Marques Haynes: A Basketball Legend

Marques Haynes was a basketball player whose skills and impact on the game are still celebrated today. Here's a concise guide to his basketball skills and history, based on insights from Reddit:

Exceptional Ball Handling

• Innovative Dribbling: Haynes was known for his incredible ball-handling skills, which were revolutionary for his time. A Redditor noted, "That behind the back handle to the floater is something that Steph, Dame, and Kyrie do so effortlessly now."
• Handles in the 1940s: He showcased his skills in an era where such moves were rare, impressing even modern-day fans. "He had handles like that in an era where guys were doing the extremely basic/standard moves."

Impact on Basketball Integration

• Globetrotters vs. Lakers: Haynes led the Harlem Globetrotters to a notable upset win over the all-white Minneapolis Lakers in 1948, which was a significant moment in pushing the NBA towards integration. "He helped the Globetrotters take down George Mikan’s Lakers in exhibition games when they were the best team in the world."

Career Choices and Legacy

• Turning Down the NBA: Despite being offered the second-largest contract in the NBA, Haynes chose to continue barnstorming with the Harlem Globetrotters and later founded his own team, the Harlem Magicians. "In 1953 after quitting the Globetrotters, he was offered the second largest contract in the NBA, but turned it down to barnstorm instead."
• Influence on Modern Players: His style and skills have influenced many modern players, and he is often cited as a pioneer in the game. "The best ball handlers from the past few decades probably has to thank this man for pioneering some moves."

Recognition and Praise

• Praise from Peers: Legendary players like Wilt Chamberlain acknowledged Haynes' unique skills. "Wilt Chamberlain once said, ‘What he did was something that I could never do, and I could do almost everything on the basketball court.’"
• Longevity and Skill: Even in his 50s, Haynes demonstrated remarkable agility and skill. "Crazy to think he was 52 years old here and still so nimble."

Historical Context

• Globetrotters' Serious Competitors: Before becoming primarily an entertainment troupe, the Globetrotters were a serious basketball team. "Globetrotters used to be an actual serious basketball team, for those who don't know."
• Racial Barriers: Haynes' career also highlights the racial challenges faced by black players in the mid-20th century. "Part of the reason that he turned down the Warriors’ offer is that they were part owned by Globetrotters’ owner Abe Saperstein, who he (and others, including Bill Russell) said was incredibly racist."

For more discussions and insights, you might want to check out these subreddits:

• r/nba
• r/VintageNBA
• r/Basketball