Haywood is a former Olympian who began his career in the ABA with the Denver Nuggets where there were no requirements that his college class would need to graduate before he would be eligible to play. NBA at the time did require that.
The Seattle Super Sonics signed Haywood in 1970, still ineligible under NBA rules, however Sonic owner Sam Schulman challenged the rule, taking it to the Supreme Court. The rule was struck down, paving the way for players like Moses Malone and Kobe Bryant to sign with teams before entering or finishing college. Haywood played 5 seasons with the Sonics and led them to their first playoff berth.
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