Underrated: Spencer Haywood

This is the first in a new series I’m starting, attempting to draw attention to players who, in my opinion, are under-recognized and underrated. Spencer Haywood was one of the best PF’s of the 1970’s, yet is someone I suspect some who consider themselves pretty knowledgeable about the NBA know little about; and someone whom most casual fans probably haven’t even heard of. Haywood began his professional career in the ABA in 1969, and exploded on to the scene, averaging 30 pts and 19.5 reb per game in his