirement, at least before he passed away in 1999.
Wilt was asked about the greatest point guards of all-time, and gave an answer that should surprise everyone.
Wilt Chamberlain Snubbed Magic Johnson for Greatest Point Guard
Magic Johnson Pat Riley Los Angeles Lakers
Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Being a superstar that represented basketball's first golden era of the 1960s, with the Wilt vs. Russell rivalry and the dynastic Celtics, Chamberlain's opinions on the game are well-respected. He was quietly a very intelligent basketball mind, despite being relatively unpopular personally.
When asked who he preferred to start a franchise with at point guard, Chamberlain gave a stunning answer. Wilt credited Magic Johnson as being a tremendous player who he liked as his favorite PG because of his size, but ultimately snubbed the architect of the Showtime Lakers.
Chamberlain, instead, went with Utah Jazz legend, John Stockton, as the point guard he'd start a franchise with. According to Wilt, Stockton was "the most complete player at the position".
You won't believe this, but I love John Stockton. I think he is the most complete player in his position. But Magic Johnson is still my favorite player because he is just bigger.
This answer was given back before Stephen Curry had ever graced an NBA floor, as Chamberlain never saw him play, but the greatest point guard debate is typically between just two players. Johnson and Curry are the only two dudes who have a claim for the title, but some people prefer another player over both of them.
Chamberlain defends Stockton over Johnson because he's a "more complete player". This is an interesting argument, as Johnson was a legendary passer who could score the ball much more effectively than Stockton due to his six-foot-nine frame.
However, Stockton could be considered the greatest passer ever, as his 10.5 assists per game ranks second to Johnson's 11.2, but Stockton is over 5000 total assists clear of Johnson's mark. He's also 3307 assists ahead of Chris Paul for first all-time.
The Jazz legend is also first all-time in steals with 3265. This is 548 ahead of Paul's 2717, which ranks him second. Stockton was known for being an opportunistic and smart defender who made his opponents nervous with his calm demeanor. He was certainly a better defensive player than Johnson.
It's not hard to believe that Chamberlain, a center, would pick a guy who made his teammates better with his passing, leadership, and clever defense. Sure, Stockton's accomplishments pale in comparison to Magic, who was a five-time champion, three-time Finals MVP, and three-time MVP, and did it in a much shorter career.
With that said, Chamberlain was likely choosing based on which player's skillset he believed would help him win the most games. Stockton was the ultimate winner, despite never winning the big one.
John Stockton is an Underrated Legend
John Stockton
Despite his lack of impressive size or athletic gifts, John Stockton is one of the most effective players in league history, and he did it for longer than most legends. From 1988 to 1997, Stockton averaged 14-plus points and 10-plus assists, and did it with stellar efficiency.
His career percentages of 51.5% from the field and 38.4% from three are excellent for a six-foot-one guard who played in the 1980s and 90s. More than that, Stockton just knew how to win games. His 953 regular-season victories ranks fifth all-time.
Whether it was as exciting to watch as Johnson's Showtime antics, Stockton was surely a winning player who deserves his respect. He was a crafty, smart guy on the floor who led his teams while frustrating opponents. Chamberlain is right to say he was a complete player who did anything he could to help his squad win.
Choosing him over Johnson is surprising, but Wilt never shied away from an unpopular take.