Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Early Life and Career
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, formerly known as Lew Alcindor, was born on April 16, 1947, in New York City. He attended high school at Power Memorial Academy where he played basketball and led his team to a 71-game winning streak. After high school, he went on to play college basketball at UCLA, where he won three NCAA championships and was named the Most Outstanding Player in each of the tournaments. In 1969, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks as the first overall pick in the NBA draft.
Abdul-Jabbar’s early career was marked by his dominance on the court. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1970 and went on to win six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and was named to the All-Star team 19 times. He also holds the record for the most points scored in NBA history with 38,387.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Contract History
Abdul-Jabbar played for two teams during his NBA career: the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. He played for the Bucks from 1969-1975 and then was traded to the Lakers in 1975. He played for the Lakers until he retired in 1989.
During his time with the Bucks, Abdul-Jabbar signed a five-year contract worth $1.4 million. This was the largest contract in NBA history at the time. When he was traded to the Lakers, he signed a new contract worth $5 million over five years. This contract made him the highest-paid player in the NBA at the time.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Accomplishments
Abdul-Jabbar’s accomplishments on the court are numerous. He won six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and was named to the All-Star team 19 times. He also holds the record for the most points scored in NBA history with 38,387.
Off the court, Abdul-Jabbar has also made significant contributions. He has written several books, including his autobiography, “Giant Steps,” and “Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court.” He is also a columnist for Substack, where he writes about a variety of topics, including race, politics, and sports. He is also involved in several philanthropic endeavors, including the Skyhook Foundation, which helps to provide educational opportunities for underserved communities.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Legacy
Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy extends beyond his accomplishments on the court. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his influence can be seen in the game today. His signature move, the skyhook, is still used by players today, and he has inspired countless players to pursue basketball as a career.
Abdul-Jabbar’s impact also extends beyond basketball. He has been an outspoken advocate for social justice and has used his platform to raise awareness about issues such as racial inequality and police brutality. His contributions to both basketball and society have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in sports history.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Personal Life
Abdul-Jabbar has been married twice. His first marriage was to Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, and they were married from 1971-1978. His second marriage is to his current wife, Anna Waterhouse, whom he married in 1989.
Abdul-Jabbar is also a father to five children. His son, Adam Abdul-Jabbar, played college basketball at San Diego State University and is currently pursuing a career in the NBA.
FAQ
Who is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American professional basketball player who played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
What are some of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s accomplishments?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won six NBA championships, six Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, and was a 19-time NBA All-Star. He is also the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points.
What is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s contract history?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar signed his first professional contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969 for $1.4 million over five years. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975, where he signed a new contract for $5 million over five years. In 1979, he signed another contract with the Lakers for $6.5 million over five years, making him the highest-paid player in the NBA at the time.
What are some of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s stats?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played in 1,560 NBA games over his career and averaged 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He also had a career field goal percentage of .559 and a free throw percentage of .721.
