A player who started his professional career averaging 30 points and an ABA record 19.5 rebounds per game, in his first year and from there got dismissed by his own coach is a sad story. And that’s Spencer Haywood’s story. “I watched myself from a player of great potential to nothing of a player,” Haywood later admitted. Now, decades later, he’s finally opening up about the painful moment.

Haywood took to Instagram Story to share a highlight video from his final NBA season. But it wasn’t just a simple throwback. His caption carried a heartbreaking revelation: “THIS IS MY LAST SEASON IN THE NBA. AFTER MY WIFE @the_real_iman AUTO ACCIDENT I LEFT BASKETBALL AND THE NBA WOULD NOT LET ME COME BACK TO BASKETBALL. 🤲🏾❤”

He was married to fashion model Iman from 1977 to 1987. Together, they also had a daughter named Zulekha. After Iman died, he found love again, marrying Linda in 1990 and welcoming three more daughters—Courtney Nikkiah, Shaakira, and Isis Chanel. His family grew, with three grandchildren joining the picture. Yet, heartbreak struck again when Linda passed away in 2022, a loss Haywood shared with his followers.

Of course, his battles weren’t just emotional. By the late 1970s, substance abuse had taken a toll on him. The breaking point came in 1980 when Lakers coach Paul Westhead dismissed him during the NBA Finals after falling asleep during practice. The fallout was brutal—not only did he lose his shot at a championship, but he also faced the scorn of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The following season, he took his talents overseas to Italy, playing for Reyer Venezia Mestre. Eventually, he made his way back to the NBA for two seasons with the Washington Bullets before calling it quits.

Despite all the personal and professional struggles, he found a way to rebuild his life.

Spencer Haywood turned his pain into purpose

It’s one thing to battle personal demons, but it’s another to turn those struggles into something meaningful. After facing the lowest point of his life, Spencer Haywood knew he had to make a change—not just for himself, but for others, too. Once he completed rehab, he went back to his roots in Detroit and set up a foundation dedicated to helping people develop job skills.

More than just a name in the NBA, Haywood soon became a source of inspiration. “When I see people in the computer classes and I see people in different programs, who are now getting a fresh start, that’s me,” he said, reflecting on his impact.

His contributions even earned recognition from fellow legends. “Dr. J. and I got a chance to sit down, and we were talking about my career. He also said, ‘Thank you for what you did to me.’ I was like, ‘What did I do for you?’ He said, ‘I was talking about the hardship, I never thanked you.’”

Despite the turbulence, Haywood’s basketball legacy remains intact. Over 844 regular-season games, he averaged 20.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists—numbers that prove just how dominant he was at his peak.

Even more impressive? His 1970 ABA season still stands as one of the best individual performances in pro basketball history. Though his career ended on a rough note, Haywood has managed to reclaim his place as a legend.