GOAT Reframed: Evaluating the Best Seasons of NBA Legends

In this article, we revisit the question of which players would top the list if only their best season in the NBA were considered. The analysis reveals a fascinating array of top performances, with Wilt Chamberlain standing out as the clear-cut winner, thanks to his 1962 campaign. We delve into the statistics, showcasing the incredible achievements of these iconic players.

The Unmatched 1962 Season

Four of the greatest players in NBA history stumbled upon peak form in the same 1962 season, creating a statistical wonderland that few have matched. Let's take a closer look at these astonishing performances:

Wilt Chamberlain, 1962

Wilt Chamberlain's 1962 season is a jaw-dropping 50.4 PPG / 25.7 RPG / 2.4 APG. His dominance is unparalleled, showcasing the incredible scoring and rebounding capabilities that defined Wilt as the GOAT.

Oscar Robertson, 1962

Oscar Robertson also shined in 1962 with a 30.8 PPG / 12.5 RPG / 11.4 APG performance, almost matching Chamberlain's triple-double MVP feat. His triple-double season is historically significant, setting the standard for all-time statistical excellence.

Elgin Baylor, 1962

Elgin Baylor delivered a 38.3 PPG / 18.6 RPG / 4.6 APG campaign, a testament to his scoring prowess and rebounding ability. His 38.3 PPG stands as one of the most scorching performances in NBA history.

Bob Pettit, 1962

Bob Pettit had a 31.1 PPG / 18.7 RPG / 3.7 APG season, showcasing a well-rounded game that is often overlooked in favor of the flashier statistics of Chamberlain and Robertson.

Contemporary High-Performances

While the 1962 season saw the pinnacle performance of multiple players, recent seasons produced their own statistical wonders:

2017 Russell Westbrook and 2020 Shaquille O'Neal

Russell Westbrook in 2017 achieved a 31.6 PPG / 10.7 RPG / 10.4 APG triple-double, making him only the 18th player to ever record a statistical triple-double. Shaquille O'Neal's 2000 season with 29.7 PPG / 13.6 RPG / 3.8 APG was also notable for its robust scoring and rebounding abilities, alongside a strong assist average.

Other Outliers

The 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s saw a cluster of outstanding individual performances:

1989 Michael Jordan and 1972 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Michael Jordan in 1989 had a 32.5 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 8.0 APG campaign, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 1972 season saw 34.8 PPG / 16.6 RPG / 4.6 APG. Both were on par with the 1962 greats, showcasing the enduring greatness of basketball's dynamos.

Modern Greats

The 2010s saw some of the most competitive and high-performing seasons:

2017 James Harden and 2014 Kevin Durant

James Harden in 2017 achieved a 29.1 PPG / 8.1 RPG / 11.2 APG triple-double, and Kevin Durant's 2014 season with 32.0 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 5.5 APG was a testament to his all-around game. Both players demonstrated the skill and consistency that has kept them among the greatest in the league.

Historical Context and Impact

The NBA has changed significantly since the 1960s, making it difficult to replicate the raw statistical performance of players from that era. The 1962 season saw the emergence of players like Chamberlain and Robertson, whose game was rooted in a different era of basketball. Nevertheless, the contemporary performances still highlight the skills required to excel in the sport, providing a counterpoint to the historical dominance of the greats of the past.

In conclusion, if only the best season of each player's career were considered, Wilt Chamberlain and Russell Westbrook stand out as the most statistically impressive. This exercise underscores the evolution of basketball and the enduring greatness of these players.

Key Takeaways: - Wilt Chamberlain's 1962 season is unparalleled - Russell Westbrook's 2017 triple-double remains monumental - Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Jordan also posted notable best seasons - The evolution of basketball ensures the challenges players face in their best seasons