HBO - Kareem Minority of One (2015)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a study in contradictions – someone who has been the center of attention since an early age, yet has long sought to avoid the spotlight, even if his prodigious basketball skills and 7'2“-inch frame made that impossible. HBO zeroes in on those qualities in the former NBA star – and on a career that many would argue establishes him as the best, or at least most dominant, player ever – in “Kareem Minority of One,” a documentary that stands nearly as tall as its subject. The documentary traces Abdul-Jabbar's upbringing and his decision to attend UCLA, where he connected with legendary head coach John Wooden before making his ascent to the NBA. However, his professional journey remains one of the more fascinating stories the league has ever seen. After getting drafted No. 1 overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969, Abdul-Jabbar captured Rookie of the Year honors behind staggering averages of 28.8 points, 14.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists. One year later, Kareem led the Bucks to a title as Milwaukee swept the Baltimore Bullets in the NBA Finals. And while he lasted six seasons with the Bucks, Abdul-Jabbar ultimately wiggled his way out of the Midwest and moved back to Los Angeles—where his profile exploded as a member of the Lakers. Back in California, his sky hook became the stuff of legends as he helped lead the Lakers to five titles between 1980 and 1988. He won championships alongside the greatest point guards of their generations, Oscar Robertson (with Milwaukee) and Magic Johnson (with the Lakers). This documentary charts the complexity and genius of the NBA's all-time leading scorer Abdul-Jabbar's legendary career, both on and off the court. Spotlighting a six-time MVP and six-time world champion, the film examines his controversial and landmark moments, his outspoken feelings about race and politics, and the evolution of the game. Interviews include Pat Riley, Magic Johnson, Quincy Jones, Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Oscar Robertson, Billy Crystal, Jerry West, Elvin Hayes among others.
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