Kareem Abudl-Jabbar’s 1978 All-Star Snub Still Shocks Fans

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, considered one of the greatest centers in NBA history, was notably snubbed from the 1978 NBA All-Star Game despite impressive season averages. Averaging 25.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game, his exclusion raises questions about the selection process.

Abdul-Jabbar’s absence in the All-Star lineup came after he injured his hand in the season opener, missing several weeks. This unfortunate timing may have overshadowed his remarkable performance afterward. He had won the league MVP title in the preceding two seasons and led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 45-37 record.

“It doesn’t make sense, at least in retrospect,” said a prominent sports analyst. “You had this player at the peak of his powers and then he’s left out.” Bill Walton went on to start as the center for the All-Star Game, with Bob Lanier and Artis Gilmore as backups, despite not matching Abdul-Jabbar’s statistics.

Former NBA player Bob McAdoo, who was part of the Lakers from 1981 to 1985, reflected on the perception of superstar trios in the league. With the recent formation of “Big Threes” like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh‘s partnership in Miami, McAdoo argues that his squad with Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson is often overlooked. He claimed, “The Lakers are the only team that could put three league MVPs on the floor at the same time.”

McAdoo, who served more as a bench player during his time with the Lakers, emphasized that the discussion around powerful trio dynamics in the NBA is not new. He recalled historical collectives like Bill Russell with Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn, and Larry Bird with Kevin McHale and Robert Parish as examples of successful large rosters that defined eras.

While acknowledging McAdoo’s points, some critics note that the NBA’s environment in 2010 with the formation of Miami’s Big 3 felt manufactured, sparked by a strategic player movement and positioned to attract fanfare. “Basketball is basketball,” McAdoo stated, underlining the cyclical nature of superstar formations throughout basketball history.

The debate continues as fans revisit the history of NBA All-Star selections and highlight unforgettable players like Abdul-Jabbar who may have been unjustly sidelined. As McAdoo said, “It’s hard to forget about a talent like that.”