The Case for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 10 Reasons Why He Is the GOAT

The Case for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 10 Reasons Why He Is the GOAT

As a towering figure whose grandeur transcends time and distance in the glorious world of basketball, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a name that resonates with greatness.

Reaching the apex of athletic prowess ever seen, his name carries an unsurpassed mystique of domination and unrivalled accomplishments. Going beyond numbers and captivating souls with real brilliance on the court, Kareem surely etched his name in the GOAT book. 

Abdul-Jabbar is perhaps the greatest player to ever step onto a basketball court thanks to his extraordinary abilities, unwavering resolve, and unwavering passion for the game. His talent as a scorer, coupled with elegance, and beautiful court movement captivated viewers and left them in amazement.

His path unfolds as a symphony of success and tenacity, from the lowest point of his skyhook to the highest point of multiple achievements, Kareem presents his case as the greatest of all time. This is just the tip of the iceberg and there’s a lot that cements him on the GOAT status. Here are 10 reasons why he Is the GOAT.

1. He has won six NBA Championships

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won six NBA titles while playing with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. He was a powerful presence on both ends of the court and was consistently one of the league’s finest players. He was also a clutch performer, coming through in key games.

Abdul-Jabbar’s six NBA titles attest to his prowess as a basketball player. He was a powerful force on both ends of the floor, and he was instrumental in leading two separate teams to championships.

2. Kareem won 2 NBA finals MVP Awards

In his career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was voted NBA Finals MVP twice, in 1971 and 1985. In both of those series, he was a dominant force on both ends of the court, and he was instrumental in his team’s triumph.

In the 1971 NBA Finals, Abdul-Jabbar averaged 38.4 points and 14.6 rebounds per game, guiding the Bucks to a 4-0 victory against the Baltimore Bullets. After scoring 35 points and collecting 15 rebounds in the deciding game, he was awarded Finals MVP.

In the 1985 NBA Finals, Abdul-Jabbar averaged 33.4 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to a 4-2 triumph against the Boston Celtics. After scoring 38 points and collecting 17 rebounds in the deciding game, he was awarded Finals MVP.

Related: Top 10 Unbelievable Facts about Lew Alcindor

3. He is a 6× NBA Most Valuable Player 

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In the years 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, and 1980, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award six times. He is the only player in NBA history to win the award 6 times.

When he was at his best, Abdul-Jabbar dominated on both sides of the floor. He was an expert with the skyhook and an excellent protector.

His excellence as a basketball player is evidenced by the six NBA MVP Awards that he received. As one of the most dominant players in NBA history, he played a crucial role in helping his team win the title.

4. Kareem is a 19X NBA All-Star

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been named to the NBA All-Star Game 19 times, which is the most in league history. From 1970 through 1989, he was chosen for the All-Star squad every year except the 1978–1979 season because of an injury.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar achieved the unprecedented feat of being a 19-time NBA All-Star because of his exceptional basketball prowess and dependability. From 1969 through 1989, during his remarkable career, he exhibited unparalleled talent and dominationcentrecenter.

In addition to becoming an unstoppable weapon with his trademark skyhook shot, Abdul-Jabbar’s remarkable scoring and rebounding skills cemented his place among the all-time greats of the game.

5. He is a 3X NCAA Champion 

Malcolm W. Emmons, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, formerly known as Lew Alcindor, is a 3-time NCAA champion. He won the championship with the UCLA Bruins in 1967, 1968, and 1969. He was also named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in all three of those years.

Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant force in college basketball. He averaged 26.4 points and 15.5 rebounds per game in his three seasons at UCLA. He was also a great defender, and he was named to the All-American First Team all three years. Abdul-Jabbar’s collegiate success is a testament to his greatness as a basketball player. 

He was one of the most dominant players in college basketball history, and he helped lead UCLA to three consecutive national championships.

6. Kareem is a 4× NBA blocks leader

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a 4× NBA blocks leader in 1975, 1976, 1979, and 1980. He is one of only two players in NBA history to lead the league in blocks four times, the other being Hakeem Olajuwon.

Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant force on both ends of the court during his prime. He was also a great defender, and he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team 5 times.

7. He was known for being unselfish and embraced the value of teamwork

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a basketball phenom known for his selflessness and collaboration. He continuously prioritized team achievement and placed the team first. His superb passing abilities and court vision enabled him to generate scoring opportunities for his teammates, transforming him into an important player.

Individual triumphs were subordinate to communal accomplishments, and he built a culture of unity and teamwork. His willingness to forego personal glory for the sake of the larger good, as well as his emphasis on cooperation, garnered him respect and adoration, solidifying his status as a real team player.

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8. Kareem is the second all-time leading scorer in NBA history

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired from the NBA with 38,387 points, second only to LeBron James in NBA history. He scored his points throughout a 20-year career, averaging 24.6 points per game. Abdul-Jabbar broke the NBA’s career scoring record in 1984 and held it until it was broken in 2023 by LeBron James.

Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring ability was obvious from a young age. In his three seasons at UCLA, he scored 3,000 points and was voted NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player all three years. He was also a strong force in the NBA, twice leading the league in scoring.

9. He is the all-time leader in minutes played

Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Due to his outstanding basketball career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is now the all-time leader in several statistical categories. In NBA history, he now owns the marks for the most minutes played, field goals made, and field goal attempts.

While Abdul-Jabbar’s legendary skyhook shot helped him to score an extraordinary number of field goals, his persistent commitment to hard effort and durability allowed him to play an unheard-of amount of minutes. 

10. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is known for his longevity and consistency

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has one of the longest NBA playing careers with 20 seasons, making him a legend in the game. He was also among the league’s most reliable players, averaging 24.6 points a game throughout his career.

Two of Abdul-Jabbar’s success factors were his endurance and constancy. He was consistently among the league’s top performers and was able to maintain good health and productivity for a long time. His club won six NBA titles under his leadership, and he was a strong force on both sides of the floor.

Also Read: The Case for LeBron James: 10 Reasons Why He Is the GOAT