History of Spencer Haywood in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 3, 2024

Spencer Haywood is a celebrated figure in American basketball. As a former professional player, he achieved Olympic gold and earned a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. His legacy is cemented in basketball history.

April 22, 1949: Birth of Spencer Haywood

Spencer Haywood was born on April 22, 1949.

1964: Spencer Haywood Moves to Detroit

In 1964, Spencer Haywood moved to Detroit, Michigan, and resided in the Krainz Woods neighborhood.

1967: Spencer Haywood Attends Trinidad State Junior College

During the 1967–68 college season, Spencer Haywood attended Trinidad State Junior College in Trinidad, Colorado, where he averaged 28.2 points and 22.1 rebounds per game.

1967: Spencer Haywood Leads Pershing High School to State Championship

In 1967, Spencer Haywood led Pershing High School's basketball team to the state championship.

1968: Spencer Haywood Makes History in the Olympics and Transfers to University of Detroit

In 1968, Spencer Haywood became the youngest American basketball player in Olympic history at age 19 and was the leading scorer on the gold medal-winning team. He then transferred to the University of Detroit in the fall, leading the NCAA in rebounding during the 1968–69 season.

1969: Spencer Haywood Begins Professional Basketball Career with the ABA

In his 1969–70 rookie season, Haywood began his professional basketball career, leading the ABA in scoring and rebounding. He led the Rockets to the ABA's Western Division Title.

1970: Spencer Haywood Joins the Seattle SuperSonics and Launches Antitrust Suit Against the NBA

Despite the NBA's eligibility rules, Spencer Haywood joined the Seattle SuperSonics in 1970. This led to an antitrust lawsuit against the league (Haywood v. National Basketball Association) that went to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Haywood won.

1970: Spencer Haywood Becomes the Youngest ABA MVP

In 1970, at the age of 21, Spencer Haywood was named both the ABA Rookie of the Year and ABA MVP, becoming the youngest ever recipient of the MVP.

1972: Spencer Haywood Named to the All-NBA First Team

Spencer Haywood was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1972.

1973: Spencer Haywood Named to the All-NBA First Team

Spencer Haywood was named to the All-NBA First Team for the second consecutive year in 1973.

1974: Spencer Haywood Named to the All-NBA Second Team and Participates in NBA All-Star Game

In 1974, Spencer Haywood was named to the All-NBA Second Team and delivered a strong performance in the NBA All-Star Game.

1975: Spencer Haywood Traded to the New York Knicks

In 1975, the SuperSonics traded Spencer Haywood to the New York Knicks.

1975: Spencer Haywood Named to the All-NBA Second Team and Helps SuperSonics Reach First Playoff Berth

Spencer Haywood was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1975 and played a key role in leading the SuperSonics to their first playoff berth.

1977: Spencer Haywood Marries Iman

Spencer Haywood married fashion model Iman in 1977.

1978: Birth of Zulekha Haywood

Spencer Haywood and Iman welcomed their daughter, Zulekha, in 1978.

1980: Spencer Haywood Dismissed from the Los Angeles Lakers Due to Cocaine Addiction

Spencer Haywood, who had been struggling with cocaine addiction, was dismissed from the Los Angeles Lakers by coach Paul Westhead during the 1980 NBA Finals after falling asleep during practice.

1987: Spencer Haywood and Iman Divorce

Spencer Haywood and Iman divorced in 1987.

1990: Spencer Haywood's Second Marriage

Spencer Haywood remarried in 1990 to Linda.

February 26, 2007: Seattle SuperSonics Retire Spencer Haywood's Jersey

The Seattle SuperSonics retired Spencer Haywood's no. 24 jersey during a halftime ceremony on February 26, 2007.

September 2015: Spencer Haywood's Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction

Spencer Haywood was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2015.

2015: Spencer Haywood Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2015, Spencer Haywood was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

2020: Publication of "The Spencer Haywood Rule"

The 2020 book "The Spencer Haywood Rule: Battles, Basketball, and the Making of an American Iconoclast" by Marc J. Spears and Gary Washburn focuses on the impact of Haywood's lawsuit on college basketball and the NBA.