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Spencer Haywood turned professional before basketball had become a global sport adored around the world. The Mississippi native, burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, helping lead the U.S. to gold. After joining the ABA Denver Rockets, he won Rookie of the Year.

The decision to sign for the NBA's Seattle Supersonics, changed his life and the sport of basketball forever. He would sue the NBA over the right to play in the league, without completing the mandatory rule of playing four years in college. Modern day players like Lebron James wouldn't have been allowed to play as early as he did, if it wasn't for that lawsuit.

(Image: Spencer Haywood smiling, Credit: Getty Images)