Stamps honoring Wilt Chamberlain as an American icon will be dedicated Friday in Philadelphia during the halftime of the 76ers-Thunder game. Chamberlain is one of about 30 subjects selected from a list of 40,000 stamp proposals originally generated by the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee.
The volunteer began working on Chamberlain's stamp years ago, jumping through an assortment of hoops until it was approved by the postmaster general.
Two different stamps will be sold by the United States Postal Service, honoring two distinct phases of Chamberlain's career: His early years, when he was an offensive giant, and his later years when he evolved into a defensive force.
Chamberlain, who died in 1999, is remembered as one of the greatest basketball players to ever live. The two-time NBA champion is famous for having scored 100 points in a single game.
The commemorative stamps are almost two inches tall -- about one-third taller than a typical postage stamp. The extra size is an homage to Chamberlain's 7-foot-1 frame, although it was also a practical decision.
"We still had trouble fitting him into those proportions," said artist Kadir Nelson to The New York Times.
About 50 million Wilt Chamberlain stamps will be printed -- a high number reflective of the stamp's status with the USPS, which expects the collectible to be one its more popular stamps.
NBA Hall Of Famers With Titles For Two Teams
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem's first title came with Milwaukee in 1971 as he and Oscar Robertson guided the Bucks to the only championship in franchise history.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
After being traded to the Lakers, Kareem collected titles in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988.
Wilt Chamberlain
In 1966-67, Chamberlain averaged 24.1 points and 24.2 rebounds to lead the 76ers to a 68-13 regular-season record and the NBA championship.
Wilt Chamberlain
After being traded to the Lakers, Wilt lost his first two Finals appearance, to Celtics in 1969 and the Knicks in 1970. But in 1972, Chamberlain and Lakers capped a season that included a 33-game winning streak and a 69-12 record by wiping out the Knicks in the Finals.
Jamaal Wilkes
Wilkes won NBA rookie of the year in 1975 when he and Rick Barry helped the Warriors win the title, sweeping the Bullets in the Finals.
Jamaal Wilkes
Wilkes then became the part of three title teams with the Lakers in 1980, 1982 and 1985.
Bill Walton
Walton was the catalyst to Portland's 1977 NBA championship team. In the clinching Game 6 against the 76ers, Walton had 20 points, 23 rebounds, 7 assists and 8 blocks.
Bill Walton
Injuries derailed his career, but Walton earned the NBA's Sixth Man Award in 1986 in helping the Celtics win the third and final championship of the Larry Bird era.
Dennis Johnson
Johnson was NBA Finals MVP in 1979 when the Seattle SuperSonics won the only championship in franchise history.
Dennis Johnson
The Celtics acquired Johnson to help contain 76ers guard Andrew Toney, who had earned the nickname The Boston Strangler. Johnson helped the Celtics win titles in 1984 and 1986.
Dennis Rodman
Rodman was a key reserve on Detroit's championship teams in 1989 and 1990.
Dennis Rodman
Then he replaced Horace Grant as the starting power forward on the Bulls and was a part of Michael Jordan's second three-peat.
Robert Parish
The Chief was the center of Boston's three title teams in the Bird era.
Robert Parish
He picked up one more ring as a reserve on the Bulls' 1997 championship team.
Slater Martin
Martin was part of the George Mikan-led Lakers that won four NBA titles in the early 50s.
Slater Martin
He was then a member of the St. Louis Hawks in 1958 when they beat the Celtics in the Finals for the franchise's lone championship.
Arnie Risen
Risen is No. 19 in the picture above of the Celtics' 1957 NBA championship team. It was the first in franchise history. Risen also won in 1951 with the Rochester Royals.
Clyde Lovellette
Lovellette is usually known for being the answer to this trivia question: Who was the first player to win an NCAA title, an Olympic gold medal and an NBA championship? Lovellette won three NBA rings, with the Lakers (1954) and Celtics (1963, 1964).
Shaquille O'Neal
Technically, Shaq is not part of the group yet, because he doesn't become eligible for Hall of Fame induction until 2017, but that's merely a formality. O'Neal led the Lakers to a three-peat in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Shaquille O'Neal
After being traded to Miami, Shaq helped Dwyane Wade and the Heat earn their first title in 2006.
