Expert: Borko Bariæ - 2/25/2005

Question
I was often puzzled by the monstrous scoring and rebounding averages posted by Wilt Chamberlain, and why they've never been replicated by anyone else.

Was goaltending part of the NBA's rules back then? If not, then, for example, he may have had a rebound and two points for a putback which may be illegal under the rules we are accustomed to watching.  

Answer
The defensive goaltending rule was in place before the NBA even started, namely in 1945. Offenisive goaltending, on the other hand, was legal until 1958, the year before Chamberlain entered the league. So his insane-looking numbers may have taken advantage of some circumstances, like style of play and lack of other power players, but the legality of goaltending wasn't one of them.