Nate “Tiny” Archibald Defends Wilt Chamberlain in GOAT Debate: “They’re Trying to Explain to You Why He’s Not No. 1”

NBA legend Nate “Tiny” Archibald has never been shy about giving respect where it’s due, and when the conversation turns to the greatest player of all time, he believes Wilt Chamberlain doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. In a recent discussion, Archibald echoed a sentiment that has been growing among basketball historians: Chamberlain’s legacy has been unfairly diminished over time.

Citing former NBA star Gilbert Arenas’ recent comments, Archibald addressed the ongoing debate, stating:

“They’re trying to explain to you why he’s not No. 1.”

Wilt’s Dominance: A Case for No. 1

Chamberlain’s career was filled with jaw-dropping records that remain untouched to this day. He scored 100 points in a single game, averaged 50.4 points per game for an entire season, and led the league in rebounds, assists, and even field goal percentage at various points in his career.

For Archibald, who played in the early 1970s and saw firsthand the impact Wilt had on the game, it’s baffling that Chamberlain isn’t automatically considered the GOAT.

“People want to talk about competition or rule changes, but when you dominate every era you play in, that should be enough. Wilt changed the game. They had to change the rules for him. Who else can say that?” Archibald said.

Unfair Criticism of Wilt

One of the biggest arguments against Chamberlain in the GOAT debate is his lack of championships compared to Bill Russell and later legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Russell, who won 11 titles, often gets the edge in historical rankings because of his team’s success. However, Archibald argues that Wilt’s individual dominance was on another level and that the ring-counting argument is flawed.

“If you put Wilt on those Celtics teams, he’d have more rings than anybody. It’s not about what he didn’t do; it’s about what he did. And what he did, nobody else could do.”

Archibald’s views align with Gilbert Arenas, who recently spoke about how people actively try to downplay Chamberlain’s accomplishments. Arenas stated:

“People are trying to make arguments for why Wilt isn’t No. 1 instead of just accepting that he was unstoppable.”

Chamberlain’s Legacy in the Modern NBA

Another common criticism of Wilt is that he played in a different era where the athleticism and competition weren’t at the level they are today. However, Archibald believes that Wilt’s game would translate to any era.

“He was a seven-footer who could run like a guard and had strength like Shaq. You’re telling me that wouldn’t work today? Please.”

With today’s emphasis on stats, player efficiency, and advanced analytics, many younger fans don’t realize just how superhuman Chamberlain was in his time. Archibald believes that if Wilt played in today’s NBA with modern training, nutrition, and technology, he would still be a dominant force.

“If Wilt played today, they’d have to rewrite the record books again. You wouldn’t be able to compare him to anyone.”

Final Thoughts: Time to Reevaluate the GOAT List?

For Archibald, the fact that people have to work so hard to find reasons to place Chamberlain lower on the all-time list is proof that he should be higher.

“They’re trying to tell you why he’s not No. 1 instead of just admitting he probably is. That tells you everything.”

While the GOAT debate will always be subjective, Archibald’s comments are a reminder that Wilt Chamberlain’s legacy should never be overlooked. Whether fans agree or not, one thing is certain: his dominance was unmatched, and his place in history deserves the utmost respect.