Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made an impact.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American basketball player, widely considered one of the greatest of all time. He played 20 seasons in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, winning six NBA championships (six as player, two as assistant coach) and a record six MVP awards. A 19-time All-Star, Abdul-Jabbar was renowned for his signature skyhook shot. He also played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. A Hall of Fame inductee, he held the NBA's all-time scoring record from 1984 until 2023. He was also a 15-time All-NBA Team member and an 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection.
1964: Inspired by Harlem Riot
In 1964, the Harlem riot, triggered by the shooting of James Powell, sparked Alcindor's interest in racial politics, leading him to identify with Black Power.
November 27, 1965: First Public Performance at Pauley Pavilion
On November 27, 1965, Alcindor made his first public performance in UCLA's annual varsity–freshman exhibition game at the Pauley Pavilion. Alcindor scored 31 points and had 21 rebounds leading the freshman team to a 75-60 victory.
1966: Varsity Debut and National Coverage
In 1966, Alcindor made his varsity debut, receiving national coverage. He scored 56 points in his first game, breaking the UCLA single-game record. The team had an undefeated 30-0 record.
1967: Attendance at the Cleveland Summit
In 1967, Abdul-Jabbar, as the only college athlete, attended the Cleveland Summit. This was a meeting of prominent black athletes convened in support of Muhammad Ali's refusal to fight in the Vietnam War.
1969: Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks
In 1969, Alcindor was drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA draft. He spent six seasons with the team.
1969: NBA and ABA Draft Choices
In 1969, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Alcindor) was drafted first overall in the NBA by the Milwaukee Bucks and also chosen first overall in the ABA draft by the New York Nets, ultimately choosing the Bucks.
February 21, 1970: Scored 51 points against SuperSonics
On February 21, 1970, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 51 points in a 140-127 win over the SuperSonics.
1971: NBA Championship and Name Change
In 1971, at age 24, Alcindor led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship. Following this triumph, he adopted the Muslim name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
1972: Film Debut in Game of Death
In 1972, Abdul-Jabbar made his film debut in Bruce Lee's movie, Game of Death.
September 1974: Robertson's Retirement
In September 1974, Oscar Robertson retired after failing to reach a contract agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming a free agent in the off season.
March 13, 1975: Abdul-Jabbar Requests Trade
On March 13, 1975, sportscaster Marv Albert reported that Abdul-Jabbar had requested a trade to either New York or Los Angeles, preferably to the Knicks.
1975: Traded to the Lakers
In 1975, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played the final 14 seasons of his NBA career and won five NBA championships.
1976: Abdul-Jabbar Starts Practicing Yoga
In 1976, while playing in Los Angeles, Abdul-Jabbar began practicing yoga to improve his flexibility, contributing to his physical fitness and longevity in the NBA.
1976: Dunking Rule Rescinded
In the 1976-77 season, the ban on dunking in college basketball, known as the "Alcindor Rule", was rescinded.
1978: First Sneaker Endorsement Deal
In 1978, Abdul-Jabbar became the first NBA player to sign a sneaker endorsement deal with Adidas. Soon after, he became the first player with a signature shoe.
1980: Role in Airplane!
In 1980, Abdul-Jabbar played the role of co-pilot Roger Murdock in the comedy film Airplane!, where he has a memorable scene breaking character and expressing frustration with criticisms about his defensive play.
1980: Sixth MVP Award
In 1980, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar claimed his sixth and final MVP award.
1983: Publication of Autobiography 'Giant Steps'
In 1983, Abdul-Jabbar published his first book, the autobiography 'Giant Steps', co-written with Peter Knobler. The book's title is an homage to jazz great John Coltrane's album 'Giant Steps'.
April 5, 1984: Breaks Scoring Record
On April 5, 1984, playing against Utah, Abdul-Jabbar broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for the most career points in the NBA.
December 5, 1984: Contract Extension
On December 5, 1984, Abdul-Jabbar agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract extension with the Lakers.
1984: Tales from the Darkside
In 1984, Abdul-Jabbar appeared in an episode of Tales from the Darkside, playing a genie in a lamp.
1984: Broke NBA Scoring Record
In 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke the NBA's career scoring record, solidifying his status as a dominant force in basketball.
November 12, 1985: Contract Extension Signed
On November 12, 1985, Abdul-Jabbar signed a one-year extension of his contract at the same $2 million salary, retaining the option to retire after the 1985–86 season.
1985: Finals MVP
In 1985, Abdul-Jabbar won his second Finals MVP award, becoming the oldest player to win the award at 38 years and 54 days old.
1986: Played 17th Season
In 1986, Abdul-Jabbar played in his 17th season, breaking the NBA record for seasons played.
1987: Signed Two-Year Contract with Lakers
After winning the championship over Boston in 1987, Abdul-Jabbar signed a two-year contract with the Lakers.
1988: Lakers Win NBA Championship
In 1988, the Lakers, after a guarantee from Riley, defeated the Detroit Pistons to win the NBA Championship. In Game 6, Abdul-Jabbar made two free throws with 14 seconds remaining, extending the series to seven games.
1989: Retirement from NBA
In 1989, at the age of 42, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired from the NBA as the league's all-time regular season leader in multiple categories.
1989: Lakers Lose NBA Finals
In 1989, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in a four-game sweep in the NBA finals, marking the end of Abdul-Jabbar's career.
February 10, 1994: In Living Color Appearance
On February 10, 1994, Abdul-Jabbar played himself on an episode of the sketch comedy television series In Living Color.
1994: Co-Executive Producer of 'The Vernon Johns Story'
In 1994, Abdul-Jabbar was the co-executive producer of the TV film 'The Vernon Johns Story'.
1995: Abdul-Jabbar Expresses Interest in Coaching
In 1995, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar started expressing interest in coaching, aiming to share his vast basketball knowledge. However, he faced limited opportunities due to a reputation for being introverted and unfriendly with the media during his playing career, which led to perceptions of being aloof.
1998: Abdul-Jabbar Volunteers at Alchesay High School
In 1998, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar volunteered as a basketball coach at Alchesay High School on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona.
2002: Abdul-Jabbar Coaches Oklahoma Storm to Championship
In 2002, Abdul-Jabbar served as the head coach of the Oklahoma Storm in the United States Basketball League, successfully leading the team to win the league's championship that season.
2005: Abdul-Jabbar Returns to the Lakers as Assistant Coach
In 2005, Abdul-Jabbar rejoined the Lakers as a special assistant coach to Phil Jackson, where he mentored the team's young center, Andrew Bynum, for six seasons.
2006: Appearance on The Colbert Report
In 2006, Abdul-Jabbar appeared on The Colbert Report in a skit called "HipHopKetball II: The ReJazzebration Remix '06".
2008: Appearance on The Colbert Report as a Stage Manager
In 2008, Abdul-Jabbar appeared on The Colbert Report as a stage manager tasked with finding Nazi gold.
February 10, 2011: Film Debut: On the Shoulders of Giants
On February 10, 2011, Abdul-Jabbar debuted his film 'On the Shoulders of Giants', documenting the New York Renaissance professional basketball team, at Science Park High School in Newark, New Jersey. The event was simulcast live throughout the school, city, and state.
2011: Voice Acting in The Simpsons
In 2011, Abdul-Jabbar voiced himself in an episode of The Simpsons titled "Love Is a Many Strangled Thing".
2011: Awarded the Double Helix Medal
In 2011, Abdul-Jabbar was awarded the Double Helix Medal for his work in raising awareness for cancer research. Also in 2011, Abdul-Jabbar received an honorary degree from New York Institute of Technology.
2011: End of Lakers Assistant Coaching Role
In 2011, Abdul-Jabbar's six-season tenure as a special assistant coach with the Lakers came to an end.
January 2012: Appointment as U.S. Cultural Ambassador
In January 2012, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that Abdul-Jabbar had accepted a position as a cultural ambassador for the United States. He traveled to Brazil to promote education for local youths.
2012: Recurring Role on 'Guys with Kids'
From 2012 to 2013, Abdul-Jabbar had a recurring role as himself on the NBC series 'Guys with Kids'.
2012: Appointed U.S. Global Cultural Ambassador
In 2012, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was selected by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to serve as a U.S. global cultural ambassador.
2013: Recurring Role on 'Guys with Kids'
From 2012 to 2013, Abdul-Jabbar had a recurring role as himself on the NBC series 'Guys with Kids'.
2013: Unsuccessful Coaching Applications
In 2013, Abdul-Jabbar moved on from coaching after unsuccessfully lobbying for open head coach positions with UCLA and the Milwaukee Bucks.
November 2014: Essay in Jacobin on College Athlete Compensation
In November 2014, Abdul-Jabbar published an essay in Jacobin advocating for just compensation for college athletes, arguing against the 'indentured servitude' of college athletes.
2014: Parody Commercial
In 2014, Abdul-Jabbar and Airplane! co-star Robert Hays reprised their Airplane! roles in a parody commercial promoting Wisconsin tourism.
January 25, 2015: Appearance on 'Meet the Press'
On January 25, 2015, Abdul-Jabbar appeared on 'Meet the Press' to discuss his column about Islam and its portrayal in the media, addressing concerns about the actions of violent extremists claiming to be Muslim.
2015: Appearance in HBO Documentary 'Kareem: Minority of One'
In 2015, Abdul-Jabbar appeared in 'Kareem: Minority of One', an HBO documentary about his life.
2015: Adult Fiction Debut with 'Mycroft Holmes'
In 2015, Abdul-Jabbar made his adult fiction writing debut with the Victorian mystery novel 'Mycroft Holmes', based on the character from the Sherlock Holmes stories, co-written with Anna Waterhouse.
2017: Appearance in Linkin Park's 'Good Goodbye' Music Video
In 2017, Abdul-Jabbar appeared in the music video for 'Good Goodbye' by Linkin Park, playing a warlord in a dunk contest.
2017: Speech at Israeli Consulate Ramadan Event
In 2017, Abdul-Jabbar spoke at a Ramadan event organized by the Israeli consul in Los Angeles, stressing the importance of Muslim-Jewish relations and cross-cultural exchange.
September 2018: Announced as Writer for 'Veronica Mars' Revival
In September 2018, Abdul-Jabbar was announced as one of the writers for the July 2019 revival of 'Veronica Mars'.
2018: Publication of 'Mycroft and Sherlock'
In 2018, Abdul-Jabbar co-authored 'Mycroft and Sherlock' with Anna Waterhouse, a sequel to 'Mycroft Holmes'.
2018: NBA rookie record tied by Jayson Tatum
In 2018, Jayson Tatum tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA rookie record with 10 or more games of 20+ points scored during the playoffs.
February 2019: Appearance in 'The Big Bang Theory'
In February 2019, Abdul-Jabbar appeared in season 12, episode 16 of 'The Big Bang Theory', titled 'The D&D Vortex'.
July 2019: Writer for 'Veronica Mars' Revival
Abdul-Jabbar was one of the writers for the July 2019 revival of 'Veronica Mars'.
2019: Publication of 'Mycroft and Sherlock: The Empty Birdcage'
In 2019, Abdul-Jabbar co-authored 'Mycroft and Sherlock: The Empty Birdcage' with Anna Waterhouse, the third novel in the Mycroft Holmes series.
2020: Nomination for Primetime Emmy Award
In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for his work on the documentary special Black Patriots: Heroes of The Revolution.
2020: Executive Producer and Narrator of 'Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution'
In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar was the executive producer and narrator of the History channel special 'Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution', earning an Emmy nomination for his narration.
June 2021: Essay on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
In June 2021, Abdul-Jabbar published an essay in Jacobin discussing the negative impact of COVID-19 vaccine refusal on public health, including criticism of Kyrie Irving.
2021: Guest Appearance on 'Dave'
In 2021, Abdul-Jabbar made a guest appearance as himself in a season 2 episode of 'Dave'. The episode was also named after him.
2022: Cameo in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'
In 2022, Abdul-Jabbar made a cameo appearance as himself in the Netflix film 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'.
February 2023: Speaking out about Atrial Fibrillation
In February 2023, Abdul-Jabbar spoke out about his atrial fibrillation diagnosis. He partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer's "No Time to Wait" to raise awareness of the symptoms of the irregular and rapid heart rhythm condition which increase the risk of stroke.
2023: Appearance in 'Billions'
In 2023, Abdul-Jabbar appeared as himself in season 7, episode 3 of the Showtime series 'Billions'.
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