Not only were these two of the greatest athletes in NBA history, probably two of the greatest all-time all-around athletes. Even in his later years, Wilt was dominant - and he was also known to be a great volleyball player. They would have loved to have him on the Olympic Volleyball team, I am sure (something that was not allowed then).
Granted the NBA is a lot bigger now, with more teams and players, but I would take either player on my team, any time. Back then, there was way more physicality on defense allowed. I can only imagine how these bigs could have scored even more at will. Back then, there was no 3-pt. shot either. I bet if there was, Wilt would have learned to shoot more of those too, if he wanted.
But back to the Olympics, can you imagine a 1964 Dream Team with both Wilt and Russell on it? And the great players that might not have even made it?
Not only were these two of the greatest athletes in NBA history, probably two of the greatest all-time all-around athletes. Even in his later years, Wilt was dominant - and he was also known to be a great volleyball player. They would have loved to have him on the Olympic Volleyball team, I am sure (something that was not allowed then).
Granted the NBA is a lot bigger now, with more teams and players, but I would take either player on my team, any time. Back then, there was way more physicality on defense allowed. I can only imagine how these bigs could have scored even more at will. Back then, there was no 3-pt. shot either. I bet if there was, Wilt would have learned to shoot more of those too, if he wanted.
But back to the Olympics, can you imagine a 1964 Dream Team with both Wilt and Russell on it? And the great players that might not have even made it?
Many great points Greg. Thanks!
You've got my head spinning about what could have been the 1964 Dream Team.
C - Wilt Chamberlain
F - Bill Russell
F - Elgin Baylor
G - Jerry West
G - Oscar Robertson
I would take that Dream Team over any other you could have ever assembled.
Everyone of those guys was in his prime in 1964.
West is the NBA logo.
Baylor was the original slashing/driving small forward.
Robertson averaged a triple double that season.
Russell & Chamberlain need no further introduction.
What a team that could have been!