For people who say Wilt and Russell's rebound numbers were inflated because more shots were taken then, I'd point out that, if that was the only reason, then EVERYONE'S rebounding numbers would be ridiculous... However:
Most Rebounds, 1960s:
1) Wilt - 19,112
2) Russell - 17,501
3) Baylor - 9,786
4) Bellamy - 9,716
5) Lucas - 8,831
Russell and Wilt were the best because they wanted the ball more than everyone else.
First, if the game was faster, then hypothetically everyone could get the same numbers. Point is, no one did. Russell could match his rebounding but that's it.
I'll explain why Wilt Chamberlain is the greatest rebounder ever (And the 2nd is his perennial rival Bill Russell)
Wilt have the strength (550lbs benchpress) to box people out and a jumping ability (rumored to be a 5'1" vert leap) that would make any rebounder today drool.
The teams during Wilt's time play at a much faster rate than today because of the preponderance of the fast break play on the NBA back then.
The physically defensive style of play in those days (the refs turn a blind eye to it) made it difficult for the players to get an easy scoring opportunity hence more bricks and more rebounding opportunities.
Wilt is just 2 inch taller than your average centers in those days, WIlt played the entire 48 minutes in games while most centers today will play about 30-35.
Can Dwight Howard catch Wilt Chamberlain's Record of most rebounds in a game.?
Nope, he won't. The pace of today's game is too SLOW to allow that number of ball possessions and rebounding opportunities.
By the way, do you know who was Wilt's opposite number on the night he grabbed 55 rebs? It was Bill Russell ! The greatest rebounder in the NBA just set the RPG record right on the head of the second greatest rebounder. Its like Rodman grabbing 20+rebs. opposite Charles Barkley. Russell, who once grabbed 51 rebounds and is the Playoff and Final rebounding leader was held to only 19 rebs. Wilt was so focused on setting the record that he lost track of other aspects of the game and Russell's Celtics was able to beat his team by 3 points.
Also, the way 60's teams were configured, every d@mn team has a talented big man. So yeah its a very challenging environment for a center to play in those days.
Wilt put up those numbers DESPITE being doubled and triple teamed.
PS - And I'm not even the biggest Wilt's fan, I personally preferred Russell.
Most Rebounds, 1960s:
1) Wilt - 19,112
2) Russell - 17,501
3) Baylor - 9,786
4) Bellamy - 9,716
5) Lucas - 8,831
Russell and Wilt were the best because they wanted the ball more than everyone else.
First, if the game was faster, then hypothetically everyone could get the same numbers. Point is, no one did. Russell could match his rebounding but that's it.
I'll explain why Wilt Chamberlain is the greatest rebounder ever (And the 2nd is his perennial rival Bill Russell)
Wilt have the strength (550lbs benchpress) to box people out and a jumping ability (rumored to be a 5'1" vert leap) that would make any rebounder today drool.
The teams during Wilt's time play at a much faster rate than today because of the preponderance of the fast break play on the NBA back then.
The physically defensive style of play in those days (the refs turn a blind eye to it) made it difficult for the players to get an easy scoring opportunity hence more bricks and more rebounding opportunities.
Wilt is just 2 inch taller than your average centers in those days, WIlt played the entire 48 minutes in games while most centers today will play about 30-35.
Can Dwight Howard catch Wilt Chamberlain's Record of most rebounds in a game.?
Nope, he won't. The pace of today's game is too SLOW to allow that number of ball possessions and rebounding opportunities.
By the way, do you know who was Wilt's opposite number on the night he grabbed 55 rebs? It was Bill Russell ! The greatest rebounder in the NBA just set the RPG record right on the head of the second greatest rebounder. Its like Rodman grabbing 20+rebs. opposite Charles Barkley. Russell, who once grabbed 51 rebounds and is the Playoff and Final rebounding leader was held to only 19 rebs. Wilt was so focused on setting the record that he lost track of other aspects of the game and Russell's Celtics was able to beat his team by 3 points.
Also, the way 60's teams were configured, every d@mn team has a talented big man. So yeah its a very challenging environment for a center to play in those days.
Wilt put up those numbers DESPITE being doubled and triple teamed.
PS - And I'm not even the biggest Wilt's fan, I personally preferred Russell.