Wilt Chamberlain, a graduate of Overbrook High School, is not just an all-time great scorer, but he is credited with being a founding father of the NBA’s player empowerment era, writes Ben Golliver for The Washington Post.

The new Showtime documentary, “Goliath,” argues that it was his decision to leave Philadelphia for Los Angeles and the ensuing success despite the backlash and negative headlines that turned the tide in the players’ favor.

Chamberlain issued a trade request after the 76ers collapsed in the playoffs against Boston Celtics. At the time, he was already in a dispute with the Philadelphia team over his compensation.

However, despite being branded by critics as a selfish loser and a choker, he pressed ahead.

On July 9, 1968, the Hall of Fame center got his way. He was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, and that move set him up for a historic title run four years later and a sunny retirement.

“He was the NBA’s first rock star,” said Hall of Fame forward Kevin Garnett, an executive producer on the documentary. “Wilt was the first pure athlete — his leaping ability, running ability.”

Read more about Wilt Chamberlain in The Washington Post.