In 1969, Haywood joined the Denver Rockets of the ABA and dominated right away — he led the league in points per game (30), rebounds per game (19.5), and minutes per game (45.3), playing in all 84 regular season games. He was named Rookie of the Year, MVP, and All-Star Game MVP, putting up 23 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 blocked in the game. Next, Haywood hoped to play in the NBA, but he wouldn’t get there without a legal fight.