I hope he is good health because breaking a hip is usually the downfall of people when they get old.
If this happens, I can literally say that he's lived two full lifetimes and then some.
Think about NBA history. If the Spencer Haywood lawsuit had gone thru just a few years earlier, Lew could have declared early for the NBA. That would have been three (or four) additional pro seasons, because we all know he was good enough. His Freshman team beat the #1-ranked Varsity team in a scrimmage.
I'd argue that the Lew Alcindor with the Bucks was unstoppable. Alcindor was so good that it was unfair. Alcindor's stats would have been Hall of Fame worthy, if you just use the stats under the Alcindor name. That's especially true if he would have gained the extra pro years that he spent at UCLA.
So many 7-footers have the injury problems to back/feet etc. Lew kept himself lean and limber. His productivity and longevity were amazing.
Consider his size. Look at where he released his Sky Hook. Basically an unstoppable shot.
All the titles, all the stat records. What an incredible athlete.
I think back to his Tall Boy basketball cards. He looked larger than life, and he was.
www.espn.com
