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 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, is an American former professional basketball player renowned for his 20 seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, and his prior success at UCLA. He holds a record six NBA MVP awards and was a 19-time NBA All-Star. Abdul-Jabbar earned 15 All-NBA Team selections and 11 NBA All-Defensive Team selections. A six-time NBA champion as a player and two-time champion as an assistant coach, he also earned two NBA Finals MVP awards. Recognized as one of basketball's all-time greats, Abdul-Jabbar 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

1978: Sneaker Endorsement Deal with Adidas

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

1983: Publication of Giant Steps

In 1983, Abdul-Jabbar published his autobiography, "Giant Steps," co-written with Peter Knobler. The book's title pays homage to John Coltrane's album "Giant Steps".

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1985: Riley Praised Abdul-Jabbar

In 1985, Riley praised Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the greatest player ever, citing his broken records, championships, and endurance of tremendous criticism and 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 skills and impact on the sport.

2007: Voted Best Center by ESPN

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

2008: Named Greatest Player in College Basketball History by ESPN

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

2013: Julius Erving called Abdul-Jabbar Number 1

In 2013, Julius Erving said that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is still the number one player of all time and the player you'd start a franchise with.

2015: ESPN named Abdul-Jabbar the best center

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

2016: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2016: Rookie Card Sold for Record Price

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

2016: Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Ranked Second Best Player in NBA History by ESPN

In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ESPN ranked him the second-best player in NBA history, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greatest figures.

2018: Ranked No. 4 in Slam's Top 100 Players

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

2020: Ranked No. 3 in ESPN's Top 74 NBA Players

In 2020, Kareem 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, Kareem 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 Kareem 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 in-game ceremony.

2023: NBA's Career Scoring Record Surpassed

In 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA career scoring record, ending Abdul-Jabbar's long-held position as the league's all-time leading scorer.

2023: Riley Chose Abdul-Jabbar as Greatest Player

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 due to the unstoppable skyhook.