“I Had My Moves, My Rhythm”: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Reflects on Facing Wilt Chamberlain with Respect and Competitive Edge
When legends collide, history pays attention. And when one of basketball’s greatest minds, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, reflects on the towering presence of Wilt Chamberlain, the result is a fascinating blend of deep respect and quiet confidence.
In various interviews and writings over the years, Kareem has spoken candidly—but respectfully—about what it was like to go toe-to-toe with Wilt, especially during the early days of his own NBA career. Though he never outright claimed to have “dominated” Wilt, Kareem has made it clear: he believed he had the edge in skill and versatility.
“I had my moves—my rhythm”
One of the most telling remarks came during an interview where Kareem recalled the unique challenge of facing the 7-foot-1 force of nature:
“He made me work for every shot. But I had my moves—my rhythm. The skyhook was something he had trouble with, like everyone else.”
That one line encapsulates the dynamic between the two. Wilt, in the twilight of his career, still presented a formidable defensive wall. But Kareem, young and surgically precise, brought an entirely new kind of offense that even the mighty Chamberlain struggled to contain.
“Wilt was stronger… but I was more versatile offensively”
In his autobiography Kareem, the Lakers legend offered a deeper look at their differences:
“Wilt was stronger, no doubt about it. But I was more versatile offensively. He couldn’t do what I could do with the ball.”
Kareem never dismissed Wilt’s greatness—in fact, he praised him often as a pioneer who redefined the game. But he made it clear that the nature of basketball had shifted. Wilt was power; Kareem was precision. Wilt shattered records; Kareem shaped technique.
“When I came into the league…”
Reflecting on the beginning of his career in 1969, Kareem offered context that reveals both humility and self-assurance:
“When I came into the league, Wilt was still dominant, but not the same Wilt of the early ‘60s. I had youth and preparation on my side.”
That preparation translated into several head-to-head battles where Kareem put up big numbers against an older, more defensively-focused Wilt. Still, Kareem didn’t view those games as victories over Wilt the man, but as milestones in his own evolution.
“Wilt was a pioneer. Without him, none of us would be here.”
Despite the subtle jabs of competitive pride, Kareem has never spoken about Wilt without deep reverence:
“Wilt was a pioneer. He forced the game to evolve. Without him, none of us would be here.”
That level of respect has always been a hallmark of Kareem’s reflections. Even when acknowledging that he may have had the upper hand in their matchups, he never loses sight of Wilt’s legacy—his impact on the game, the rules, and generations of players who followed.
Two Titans, One Legacy
Ultimately, the story of Kareem and Wilt isn’t about domination. It’s about a changing of the guard. Wilt defined an era of sheer force and overwhelming physicality. Kareem ushered in a new age of skill, finesse, and the unstoppable skyhook. And though they battled on the hardwood, they remain connected by greatness.
Their story isn’t just part of NBA history—it is NBA history.
And in Kareem’s own words, spoken with subtle pride and enduring admiration:
“I had to earn every bucket. He made me better.”
