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Rare and extremely historically significant Milwaukee Bucks home jersey worn by Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during the early 1970s and later presented to him by the Milwaukee Bucks during a number retirement ceremony at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee on April 24th, 1993. This jersey remained in Abdul-Jabbar's personal collection until recent years, when he decided to sell his collection at public auction. Accompanied by a signed LOA from "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar," dated "10/18/2018." Graded a A9 by MEARS. In addition to its high grade, this jersey has also been photomatched by Sports Investors Authentication to one worn by Abdul-Jabbar in a 1973 image.If ever a shirt were historically significant and especially desirable because it showed evidence of a name change, this is it! This remarkable shirt dates from around the time of Jabbar's name change. The jersey has the name “Abdul-Jabbar” on the reverse. Jabbar was christened Lew Alcindor, but in college he converted from Catholicism to Islam and changed his name to Kareem (noble and generous) Abdul (serves Allah) Jabbar (powerful). Although his name change took place prior to his entering the NBA, he didn’t make the change public until his second NBA season (1970-1971). This jersey reflects that name change. The jersey is lettered “Abdul-Jabbar” on the reverse, but it is clear that there has been a vintage name change. The original nameplate (which would have been lettered “Jabbar”) has been removed, and the stitch outline of its former location is clearly visible. (According to the MEARS LOA, "this was done per league rules which forbade the use of "Abdul-Jabbar.") “Abdul-Jabbar” is now lettered on the reverse directly above the number. The white durene jersey is lettered "Bucks" across the front and features the number "33" on the front and reverse. All letters and numbers are appliquéd in red on green tackle twill. A partial "Rawlings" label appears at the base of the front tail. Despite the absence of a size tag, analysis by MEARS, as noted in its accompanying letter, indicates that measurements of the chest (19 inches) and torso (33 inches) are most consistent with a size "40" garment, a size that compares favorably with other Kareem jerseys the company has examined. Abdul-Jabbar played with the Bucks for six seasons beginning in 1969. The style of the offered jersey matches that used by the Bucks during his last three seasons with the club, therefore slightly narrowing its period of use. Aside from the team-sanctioned name change on the reverse, the shirt is completely original and displays heavy wear throughout, including fraying to the numbers.Jabbar was spectacular with Milwaukee during the 1971-1972 season. He led the NBA in scoring, averaging 34.8 points per game, and was also second in the League in field goal percentage (.574) and third in rebounds per game (16.6). Those numbers later earned him the second of his six MVP Awards. Teaming with the great Oscar Robertson, Jabbar also led the Bucks to the NBA conference finals that season but lost to Wilt Chamberlain's Lakers. Today, Jabbar is recognized as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Holder of numerous career records, Jabbar was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995. The following year he was selected as one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players by a panel of experts.This is the first Kareem Abdul-Jabbar jersey we have ever handled, and it ranks as one of the finest known. This is a superb museum-quality example in all respects and one that would be an extremely significant highlight in an advanced uniform collection. Graded A9 by MEARS (10-point base grade with a one point deducted for "numeral fraying/partial Rawlings tag"). Full LOA from MEARS (jersey only). Signed LOA from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Two LOAs ("Photo Match Evaluation") from David Randolph/Sports Investors Authentication. Opening Bid $50,000.