Spencer Haywood on Why Wilt Chamberlain Was Better Than Michael Jordan: “Wilt Used to Walk Out on the Floor and Intimidate an Entire Team”

Spencer Haywood on Why Wilt Chamberlain Was Better Than Michael Jordan: “Wilt Used to Walk Out on the Floor and Intimidate an Entire Team”

When the debate about the greatest basketball player of all time comes up, the names Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain are always at the center of discussion. While Jordan is often regarded as the GOAT due to his six championships and dominant run with the Chicago Bulls, NBA legend Spencer Haywood believes that Wilt Chamberlain was the superior player—and he has a compelling reason why.

In a recent discussion, Haywood, a Hall of Famer who played in the NBA and ABA during the 1970s, explained why Wilt’s dominance went beyond just numbers—it was psychological.

“Wilt used to walk out on the floor and intimidate an entire team,” Haywood said. “Before the game even started, guys already knew they had no chance. I never saw anybody do that the way Wilt did. Not even Michael Jordan.”

Wilt’s Physical Dominance Was Unmatched

Wilt Chamberlain wasn’t just an NBA player—he was a physical phenomenon. Standing at 7-foot-1 with freakish strength, speed, and agility, he was unlike anything basketball had ever seen.

While Jordan’s mentality and skill set made him nearly unstoppable, Haywood argues that Wilt’s sheer presence on the court altered the game in a way no one else could.

“Jordan could take over a game, no doubt. But Wilt could take over before the game even started,” Haywood continued. “Guys didn’t want to go up against him. He was too big, too fast, too strong. And when he was mad? Forget it.”

This aligns with many accounts from Wilt’s era—opposing players were often afraid to challenge him in the paint, knowing he could block shots at will, grab 40+ rebounds in a game, or score 50 points effortlessly if he wanted to.

The Stats Back It Up

Even when compared to Jordan, Wilt’s individual records are staggering.

• 100-point game – A feat that still stands to this day.
• 50.4 PPG in a season – No other player has even come close.
• 55 rebounds in a game – Against none other than Bill Russell.
• Double-digit assists seasons – Showing he could do more than just score.

While Jordan dominated with six championships and ten scoring titles, Wilt’s statistical dominance is almost mythical, making the comparison more complicated than just counting rings.

A Different Era, A Different Level of Dominance

Many critics argue that Wilt played in a weaker era, but Haywood dismisses that notion, pointing out that Chamberlain was so dominant that the NBA had to change its rules to limit his effectiveness.

“They had to widen the lane, change the free throw rules, all because of one man,” Haywood explained. “Nobody has ever forced the league to adjust like that—not even Jordan.”

Wilt’s era may not have had the athleticism and skill depth of Jordan’s time, but his level of dominance transcended generations.

The Ultimate GOAT Debate: Intimidation vs. Killer Instinct

Jordan’s mental edge and relentless competitiveness are often what make him stand out in the GOAT debate. However, Haywood suggests that Wilt had something even more powerful—fear.

“Jordan had the killer instinct, but Wilt had something different—he made people fear him. He could break you physically and mentally before the game even started.”

While Jordan’s six rings give him the ultimate edge in many debates, Wilt’s individual dominance and intimidation factor make him just as worthy of GOAT status.

As Haywood put it, “If you saw Wilt walk onto that court, you already lost.”