Date of Birth: September 16, 1934
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: March 22, 2021
Biography
Elgin Baylor was an American professional basketball player, coach, and executive, widely regarded as one of the game’s all-time greats. Born on September 16, 1934, in Washington, D.C., Baylor grew up in a segregated America, but his extraordinary basketball talents transcended racial barriers. He attended the College of Idaho and later Seattle University, where his exceptional skills on the court caught national attention. Baylor was the first pick in the 1958 NBA Draft, selected by the Minneapolis Lakers (now the Los Angeles Lakers). During his 14-season career from 1958 to 1971, Baylor became known for his acrobatic and high-scoring play style. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star and a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection. Despite his efforts, the Lakers never won a championship while he was an active player, although they did win the title in the 1971-1972 season, the same year he retired. Baylor’s contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977. After retiring, Baylor served as the head coach for the New Orleans Jazz and later worked as an executive for the Los Angeles Clippers. He was also a vocal advocate for civil rights and used his platform to address racial inequalities.
5 Interesting Facts about Elgin Baylor
1. Elgin Baylor scored 71 points in a single game on November 15, 1960, which was a record at the time.
2. He is credited with pioneering the modern style of basketball, incorporating athleticism and a variety of offensive moves.
3. Baylor served in the U.S. Army Reserve and played for the Lakers during weekend passes.
4. His number 22 jersey was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers.
5. Baylor was the first NBA player to finish a season with over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Elgin Baylor
1. “If you look up the definition of greatness in the dictionary, it will say Elgin Baylor.”
2. “I always had the will to win. I felt like I could score whenever I wanted to.”
3. “The game of basketball has always been about more than just winning for me.”
4. “I was fortunate to play in an era where I could help break down some barriers.”
5. “Playing for the Lakers was a dream come true, but being able to inspire others was the real achievement.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career and throughout his various roles in the NBA, Elgin Baylor’s net worth was estimated to be around $60 million.
Children
Elgin Baylor had three children: Alan, Alison, and Krystal.
Relevant Links
1. [Elgin Baylor’s Hall of Fame Profile](https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/elgin-baylor/
2. [Wikipedia – Elgin Baylor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgin_Baylor
3. [NBA Legends Profile: Elgin Baylor](https://www.nba.com/history/legends/profiles/elgin-baylor
5. [Elgin Baylor’s Career Stats](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bayloel01.html
