Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Six-time NBA Most Valuable Player

• Nicknamed Lew Alcindor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a master who knew exactly what to do when on the pitch. 
• Several basketball legends and league experts have said in interviews that Kareem is the greatest NBA player of all time. 
• At the time of his retirement, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had set several NBA records, some of which are yet to be broken. 

When talking of NBA greats, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is up there with the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Nicknamed Lew Alcindor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a master who knew exactly what to do when on the pitch. He is, without a doubt, one of the most graceful basketball players the world has ever seen.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Photo/ Sports Illustrated.

At his peak, Kareem combined dominance with longevity. And thanks to his strict fitness regime, he is one of the most durable players of all time.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend was famous for his ability to use either hand perfectly to dribble or shoot. He maintained a dominant presence on the defence and frustrated opponents with his shoot-blocking ability.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played as a center throughout his career and is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points.

In 2007, ESPN voted Kareem the best center of all time, ahead of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.

Several basketball legends and league experts have said in interviews that Kareem is the greatest NBA player of all time.

At the time of his retirement, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had set several NBA records, some of which are yet to be broken.

Kareem played in the NBA for 20 seasons, and during that period, he was a six-time NBA Champion, a record six-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a record 15-time All-NBA Team member.

He was also NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA All-Rookie First Team, ten-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA scoring champion, among other achievements.

Kareem played for Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, and both teams retired his No. 33 jersey. And there is still more in Kareem’s legacy. 

Early Life 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born on April 16, 1947, in Harlem, New York City. He is the only child of Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr. and Cora Lilian, who gave him the name Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor at birth.

While growing up, Kareem was very tall for his age. This put him into depression as people were making comments about his height and staring at him.

Kareem was 6 ft 8 in tall when he was between 13 and 14 years. His height turned out to be an advantage at high school as he began his basketball career.

The future NBA star led his school, Jack Donahue’s Power Memorial Academy, to win three New York City Catholic championships.

In his college career, Kareem helped the University of California to win three collegiate championships.

Career 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar NBA career began in 1969 with the Milwaukee Bucks, who picked him for $1.4 million. In his first season, Kareem won the NBA Rookie of the Year as his team Bucks claimed second place in Eastern Division.

For four straight years, Kareem was a key player for the Bucks, leading them to victories in their games. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player three times during his time with the Bucks.

Kareem joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975, where he continued with his impressive performance. He won his fourth MVP award in his first season with the Lakers.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Photo/ LeBron Wire – USA Today.

The legendary center won his fifth MVP after a strong 1976-77 season with the Lakers. In 1984, Kareem broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most career points.

Kareem helped the Lakers win the All-NBA Second Team two times, the All-Defense Second Team once, and the All-Defense First Team once.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar NBA career came to an end on June 28, 1989, when he announced his retirement at the age of 42.

Post-Playing Career

The legend began showing interest in coaching in 1995. He would soon work as an assistant for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Seattle SuperSonics.

In 2002, Kareem became the head coach of the Oklahoma Storm and the team to win the United States Basketball League Championship.

Between 2005 and 2011, Kareem worked as Phil Jackson’s special assistant coach. President Barack Obama awarded Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Photo/ NBA.com.