Cap’s personal NBA collection fetched quite a tidy sum for his charity on Sunday.
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar established quite a reputation during his incredible 20-year NBA career. However, his legacy grew to even greater heights on Sunday, which says a lot given his 7-foot frame.
According to ESPN, much of Abdul-Jabbar’s noteworthy NBA memorabilia was put up for auction via Goldin Auctions. The lots that accrued the most amount of money were four of his six championship rings.
Via the same report, Kareem’s merchandise sold for a whopping grand total. All in all, $2,947,872.25 was yielded at the auction.
What makes the auction particularly unique, though, was that Kareem was not looking out for his own immediate gain. That is the furthest thing from true in this case.
In lieu of that, the majority of the proceeds are going toward a charitable cause. Per NBA.com, most of the money is being gifted to his charity, the Skyhook Foundation.
His charity specifically focuses on helping underprivileged children to become motivated to learn STEM-related tools (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
Via the same ESPN report as above, Abdul-Jabbar’s championship rings drew some of the highest bids the auction had to offer. For instance, his 1987 ring sold for more than any of the 200 plus lots available. Said ring brought in an astounding $398,937.50.
Another crucial lot in the Abdul-Jabbar auction was a signed basketball from his final game in 1989. Based on what Charlotte Carroll of Sports Illustrated transcribed, the ball lassoed in $270,050.
According to the same NBA.com report, three of Kareem’s six MVP trophies were sold as well. The three MVPs Abdul-Jabbar decided to give away were from his 1972, 1974, and 1976 campaigns. Each of the awards netted over $120,000 apiece.
Per Matt Eppers of USA Today, Abdul-Jabbar spoke about his choice to sell some of most prized possessions last year. Originally via an inspiring piece on the Goldin Auctions website, the 6-time world champion shed more light on why he was okay with putting so many of his possessions behind him.
"“There is a long list of athletes who have sold their prized memorabilia in order to keep the debt collectors at bay. Fortunately, that’s not the case for me.”"
Kareem raises a fair point in bringing up other athletes. Certainly, there are some cases of folks who make so much during their careers, but then lose so much not too much late in life. It is sad, but true.
Thankfully, as the Lakers’ legend said, he does not fall into that category. As a result, it gave the man the luxury of doing what he did for his charity.
According to Jack Bauer of Yahoo Sports, the Skyhook Foundation’s mission statement goes like this: “Give Kids a Shot that Can’t be Blocked.”
While it may just sound like a catchy, clever phrase, it reveals the kind of person Abdul-Jabbar is. Similarly, events like the weekend auction demonstrate that his impact extends far beyond all the skyhooks he converted during his storied NBA career.
Bauer’s article (originally via ESPN) unveils why the 71-year-old chose to sell a good chunk of his collection.
"“Looking back on what I have done with my life, instead of gazing at the sparkle of jewels or gold plating celebrating something I did a long time ago, I’d rather look into the delighted face of a child holding their first caterpillar and think about what I might be doing for their future. That’s a history that has no price.”"
Even though his decision may seem ludicrous to some, so be it. Abdul-Jabbar is clearly more interested in bettering the futures of the next generation. His choice to make the lives of kids a bit better is a tremendous gesture on his part.
The potential he is giving these young men and women carries no price tag. That being said, the sacrifice the “Showtime” icon recently made is more than praiseworthy. Without a doubt, it is greater than any of his nearly endless list of career accomplishments.