Who is Better? Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell?

Question

Wilt had all those points, but Bill Russel had all those Championships.

Answer 1

Bill Russell. He said it perfectly in the book, NBA at 50.
"... individual awards were mostly political. But winning and losing, there are no politics, only numbers. It's the most democratic thing in the world. You either win or lose. So I decided early in my career that the only really important thing was to try and win every game because when I got through no one could say, 'Well, he was best at this or that.' The only thing that really mattered was who won. And there is nothing subjective about that."

To those who say that Wilt Chamberlain was better, think of it this way: If Wilt really was better, how come he beat a Russell-led team in the playoffs only once in his career. ONCE! And don't say that Russell had all those Hall-of-Famers around him. Wilt played with Jerry West, who is definitely better than Sam Jones. Wilt also played with Elgin Baylor, who was definitely better than any forward Russell played with. Wilt played with Nate Thurmond, not as good as Russell defensively, but approximates what Russell did defensively. Wilt played with Paul Arizin, Billy Cunningham, Chet Walker, Hal Greer, and Guy Rodgers, among others; those players are comparable to those who played with Russell - Heinsohn, John Havlicek, Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman, and Frank Ramsey. Supporters of Wilt Chamberlain can't accept that Bill Russell WAS BETTER that they always give the excuse that Russell had better teammates. Think again.

Answer 2

Wilt Chamberlain was the better individual player, although if it's Game 7 in the Finals, then Russell is my center. BQ Offense: Wilt by alot Defense: Russell by a hair Rebounding: edge to Wilt Leadership: Big edge to Russell Winning: Big edge to Russell, although winning is a team effort BQ2: If that was true, then Michael Jordan is by far the most overrated player of all time BQ3: Good Hope this helps

Answer 3

Bill Russell. Statistics can be deceptive. Bill Russell was probably the best defensive player of all times, and defensive ability is not reflected well by ppg, rpg or apg (blocks and steals were not recorded then). Russell played better in the playoffs than in the regular season. Wilt played worse. Russell may have had better teammates in the NBA, but he was also a better player. In college Russell won 2 NCAA championships despite playing for the University of San Francisco. Wilt never won an NCAA championship despite playing for a much better program (Kentucky).

Answer 4

Wilt has the legacy, Bill has the legacy.
They both do. Even so, Wilt has a greater one because of the 100 point game, his career avgs, his titles, and his all time scoring title. Russell also has the championships, but doesnt have the individual things that Wilt has. However, give credit to him for being a great player/coach, and a huge factor in all games. If Bill was out, the Celtics had about a 40% chance of winning. If Wilt was out, the Lakers were dead meat. Thats how important he was.

Answer 5

Wilt hands down. Russell a great player but still in Wilts shadows. I think when Wilt is being compared to any one it should only be M Jordan and the question should be who is the greatest player of all time.

Answer 6

Chamberlain

Answer 7

Wilt Chamberlain, incredible scorer, unstoppable, shot 73 percent from the field over a season, and Chamberlain couldn;t do anything about the talent surrounding him, switch him and Russell and he woulda had the titles.

Answer 8

you asked about the players not the players teams.
if it was only about individual talent. kobe would have a championship this year.
t-mac and yao would have a championship.
but it's not.
wilt and bill had the same all around game but wilt was more of an offensive threat.

Answer 9

that`s a jump ball, thet were both great.