How Did Wilt Chamberlain Shoot Free Throws: Did He Ever Go Underhand Like Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?

When discussing legendary players in basketball history, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar often come up. Each of them had unique quirks and techniques that set them apart. One such technique was the underhanded free throw shot. This article explores whether Wilt Chamberlain ever used this method in his career, compared with Russell and Abdul-Jabbar.

Wilt Chamberlain's Early Techniques

Wilt Chamberlain was known for his dominant and powerful style of play during his professional career. At the beginning of his NBA journey, Chamberlain did use an underhanded free throw technique. During the 1961-62 season, he averaged an incredible 50.4 points per game (ppg), showcasing his scoring prowess. At this stage, his underhand free throws were a trademark of his style, setting him apart from his contemporaries and even the greats before him.

Bill Russell and the Underhanded Free Throws

Bill Russell is another basketball legend known for his incredible defensive skills and leadership. He shot free throws underhanded in college at the University of San Francisco (USF), but there aren't many records of him using this method in the professional ranks. In the NBA, Russell was known for his defender's stance and his effectiveness as a shot blocker, but his free throws were traditionally not a talking point.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Underhanded Free Throws

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, on the other hand, did transition to underhanded free throws later in his career. This change was notable and often discussed in the context of his evolution as a player. Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook was already a deadly weapon, but his switch to underhanded free throws added another layer to his game.

Considering the Evolution of Basketball

Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar all had their unique roles in the evolution of basketball. The underhanded free throw shot, while not as popular as it once was, was a crucial technique in these players' early careers. Each player's decision to use this technique was a testament to their individual styles and the unique challenges they faced as players.

The Legacy of Underhanded Free Throws

Looking back, it is interesting to note how these significant players from the 1960s and beyond used various techniques. Wilt Chamberlain's early underhanded free throws highlight his versatility and adaptability on the court. Bill Russell's use of this technique during his college years shows how it can be a part of a player's development, even if it doesn't persist in the NBA. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's decision to switch later in his career demonstrates his constant refinement of his skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Wilt Chamberlain was more known for his underhanded free throws early in his NBA career, there is no substantial evidence to suggest that he used this technique outside that period. In comparison, Bill Russell is not typically associated with underhanded free throws in his professional career, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did make this transition later in his career. The unique free throw techniques of these legendary players underscore their individual styles and the rich history of the sport of basketball.