A Vulgar Measure of the NBA G.O.A.T.

[DGS49]

NBA75: Meet the best players in league history

See the stats and accomplishments of every player on the NBA's 75th anniversary team.

www.espn.com

As I read through this list, it occurred to me that one might compare these 75 players via a "value" system, analogous to the infamous OPS of baseball: Add points, rebounds, and assists, to come up with a Value Score over a career. Admittedly it doesn't factor in the length of one's career, but on the other hand, is that relevant? The question is one's impact over a career, regardless of its length. Is Gayle Sayers not one of the best? As for steals and blocked shots, these were not measured over the period of these stats (in the article), but they wouldn't make much difference anyway.

Not surprisingly, Wilt Chamberlain comes out at the top of the list using this Value Score.

30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG...a Value Score of 57,4. No one else is even close. One would be hard pressed to find a player with a single season at this level, let alone an entire career. And remember, he VOLUNTARILY eschewed scoring when he went with the Lakers, so that West and Baylor could continue to be the "stars."

 

[jwoodie]

Those who never saw Chamberlain play can't comprehend how dominant he was, despite all the official (and unofficial) rules designed to contain him. For example, he was required to dribble before shooting, and defensive played were allowed to hack at him with impunity. Compare that to the special advantages given to Jordan (traveling) and Shaq (charging) and there is no comparison.

If he were playing today, he would still be the best player the NBA has ever seen.