How Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar across different fields.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1976: Dunking Rule Rescinded

In the 1976-77 season, the ban on dunking in college basketball, known as the "Alcindor Rule", was rescinded.

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'.

Giant Steps: The Autobiography of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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1985: Riley Calls Abdul-Jabbar Greatest Player

In 1985, Pat Riley hailed Abdul-Jabbar as the greatest player ever, citing his broken records, championships, and enduring responsibility.

2007: Named Greatest Center of All Time by ESPN

In 2007, ESPN named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the greatest center of all time, recognizing his exceptional career and contributions to basketball.

2007: ESPN Voted Abdul-Jabbar Best Center

In 2007, ESPN voted Abdul-Jabbar as the best center of all time, ahead of Wilt Chamberlain.

2008: Named Greatest Player in College Basketball History

In 2008, ESPN recognized Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the greatest player in college basketball history, highlighting his dominance and achievements during his time at UCLA.

2013: Julius Erving Praises Abdul-Jabbar

In 2013, Julius Erving stated that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is still the number one all-time player to start a franchise with.

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.

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2015: ESPN Ranks Abdul-Jabbar as Best Center

In 2015, ESPN named Abdul-Jabbar the best center in NBA history and ranked him No. 2 among the greatest NBA players ever, behind Michael Jordan.

2016: Tribute to Muhammad Ali with Chance the Rapper

In 2016, Abdul-Jabbar performed a tribute to his friend Muhammad Ali along with Chance the Rapper.

2016: Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Abdul-Jabbar was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama.

2016: Rookie Card Sale

In 2016, Abdul-Jabbar's only recognized rookie card became the most expensive basketball card ever sold, fetching $501,900 at auction.

2018: Slam Ranks Abdul-Jabbar No. 4 All-Time

In 2018, Slam ranked Abdul-Jabbar as the No. 4 player in their "Top 100 Players Of All-Time" list.

2019: UCLA Records

As of the 2019-20 UCLA Bruins men's basketball team season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar still holds or shares a number of individual records at UCLA.

2020: ESPN Ranks Abdul-Jabbar No. 3 All-Time

In 2020, ESPN ranked Abdul-Jabbar as No. 3 in their list of the top 74 NBA players of all time, recognizing him as the best center ever, ahead of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.

2022: Anniversary Team Rankings

In 2022, Abdul-Jabbar was ranked No. 3 (first in his position) in ESPN's NBA 75th Anniversary Team list and No. 3 (behind Jordan and James) in a similar list by The Athletic.

February 7, 2023: LeBron James Breaks Scoring Record

On February 7, 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 38,387 career points to become the NBA's new career scoring leader. Abdul-Jabbar was present at the game and passed the game ball to James during the in-game ceremony.

2023: Scoring Record Surpassed

In 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA career scoring record, ending Abdul-Jabbar's long-held reign.

2023: Riley Reasserts Abdul-Jabbar's Greatness

In 2023, as LeBron James approached breaking the NBA career scoring record, Pat Riley reaffirmed that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains the greatest player ever, emphasizing his unstoppable skyhook shot.