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 an American former professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He played 20 seasons in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, achieving remarkable success. A Hall of Fame member, he holds a record six NBA MVP awards. Abdul-Jabbar was a 19-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA Team member, and 11-time All-Defensive Team selection. He won six NBA championships as a player and two as an assistant coach, earning two Finals MVP awards. He was named to three NBA anniversary teams. He held the NBA's career scoring record from 1984 until 2023.

Sections (6)

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

1964: Harlem Riot and Political Awakening

In 1964, the Harlem riot, triggered by the shooting of James Powell, ignited Alcindor's interest in racial politics and shaped his identity.

1974: Blocks Recorded

In 1974, the statistic of blocks was recorded, after four years in Kareem's career.

1983: Publication of Giant Steps

In 1983, Abdul-Jabbar's autobiography "Giant Steps", co-authored with Peter Knobler, was published. It was his first book.

Giant Steps: The Autobiography of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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1985: Riley's Statement

In 1985, Riley toasted Abdul-Jabbar as the greatest player ever, citing his records, championships, and endurance.

2007: Named Best Center by ESPN

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

2007: Named Greatest Center of All Time

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

2008: Named Greatest College Basketball Player

In 2008, ESPN named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the greatest player in college basketball history, highlighting his remarkable collegiate career.

2013: Erving's Statement

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

2014: UCLA Bruins wore "The Blueprint" Crazy 8

In 2014, the UCLA Bruins wore "The Blueprint" Crazy 8 against Colorado on Feb. 13, and the shoes were sold online and at an Adidas store in New Orleans—during NBA All-Star weekend—starting on Feb. 14.

2015: Adult Fiction Debut with Mycroft Holmes

In 2015, Abdul-Jabbar made his adult fiction writing debut with the Victorian mystery novel "Mycroft Holmes", co-written with Anna Waterhouse.

Mycroft Holmes

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2015: ESPN Ranking

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

2016: Tribute to Muhammad Ali

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

2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Abdul-Jabbar received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2016: Rookie Card Sold

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

2018: Publication of Mycroft and Sherlock

In 2018, Abdul-Jabbar co-authored "Mycroft and Sherlock" with Anna Waterhouse, which is the second book in the Mycroft Holmes series.

Mycroft and Sherlock (MYCROFT HOLMES Book 2)

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2018: Ranked No. 4 by Slam

In 2018, Abdul-Jabbar was ranked No. 4 in Slam's "Top 100 Players Of All-Time".

2019: Publication of Mycroft and Sherlock: The Empty Birdcage

In 2019, Abdul-Jabbar co-authored "Mycroft and Sherlock: The Empty Birdcage" with Anna Waterhouse. This is the third book in the Mycroft Holmes series.

Mycroft and Sherlock: The Empty Birdcage (MYCROFT HOLMES)

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2020: Ranked No. 3 by ESPN

In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar was ranked No. 3 in ESPN's list of the top 74 NBA players of all time, the best center ever ahead of Bill Russell and Chamberlain.

2022: Ranked No. 3 in NBA 75th Anniversary Team list

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: Career Scoring Record Surpassed

On February 7, 2023, LeBron James of the Lakers surpassed Abdul-Jabbar's 38,387 career points, ending his reign as the NBA's career scoring leader. Abdul-Jabbar attended the game and passed the game ball to James during the ceremony.

2023: NBA Career 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's Choice as Greatest

In 2023, as James was on the verge of breaking the NBA career scoring record, Abdul-Jabbar remained as Riley's choice as the greatest player ever, citing his unstoppable skyhook.