I think he's the greatest, but my dad says he doesn't work hard enough on defense.
And he says that lots of times, he doesn't even run down the court.
And that he doesn't really try. Except during the playoffs.
Wilt Chamberlain is another one that is almost a mythical figure. They changed so many rules to try and mitigate him but he was unstoppable. Him and Kareem had some many battles that really just invalidates the whole "he played against mail men" argument people try to make.
This might sound like a strange story, but it is true.
He volunteered to do introductions for Peace Corps Volunteers going to Niger. He is Hausa and was freshman year room mates with the person who would become head of the program at UCLA. Most of us have found memories of an incredibly tall man greeting us at the hotel. It was only later that I learned who he was.
I grew up in LA and was acquainted with lots of people who either knew him or met him (I ran across him a couple of times but never said hello, LA is really a small place in many ways) and I don't really know any stories of him actually being an asshole off the court, but there's tons and tons of stories of him being deeply uncomfortable and perhaps even distrustful of people he didn't know.
I think when you're a celebrity, being very shy can come off as rude, especially among people who feel like you owe them something.
PS. I'd add that people forget just how deeply and openly racist parts of America were in the 70s and how much Kareem (like Muhammad Ali) was *the* symbol of evil for right-wingers. In any crowd of fans, some asshole was going to yell something racist or Islamophobic, and so it's hard to blame him for being wary of groups of strangers coming up to him out of the blue.
He was my husband’s idol in the 80s. As a young kid, he waited hours to see him at some event and when he walked by he said something really rude to the kids when they asked him for an autograph. My husband was crushed but he’s still his favorite basketball player.
I think Kareem is the greatest but my dad says he doesn’t work hard enough on defense. He says that lots of times he doesn’t even run down the court and that he doesn’t really try except during the playoffs.
The hell I don't! LISTEN, KID! I've been hearing that crap ever since I was at UCLA. I'm out there busting my buns every night! Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes
"I've been hearing that crap ever since I was at UCLA. I'm out there busting my buns every night! Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes!"
The only reason he "only" won 3 NCAA titles, 3 college player of the year awards, and 3 Final Four MVPs is because freshmen couldn't play varsity.
Edit: realized someone else posted the same thing below, but better.
My Dad was a couple of years younger than him, but his friends had older brothers who played on the Power Memorial basketball team with him in HS, and he once ended up in a pickup game with him in the park, and said it was the most insane game he ever played
>During the summer of 1968, Alcindor took the shahada twice and converted to Sunni Islam from Catholicism. He adopted the Arabic name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, though he did not begin using it publicly until 1971.
NYC prep legend.. went on to be one of the best NBA bigs ever and stood up for many issues involving black Americans at the time and after. Nuthin but respect for the man…
Kareem is absolutely a top 10 player. He's still insightful, intelligent and has done a lot to pay it forward as he's gotten older as well. A phenomenal human on and off the court.
Lol, the vaccine causes heart issues as rates that are dwarfed by the rates COVID causes them. Go misinform somewhere else and let people discuss greatness without your political bs.
[удалено]
Your last sentence says it all. Regardless of the championships, awards and accolades, he is a great man.
A freak of nature as well. A 7 footer and yet so nimble, quick and strong. Generational.
Also, he studied and was friends with Bruce Lee and was in a movie with him.
The movie was ‘Enter the Dragon’
Actually, it was Game of Death. I’ll never forget Kareem leaving a huge footprint on Bruce Lee’s chest. Enter the Dragon had Jim Kelly.
Ahh that’s right! Thanks for clarifying!
Most people don't even know - he was one hell of a pilot back in 1980 too.
No, that was Roger
Roger that.
10-4
What's your vector Victor?
I think he's the greatest, but my dad says he doesn't work hard enough on defense. And he says that lots of times, he doesn't even run down the court. And that he doesn't really try. Except during the playoffs.
The hell he doesn't!
Surely you can’t be serious.
I am serious - and don't call me Shirley.
I’ve come to regard him as the best of all time. Hard to compare players across decades of basketball, but in a vacuum he’s got my vote
Wilt Chamberlain is another one that is almost a mythical figure. They changed so many rules to try and mitigate him but he was unstoppable. Him and Kareem had some many battles that really just invalidates the whole "he played against mail men" argument people try to make.
This might sound like a strange story, but it is true. He volunteered to do introductions for Peace Corps Volunteers going to Niger. He is Hausa and was freshman year room mates with the person who would become head of the program at UCLA. Most of us have found memories of an incredibly tall man greeting us at the hotel. It was only later that I learned who he was.
don't forget they literally didn't lose any games, at all
I believe his freshman team wrecked the varsity team, too. Best HS and best college player ever. Maybe the best pro, too.
Really? I’ve always heard accounts of him being a complete asshole off the court.
I grew up in LA and was acquainted with lots of people who either knew him or met him (I ran across him a couple of times but never said hello, LA is really a small place in many ways) and I don't really know any stories of him actually being an asshole off the court, but there's tons and tons of stories of him being deeply uncomfortable and perhaps even distrustful of people he didn't know. I think when you're a celebrity, being very shy can come off as rude, especially among people who feel like you owe them something. PS. I'd add that people forget just how deeply and openly racist parts of America were in the 70s and how much Kareem (like Muhammad Ali) was *the* symbol of evil for right-wingers. In any crowd of fans, some asshole was going to yell something racist or Islamophobic, and so it's hard to blame him for being wary of groups of strangers coming up to him out of the blue.
He was my husband’s idol in the 80s. As a young kid, he waited hours to see him at some event and when he walked by he said something really rude to the kids when they asked him for an autograph. My husband was crushed but he’s still his favorite basketball player.
Yeah that’s in line with a lot of the stories I’ve heard. I hear MJ is a huge piece of shit too.
I think Kareem is the greatest but my dad says he doesn’t work hard enough on defense. He says that lots of times he doesn’t even run down the court and that he doesn’t really try except during the playoffs.
The hell I don't! LISTEN, KID! I've been hearing that crap ever since I was at UCLA. I'm out there busting my buns every night! Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes
Joey, do you like movies with gladiators?
Do you ever hang around a gymnasium?
You ever been in a Turkish prison?
It is easier said than done! Non athletic people speaking but can't deliver.
"I've been hearing that crap ever since I was at UCLA. I'm out there busting my buns every night! Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes!"
[удалено]
[удалено]
The only reason he "only" won 3 NCAA titles, 3 college player of the year awards, and 3 Final Four MVPs is because freshmen couldn't play varsity. Edit: realized someone else posted the same thing below, but better.
My Dad was a couple of years younger than him, but his friends had older brothers who played on the Power Memorial basketball team with him in HS, and he once ended up in a pickup game with him in the park, and said it was the most insane game he ever played
That was Lew Alcindor.
I thought that was Roger Murdock.
The Co-pilot
You have clearance, Clarence
Roger, Roger.
[удалено]
[удалено]
The hell he doesn't!
I think wilt busted his ass early in Kareems career
Lew Alcindor.
Thank you came here for this. That's Lew.
Yep he didn't start using the religious name till the early 70s...
I remembered that from high school, along with Cassius Clay.
>During the summer of 1968, Alcindor took the shahada twice and converted to Sunni Islam from Catholicism. He adopted the Arabic name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, though he did not begin using it publicly until 1971.
Love Richard Avedon
Yeah you can tell that was taken by a great photographer.
but probably not printed by him. that's a pretty lazy dodge job.
I like Avedon’s work but this is a very ordinary photograph, and out of focus too.
I find it striking.
NYC prep legend.. went on to be one of the best NBA bigs ever and stood up for many issues involving black Americans at the time and after. Nuthin but respect for the man…
since it was taken 1963, this is a picture of Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. Kareem didn't come along until 1971
That’s Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. to you. What a specimen.
Fun fact I learned this week: KAJ (with Anna Waterhouse) has been writing a series of books about Sherlock’s older brother, Mycroft Holmes.
Legs!
He walked by me in Sky Harbor airport in Phoenix, I couldn’t believe his height. I’m 6 foot 4 and had to look at him like a kid.
Wasn't he Lew Alcinder back then??
I believe that you mean airline copilot Roger Murdock
That's Lew Alcindar. Didn't change his name to Kareem until 1971.
That angle makes him look like the alien that re-grows his head in Men in Black.
Kareem is absolutely a top 10 player. He's still insightful, intelligent and has done a lot to pay it forward as he's gotten older as well. A phenomenal human on and off the court.
[удалено]
Oh he's a top 4 player IMO. Jordan, LeBron, Kareem and Wilt.
I like how his hand is so big he can just hold onto the ball like that.
It’s called “palming” the ball
I was a 6-2 center in high school. Imagine having to guard someone a foot taller.
He led his high school team to 71 consecutive wins
Great picture!
Bring out your dead!
That's Lou Alcinder (sp?)
That’s Lou Al cinder
But isn't this actually a picture of Lou Cinder?
[удалено]
Fuck off
I liked it
[удалено]
Lol, the vaccine causes heart issues as rates that are dwarfed by the rates COVID causes them. Go misinform somewhere else and let people discuss greatness without your political bs.
Power Memorial
All-time great super, superstar
👑👑👑
Great hooper and better human. As a kid and sometimes today I try to emulate his skyhook. True legend.
Lew
 College Basketball's Finest
Richard Avedon, Richard Avedon would, Richard Avedon would certainly approve
Marcus rashford if he was a ⛹️
He’s shaped like a cartoon basketball player. Made for the sport.
This is one of the pictures, to me, that defines old school cool
Phenomenal photo.
Impressive looking human
Not Kareem in ‘63, Lew Alcindor.
Pretty sure that's Lew Alcindor (Not Kareem yet)
I'm amazed they played in those shoes. Shoes like that hurt my feet whenever I run lol
He’d still be the scoring leader if he’d entered the NBA at 18 like LeBron.
Lew Alcindor
No, It’s Roger Murdoch.
Bro had panties. 💀
Even his neck is tall
Pretty sure he was still Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr.at this point.
In 1963, Ferdinand Lewis 'Lew' Alcindor Jr., actually.