While Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's legacy as one of the NBA's greatest scorers is cemented in history, his life off the court as a father is equally compelling. The basketball icon, recently surpassed by LeBron James on the all-time scoring list, is a father to five children from his relationships with ex-wife Habiba Abdul-Jabbar and former girlfriends Cheryl Pistono and Julye Olds. Their stories weave a tapestry of diverse careers, personal challenges, and unique paths distinct from their father's towering athletic fame.
Meet Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Three Children with Ex-Wife Habiba
Habiba Alcindor, the firstborn, entered the world on May 15, 1972. Now 53, she has carved her own niche as a writer, producer, and dramatist. Her creative debut was the short film "Gold Rush." Beyond the arts, she is a dedicated social justice activist, contributing her voice to prominent publications like Huffington Post and The Nation.
Following her is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jr., born on August 23, 1976. True to his name, the 49-year-old initially pursued basketball, aiming to follow his father's legendary footsteps. He played college basketball in the mid-1990s and was part of the American Basketball Association for the Los Angeles Stars. He also earned a spot to play for the Lakers in the 2003 NBA Summer League.
The third child from this marriage is Sultana Abdul-Jabbar, born in April 1979. Now 46, she has largely stayed away from the public eye, especially after her parents' divorce led her to live with her mother and siblings. Despite her private life, she has made occasional appearances to support her father's basketball endeavours.
The Family from Later Relationships: A Surgeon and a Troubled Youngest
After his marriage, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had a son with his former girlfriend, Cheryl Pistono. Amir Abdul-Jabbar, also born in April 1979, chose a path in medicine. He earned his medical degree in 2012 and now works as an Orthopedic and Spinal surgeon in Issaquah, Washington. His professional skills became personally crucial when his father was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008, with Amir assisting through the treatment process.
The basketball legend's youngest child is Adam Abdul-Jabbar, born on September 24, 1991, from his relationship with Julye Olds. Now 34, Adam had early brushes with fame, appearing with his father on the sitcom Full House and competing on Celebrity Family Feud in 2017. However, his life took a dark turn when, in 2015, he was sentenced to 180 days in jail for a violent assault involving the stabbing of a neighbour.
A Legacy Defined by Diverse Paths
The lives of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's five children highlight a legacy that extends far beyond the basketball hardwood. From filmmaking and activism to medicine and the challenges of living in the spotlight, each child has navigated the weight of their father's fame differently. While their bond is rooted in one of sports' most iconic families, their individual stories—of success, privacy, and personal struggle—paint a complete picture of the Abdul-Jabbar lineage. Their achievements and trials stand as a testament to a family navigating life in the expansive shadow of a global superstar.
