“Was Zeus the Sixth-Best Greek God?” – NBA Historian Argues Wilt Chamberlain Should Be the True GOAT Ahead of Michael Jordan
In a bold and thought-provoking take that’s stirring the basketball world, a prominent NBA historian has made waves by asking:
“Was Zeus the sixth-best Greek god?”
The rhetorical question is part of a passionate argument positioning Wilt Chamberlain—not Michael Jordan—as the true Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in NBA history.
The Case for Wilt Over MJ
According to the historian, Chamberlain’s dominance in an era of foundational basketball is unmatched by any player in history, including Jordan. He points to records that still stand decades later:
- 100-point game in 1962
- Averaged 50.4 points per game over an entire season
- Career averages of 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds per game
- Over 23,000 rebounds, a record that remains untouched
- Two-time NBA champion, four-time MVP, and seven-time scoring champion
“If you dropped Zeus into a Greek myth and he finished sixth in power rankings, wouldn’t you ask some questions?” the historian quipped. “That’s how I feel every time Wilt is placed behind five other players in GOAT discussions.”
Reigniting the GOAT Debate
While Michael Jordan is widely revered for his six championships, undefeated Finals record, and cultural impact, critics of the consensus argue that narrative often outweighs numbers.
The historian highlights that Wilt not only dominated statistically, but revolutionized the sport, forcing rule changes like widening the lane and banning offensive goaltending—clear indicators of his overwhelming advantage on the court.
“People forget that Wilt was so dominant, the NBA had to change the rules to slow him down,” the historian said. “Can you say that about anyone else, including Jordan?”
A Matter of Era?
One major sticking point in the argument is the era Wilt played in—when the league was smaller and the level of athleticism was different. But the historian contends that this viewpoint underestimates the talent and toughness of that generation.
“It’s not Wilt’s fault he was decades ahead of his time. Penalizing him for being the prototype of greatness is like ranking Zeus sixth because he showed up before the Avengers.”
️ Fan Reaction
Unsurprisingly, the take has sparked fierce debate across social media, with NBA purists and younger fans clashing over legacy, impact, and how to define greatness.
Some fans agree:
“Wilt is the most disrespected legend ever. He’s the blueprint.”
Others remain firmly in MJ’s camp:
“Jordan changed the culture, the business, and still delivered every time. That’s GOAT material.”
The Legacy Conversation Continues
Whether you believe Wilt Chamberlain is the greatest player ever or not, one thing is certain: the conversation about the NBA’s GOAT is far from over. And as one historian reminded us through a mythological mic-drop:
“If Wilt was Zeus, then why are we ranking him like Apollo’s sidekick?”
The reasons FAKE GOAT JORDAN comes no where close to being THE GOAT are 1) Media. Jordan’s single dunk has been shown more than all the short clips of Wilt’s play combined. That includes ALL of Jordan’s greatest moments and not 1 of Wilt’s greatest moments. 2) those “fans” picking jordan or James never saw Wilt play. They are not qualified to select a GOAT if they can’t compare THE ONE & ONLY TRUE GOAT WILT to any other player. 3) They make it even worse because they refuse to do the proper research in order to make a records comparison. The reason for that is Jordan has less than 20 CURRENT NBA INDIVIDUAL RECORDS. Wilt has 28 such records in just his Rookie season. 4) Jordan can’t stand on his own 2 feet. Without Pippen ALL JORDAN DID WAS LEAD HIS TEAMS TO MULTIPLE LOSING SEASONS. NOT 1 WINNING SEASON. That by itself eliminates any consideration of jordan being the GOAT. THE GOAT doesn’t lead their team to multiple losing seasons.