21 players the NBA repeatedly snubbed for Defensive Player of the Year

Snubbed Defensive Player #4: Wilt Chamberlain

Chamberlain’s dominance has been challenged by some, who believe that he put up video game numbers against plumbers and insurance salesmen. While technically somewhat true, he was also a skilled freak athlete who dominated in much the same way Giannis Antetokounmpo does now.

At 7’1, Chamberlain earned the nickname the “Stilt” for his long, skinny legs and also for towering over most players. Combine that with his leaping ability and speed as a former high jumper and sprinter, and it’s no wonder that he dominated on both ends of the floor during the 1950s and 1960s.

Much like his contemporary, Bill Russell, their blocks and steals weren’t recorded during their playing careers; if they had, odds are that he would hold records in both categories too. After all, Chamberlain excelled in pretty much every area of the game, save for free throws, even leading the league in assists one season as well as holding dozens of scoring and rebounding records.

By all accounts, Chamberlain was a monster on the defensive end of the floor, using his outrageous physical tools to effortlessly swat shots, while his mere presence likely also deterred many from challenging him.

Of course, his incredible offensive feats overshadowed his amazing defensive ability, whereas his rival Russell’s defense was his calling card. Had the DPOY award existed back then, odds are that Russell would have beaten Chamberlain out more often than not, but Chamberlain likely would have received at least one trophy during his fourteen-year career.