“It’s Been a Dream of Mine”: Kareem Abdul Jabbar Wanted to Join Knicks Instead of Lakers, But Then What Changed His Mind?

The New York Knicks have been at the receiving end of jokes for years now. Whether it is a poor trade or a shambolic draft decision, a majority of their choices have backfired and blown up in their face. These poor decisions date back to the 1970s, when the Knicks decided to pass up on a future Hall of Famer in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

After spending six seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, Kareem decided it was time to seek new pastures. He was a fan of the Knicks and even called it home. Despite him expressing his desire to play for them, the Knicks did not bother. During his time with the Bucks, Kareem won the MVP award thrice and was averaging 30 points, 15 rebounds, and over 3 blocks. And on top of that, Knicks legendary center Willis Reed retired in 1974 at just 31, after suffering many injuries.

But despite this, in 1975, the Knicks decided to not trade for Kareem and watched him leave for Los Angeles.

Could Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have kept the Knicks franchise alive?

During the press conference after his trade to the Lakers, Kareem revealed his heart was set on New York. “I wanted to go to New York and play (there). It’s been a dream of mine since I first started playing basketball: to play for the Knickerbockers. But the way things worked out the Lakers were very interested in having me come here and they made sincere determined efforts to get me here. They tried to make me feel at home and New York, this just wasn’t the case for them. So I don’t think its smart to go around people that don’t really want you.” 

After their last NBA title win in 1973, the Knicks have been on a drought for 47 years now. Willis Reed’s MVP in 1970 was the last time a New York Knicks player won that award. Had they traded for Kareem, it all could have changed. After a slow start with the Lakers, Kareem went on to win five rings and three MVPs during his 14 seasons with the Lake Show.

During the Hall of Fame Ceremony last year, Kareem aimed a few jabs at the Knicks. “The last [time] they won a championship, I was playing in Milwaukee. They always seem to make the wrong deal. [Players] may just give up on the town.”

The Knicks will be looking to learn from these mistakes. But with the present front office, the future doesn’t look bright for the organization.