In the ever-persistent debate over who deserves the title of the greatest basketball player of all time (GOAT), Dwight Howard recently made a compelling case for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His argument hinges on one fascinating detail: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the only player to have dominated the sport under two different names.
“He won at every level, first of all, he won with two different names, didn’t he? He was the greatest Lew Alcindor in the world then changed his name to Kareem Abdul Jabbar.” (2:40)
During a recent episode of his podcast, Howard, an eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, elaborated on why Kareem is his GOAT. This point emphasizes not only Kareem’s dominance but also his ability to maintain his elite status through a significant personal transformation.
Kareem’s career is marked by extraordinary longevity and success. He began his professional journey as Lew Alcindor, the dominant center who led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 1971. After converting to Islam and changing his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he continued to excel, eventually winning five more NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, including a Finals MVP award at age 37 against a prime Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics.
Howard also pointed out that Kareem’s statistical achievements are unparalleled. For decades, he held the record as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023. Even as he aged, Kareem continued to lead the league in crucial categories like scoring and blocks, showcasing his ability to dominate well into his late 30s.
Dwight Howard has long been an advocate for greater recognition of big men in the GOAT debate. He’s spoken out about how centers like Kareem, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell often don’t receive the attention they deserve because the conversation tends to focus on scoring and perimeter play. In Howard’s view, Kareem’s success under two names, combined with his unmatched accolades and longevity, makes him a strong contender for the title of the greatest of all time.
It’s Nearly Impossible To Have A Career Like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Again
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving NBA, it’s nearly impossible to imagine anyone replicating the career and legacy of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. From his unprecedented success in college to his record-breaking achievements in the NBA, Kareem’s resume is one that may never be matched again.
Kareem’s journey began at UCLA, where he dominated college basketball like no one before or since. He led the Bruins to three consecutive NCAA championships from 1967 to 1969, a feat that seems unimaginable in the modern era.
During his college career, Kareem, then known as Lew Alcindor, was a three-time NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player and was named the national college player of the year twice. His impact on the game was so profound that the NCAA banned dunking, a move largely seen as an attempt to curb his dominance.
After his historic college run, Kareem entered the NBA as the first overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969. He quickly became a dominant force, winning Rookie of the Year and leading the Bucks to an NBA championship in 1971, where he also earned the first of his six NBA MVP awards. During his time in Milwaukee, Kareem won three MVPs, establishing himself as the best player in the league.
In 1975, Kareem was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he cemented his legacy. Over the next decade and a half, he would win five more NBA championships and add three more MVP awards to his collection, bringing his total to six—the most in NBA history. His skyhook became one of the most unstoppable shots in basketball, and his influence on the court was unmatched.
Today, college players who are as talented as Kareem typically play just one year before declaring for the NBA draft, making it unlikely for anyone to replicate his three-year, title-winning college career.
Moreover, the idea of breaking Kareem’s all-time scoring record, which stood for nearly 40 years, seemed impossible until LeBron James accomplished the feat. However, even surpassing LeBron’s record is unfathomable in today’s NBA, where player longevity and durability are often challenged by the grueling pace and physical demands of the modern game.
Kareem’s career is a testament to longevity, excellence, and sustained dominance—qualities that, in combination, make his legacy nearly impossible to replicate in the current era of basketball.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
