Robertson Trophy Player of the Year as Oscar Robertson looks on prior to the 2019 NCAA men’s Final Four at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 5, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
As we look back at the greatest players in NBA history, there are names that helped elevate the sport beyond expectations. While the GOAT debate often centers around LeBron James and Michael Jordan, several legends have been overlooked despite their remarkable records and performances. One such player, according to Milwaukee Bucks icon Oscar Robertson, stands apart in basketball history.
The never-ending debate over the NBA‘s greatest player of all time dominates discussions across social media, TV shows, and podcasts. While countless former players and legends have weighed in, few have identified the one athlete who could have dominated in any era of the league.
For Robertson, who recently drew a response from Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green for comments made before NBA All-Star Weekend, one player, in particular, stood out as the most transcendent talent in any era. Among all the athletes he competed against at the peak of his career, this individual held a special place in the Bucks legend’s eyes.
On March 2, as the basketball world celebrates Wilt Chamberlain’s historic 100-point game in 1962, Robertson made it clear: the Golden State Warriors legend deserves recognition above other all-time greats like LeBron James and Michael Jordan as a player who could have dominated in any era.
Former Los Angeles Laker Wilt Chamberlain addresses the media at a press conference before the NBA All-Star Game at the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio.
Robertson explains why he picks Chamberlain over Jordan or LeBron
It’s no secret that NBA legends like Jordan and LeBron have dominated their respective eras. However, basketball has evolved significantly over the years, and the challenges players face today are different from those of past generations. Some of the sport’s greatest icons might have struggled under modern rules, just as today’s stars would have faced unique difficulties in the league’s more physical early days
According to Robertson, Chamberlain stood out above the rest in the 1960s and 1970s. While Jordan capitalized on the aggressive style of play in his era, Robertson believes Chamberlain was on another level.
“Wilt averaged 50 points per game, and people don’t talk about it enough. It’s unbelievable. My good friend Bill Russell won MVP that season, and he played great because they won the championship. But when you average 50 points per game in a season, that’s crazy, man,” Bucks legend said on All The Smoke last year.
Robertson on Chamberlain’s impact on the game
Only a handful of players in NBA history can truly be credited with revolutionizing the sport. For Robertson, Chamberlain was one of them, single-handedly elevating the league during his record-breaking season. “Wilt carried the NBA that year. They don’t say much about it. I think he could play in any NBA era and dominate,” Robertson said.
Beyond his scoring ability, Chamberlain was a multi-sport athlete with an unparalleled physical presence. “He could run track, high jump, play volleyball—he did it all. And he backed it up on the court. Of course, there are great players today, but can you imagine grabbing 50 rebounds in a game? That was incredible,“ Robertson added.
