Elgin Baylor was an unstoppable force in basketball who earned his rightful place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Known for his incredible body control and innovative offensive skills, Baylor was often described as “the man with a thousand moves” (Hoophall).
Baylor’s impact on the court was undeniable. He played 14 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers, and was known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and passing.
His knack for hanging in the air before making a shot set him apart from his peers (Wikipedia). Baylor’s influence can be seen in the way modern players like LeBron James play the game.
Elgin Baylor’s legacy also includes his college career at Seattle University, where he led his team to the 1958 NCAA title game and earned Most Outstanding Player honors. His prolific scoring, including a 60-point game, led to multiple school records (Seattle University). Baylor’s career and achievements continue to inspire new generations of basketball players.
Who Is Elgin Baylor?
Elgin Baylor was a legendary basketball player, known for his innovative offensive style and remarkable body control. He played as a forward and spent his entire NBA career with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers.
Where Did Elgin Baylor Grow Up?
Elgin Baylor grew up in Washington, D.C. He was born on September 16, 1934. As a young man, Baylor became known for his basketball talents during his high school years.
Despite facing racial barriers, he excelled on the court and earned recognition for his playing skills.
He later attended the College of Idaho and Seattle University, where he continued to develop his basketball abilities. In Seattle, Baylor led his team to the NCAA tournament, demonstrating the skills that would later make him famous.
Where Does Elgin Baylor Live?
Elgin Baylor lived in Los Angeles, California, for a significant part of his life. After his retirement from professional basketball, he continued to reside in the city.
He worked with the Los Angeles Clippers as an executive, showing his deep connection to the local basketball community.
In Los Angeles, Baylor was a well-known figure, contributing to various charity initiatives and staying active in the sports scene. His legacy in the city remains strong, with many fans remembering his incredible playing days and contributions off the court.
Who Is Elgin Baylor Married To?
Elgin Baylor was married to Elaine Baylor. The couple had a long and loving marriage, supporting each other through the ups and downs of Baylor’s career.
Elaine stood by him as he transitioned from a star player to a coach and executive in the NBA.
Their partnership was marked by mutual respect and admiration. Elaine often accompanied Elgin to public events, and they were seen as a strong and unified couple within the basketball community.
Does Elgin Baylor Have Children?
Elgin Baylor had children, including his daughter, Krystal Baylor. His family life was important to him, and he often spoke about the joy his children brought to his life.
Baylor balanced his career and family, making sure to spend quality time with his loved ones.
He took pride in his children’s achievements and supported them in their endeavors. His family continues to honor his legacy, both on and off the basketball court.
Elgin Baylor College Basketball Career
Elgin Baylor‘s college basketball career was marked by impressive performances and significant achievements. He played for both the College of Idaho and Seattle University, earning accolades such as the Most Outstanding Player in the 1958 NCAA Championship game.
Where Did Elgin Baylor Play College Basketball?
Elgin Baylor began his college basketball career at the College of Idaho. After one season, he transferred to Seattle University, where he played for two years. His decision to move to Seattle University proved pivotal as he made a significant impact on the school’s basketball program.
Did Elgin Baylor Coach College Basketball?
Elgin Baylor did not coach at the collegiate level. His career after college transitioned directly into professional basketball and later into coaching and executive roles within the NBA.
What Awards Did Elgin Baylor Accomplish In College Basketball?
While at Seattle University, Elgin Baylor was named Most Outstanding Player of the 1958 NCAA Championship game. Despite his team losing to Kentucky, Baylor’s performance was remarkable enough to earn him this prestigious honor. His college career set the stage for his selection as the first overall pick in the 1958 NBA Draft.
How Did Elgin Baylor Perform In the NCAA Tournament?
Elgin Baylor led Seattle University to the NCAA Championship game in 1958. His standout performance throughout the tournament and in the championship game against Kentucky highlighted his scoring ability and skill.
Although his team didn’t win, Baylor’s 60-point game against Portland earlier that season was one of many records he set, underscoring his exceptional talent at the collegiate level.
Elgin Baylor Professional Basketball Career
Elgin Baylor had an illustrious career in professional basketball, both as a player and later as a coach. His remarkable skills on the court set numerous records and garnered many awards.
Did Elgin Baylor Play In the NBA?
Elgin Baylor played in the NBA for 14 seasons, primarily with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers. He was known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and passing.
Baylor was drafted twice, initially by the Minneapolis Lakers in the 14th round of the 1956 NBA Draft and then in the 1st round of the 1958 NBA Draft.
Baylor’s breakthrough came with his aerial show skills and body control, making him one of the first players to play above the rim.
Did Elgin Baylor Coach In The NBA?
After retiring as a player, Baylor transitioned to coaching. He served as the head coach for the New Orleans Jazz. Although his coaching stint didn’t see the same level of success as his playing career, it was notable.
Baylor later took on an executive role with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2006.
His impact on the game extended beyond the court, influencing both players and executives.
What Awards Did Elgin Baylor Accomplish In Professional Basketball?
Baylor received numerous awards throughout his career. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star and made the All-NBA First Team 10 times. He once held the single-game playoff scoring record with 61 points against the Boston Celtics.
Baylor was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. His career statistics, including a high free-throw percentage and multiple scoring titles, cement his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
Did Elgin Baylor Win An NBA Championship?
Elgin Baylor never won an NBA championship during his career. He came close many times, especially in the 1960s when the Lakers frequently appeared in the NBA Finals.
Despite playing alongside talented teammates like Jerry West and facing fierce competition from players like Bill Russell, a championship eluded him.
The Lakers eventually won after his retirement, but Baylor’s contribution to the team’s history remains significant, making him a staple in the discussions of basketball greats.
What Is Elgin Baylor Up To Now?
Elgin Baylor passed away on March 22, 2021. His contributions to basketball span his career as a player, coach, and executive. Though he is no longer with us, here’s what his later years involved.
Is Elgin Baylor Still Involved In Basketball?
In his later years, Elgin Baylor was no longer actively involved in the basketball world. After retiring as a player in 1972, he went on to serve as an executive for the Los Angeles Clippers.
His tenure with the Clippers ended in 2008 amid a high-profile lawsuit against team owner Donald Sterling, where Baylor sued for age discrimination but did not win the case. Following this, he stepped away from basketball, although his legacy in the sport remains strong.
Does Elgin Baylor Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Before his passing, Elgin Baylor occasionally participated in speaking engagements. He shared insights about his career and life experiences.
These events allowed him to connect with fans and the sports community. Baylor’s stories often highlighted his struggles and achievements, offering inspiration to many. In recent years, no new engagements have been announced due to his death in 2021.
Does Elgin Baylor Have a Podcast?
Elgin Baylor did not have a podcast. While he engaged in interviews and media appearances, he never ventured into the world of podcasting.
His preferred platform was public speaking and appearances on established television programs. Baylor’s focus remained on connecting directly with audiences rather than through digital channels like podcasts.
Has Elgin Baylor Gone Into Broadcasting?
Baylor did not transition into a broadcasting career. Post-retirement, he worked primarily as an executive with the Clippers.
He made occasional television appearances and interviews but never became a regular sports broadcaster. His appearances were mostly tied to special events and milestones in the NBA. Baylor’s role in popularizing basketball is often discussed in documentaries and historical retrospectives on the sport.
What Is Elgin Baylor Net Worth?
Elgin Baylor, a legendary figure in NBA history, amassed a significant net worth through his career as a player, coach, and executive.
Estimated Net Worth: $60 million
Baylor’s net worth was built on his 14-season career with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers, where he was a dominant forward. His salary as a player contributed significantly to his wealth.
Career Milestones:
- NBA Rookie of the Year 1958: His initial salary boosted his early earnings.
- 11-time NBA All-Star: Achievements earned him lucrative contracts and endorsements.
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Inducted for his outstanding contributions.
After retiring, Baylor shifted to coaching and executive roles. He served as the vice president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Clippers, where his salary further increased his net worth.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Elgin Baylor was also involved in various endorsements and business ventures. Though not as entrepreneurial as current players, his endorsements contributed to his financial success.
For more details on his career and accolades, you can visit his Wikipedia page or his profile on Basketball-Reference.com.
