Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the legendary basketball player, made a special appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson recently, where he reflected on his exceptional basketball career. The show host, Johnny Carson, started off by congratulating Abdul-Jabbar on being named the Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated and the Man of the Year by the Big Brothers of America.
Carson couldn’t help but quote Casey Jones, the coach of the Boston Celtics, who said, “Kareem’s been finished for the past five years, but somebody forgot to tell him.” Abdul-Jabbar chuckled at this remark and shared how people have been wondering when he would leave the game for years.
Abdul-Jabbar’s illustrious career is undoubtedly becoming a legend in the world of basketball. With numerous records, including the most baskets made and the most blocks, he has continued to excel year after year. Despite this, there was a time in his career when he entertained the idea of hanging up his jersey.
During the interview, Abdul-Jabbar revealed that he never fully appreciated his profession until he faced the possibility of finding a new one. It made him realize the significance of basketball in his life. He emphasized the importance of counting his blessings and focusing on the positive aspects rather than dwelling on the negatives.
Carson, intrigued by Abdul-Jabbar’s journey, played a compilation video showcasing some of the highlights of his career. The footage displayed Abdul-Jabbar’s incredible skill and finesse on the court. With his signature sky hook and effortless shots, he made the game look easy, much like Roberto Clemente did in baseball.
The conversation took an interesting turn during the break when Carson and Abdul-Jabbar delved into their mutual love for jazz music. Abdul-Jabbar mentioned that there was a period in his career when he lacked enthusiasm for the game. However, he later realized the need to be understood and began to appreciate his blessings, which transformed his image in the eyes of the public.
Abdul-Jabbar acknowledged that he used to be a loner with the press and had been considered uncooperative in the past. However, he admitted that he was his own worst enemy and had made a blanket indictment of all journalists based on a few negative incidents. Once he started making an effort to understand and work with the press, everything changed for the better.
Now in his 17th year as a professional, Abdul-Jabbar continues to defy expectations. Although he is 38 years old, his wisdom about the game compensates for any physical deficiencies. His dedication to training year-round has helped him maintain a high level of physicality.
Carson inquired about Abdul-Jabbar’s plans for the future and how he would handle the inevitable day when he would have to retire. Abdul-Jabbar expressed his gratitude for being able to make choices about his career and mentioned his upcoming venture in the music industry. He has signed a deal with Universal MCA to start a jazz label and already has people sending him tapes for consideration.
The interview concluded on a heartwarming note as Abdul-Jabbar shared his experience of losing his house and belongings in a fire a few years ago. He described how people unexpectedly reached out and sent him items to replace what he had lost. This unfortunate event made him realize the importance of the support and care from others during difficult times.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s remarkable basketball career continues to inspire and awe spectators. As he navigates the later years of his professional journey, he remains grateful for all the opportunities the sport has provided him. With his dedication and passion, Abdul-Jabbar has cemented his place as one of the basketball greats, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the court.
Air Date: July 1, 1986.
Originally aired on January 7, 1986
