Ranking the top 50 players in NBA history…
Born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. in 1947, Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy as the greatest NBA center of all time endures.
Kareem used the most unstoppable shot in league history — [his patented skyhook](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTL8dW6PqPE) — to become the league’s all-time leading scorer at the time of his retirement … and for many years to follow until a guy named LeBron James came along.
Kareem’s ridiculously dominant college career at UCLA (three NCAA titles) resulted in rule changes and also his status as the coveted No. 1 overall selection in the 1969 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.
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Kareem had a wonderfully long career, playing 20 seasons for the Bucks (1969-1975) and Los Angeles Lakers (1975-1989).
He averaged 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in his career and picked up a few accolades on his journey: Rookie of the Year (1970), 19-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, six championships (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), six MVPs (1971-1972, 1974, 1976-1977, 1980) and two Finals MVPs (1971, 1985).
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Kareem’s six MVPs are the most in NBA history. Post-career, Abdul-Jabbar’s sparkling intellect has made him an ideal ambassador for the sport.
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There isn’t a more accomplished player in league history when you combine Kareem’s individual and team awards, and his peak was as high as anyone in NBA history not named Michael Jordan.
Featured image via Darryl Norenberg/USA TODAY Sports