Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance forced the NBA and NCAA to implement several key rule changes designed to limit his unfair advantages:
Free Throw Lane Width: The lane was expanded from 12 feet to 16 feet in 1964 to prevent Chamberlain from camping near the basket.
Free Throw Dunking: A rule was established in 1956 prohibiting shooters from crossing the free throw line until the ball hits the rim, stopping Chamberlain’s technique of leaping to dunk his own free throws.
Offensive Goaltending: Also introduced in 1956, this rule banned players from interfering with the ball while it was on its way down to the basket, preventing Chamberlain from guiding shots in.
Inbounding Over the Backboard: The practice of throwing alley-oop passes over the backboard for a teammate to catch and dunk was banned because Chamberlain exploited this play.
3-Second Violation: Strict enforcement of the rule limiting how long an offensive player can remain in the paint was intensified to counter his presence in the key.
And yet, Bill Russell beat him more often than not. Imagine that. LOL