Spencer Haywood caught the entire NBA empire like this back in 1970.
Spencer Haywood was Public Enemy #1 when he filed an anti-trust suit against the NBA in 1970. A combination of old-school labor rules and protectionist policy by the NCAA kept players from participating in the L before their college class graduated. Spencer’s case ended up going to the Supreme Court and paved the way for players who were NBA-ready before 4 years of college ball.
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March 17th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Coach T says:
Sean Couch, thank you for educating this generation on a true path finder. I was fortunate to have played junior college ball at the same JC as Spencer Haywood. Trinidad State JC in Colorado. I will never forget, back in 1989, the first time I walked into the school’s gym and there were painted jerseys all over the walls that showed the school’s individual records. Haywood owned them all. Haywood also led the United States in scoring in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Of course, we walked away with the gold medal. Thanks again Sean for the trip down memory lane. T
March 17th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Sean Couch says:
Spencer had an incredible career starting in the ABA in 1969. At 20 years of age he led the league in scoring and rebounding and was the MVP AND Rookie of the Year at the same time. Probably the most incredible pro debut in the history of basketball.
When he joined the Supersonics through a court injunction the NBA establishment treated him like garbage and I think his game and rhythm suffered a bit from the criticism but, he is a true pioneer and an African-American hero for what he did for all basketball players around the world.
March 17th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
illest says:
a true pioneer that couldnt avoid the other black mans kryptonite….that white. hes not even discussed in hall of fame talk (he should be) but he definitely changed the game.
March 17th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Sean Couch says:
Illest –
He had everything back in the day. He was married to Iman, big salary, came over to the Knicks in’75 and played with Bob McAdoo. I remember being real excited for the Knics that they both would be on the floor but they clashed like oil and water.
Haywood had that crazy run in with then Laker coach Paul Westhead who suspended him from the NBA Finals! It was said he hired a hit man to actually kill the coach but he changed his mind before anything happened! I think that might have taken him out of the consideration in the minds of many voters.
March 18th, 2010 at 8:30 am
illest says:
sean….indeed he had it all. wasnt he a dj too? westhead was an interesting basketball case. he had the lakers play slower than magic wanted (getting paul fired) then went on to coach two of the most nondefensive and high scoring teams ever.
March 19th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Russ M says:
Haywood always makes me think of Connie Hawkins. Long arms, long legs, giant hands. Who was better?