Elgin Baylor facts for kids
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| No. 22 | |
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| Personal information | |
| Born | September 16, 1934 Washington, D.C. |
| Nationality | American |
| Died | March 22, 2021 (aged 86) Los Angeles, California |
| High school | Spingarn (Washington, D.C.) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College |
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| NBA Draft | 1958 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall |
| Selected by the Minneapolis Lakers | |
| Pro career | 1958–1971 |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1958–1971 | Minneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers |
| As coach: | |
| 1974, 1976–1979 | New Orleans Jazz |
| Career highlights and awards | |
As player:
As executive:
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| Career statistics | |
| Points | 23,149 (27.4 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 11,463 (13.5 rpg) |
| Assists | 3,650 (4.3 apg) |
Elgin Gay Baylor (September 16, 1934 – March 22, 2021) was an amazing American basketball player, coach, and executive. He played for 13 seasons as a forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Baylor spent his entire playing career with the Minneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers. He helped his team reach the NBA Finals eight times!
Elgin Baylor was known for being a fantastic shooter, a strong rebounder, and a great passer. He was famous for his acrobatic moves on the court. Fans loved watching his special "hanging jump shots." Baylor was the very first player picked in the 1958 NBA draft. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1959. He was also chosen as an NBA All-Star 11 times. Many people think he is one of the greatest basketball players ever. In 1977, he was honored by being added to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Early Life and College
Elgin Baylor was born on September 16, 1934, in Washington, D.C.. He went to Springarn High School in Washington, D.C. Later, he became an All-American player at Seattle University. In 1958, he led his college team all the way to the NCAA finals.
A Star in the NBA
In 1958, the Minneapolis Lakers picked Elgin Baylor as the number one player in the NBA draft. The Lakers were having a tough time and needed help. Baylor was exactly what they needed! He quickly led the team to the 1959 NBA Finals.
On November 15, 1960, Baylor set an amazing NBA record. He scored 71 points and grabbed 25 rebounds in just one game! This was even more impressive because he was also serving in the United States Army at the time. He could only play with the Lakers on weekends.
Baylor was 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 225 pounds. He was strong and moved with grace on the court. During his 14 years with the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers, Baylor averaged 27.4 points per game. He also averaged 13.5 rebounds per game. In 134 playoff games, he averaged 27 points per game.
Sadly, early in the 1970-71 season, Baylor hurt his knee badly. He didn't play again until the next season, 1971-72. He only played nine games that season before he decided to retire at 37 years old.
After his playing career, Baylor spent 22 years as the general manager for the Los Angeles Clippers. He even won the NBA Executive of the Year Award in 2006 for his work.
Death
Elgin Baylor passed away on March 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. He was 86 years old.
Images for kids
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Baylor playing for Seattle University.
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Baylor (left) with teammates Jerry Chambers (center) and Jerry West (right) around 1966.
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The cover of the Los Angeles Lakers program for "Elgin Baylor Night" on March 21, 1969.
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A letter from California Governor Ronald Reagan to Elgin Baylor.
See also
In Spanish: Elgin Baylor para niños
