Legends Profile: Elgin Baylor

Elgin Baylor: the name synonymous with greatness in the world of basketball. Considered one of the greatest players to ever grace the court, Baylor’s incredible skills and acrobatic moves left a lasting impact on the game. Despite playing in an era before widespread television exposure, his legend lives on through the words of those who witnessed his unmatched talent.

Teammates and opponents alike praised Baylor’s abilities. Jerry West, his longtime teammate, hailed him as one of the most spectacular shooters the game has ever known. Bill Sharman, who played against Baylor and later coached him, called him the greatest cornerman in pro basketball. Tommy Hawkins, Baylor’s teammate and opponent, stated that nobody could match his greatness pound for pound.

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Standing at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Baylor was both strong and graceful. Throughout his remarkable 14-year career with the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged an impressive 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game. In the playoffs, he maintained a stellar performance with averages of 27.0 points and 12.9 rebounds in 134 games.

Baylor’s scoring prowess was legendary. From 1960-61 through 1962-63, he averaged an extraordinary 34.8, 38.3, and 34.0 points per game, respectively. He led the Lakers to the NBA Finals eight times, was a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, and played in 11 NBA All-Star Games.

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Despite his individual brilliance, Baylor never won an NBA Championship. His career coincided with the dominant Boston Celtics teams of the time, and he faced tough competition from the legendary Wilt Chamberlain. However, his impact on the game cannot be understated.

Known for his incredible midair body control, Baylor dazzled audiences with his ability to change the position of the ball and adjust his moves while floating towards the basket. His wide variety of shots, strength, and all-around skills drew comparisons to other legendary players like Connie Hawkins, Julius Erving, and Michael Jordan.

Born in 1934 in Washington, D.C., Baylor’s journey to basketball stardom was not without obstacles. A high school sports star with academic struggles, he found himself working at a furniture store and playing in local recreational leagues. However, his talent caught the attention of Ralph Monroe, a Seattle car dealer who convinced Baylor to join Seattle University after a brief stint at the College of Idaho.

Baylor’s collegiate career was nothing short of impressive. He led Seattle University to the 1958 NCAA Championship Game, averaging 31.3 points across his three collegiate seasons. The Minneapolis Lakers recognized his talent and used the No. 1 overall pick in the 1958 NBA Draft to select him.

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Joining the struggling Lakers, Baylor became the franchise’s last hope for success. In his rookie season, he made an immediate impact, finishing fourth in scoring, third in rebounding, and eighth in assists. He even scored 55 points in a single game, the third-highest score in league history at the time. Baylor’s arrival significantly improved the Lakers, who made it to the NBA Finals in his rookie year.

Throughout his career, Baylor faced knee troubles that affected his performance, but he remained a scoring force for several more seasons. However, he retired without an NBA Championship, leaving behind a legacy of individual brilliance and a lasting impact on the game.

After his playing career ended, Baylor ventured into coaching and later took on the role of vice president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Clippers. He was recognized for his achievements when he was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and named to the NBA 35th Anniversary All-Time Team and the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Elgin Baylor’s impact on the sport cannot be overstated. His incredible skills, acrobatic moves, and all-around brilliance make him one of the legends of basketball. His statue outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles is a testament to his greatness, forever immortalizing his contributions to the game.

FAQs

Q: What made Elgin Baylor such a legendary player?
A: Elgin Baylor was known for his incredible scoring ability, acrobatic moves, and all-around skills. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, he combined strength and grace to dominate the court. He could shoot from all angles, change the position of the ball mid-air, and had an unmatched variety of shots.

Q: Did Elgin Baylor ever win an NBA Championship?
A: Despite his individual brilliance, Baylor never won an NBA Championship. His career overlapped with the dominant Boston Celtics teams of the 1950s and 1960s, and he faced tough competition from players like Wilt Chamberlain. However, his impact on the game is undeniable.

Q: What other achievements did Elgin Baylor have in his career?
A: Baylor was a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, played in 11 NBA All-Star Games, and led the Lakers to the NBA Finals eight times. He held multiple records, including most points in a game, in a playoff game, and in one half of a playoff game. He was also the first NBA player to finish in the top five in four different statistical categories — scoring, rebounding, assists, and free-throw percentage.

Summary

Elgin Baylor is an icon of basketball, known for his incredible skills, acrobatic moves, and all-around brilliance on the court. Despite playing in an era before extensive television exposure, his talent and impact on the game are widely recognized. Baylor’s scoring prowess, strength, and midair body control set him apart from other players of his time. Although he never won an NBA Championship, his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play the game is firmly established. Baylor’s contributions to basketball have earned him a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the all-time greats. To this day, his name is synonymous with greatness and serves as an inspiration for future generations of basketball players.

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