Five Lesser-Known Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is undeniably one of the greatest basketball players of all time. With a career that spanned over two decades, he left an indelible mark on the NBA, amassing six NBA championships, six MVP awards, and 19 All-Star appearances. While many fans are familiar with his remarkable accolades, there are several lesser-known aspects of Abdul-Jabbar’s career that provide even more insight into his greatness. Here are five intriguing facts about the basketball legend that you may not know.
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Made Only One Three-Point Shot in His Career
In today’s NBA, three-point shooting is a key element of any player’s offensive arsenal. However, during Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s era, it was a completely different story. In June 2022, while on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” Abdul-Jabbar mentioned an interesting fact: despite being the all-time leading scorer (until recently surpassed by LeBron James), he made just one three-point shot throughout his entire career.
Kareem scored 38,387 points, but almost all of them came from inside the arc. This stat highlights not only Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance in the post but also how much the game of basketball has evolved since the 1970s and 1980s. Unlike the modern NBA where perimeter shooting is prioritized, Abdul-Jabbar relied on his famous skyhook and post moves to score consistently.
2. Drafted First Overall in the 1969 NBA Draft
In 1969, Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) was the hottest prospect in basketball after leading UCLA to consecutive national championships under legendary coach John Wooden. As expected, he was the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, selected by the Milwaukee Bucks. However, he was also drafted by the New Jersey Nets of the ABA, creating a bidding war between the two leagues.
Despite the Nets offering nearly double the salary the Bucks did, Abdul-Jabbar chose Milwaukee. His reason? He felt a bidding war “degrades the people involved,” demonstrating not only his immense talent but also his strong sense of integrity. His decision paid off as he helped lead the Bucks to their first-ever NBA Championship in 1971.
3. Almost Joined the New York Knicks in 1975
After a successful run with the Milwaukee Bucks, Abdul-Jabbar was ready for a new challenge by 1975. Having grown up in New York City and attending Power Memorial Academy, a dominant basketball school, Abdul-Jabbar expressed a strong desire to play for the New York Knicks.
However, things didn’t work out as planned. The Knicks failed to make the necessary moves to sign him, and instead, Abdul-Jabbar ended up joining the Los Angeles Lakers. In a later interview, Kareem admitted that playing for the Knicks had been a dream of his, but the Lakers made him feel “at home.” This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in NBA history, as Abdul-Jabbar went on to win five more championships with the Lakers, cementing his place as a franchise legend.
4. A Three-Time NCAA Champion
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance didn’t begin in the NBA; it started during his collegiate career at UCLA. Though he was ineligible to play during his freshman year due to NCAA rules at the time, he made an immediate impact once he hit the court as a sophomore. In his first game, he set a UCLA record by scoring 56 points, showcasing his future potential.
During his time at UCLA, the team never lost more than two games in a season and went on to win three consecutive national championships. Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance at the collegiate level was a precursor to his NBA success, making him one of the most decorated players in NCAA history.
5. Won Two Championships as an Assistant Coach with the Lakers
While Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is best known for his playing days, many fans might not realize that he also found success in coaching. From 2005 to 2011, he served as a special assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers under head coach Phil Jackson. During this period, the Lakers won back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, giving Abdul-Jabbar an additional two titles in a coaching capacity.
Though his coaching role was not as prominent as some other former players-turned-coaches, his influence on the Lakers’ success during that time cannot be overlooked. Kareem’s deep understanding of the game, especially in developing big men, undoubtedly contributed to the team’s championship success.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Lasting Legacy
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career and legacy are often discussed in terms of his sheer dominance on the court, but these five facts reveal a more nuanced and layered narrative. From his nearly non-existent three-point shooting to almost joining the Knicks, Abdul-Jabbar’s journey is filled with fascinating twists. His time at UCLA, his NBA career with the Bucks and Lakers, and even his coaching role all underscore his unparalleled influence on basketball.
As the NBA evolves, Abdul-Jabbar’s place in history remains solidified as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court. His legacy as a player, mentor, and ambassador for the game continues to inspire future generations of basketball fans and players alike.
