Elgin Baylor Biography: A Look into the Life of the Basketball Legend
Elgin Baylor was an American professional basketball player, coach, and executive. He played 14 seasons as a forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers. Baylor was known for his acrobatic moves and his ability to score points in a variety of ways. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976.
Born on September 16, 1934, in Washington, D.C., Baylor was named after his father’s favorite watch. He was a high school sports star but did not perform well academically and even dropped out for a time. However, he eventually graduated and went on to play college basketball at Seattle University, where he led the team to the NCAA championship game in 1958.
Baylor’s professional career was filled with numerous accolades, including 11 All-Star selections, a Rookie of the Year award, and a scoring title. He also played in eight NBA Finals, although he never won a championship. After his playing career, he went on to coach the New Orleans Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers and served as a general manager for the Clippers. Baylor’s legacy in the NBA is significant, and his impact on the game is still felt today.
Key Takeaways
- Elgin Baylor was an American professional basketball player, coach, and executive who played 14 seasons in the NBA for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers.
- Baylor was known for his acrobatic moves and his ability to score points in a variety of ways, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976.
- Baylor’s legacy in the NBA is significant, and his impact on the game is still felt today.
Early Life
Elgin Baylor was born on September 16, 1934, in Washington, D.C. His parents were Uzziel and John Wesley Baylor. He began playing basketball at the age of 14 and quickly developed a love for the sport.
Baylor attended Spingarn High School in Washington, D.C., where he excelled in basketball and led the team to the city championship in his senior year. After high school, he attended the College of Idaho for one year before transferring to Seattle University.
At Seattle University, Baylor became a star player for the basketball team. He was named an All-American in 1958 and led the team to the NCAA championship game, where they lost to the University of Kentucky. Baylor’s success on the court earned him a spot on the U.S. men’s basketball team for the 1959 Pan American Games, where he helped the team win a gold medal.
Despite his early success, Baylor faced challenges in his personal life. He grew up in a time when racial segregation was still the norm in many parts of the United States, and he faced discrimination both on and off the court. However, he persevered and became one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
High School and College Career
Elgin Baylor started his high school basketball career at Phelps Vocational High School in Washington, D.C. in the 1951 and 1952 seasons. As public schools in Washington, D.C. were segregated at the time, he only played against other black high school teams. Baylor’s talent was quickly recognized, and he was recruited by several colleges.
Baylor ultimately chose to attend the College of Idaho, where he played basketball for one year before transferring to Seattle University. At Seattle University, Baylor played for the Chieftains and quickly became the team’s star player. In his junior year, he led the Chieftains to the NCAA championship game, where they lost to the University of San Francisco.
Despite the loss, Baylor’s performance in the championship game caught the attention of the Minneapolis Lakers, who selected him with the first overall pick in the 1958 NBA draft.
Professional Career
Elgin Baylor played 14 seasons as a forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers. He was drafted first overall by the Lakers in 1958 and made an immediate impact in his rookie season, averaging 24.9 points and 15 rebounds per game. Baylor was known for his acrobatic moves and scoring ability, as well as his rebounding and passing skills.
Minneapolis Lakers
Baylor played for the Minneapolis Lakers for five seasons from 1958 to 1962. During his time with the team, he led them to the NBA Finals three times, but they were unable to win a championship. In the 1961 NBA Finals, Baylor set a record for most points scored in a single game with 61 points.
Los Angeles Lakers
In 1962, the Lakers moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, and Baylor continued to play for the team. In the 1962-63 season, he averaged 34 points and 14.3 rebounds per game, leading the Lakers to the NBA Finals. However, they were defeated by the Boston Celtics in six games. Baylor continued to play for the Lakers until the 1971-72 season, when he retired due to knee problems.
Throughout his career, Baylor was named an All-Star 11 times and was selected to the All-NBA First Team 10 times. He was also named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1959 and the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in 1958, 1959, and 1962. In 1977, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Post-Retirement
Elgin Baylor retired from playing basketball after the 1971-72 season. However, his involvement in the sport did not end there. He went on to have a successful coaching and executive career in the NBA.
Coaching Career
In 1974, Baylor became an assistant coach with the New Orleans Jazz. He later served as the head coach for the Jazz from 1976 to 1979. Baylor also served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers from 1991 to 1992.
Executive Career
Baylor’s executive career began in 1986 when he was hired as the Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Los Angeles Clippers. He held this position for 22 years before his retirement in 2008. During his tenure, he was responsible for drafting players such as Danny Manning, Ron Harper, and Brent Barry.
Baylor’s contributions to the NBA were recognized when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.
Legacy
Elgin Baylor’s legacy in the NBA is immense. He was a one-man revolution, combining size, speed, and agility in a way no basketball player before him ever had. His graceful style enabled him to score and rebound with seeming ease.
Baylor played 14 seasons as a forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star and a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection. Baylor was also a member of the NBA 35th and 50th Anniversary Teams.
Off the court, Baylor was an executive and coach. He served as the vice president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Clippers from 1986 to 2008. Baylor was also the head coach of the New Orleans Jazz from 1974 to 1979.
Baylor’s impact on the game of basketball cannot be overstated. He was a pioneer in the sport, paving the way for future generations of players. Baylor was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976.
In honor of his legacy, the NBA named the NBA Community Assist Award after Baylor. The award recognizes players for their outstanding work in the community.
Personal Life
Elgin Baylor was born on September 16, 1934, in Washington, D.C. As a child, he grew up in a poor neighborhood and was raised by his mother and grandmother. Baylor attended Spingarn High School, where he excelled in basketball and led his team to three consecutive championships.
Baylor was married twice in his life. His first marriage was to Ruby Saunder, whom he married in 1958. They had three children together before divorcing in 1975. In 1986, Baylor married Elaine Young, and they remained together until his death in 2021.
Baylor was known for his philanthropic work and was involved in numerous charities throughout his life. He established the Elgin Baylor Foundation in 1996, which aimed to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
Despite his success on the court, Baylor faced discrimination and racism throughout his life. In his autobiography, “Hang Time: My Life in Basketball,” he wrote about the challenges he faced as a Black athlete in the 1960s.
Overall, Baylor was a private person who kept his personal life out of the public eye. He focused on his family, his philanthropic work, and his love for the game of basketball.
Death and Tributes
Elgin Baylor passed away on March 22, 2021, at the age of 86. The cause of death was natural causes, according to the Los Angeles Lakers. Baylor’s wife, Elaine, and daughter were with him when he died.
Baylor’s death was a significant loss for the basketball community. He was a pioneer in the sport, known for his acrobatic style of play and his impressive career as a player, coach, and executive. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977, and his legacy continues to inspire many young players today.
Following his death, many tributes poured in from fans, former teammates, and colleagues. The Lakers honored Baylor with a moment of silence before their game against the Phoenix Suns on March 21, 2021. The team also released a statement expressing their condolences and recognizing Baylor’s contributions to the franchise.
Other NBA teams and players also paid tribute to Baylor on social media, sharing their memories of his impact on the sport. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement calling Baylor “one of the greatest players in the history of our game” and praising his “graceful style” and “unforgettable performances.”
In addition to his basketball career, Baylor was also known for his advocacy for civil rights. He was one of the first African American players to play in the NBA and faced discrimination and racism throughout his career. Despite these challenges, he remained a trailblazer and a role model for many in the basketball community and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams did Elgin Baylor play for in the NBA?
Elgin Baylor played for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers throughout his entire NBA career, from 1958 to 1971.
What was Elgin Baylor’s nickname?
Elgin Baylor was known as the “Rabbit” due to his quickness and agility on the court.
How many MVP awards did Elgin Baylor win?
Elgin Baylor won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award in 1959 and was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 1959-60. He was also a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection.
What was Elgin Baylor known for during his NBA career?
Elgin Baylor was known for his smooth and graceful style of play, which enabled him to score and rebound with apparent ease. He was also known for his incredible scoring ability, particularly his jump shot and his ability to finish at the rim.
Did Elgin Baylor ever serve in the military?
Yes, Elgin Baylor served in the United States Army for two years from 1954 to 1956.
Where is Elgin Baylor from originally?
Elgin Baylor was born in Washington, D.C.