Early 1970’s Lew Alcindor/Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Rookie Era Milwaukee Bucks Worn & Autographed Home Shooting Shirt

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Historic Milwaukee Bucks Warm-Up Shirt

A Transformative Rookie Season

In 1969, the NBA landscape was forever changed with the arrival of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, to the Milwaukee Bucks. His impact was immediate and profound, transforming the Bucks from a struggling 27-55 team to an impressive 56-26 record. His stellar performance earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year award, as he finished second in scoring and third in rebounding. The following year, alongside Oscar Robertson, Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks to their first and only NBA Championship, securing his place as a dominant force in the league.

A Symbol of Change and Legacy

This Milwaukee Bucks warm-up shirt is not just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of a significant era in basketball history. Worn by Abdul-Jabbar during his early years with the Bucks, this shirt marks the period of his name transition from Lew Alcindor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Although his conversion to Islam and subsequent name change occurred before his NBA debut, it was not publicly announced until his second season in 1971. This shirt, therefore, stands as a testament to that pivotal moment in his life and career.

Distinctive Features and Provenance

• Historic Name Transition: The shirt features the name “JABBAR” on the back, with visible stitch outlines from the original “Alcindor” nameplate, highlighting the historic name change.
• Authentic Design: Crafted with “JABBAR” in green on red tackle twill, the shirt also boasts the “BUCKS” basketball patch on the left chest, embroidered in white and red chain stitch on green tackle twill.
• Manufacturer’s Details: Inside the rear collar, the “Sand-Knit” manufacturer’s tag with wash instructions and size “40” is present, along with the “Mid–City Sporting Goods” distributor’s tag.
• Signed by Abdul-Jabbar: The front of the shirt is signed by Abdul-Jabbar in black marker, with a rating of 8-9, adding to its allure and value.

Preservation and Authenticity

The shirt, presented to us as worn, shows appropriate wear consistent with its age and usage. It is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, as well as an additional LOA, ensuring its provenance and significance. The shirt remains unaltered, except for the historic name transition from Alcindor to Jabbar, making it a unique and valuable piece of basketball memorabilia.

Why This Shirt Matters

This warm-up shirt is more than just a collectible; it is a piece of basketball history, representing a transformative period in the life of one of the greatest players of all time. Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy extends beyond his on-court achievements, as he became a cultural icon and a symbol of personal and professional evolution. Owning this shirt is not just about possessing a rare artifact; it is about embracing a story of change, resilience, and excellence.

For those interested in acquiring or consigning basketball memorabilia, this shirt offers a unique opportunity to own a part of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s illustrious career. Explore more exceptional items in our sports memorabilia auctions and discover the stories behind these remarkable pieces.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.