Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the greatest basketball players in history. He played in the NBA (National Basketball Association) for 20 years, from 1969 to 1989. Kareem is famous for his incredible scoring, his leadership on the court, and his signature shot called the “skyhook.” He won six NBA championships and holds the record for the most points scored in NBA history, until 2023.

This article will tell the story of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s life, his basketball career, and his impact both on and off the basketball court.

Early Life
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947, in New York City. His parents were Cora and Ferdinand Alcindor Sr. He grew up in Harlem, a neighborhood in Manhattan, New York. As a child, he was very tall. By the time he was in eighth grade, he was already 6 feet 8 inches (about 2 meters) tall.

Kareem was very interested in sports from a young age. He played basketball in school and was very good at it. His height and skills made him a standout player. As a teenager, he attended Power Memorial Academy, a Catholic high school in New York. In high school, Kareem led his team to 71 straight wins, and they won three championships.

College Career
After high school, Kareem went to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to play college basketball. At UCLA, he played for Coach John Wooden, one of the greatest basketball coaches in history. Kareem played three years for the UCLA Bruins, and he was a dominant player in college basketball. During his time at UCLA, the team won three national championships, and Kareem was named the best player in college basketball several times.

At that time, college basketball had a rule called the “no-dunk” rule. This rule was made because Kareem was so tall and powerful that dunking was too easy for him. He had to find new ways to score, and this is when he developed his famous shot, the “skyhook.”

The Skyhook
The skyhook is a special shot that Kareem created during his college years. In this shot, Kareem would hold the ball high above his head with one hand, then gently throw it into the basket in a high arc. The skyhook was almost impossible to block because Kareem was so tall, and he released the ball at such a high point. This shot became Kareem’s signature move, and it helped him score many points throughout his career.

The skyhook is one of the most famous shots in basketball history, and no one could stop it. Even today, many people say the skyhook is the greatest shot ever used in basketball.

NBA Career
In 1969, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) was the number one pick in the NBA Draft. He was chosen by the Milwaukee Bucks, a team in Wisconsin. Kareem quickly became a star in the NBA. In his first year, he was named Rookie of the Year, an award for the best new player in the league. In his second season, he led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 1971.

In 1971, Kareem changed his name from Lew Alcindor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He became a Muslim and wanted a name that reflected his new faith. The name "Kareem" means "generous," "Abdul" means "servant," and "Jabbar" means "powerful" in Arabic.

Joining the Los Angeles Lakers
In 1975, Kareem was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. This move changed his career and made him even more famous. With the Lakers, Kareem played alongside some of the best players in the NBA, including Magic Johnson. Together, they formed a powerful team that became known as the “Showtime Lakers” because of their exciting style of play.

With the Lakers, Kareem won five more NBA championships, in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. He became known not only as a great player but also as a leader on and off the court.

NBA Achievements
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career was filled with many great achievements. Some of his most important achievements include:

NBA Championships: Kareem won six NBA championships (one with the Milwaukee Bucks and five with the Los Angeles Lakers).
MVP Awards: Kareem won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award six times, more than any other player in NBA history.
Points Record: Kareem holds the record for the most points scored in NBA history. He scored 38,387 points during his career. This record stood for many years, only broken by LeBron James in 2023.
All-Star Appearances: Kareem was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game 19 times, more than any other player.
Kareem was famous for his consistency. Even as he got older, he continued to play at a high level. He was one of the few players who could perform well for 20 years in the NBA.

Retirement and Legacy
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired from basketball in 1989 at the age of 42. By the time he retired, he had left a lasting legacy in the NBA. He is remembered not only for his basketball skills but also for his leadership, intelligence, and grace. Kareem’s impact on the game was so great that many players today still look up to him as a role model.

After retiring from basketball, Kareem stayed involved in the game by helping coach younger players and writing about basketball. He also focused on other interests, like writing and acting.

Life Off the Court
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not only known for his basketball achievements. He is also famous for his work outside of basketball. He is a writer, actor, and activist. Kareem has written several books about his life, history, and social justice. He has also appeared in movies and TV shows, including the famous comedy movie "Airplane!" and the TV show "Full House."

Kareem is also known for standing up for civil rights and speaking out against racism and inequality. He has used his fame to fight for justice and equality for all people. Throughout his life, Kareem has been a strong voice for African Americans and the Muslim community in the United States.

Kareem’s Impact on Society
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is more than just a basketball player. He is a role model for many people because of his intelligence, his activism, and his contributions to society. He has always believed in using his platform to make a positive difference in the world. Kareem has spoken out about important issues like racism, education, and health care.

In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded Kareem the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a civilian can receive in the United States. This award recognized Kareem’s contributions to both basketball and society.

Kareem’s Legacy Today
Today, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is remembered as one of the greatest basketball players in history. His record of achievements on the court, including his six NBA championships and six MVP awards, make him one of the best players to ever play the game. His famous skyhook shot is still talked about today as one of the most unstoppable moves in basketball.

But Kareem’s legacy goes beyond basketball. He is remembered as a man who used his platform to fight for justice and equality. He has inspired many people to stand up for what is right and to work for positive change in the world.

Conclusion
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s journey from a tall kid in New York to a basketball legend is a story of hard work, dedication, and success. He is a man who has achieved greatness both on and off the court. As a player, he changed the game of basketball with his unique style of play, and as a person, he has made a lasting impact on society through his activism and leadership.

Even after retiring from basketball, Kareem continues to inspire people around the world. His life is an example of what can be achieved with determination, intelligence, and a desire to make the world a better place.


Here are some questions for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar article, suitable for A2-level English learners:

True/False Questions:

1 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born in Los Angeles.
2 - Kareem’s signature shot was called the “skyhook.”
3 - He won six NBA championships during his career.
4 - Kareem changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after he joined the Lakers.
5 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played basketball for 10 years in the NBA.

Open-Ended Questions:

1 - What was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s birth name, and why did he change it?
2 - Why is the skyhook shot special, and how did it help Kareem during his career?
3 - How many NBA championships did Kareem win, and with which teams?
4 - What other work has Kareem done off the basketball court?
5 - What award did President Obama give to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and why?

Multiple-Choice Questions:

1 - Where did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar grow up?

a) Los Angeles
b) Harlem, New York
c) Chicago
d) Miami

2 - What was Kareem’s height when he was in eighth grade?

a) 5 feet 10 inches
b) 6 feet 2 inches
c) 6 feet 8 inches
d) 7 feet

3 - What team did Kareem play for before joining the Los Angeles Lakers?

a) Chicago Bulls
b) New York Knicks
c) Milwaukee Bucks
d) Miami Heat

4 - How many MVP awards did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar win?

a) 4
b) 5
c) 6
d) 7

5 - In which year did Kareem retire from the NBA?

a) 1985
b) 1987
c) 1989
d) 1991