Wilt Chamberlain is the greatest basketball player of all time.

Let's begin. The BoP lies on myself as Con, and my ability to prove that Wilt Chamberlain was NOT the greatest basketball player of all time. In realitiy, this can be proved in only one way: proving that another player was better than Wilt Chamberlain. While better is a subjective term, it is relatively common and familiar that better (in basketball) can be determined based on a) statistics b) recognized ability and c) accomplishments. These three things will be the premise on which I will base my arguments. As Pro has not specified who I can and cannot choose to refute this resolution, I will make the decision for myself. To negate this resolution, I provide indubitably the most famous professional basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan. Contemplating the subjective superiority of Michael Jordan above any basketball player is an age-old conflict. Yet, statistics, recognized ability, and accomplishments all point towards MJ's superiority over Wilt Chamberlain, at least. Let us first examine the first area of analysis, being statistics. Statistics:In the area of statistics, it is relatively difficult to compare players of different positions accurately. However, we will compare important statistics for all around players in order to better determine the more suitable baller. Total Points:Wilt: 31,419MJ: 32,292Edge: MJAssists:Wilt:4,643MJ:5,633Edge: MJ Free Throw Percentage:Wilt: .511MJ: .835Edge: MJ[1]It is increasingly evident that in the area of statistics, MJ has done more for his team by a) scoring more points and b) enabling his teammates to score more points (assists). At the end of the day, it all comes down to which team has more points. In that, "His Airness" has sufficiently completed his job "better" than Wilt. Recognized Ability:Ability can be discerned in a variety of ways, particularly by experts analyzing gameplay and film. While game film wasn't around during Wilt's tenure, it must be understood that opponents during that era were not as "good" as they were while MJ played. This area of analysis must be solely based on individual skill in playing against opponents. An article written by Steven Resnick, senior journalist for Bleacher Report, explained the difference between the eras in which Wilt and MJ played, and how it ultimately benefits MJ and his "better" play all things considered. He says, "While it is tough to determine who's the greatest, the edge goes to Jordan. The truth is that it's very difficult to compare the eras both played in, as well as the fact that Jordan and Chamberlain played two completely different positions with different responsibilities. " [2]This is a huge point. Michael Jordan played either the small forward or guard position. Conversely, Wilt Chamberlain played the center position. It requires very little knowledge of basketball to understand the disparity between these roles. For example, a center plays in the post and is bound to get more blocks and rebounds than any other position, simply due to their determined position/location on the court. Later in the article by Resnick, he further details why some stats hugely favor Wilt Chamberlain over Michael Jordan, and there is a plethora of reasons why. I will condense and format those three reasons using a cause and effect system. Cause 1 (because of this. .. ) has Effect 1 (Wilt was better able to. .. ). Cause 1: Players, at every position, couldn't shoot as well as they did in Jordan's time. Effect 1: Wilt was better able to get both rebounds and blocks. Cause 2: As a whole, basketball players were not as big as they were during Jordan's era. Effect 2: Wilt was better able to use his massive body frame to dominate opponents both physically and even mentally (intimidation). Cause 3: Teams in the NBA were worse as a combination. Effect 3: Wilt was better able to use his natural ability to his advantage over less-skilled opponents of other teams. In reality, it all boils down to the fact that during Wilt's era, competition was a lot less. While some stats may favor Wilt, it is evident that the cause of such disparity resulted from a lack of sufficient competition. On the other hand, Jordan played in an era with much better competition, but was still able to accomplish just as much (and sometimes more) than Wilt. Accomplishments:One of the most important analytical spectrums of determining who is the greatest at any sport is accopmlishments. Sports experts seem to seek players with the biggest and baddest accomplishments to argue their position of who was the best player of all time. I will do the same. Regardless of what people may think, individual effort and ability play a big role in determining the outcome of championship games, especially when the player is already recognized as an outstanding competitor. Nowthen, let's list a few of the accopmlishments of both players. Rookie of the Year:Wilt: YesMJ: YesEdge: NeitherPlayoff Appearances:Wilt: 13MJ: 14Edge: MJNBA Champion:Wilt: 2MJ: 6Edge: MJNBA MVP:Wilt: 4MJ: 5Edge: MJNBA Finals MVP:Wilt: 1MJ: 6[3]These accomplishments indubitably give the edge to Michael Jordan. In conclusion, it is essential to understand three key points: the first of which being Michael Jordan's overall superiority in regards to statistics and their relative importance based on era facts; second of which is recognized ability, and how the era disparity gives an edge to Michael Jordan's superiority with enhanced competition; and third and finally being how Michael Jordan received more reputable awards overall than did Wilt Chamberlain. We must remember to take these into consideration when crowning Air Jordan the greatest of all time. Sources:. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . [1] . http://www.landofbasketball.com...[2] . http://bleacherreport.com...[3] . http://www.aneki.com...