8. Wilt Chamberlain (1956-1958)
“Wilt the Stilt” is on here for obvious reasons. He was disliked by rival opponents, and understandably so. When you are the best player in the sport, people will find a way to hate you.
However, a lot of the hatred that Wilt experienced was associated with the color of his skin. He experienced racism wherever he went, but it was especially threatening when he played games on the road.
Mizzou did not admit African-American students into the university when Wilt played, and fans did not take this lightly. Opposing fans would direct vulgar chants toward him and throw things at him as he walked to the tunnel.
He is a revered figure nowadays, but this was not always the case. It was not until he reached the NBA that he started to earn his respect. He and Bill Russell became pioneers for black men in basketball for years to come.