Throwback: When Wilt Chamberlain nonstop drives for 36+ hours from New York to Los Angeles

Wilt Chamberlain, most renowned for his dominating presence on the basketball floor, was also a guy with legendary stories off the court. In his book, 'Wilt: Just Like Any Other 7-Foot Black Millionaire Who Lives Next Door,' Chamberlain told a stunning narrative that highlighted not just his athleticism but also his daring and love of speed.

Chamberlain described his courageous solo travel from New York to Los Angeles, traversing 2,964 miles in 36 hours and 10 minutes. This achievement, marked by tireless driving and unshakable commitment, was one of Chamberlain's many spectacular road journeys.

The legendary basketball player disclosed that he had previously traveled at an astounding average pace of 90 mph from Kansas City to Los Angeles in just 18 hours and 12 minutes. And Chamberlain told the story of another amazing 3,041-mile journey he made in under 42 hours, from Harlem to Nob Hill in San Francisco.

Although Chamberlain's driving ability appeared nearly superhuman, former teammate Jerry West questioned some of these reports, pointing out Chamberlain's propensity for embellishing events. A fellow NBA star, West, recognized Chamberlain's extraordinary physical prowess but questioned some of the story's elements, such as Chamberlain's assertion that he could drive a Ferrari from New York City to San Francisco in a single day.

Michael Jordan regarded Chamberlain in great respect

Regardless of the truth of Chamberlain's driving exploits, these anecdotes add to the larger-than-life reputation of a sports hero who lived aggressively on and off the court. Chamberlain's purported heroics on the road reflect his amazing successes in basketball, adding to the mystique and intrigue of one of sports history's most renowned players.

Wilt Chamberlain's tales of cross-country drives, whether true or somewhat embellished, are as incredible as they can get. There was another story involving Michael Jordan, though. Jordan felt tremendously pleased to meet Wilt Chamberlain for the first time, given the huge effect Wilt had on his basketball career. Jordan regarded Chamberlain in great respect, acknowledging that the older legend had set an extremely high standard regarding individual and career statistics.