As a sports journalist raised in Brooklyn’s rhythm and rooted in data-driven storytelling, I’m obsessed with how legends defy time. In 1987, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar—39 years old—averaged 21.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.5 blocks per game in the Finals while shooting 51% from the field. This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a quiet revolution against ageism in basketball. Let’s talk about what this means for today’s system.