Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Then and Now

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Then

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, originally named Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., was born on April 16, 1947, in New York City. 

He displayed exceptional talent in basketball from a young age, playing for Power Memorial Academy, where he set a New York City high-school record with 2,067 points. 

His prowess was so intimidating that collegiate basketball rules banned dunking before his enrollment at UCLA in 1965. 

Despite this, he set a scoring record of 56 points in his first game for UCLA and led the team to three NCAA championships under coach John Wooden. 

His dominance continued as he joined the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks in 1969, earning Rookie of the Year and leading the Bucks to an NBA championship in 1971. 

That same year, he converted to Islam and changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 

His career flourished with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five more NBA titles and becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer.

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Renowned for his skyhook shot, Abdul-Jabbar retired in 1989 with six MVP awards and numerous records. 

He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995 and recognized as one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players in 1996.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Height

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stands tall at 2.18 meters (7 feet 2 inches), a towering physical presence that matched his exceptional basketball prowess throughout his illustrious career in the NBA.

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When did Kareem change his name?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar changed his name in 1971 after converting to Islam. Born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., he adopted his new name to reflect his Islamic faith and cultural identity. 

This change marked a significant personal transformation and became a defining aspect of his identity both on and off the court.

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What does Kareem Abdul-Jabbar do now?

Today, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a prominent cultural figure involved in various pursuits. 

Beyond his legendary basketball career, he is an accomplished writer and speaker. Abdul-Jabbar has authored several books, including works on African American history and his experiences with Coach John Wooden.

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His mystery series about Sherlock Holmes’s older brother, Mycroft, has also gained acclaim. 

Additionally, he engages in social and political commentary, contributing to discussions on race, religion, and social justice. Abdul-Jabbar’s influence extends into philanthropy and education, where he continues to inspire and mentor future generations.

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What year did Kareem retire?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired from professional basketball at the end of the 1988-1989 NBA season. 

His retirement marked the end of a remarkable 20-year career in which he established numerous records and left an indelible impact on the sport.

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Abdul-Jabbar’s longevity and sustained excellence on the court are celebrated as one of the most impressive achievements in basketball history.

How many 3s did Kareem make?

During his career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made just one three-point shot. This statistic highlights the era in which he played, as the three-point line was only introduced in the NBA during the 1979-1980 season, near the latter part of his career.

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Abdul-Jabbar’s game was predominantly played inside the paint, where he excelled with his iconic skyhook and dominant post moves. 

His minimal three-point attempts reflect the different styles of play and strategic focus of his time.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Wife and Children

Abdul-Jabbar’s personal life reflects a commitment to family and relationships beyond his iconic basketball career. 

He is a father of five children, four of whom are from his marriage to Habiba Abdul-Jabbar. 

Their union not only marked a significant chapter in his personal life but also underscored his dedication to family values amidst the demands of a high-profile sports career.

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Beyond his marriage, Abdul-Jabbar has maintained connections with his children, fostering bonds that extend beyond conventional roles into supportive familial relationships.

His role as a father extends beyond his first marriage, as he also has a son from another relationship. 

This aspect of Abdul-Jabbar’s life highlights the complexities and richness of his personal journey, where his influence as a father spans different contexts and relationships.

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Throughout his life, Abdul-Jabbar has navigated the challenges of balancing professional success with personal responsibilities, embodying resilience and dedication both on and off the court. 

His commitment to family underscores his values and priorities, shaping a legacy that encompasses not only athletic achievement but also meaningful connections and enduring relationships.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Now

At 77 years old, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains an influential figure in American culture. 

Following his illustrious 20-season career in the NBA, where he played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers and won a record six NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, Abdul-Jabbar has transitioned into a multifaceted post-basketball life.

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He is an accomplished author, cultural ambassador, and activist. Abdul-Jabbar has written extensively on African American history, social justice, and his personal experiences, contributing to several books, including children’s literature and a mystery series about Sherlock Holmes’s brother, Mycroft. 

His intellectual pursuits and articulate voice on social issues have earned him respect and recognition far beyond the basketball court.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Net Worth

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, renowned as one of basketball’s greatest players, has accumulated a net worth of $25 million, reflecting his successful career and diverse ventures beyond the sport.

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What does Kareem Abdul-Jabbar do today?

Today, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is involved in various activities that showcase his diverse talents and interests. 

He continues to write and has become a prominent cultural commentator, addressing issues related to race, religion, and social justice. 

Abdul-Jabbar frequently speaks at events and contributes articles to major publications, offering his insights on contemporary issues. 

Additionally, he engages in philanthropic work, focusing on education and mentoring young people. His commitment to using his platform for positive change has made him a respected advocate and thought leader.

Is Kareem retired?

Yes, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is retired from professional basketball. He retired at the end of the 1988-1989 NBA season after an extraordinary 20-year career. 

While he no longer plays basketball professionally, he remains active in various other pursuits, including writing, speaking, and activism. 

His retirement from the sport has allowed him to focus on these endeavors and continue making an impact off the court.

Is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar a billionaire?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not a billionaire. While he has achieved significant financial success through his basketball career, endorsements, and various business ventures, his net worth is estimated to be in the range of $20 million to $30 million. 

Despite not reaching billionaire status, Abdul-Jabbar’s influence and legacy are invaluable, and his contributions to sports and society are widely recognized and celebrated.

Is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hospitalized?

As of now, there are no recent reports indicating that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is hospitalized. 

Throughout his life, he has faced health challenges, including battling leukemia, which he was diagnosed with in 2008. 

However, he has managed his health with treatment and has continued to remain active and engaged in his various pursuits. 

It is always advisable to check the latest news for current updates regarding his health status.