Basketballs rich history.
Basketball has a rich history of superstar players. Although the game continues to evolve, the talents of yesterday”s stars are seen in today”s NBA basketball.
Russell and Chamberlain
The greatest rivalry in pro sports during the 1950s and 1960s in NBA basketball may have been that between Bill Russell”s Celtics and Wilt Chamberlain”s 76ers and Lakers squads. Russell and Chamberlain defined the role of the dominant big man in different ways. Chamberlain was the better offensive player, providing his team with low-post scoring while passing out of double-teams to open teammates. Russell was the greater defender, providing an intimidating presence for his team by blocking shots and rebounding. This started the fast break for his teammates, allowing them easy baskets in transition. The interior presence of Russell and Chamberlain has been seen in later generations of NBA players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson.
Chamberlain had the statistical edge, averaging 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds for his career. Russell, though not the scorer Wilt was, led in another impressive category: NBA titles. Over the course of their careers, Russell won an astounding 11 championships, while Chamberlain won two. Russell”s ability to raise the level of his teammates” play contributed to the Celtics” championship dynasty. By making the players around him better, Russell created a model for future championship players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
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