NBA Commissioner Maurice Podoloff, who had held the office since the formation of the league (as the Basketball Association of America) in 1946, retired.
The St. Louis Hawks had seven ten-point scorers also and won 45 of 80 games, but lost star Bob Pettit to knee injury.
Chamberlain joined the team in mid-season right after the all-star game, a move which instantly made the new 76ers contenders.
In the West, which produced no NBA champions from 1959 to 1970, Baltimore upset the injured St. Louis Hawks to meet Los Angeles.
x – clinched playoff spot Note: Prior to the 1969–70 season, league leaders in points, rebounds, and assists were determined by totals rather than averages.