late Bill Walton on comparing Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain: “We’re in this one room, just 50 players. Over in the corner is Wilt & Michael Jordan…arguing who the greatest of all time it was Intense.

Bill Walton recounted a memorable encounter between Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain during the NBA’s 50th Anniversary Team meeting in 1996. At the event, while most players enjoyed mingling and celebrating, Jordan and Chamberlain engaged in a heated debate at a table in the corner. According to Walton, the discussion was intense as they argued fervently about who deserved the title of the greatest basketball player of all time.

“As we were all gathered in this room with 50 players, Wilt and Michael Jordan were seated together at a table, passionately debating who the greatest player of all time was. While everyone else was enjoying themselves, Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were happily signing autographs and taking photos,” Walton recalled.

The scene continued even as the event was drawing to a close, with David Stern urging them to wrap up. “Everyone began to gather, preparing to leave, but Michael and Wilt were still deeply engrossed in their discussion at the table,” Walton described. Finally, Stern intervened, prompting Chamberlain and Jordan to stand up and conclude their conversation.

It was then that Chamberlain, known for having the final word, looked down at Jordan and remarked, “Michael, just remember – when you played, they changed all the rules to make it easier for you to dominate. When I played, they changed all the rules to make it harder for me.” Walton noted that Jordan had no response to Chamberlain’s statement, highlighting the legendary center’s lasting impact.

Both Jordan and Chamberlain were renowned for their self-assuredness and competitive spirits, making their spirited debate over basketball supremacy entirely characteristic. At the time of their discussion, both players had strong cases for being considered the greatest of all time, driven by their unwavering confidence and exceptional careers.

In subsequent years, Jordan would further solidify his claim to greatness with additional championships and accolades, surpassing Chamberlain’s impressive achievements. Chamberlain’s career statistics remain awe-inspiring, with remarkable averages in points, rebounds, and assists that underscore his dominance during his era.

Whether debating the greatest of all time or appreciating their enduring impact on basketball, the legacies of Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain continue to resonate profoundly within the sport and beyond. Their contributions have shaped the game’s history and set standards that define excellence in basketball.