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, a Hall of Fame center, is considered one of basketball's all-time greatest players. He dominated the NBA for 20 seasons, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, after a stellar college career at UCLA. He won a record six NBA MVP awards and was a 19-time All-Star. Abdul-Jabbar earned 6 NBA championships as a player and 2 as an assistant coach. Known for his signature 'skyhook' shot, he held the NBA's all-time scoring record from 1984 until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023. His accolades include multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive Team selections and two NBA Finals MVP awards.

Sections (6)

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

1978: Signs Sneaker Deal with Adidas

In 1978, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became the first NBA player to sign a sneaker endorsement deal with Adidas, later becoming the first player with a signature shoe.

1983: Publication of Giant Steps

In 1983, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's autobiography, Giant Steps, co-written with Peter Knobler, was published.

Giant Steps: The Autobiography of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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1985: Riley Calls Abdul-Jabbar Greatest Player Ever

In 1985, Pat Riley called Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the greatest player ever, praising his accomplishments and endurance.

2007: Named Greatest Center of All Time by ESPN

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

2007: Named Best Center by ESPN

In 2007, ESPN voted Kareem 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 dominant performance at UCLA.

2013: Erving Calls Abdul-Jabbar No. 1

In 2013, Julius Erving stated that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the number one player of all time.

November 2014: Published essay in Jacobin on college athlete compensation

In November 2014, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar published an essay in Jacobin calling for just compensation for college athletes.

2014: UCLA Bruins Wear 'The Blueprint' Crazy 8

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

2015: ESPN Ranks Abdul-Jabbar No. 2

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

2015: Appearance in HBO documentary Kareem: Minority of One

In 2015, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar appeared in Kareem: Minority of One, an HBO documentary about his life.

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2016: Tribute to Muhammad Ali

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

2016: Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2016: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom and named second best NBA player

In 2016, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Also in 2016, ESPN named him the second best player in NBA history behind Michael Jordan.

2016: Rookie Card Sale

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

2017: Condemned Donald Trump's travel ban

In 2017, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar condemned Donald Trump's travel ban, calling it a rejection of sacred values.

2018: Ranked No. 4 by Slam

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

2020: Ranked No. 3 by ESPN

In 2020, ESPN ranked Kareem Abdul-Jabbar No. 3 in their list of the top 74 NBA players of all time, considering him the best center ever.

June 2021: Published essay on COVID-19 vaccine refusal

In June 2021, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar published an essay in Jacobin on the negative impact of refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on public health, criticizing Kyrie Irving among others.

2022: Ranked No. 3 in Anniversary Teams

In 2022, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was ranked No. 3 in ESPN's NBA 75th Anniversary Team list and No. 3 in a similar list by The Athletic, being first in his position as center.

February 7, 2023: James Breaks Scoring Record

On February 7, 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record of 38,387 career points to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer. Abdul-Jabbar attended the game and passed the game ball to James during the ceremony.

2023: Scoring Record Surpassed

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

2023: Riley Reaffirms Abdul-Jabbar as Greatest

In 2023, as LeBron James approached the NBA career scoring record, Pat Riley reaffirmed that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the greatest player in the history of the game.