NBA: A Case For Kareem
Considering the fact that I'm only 25-years-old, I wasn't able to see Kareem Abdul-Jabbar play basketball. Despite being just a 90's baby, I consider myself knowledgeable of those that came before myself. It’s really the only way I could participate during the voluble arguments that seemingly take place in most barbershops across America.
Formerly known as Lew Alcindor, Abdul-Jabbar is, without a doubt, the greatest basketball player, ever. Somehow this larger than life figure, standing at a modest 7'2, has been swept under the pantheon of greatness. The fact I even decided to write this article gives that claim merit.
One could argue that Kareem does get his share of the spotlight; but from my point of view, many publications briefly mention Abdul-Jabbar and his accomplishments. By in large, depending on your generation, when basketball greatness is brought up, Michael Jordan sits atop the mountain.
Not quite mononymous, Jordan, is all that needs to be said to identify “His Airness." As the saying goes, “What's understood doesn't need to be explained." I'd happily call Jordan the G.O.A.T., had this been another day. I believe that's also why Kareem, in my opinion, needs to be upheld for all that he has achieved on and off the basketball court.
Although it is hard to label any one person the greatest, (I prefer tiers myself), I'll accept the challenge and make a strong case for Abdul-Jabbar. Now, Mr. Abdul-Jabbar doesn't need an article to make his claim as the greatest of all time; his vast body of work has already done that. However, there should be a reminder that excellence extends far beyond the winds of Chicago and also resides in Los Angeles.
Kareem has won on every level of basketball. When he was in high school, his team recorded 71 consecutive wins. At UCLA, under the illustrious coach, John Wooden, they won 88 games in a three-year span. During their run, the result was only two losses and three consecutive NCAA championships. Without going too far into his collegiate trophy case, he is the three-time winner of the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award and was named three-time Player of the Year. Kareem is easily one of, if not the most, decorated NCAA Div. I player of all-time.
During the 1967 season, dunking was banned in college, largely due to Abdul- Jabbar's dominance. I suppose we should thank the NCAA for honing Kareem’s skills by giving him an even more commanding approach, the sky hook.
Abdul-Jabbar's sky hook allowed him to play for a record, 20 years in the NBA. A master of agility, grace, and versatility; Kareem brought a new style to the center position not previously seen before his emergence. Unparalleled longevity and consistency ensured Kareem's rise to No. 1 on the NBA all-time scoring list. In addition to scoring, Kareem also won six NBA MVP awards, NBA Rookie of the Year, 19 All-Star selections, six NBA championships, and two Finals MVP awards.
Taking his entire basketball career into consideration, individually and as a team, no one has accomplished more than Addul-Jabbar. Kareem is the winningest player basketball has to offer. Not just a winner on the court, Kareem is an even bigger champion off of the hardwood.
An advocate of social justice, philanthropy, promoter of healthy living, a best selling author, and has even dabbled in Hollywood on a few occasions. Ostensibly, these characteristics are just an aside in regards to basketball, however, Kareem utilized his image to impact the world positively.
Abdul-Jabbar could've just been a really good basketball player; instead the world knows him as a really good human being. I would wager that it’s Kareem's perceived demeanor in his early years that hinders his rank as The Greatest. No matter where you rank him, Abdul-Jabbar is someone we all can look up to, both literally and figuratively.
Photo Credit: Ex NBA.
