Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: John Havlicek Says Wilt Chamberlain Cheated His Team Out Of Wins: “When He Got That Fourth Foul, His Game Would Change…”
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Media > John Havlicek Says Wilt Chamberlain Cheated His Team Out Of Wins: “When He Got That Fourth Foul, His Game Would Change…”

John Havlicek Says Wilt Chamberlain Cheated His Team Out Of Wins: “When He Got That Fourth Foul, His Game Would Change…”

Nico Martinez
Apr 5, 2022
3 Min Read
Share

Credit: Steam Community

Wilt Chamberlain is widely known as one of the greatest players in NBA history. 

In his prime, he put up unreal numbers and set countless records — many of which will probably never be beaten.

As great as he was, there may be signs he held back his game at times.

In his memoir, ‘Hondo’, basketball legend John Havlicek shared a secret about Chamberlain. Apparently, he was so committed to never fouling out in a game that he would essentially stop playing if he got his fourth foul. Over the length of his career, one could imagine how many games he may have given up as a result.

“Wilt’s greatest idiosyncrasy was not fouling out. He had never fouled out of a high school, college, or professional game and that was one record he was determined to protect. When he got that fourth foul, his game would change. I don’t know how many potential victories he may have cheated his team out of by not really playing after he got into foul trouble.”

Wilt was a dominant force and talented player. He is as accomplished as anyone could hope to be.

Still, there are a lot of things he gets heat for. In Rick Barry’s book (Confessions of a Basketball Gypsy), for example, he called out Wilt for being a “loser” who avoided the ball in late-game situations.

“I’ll say what most players feel, which is that Wilt is a loser…He is terrible in big games. He knows he is going to lose and be blamed for the loss, so he dreads it, and you can see it in his eyes; and anyone who has ever played with him will agree with me, regardless of whether they would admit it publicly… When it comes down to the closing minutes of a tough game, an important game, he doesn’t want the ball, he doesn’t want any part of the pressure. It is at these times that greatness is determined and Wilt doesn’t have it. There is no way you can compare him to a pro like a Bill Russell or a Jerry West…these are clutch competitors.”

How much of Wilt’s behavior, and dedication to personal records, kept his team from winning? Could he have been even better had he not tried to maintain pointless milestones?

While it’s hard to make judgments on Chamberlain’s career nowadays, we can say that he’s a 2x Champion, 4x MVP, 7x Scoring Leader, and 2x All-Defensive player. We can also say that, in over 1,045 games, he never fouled out a single time.

Clearly, though, people have mixed feelings about the guy and his controversial career. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRgFX3-rc2w

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Philadelphia 76ers ArchiveWilt Chamberlain
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByNico Martinez
Follow:
Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
Previous Article Klay Thompson Gets Real On His Two-Year Absence From The NBA: “It Was Hard To Accept…”
Next Article Doc Rivers Says Michael Jordan Was The Greatest Defensive Player He Ever Played Against
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Scottie Pippen Admits He’s Exhausted By Michael Jordan Questions
NBA News & Media

Scottie Pippen Admits He’s Exhausted By Michael Jordan Questions

October 5, 2025
Scottie Pippen Believes He’d Be The Best Player In Today’s NBA
NBA News & Media

Scottie Pippen Believes He’d Be The Best Player In Today’s NBA

October 5, 2025
Stephon Marbury prepares to watch the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden
NBA News & Media

Cam’ron Details The Night He Saved Stephon Marbury From A Robbery

October 4, 2025
Lakers head coach Byron Scott reacts during an NBA game against the Kings at Staples Center
NBA News & Media

Byron Scott Once Left His Own Son Behind In New Orleans For Being Late To The Team Flight

October 4, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?