 After his frustrating junior year , Chamberlain wanted to become a professional player before finishing his senior year . However , at that time , the NBA did not accept players who had not finished their last year of studies . Therefore , Chamberlain was prohibited from joining the NBA for a year , and decided to play for the Harlem Globetrotters in 1958 for a sum of $ 50 @,@ 000 ( equal to about $ 410 @,@ 000 today ) . 
