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It was appointment family viewing, Hughes told Vulture over Zoom.
My dad wanted me to pay attention to just how dominantKareem Abdul-Jabbarwas, to learn from him.
When he got the ball, I couldnt take my eyes off of him.
But its what thepro athlete turned cultural critichas done off the court that Hughes admires more.
The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ofWinning Timeis feeling worn down by fame and worries its become antithetical to his Muslim faith.
You grew up idolizing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
I really wanted to capture his soft-spoken-ness.
you’re free to tell his brain is always processing when hes in conversation.
The goggles for sure.
Music was really important in Kareems life.
Ive heard him talk about how music would sometimes help him find himself emotionally.
Did you put together a playlist to help you channel Kareem?For sure.
Theres something about that tune thats all about extending and elevating yourself.
Youve talked about practicing the skyhook at 24-Hour Fitness and getting high-fives from men of a certain age.
What was the key to unlocking Kareems signature move?I definitely benefited from being in the YouTube era.
Theres a number of highlight reels that show skyhook after skyhook.
One of my problems as a basketball player was I played too fast.
When you watch Kareems skyhook, he really is in a world of his own.
Hes trying to relax into it.
Its an incredibly difficult and vigorous move.
Nailing his voice also feels like a real challenge.
I didnt focus too much on projection.
There was a coolness to him.
I am not a particularly cool person so trying to embody that was hard work.
Wood Harris would often talk about how this is essentially a master class.
It was about something technical, and he just leaned over and started sharing his perspective.
You just run through the moment until the moments over.
Have fun with it.
Were literally getting ready to roll and he just leans in and sharesthat.
I will always relish that moment.
Magic Johnson also said he was not looking forward to the show.
It was lovely to meet him and learn about his backstory.
They changed the way we watch sports.
Its as simple as that.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
