Mid Summer Classic Auction 2016

This is an important artifact from a key figure in NBA history, the great Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood, whose challenge of the NBA’s rules barring a player from entering the pro ranks before his college eligibility had expired was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court, dramatically altering the labor profile of the NBA. A dynamic power forward who startled opponents and even teammates with his consummate skills, Haywood averaged 19.2 ppg and 9.3 rebounds in a 15-year career that included one year in the American Basketball Association when he turned in perhaps the most dominating performance in league history. This remarkable equipment bag traces its roots to that fabled 1969-70 campaign with the Denver Rockets when Haywood average 30 ppg and nearly 20 rebounds in leading the club to the ABA Conference Championship in his rookie season. The black vinyl bag has “adidas” screened in white on each side and with “Denver Rockets” in red lettering on one side, with a clear acetate window on the other side with a team tag of his No. 24 inside. Zipper, wrapped handles and attachments are intact and working; the bag is in remarkable condition, seemingly as-issued and problem free, revealing only typical wear from usage and a bit of chipping of some of the screened white lettering of “adidas.”