Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most dominant figures in NBA history, was known for his impressive athleticism and extraordinary skills on the basketball court. As is often the case with legendary athletes, Chamberlain was given several memorable nicknames over the course of his career. Among the most popular were “Wilt The Stilt” and “The Big Dipper.” Interestingly, Chamberlain himself preferred one of these names over the other, and there was a very personal reason for his choice.
The Origins of “The Big Dipper”
The nickname “The Big Dipper” was closely tied to Chamberlain’s towering height of 7 feet 1 inch. The name was a playful reference to how Chamberlain had to duck his head to avoid hitting doorframes or ceilings. Just as the Big Dipper constellation dips below the horizon, Chamberlain found himself similarly bending to navigate spaces built for much shorter people. The nickname captured not only his physicality but also his sense of humor about his extraordinary size.
Chamberlain’s preference for “The Big Dipper” over “Wilt The Stilt” was also linked to a deeper personal reason. As opposed to the latter nickname, which emphasized his height in a way that might have drawn attention to potential awkwardness or ridicule, “The Big Dipper” had a more grounded, lighthearted quality. It was a nod to his height but also a recognition of how he had to adapt and navigate the world. “The Big Dipper” was a way for Chamberlain to embrace and play with his physical uniqueness, instead of being defined solely by it.
“Wilt The Stilt” vs. “The Big Dipper”
While “Wilt The Stilt” is still widely associated with Chamberlain today, the story behind his preference for “The Big Dipper” sheds light on his relationship with his height and how he viewed his public persona. The nickname “Wilt The Stilt” was given to him because of his remarkable stature, but Chamberlain didn’t appreciate the focus it put on his height in a less flattering way. As CLNS NBA History notes, “Wilt hated being called Stilt” and much preferred “The Big Dipper.”
Chamberlain’s love for “The Big Dipper” is a reminder that many athletes, while proud of their accomplishments, may have personal preferences when it comes to how they are remembered or referred to by fans. In this case, Chamberlain seemed to enjoy how “The Big Dipper” subtly acknowledged his height, without being overtly tied to any insecurities.
The Legend of Chamberlain’s Numbers
The name “The Big Dipper” also held a sense of grandeur and mystique, much like Chamberlain’s career. His incredible records on the court, including scoring 100 points in a single game and averaging over 50 points per game for an entire season, have remained unmatched. With statistics that are etched into the annals of NBA history, Chamberlain’s nickname resonated with his larger-than-life presence both on and off the court.
In fact, another of his nicknames was “The Record Book,” a fitting title for a man whose stats are legendary. Chamberlain’s dominance in the game has left an indelible mark on basketball history, and while “Wilt The Stilt” may still be remembered, perhaps it’s time to embrace his preferred title, “The Big Dipper,” as a fitting tribute to both his physical stature and his extraordinary achievements.
