Recently, there’s been a disturbing trend of attempting to diminish the achievements of Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, arguing that their success is less significant because the league was only 20% Black. This line of thinking not only misses the mark, it’s a profound disrespect to the struggles they and others endured during that era. As Harry Edwards rightly pointed out,
‘They were fighting battles off the court that most people can’t even comprehend.’
From the 1950s, when the first Black player integrated, to the 1980s, Black athletes had to confront racism at every step.Wilt and Russell were not the only ones who faced these challenges. Clyde Frazier has spoken about the pervasive racism Black players encountered throughout the league. The struggle persisted well into the 1980s. These men had to contend with death threats, biased stat keepers trying to downplay their achievements, and media outlets eager to discredit them. They weren’t just playing basketball. They were surviving in a system that was set against their success.
Compare that to today’s NBA players during the COVID bubble. They stayed at a Disney resort, were treated with respect, and, according to some, were even allowed to smoke weed for comfort, and some couldn’t handle it. Wilt and Russell couldn’t even eat in the same restaurants as their white teammates back then. The injustice they faced is a stark reminder of the racial discrimination that was rampant in the league.
William C. Rhoden and Harry Edwards pointed out that the pressure these men faced off the court would have crushed most, but they persevered.
The shift came in the 1980s when athletes like Michael Jordan emerged. While one of the greatest players ever, Jordan didnt stand with his predecessors like Bill Russell or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who fought for social justice. Instead, Jordan helped usher in an era where athletes prioritized individual success and financial gain over the collective fight for the Black community. This isn’t a criticism, but it is the truth.
Let’s remember the contributions of these legends. The NBA is 80% Black today because of men like Wilt, Russell, and others who transcended eras with their talent and fought for dignity. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the NBA, shaping it into the diverse and inclusive league it is today. Without them, the NBA wouldn’t be what it is today. Respect your elders because they built the league where modern players now thrive.
Thoughts Processed 