When we think of the greatest basketball player of all time, the name Michael Jordan immediately comes to mind. His incredible skills on the court, his six championship rings, and his iconic status in the world of sports have solidified his place as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in the minds of many fans. But according to former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, we may be overlooking someone who deserves to be in the GOAT conversation – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
For those who may not be familiar with Kareem, let me give you a quick rundown. He was a 7’2” center who played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers from 1969 to 1989. He is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points, a record that still stands today. He was a 19-time NBA All-Star, a six-time NBA champion, and a six-time MVP. He also has the most All-NBA selections with 15 and the most All-Defensive Team selections with 11. In short, Kareem’s resume is nothing short of impressive.
So why is it that when we talk about the GOAT, Kareem’s name is not always mentioned? According to Gilbert Arenas, it’s because of Michael Jordan’s “GOAT illusion.” In a recent interview, Arenas stated, “We’re so caught up in the GOAT illusion that we forget about the real GOAT, which is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.” He went on to explain that Jordan’s six championship rings and his iconic status have overshadowed Kareem’s accomplishments.
But it’s not just Gilbert Arenas who believes Kareem deserves more recognition. Many fans and experts have also voiced their support for the forgotten Laker. In fact, a recent poll conducted by ESPN showed that 74% of fans believe Kareem should be in the GOAT conversation alongside Michael Jordan.
So why is Kareem often overlooked when discussing the GOAT? One reason could be his personality. Unlike Jordan, who was known for his flashy and charismatic persona, Kareem was more reserved and introverted. He didn’t seek the limelight and often shied away from media attention. This may have made him less appealing to the general public, but it doesn’t diminish his greatness on the court.
Another factor could be the era in which Kareem played. He was at the peak of his career during the 1970s and 1980s, a time when the NBA was not as popular as it is today. There was no social media, and games were not broadcasted as widely as they are now. This may have limited Kareem’s exposure and prevented him from gaining the same level of recognition as players in more recent years.
But despite these factors, Kareem’s numbers and accomplishments speak for themselves. He dominated the game for two decades and was a key player on six championship-winning teams. He was a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court, with his signature skyhook shot being virtually unstoppable. And let’s not forget, he played until the age of 42 and was still a dominant force in the league.
So why is it important to recognize Kareem’s greatness and include him in the GOAT conversation? For one, it’s a matter of giving credit where credit is due. Kareem’s contributions to the game of basketball cannot be denied, and he deserves to be recognized as one of the greatest players in NBA history. It’s also important to acknowledge the impact he had on the game and the players who came after him. Many current NBA stars have cited Kareem as one of their biggest influences and have even sought out his advice and mentorship.
In conclusion, while Michael Jordan may hold the title of GOAT in the minds of many, it’s important to remember that greatness comes in many forms. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy and impact on the game of basketball cannot be overlooked or forgotten. It’s time to give him the recognition he deserves and include him in the GOAT conversation alongside Michael Jordan. As Gilbert Arenas said, “The real GOAT is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.” And it’s time we start acknowledging that.