Sonics Notebook | A legend looms in rafters
Spencer Haywood has longed for recognition, for players today to understand how he helped pave the way for them.
Now a piece of him will hover above the game as a constant reminder.
The Sonics announced Friday that Haywood's No. 24 jersey will be retired in a ceremony Feb. 26 when Seattle hosts Portland. It's the sixth Sonics jersey to be retired, joining Fred Brown (32), Lenny Wilkens (19), Nate McMillan (10), Gus Williams (1) and Jack Sikma (43).
"Spencer Haywood was a special player in the NBA and a true Sonics legend deserving of every honor passed his way," said new principal owner Clay Bennett in a released statement. "Few athletes are fortunate enough to be able to share the kind of talent of Spencer Haywood. It is thrill for us to be a part of this historical moment in Sonics history."
Haywood was the organization's first star, averaging a franchise-high 24.9 points and 12.1 rebounds in five seasons. He also represented the Sonics at four All-Star Games from 1972 to 1975, starting in three.
But Haywood's biggest impact may have been the U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1971 that overturned the NBA's rule that banned players from joining the league until their college class had graduated.
Haywood, who left the University of Detroit after his sophomore season in 1969, played one season in the ABA with the Denver Rockets. He was the league's MVP, leading the ABA in scoring and rebounding.
He then signed a six-year, $1.6 million contract with Sonics owner Sam Schulman, setting off a court battle. Haywood was harassed and banned from arenas, once standing in the snow as the Sonics played, during the court proceedings.
After a knee injury zapped his game, Haywood was traded to the New York Knicks in October 1975 and retired a Washington Bullet in 1983.
"This is truly a great honor for me," Haywood said in a statement. "My time in Seattle was very memorable, and I had a lot of fun playing on some great teams with some great players. To join the ranks of players like my teammates Lenny Wilkens and Fred Brown means a lot to me. To see the No. 24 hanging in the rafters in Seattle will be a dream come true."
Fading star
Looks like the Sonics' streak of 13 seasons with an All-Star representative will be snapped this year. NBA commissioner David Stern named Denver's Carmelo Anthony, the league's leading scorer (30.8), and Dallas' Josh Howard as the Western Conference injury replacements for Yao Ming and Carlos Boozer.
Sonics guard Ray Allen has one last chance to participate if All-Stars Allen Iverson (ankle) and/or Steve Nash (shoulder) opt not to play because of injuries. Both have pulled themselves from their respective lineups, and Iverson already said the season is more important than an eighth All-Star appearance.
"I wouldn't take it as an insult," Allen said of possibly being added late. "Any time you get that opportunity, it goes on your resume the same, no matter what."
Injured guard
Sonics guard Earl Watson wore bandaging around both wrists at practice after a hard fall against Indiana on Wednesday. He managed to score eight of his final 10 points in the fourth quarter of the win, however.
"[On Thursday] everything was hurting from my back to my neck to my wrists," Watson said. "But we have a break coming next week, so I feel like I can play through it."
Sonics coach Bob Hill removed Watson from the starting lineup on Wednesday, a move the player didn't mind because the team won. Hill will stick to the same lineup tonight, with Luke Ridnour starting at point guard.
| Sonics' 24 coverage | |
| The Sonics will retire Spencer Haywood's No. 24 at a game Feb. 26 at KeyArena. A little 24 history: | |
| No. 24 Sonics | |
| Bud Olsen | 1967-68 |
| Erwin Mueller | 1968-70 |
| Dennis Johnson | 1976-80 |
| Armond Hill | 1980-82 |
| Tom Chambers | 1983-88 |
| Marty Conlon | 1991-92 |
| Bill Cartwright | 1994-95 |
| Antonio Harvey | 1996-97 |
| Don MacLean | 1998-99 |
| Fred Vinson | 1999-2000 |
| Desmond Mason | 2000-03 |
| Mateen Cleaves | 2004-06 |
| Famous Seattle 24s | ||
| Ken Griffey Jr. | Mariners | 1989-99 |
| Shawn Springs | Seahawks | 1997-03 |
| Joe Steele | UW football | 1976-79 |
| Fred Hutchinson | Rainiers | 1938 |
| Diego Segui | Pilots | 1969 |
