Wilt at 70
Wilt Chamberlain, the greatest player in NBA history -- shut up, Jordan fans -- would have been 70 years old today. Born Aug. 21, 1936, the Big Dipper did more to change the game of pro basketball than anyone before or after him. You can look it up, my man.
Four MVP awards. Seven All-NBA picks. Only player to score 4,000 points in one season. Only player to hit 100 points in one game. Only man to grab 55 rebounds in one game.
The shame is that his death in 1999 was far too early. He coulda played a few more years, even today.
One of the cool tributes you should be aware if is taking place on NBA TV. Documentaries, specials, classic games ... they're pulling 'em out of the archives, including some insights from NBA TV on-air guy Gail Goodrich, another Hall of Famer who played, of course, with Wilt on that '72 Lakers championship team for the ages.
Here's the lineup today:
9 a.m.: " Wilt: The Dominant Force" : From his early days on the streets of Philadelphia to his college years on the plains of Kansas to his professional career on the hardcourts of the NBA, this comprehensive documentary follows Chamberlain on his journey to becoming one of the most dominant players in basketball history.
10 a.m.: "NBA TV Over Time: Wilt Chamberlain" : Hosted by Bruce Beck, this special features historical interviews conducted throughout Chamberlain's career. From an early interview done shortly before his NBA debut through an upclose conversation as he prepared for a possible 1983 comeback, Chamberlain's career is relived in his own thoughts and words.
10:30 a.m.: "Giants of the Game: Wilt & Russell": Bob Costas sits down with Chamberlain and Bill Russell as they talk about their heated rivalry on the court and their strong friendship off it.
11 a.m.: "Vintage NBA: Wilt Chamberlain": Robin Roberts hosts this special, featuring the greatest moments from Chamberlain's career as current NBA All-Star Kevin Garnett provides his thoughts on the Hall of Famer and the impact the legend made on his life.
Noon: "NBA Hardwood Classics: Sixers vs. Celtics, Games 4, 1967 Eastern Conference Finals": Chamberlain outduels Russell as the Sixers roll over the Celtics, 140-114, on his way to his first NBA title.