Sports History

---

Spencer Haywood wasn't your typical NBA player. His journey to professional basketball defied convention and ultimately challenged the league's eligibility rules, sparking a landmark legal battle with lasting consequences. This essay explores the remarkable career of Spencer Haywood, a talented player whose impact transcended statistics and redefined the NBA landscape.

Early Life and the Callenge of a Rising Star

Haywood's brilliance manifested early. Despite a standout high school career, his path to college was obstructed by segregationist policies within the NCAA. He opted to play in the fledgling American Basketball Association (ABA) before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1970. However, the NBA refused to recognize his eligibility due to a rule barring players who left college before their senior year.

Due to his exceptional performance and talent, Haywood was cast on the roster of the 1968 U.S. Olympic team at age 19, becoming the youngest American basketball player in Olympic history. He was a member of that exciting teams that captured Olympic gold 1968. Unable to join an NBA or ABA team due to his limited time in school, the ABA made a hardship exemption so that Haywood could sign on with the Denver Rockets after they drafted him. Spencer led the ABA in both scoring at 30.0 points per game and rebounding at 19.5 rebounds per game as a rookie.

Haywood, determined to play in the NBA, challenged the league's rule in court. In a landmark case known as "Spencer Haywood vs. National Basketball Association," he argued that the rule unfairly restricted his ability to earn a living. In 1971, Haywood prevailed, paving the way for players to enter the NBA after their junior year in college. This landmark decision, known as the "Spencer Haywood Rule," had a profound impact on the NBA. It ushered in an era of younger, more talented players entering the league sooner, ultimately increasing its overall quality and excitement.

Legacy and Basic Bio

Haywood's on-court career, though overshadowed by the legal battle, was nonetheless impressive. A dominant power forward, he averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds throughout his career, earning All-Star honors four times. He played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks, showcasing his versatility and scoring prowess.

Born April 22, 1949, in Silver City, Mississippi, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame forward Spencer Haywood. Growing up in a family of poor sharecroppers in Mississippi, Haywood overcame by his talent and skill on the hard courts in both high school and college. Spencer enrolled at Trinidad State Junior College in Trinidad, Colorado, during the 1967–68 college season, where he averaged 28.2 points and 22.1 rebounds per game.

He would go on to play with the Seattle Super Sonics, New York Knicks, New Orleans Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, Italy's Reyer Venezia, and the Washington Bullets. He was part of the 1980 NBA Champion Lakers; an NBA All-Star 1972–75; ABA All-Star Game MVP 1970. NBA Jersey 24.

---

Spencer Haywood Career Numbers, Position, Draft Status and more from Basketball-Reference.com