Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf

Mahmoud abdul-rauf cropped

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (born Chris Wayne Jackson on March 9, 1969) is a former American professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for nine seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, and Vancouver Grizzlies. Abdul-Rauf is known for his quick release and accurate shooting, particularly from the free-throw line.

Early Life and College Career

Abdul-Rauf was born in Gulfport, Mississippi. He attended Gulfport High School, where he was a standout player. He went on to play college basketball at Louisiana State University (LSU) under coach Dale Brown. At LSU, he was a two-time First-team All-American and set numerous records, including the most points scored by a freshman in a single season.

NBA Career

Abdul-Rauf was selected with the third overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets. He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier shooters. In the 1992-93 season, he won the NBA Most Improved Player Award. Abdul-Rauf is perhaps best known for his free-throw shooting; he led the league in free-throw percentage in the 1993-94 and 1995-96 seasons.

Denver Nuggets

During his time with the Denver Nuggets, Abdul-Rauf was a key player, known for his scoring ability and quick release. He played for the Nuggets from 1990 to 1996.

Sacramento Kings

In 1996, Abdul-Rauf was traded to the Sacramento Kings, where he played for two seasons. His performance remained strong, but he did not achieve the same level of success as he did with the Nuggets.

Vancouver Grizzlies

Abdul-Rauf signed with the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1998, where he played for one season before leaving the NBA.

Controversies

Abdul-Rauf was involved in a notable controversy in 1996 when he refused to stand for the national anthem, citing his Islamic beliefs. This led to a one-game suspension and a fine by the NBA. The incident sparked a national debate on patriotism and religious freedom.

Later Career and Retirement

After leaving the NBA, Abdul-Rauf played in various international leagues, including in Turkey, Russia, and Japan. He officially retired from professional basketball in 2011.

Personal Life

Abdul-Rauf converted to Islam in 1991 and changed his name from Chris Jackson to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. He is known for his philanthropic efforts and community involvement, particularly in the areas of education and youth development.

Legacy

Abdul-Rauf is remembered as one of the most talented shooters in NBA history. His career free-throw percentage of 90.5% ranks among the highest in league history. Despite the controversies, his impact on the game and his contributions to his community have left a lasting legacy.

See Also

• List of National Basketball Association players with most points in a game
• List of National Basketball Association career free throw percentage leaders
• List of National Basketball Association annual free throw percentage leaders