Today, the Stockton Kings have announced that they have officially selected Jabri Abdur-Rahim number one overall in the 2023 G League draft. This pick is only the latest chapter in his family’s storied basketball heritage. Consider Jabri, the son of Shareef Abdur-Rahim, current president of the G League who has put on a show this week. He’s flashed that upside, most recently while playing with the Sacramento Kings during NBA Summer League.
Jabri Abdur-Rahim’s path to the Stockton Kings has been one paved by a varied collegiate experience. He started his academic and athletic career at Virginia, then transferring to Georgia to play three seasons. Most importantly, most recently, he finished his last college season at Providence, where he developed the most. At 6-foot-7, he offers an enticing mix of length and quickness that should inject some defensive versatility into the Kings lineup.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim is an accomplished legend on and off the court. He has received high praise for his outstanding achievements beyond the game of basketball, as well. Shareef dazzled as a college freshman sharing floor with NCAA greats, dazzled as Olympic gold medalist (Sydney 2000) and NBA All-Star (2002). During his 12-season career, he racked up over 15,000 points for an average of 18.1 points per game. Since taking on the role of G League president in 2018, he has worked tirelessly to advance the league and support emerging talent.
The recently released interim draft was an impressive example of that progress. Dillon Jones was picked No. 8 overall by the Westchester Knicks only to be traded immediately after to the Grand Rapids Gold. The South Bay Lakers secured one pick during Saturday’s draft, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s selections.
Jabri’s selection by the Stockton Kings not only continues the Abdur-Rahim family’s legacy in basketball but emphasizes the importance of mentorship and guidance from experienced figures like Shareef. As Jabri begins what will hopefully be a stellar professional career, he’ll do so carrying his father’s legacy with him. He hauls an enviable legacy of basketball supremacy.
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