Wilt Chamberlain, "Feeling Silly" [Post 23]

Wilt Chamberlain, a renowned athlete that stood at 7'1" tall, best remembered for scoring 100 points in a single NBA game in 1962.

However, Wilt had his weaknesses on the basketball court, particularly at the free throw line. Throughout his career, he consistently shot below 50% from the line, which is shockingly low for an uncontested shot. In an attempt to improve his shooting, Wilt switched to shooting free throws underhand during part of the 1962 season and made 28 out of 32 free throws (87.5%) the night he scored 100.

One might assume that Wilt would continue with this effective technique, but surprisingly, he reverted to his previous shooting form in the following season, once again struggling with accuracy. When asked about his decision, Wilt stated that he felt "silly" shooting underhanded.

Wilt's experience highlights a common occurrence where fear or the desire to “save face” hinders individuals from pursuing the best course of action. This phenomenon extends beyond sports and permeates various aspects of our lives, such as public speaking, career advancement, financial decision-making, and more. We often settle for less-than-ideal outcomes due to self-consciousness or social anxiety.

While Wilt Chamberlain's decision to abandon underhanded free throw shooting likely impacted his career, potentially costing him championship titles, more records, and recognition as the greatest basketball player of all time (the media frequently leaves Chamberlain out of the top 5 greatest basketball players ever).

Similarly, for ordinary individuals like you and me (not generational athletes), giving in to external perceptions can hinder progress and limit our potential. By recognizing these patterns and acknowledging their impact, we can break free from societal constraints and strive for optimal outcomes in various domains of life.

The next time you make a decision based on the onlooking of others or social norms, consider the opportunity cost associated with the decision. It might just hinder your ability to reach certain goals or your desired financial situation.

1. Gladwell, Malcolm. (2022, June 23). The big man can’t shoot | revisionist history podcast | Malcolm Gladwell. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWExY6qGxvU Stats

2. Sportrader. (n.d.). Wilt Chamberlain. Basketball Reference. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambwi01.html

Image: Duke Basketball Report. (2020, June 3). You Tube Gold: Extensive New Wilt Chamberlain Video [NBA basketball Philadelphia Warriors 76ers Kansas].

https://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2020/6/3/21277756/you-tube-gold-extensive-new-wilt-chamberlain-video-nba-basketball-philadelphia-warriors-76ers-kansas