RIP Elgin Baylor

[Bama fan]

The NBA great passed away at 86.

 

[bramos]

Elgin Baylor (RIP). Before there was a Dr.J.

 

[LoboDays]

Elgin Baylor (RIP). Before there was a Dr.J.

Exactly. Saw him a few times in MSG when he played the Knicks. He was the first player to make moves while in the air. Loved watching him.

 

[TRUCONN76]

He had considered playing at Uconn.

 

[uconnfan68]

Feeling older every day. All of my favorites in multiple sports growing up are leaving us.

 

[Ouremblem]

As a lifelong Lakers fan this one hurts. Rest In Peace, Elgin. You were a joy to watch.

 

[BBallF]

All of us growing up and playing in the 60s practiced "double pumps" so we could be like Elgin. My JV coach was the point guard on his college team, Seattle University which lost in the title game to Kentucky. Elgin averaged 32.5 ppg that year. An incredible innovator who was on the winningest team ever in the NBA ( record of 69-13 in 1971-72) before the Bulls and then the Warriors. One of the greatest offensive players ever who was absolutely thrilling to watch.

 

[JonathanXIV]

All of us growing up and playing in the 60s practiced "double pumps" so we could be like Elgin. My JV coach was the point guard on his college team, Seattle University which lost in the title game to Kentucky. Elgin averaged 32.5 ppg that year. An incredible innovator who was on the winningest team ever in the NBA ( record of 69-13 in 1971-72) before the Bulls and then the Warriors. One of the greatest offensive players ever who was absolutely thrilling to watch.

Baylor retired early in the 1971-72 season (played only 9 games) and was replaced by Happy Hairston in the starting lineup.

 

[BBallF]

Baylor retired early in the 1971-72 season (played only 9 games) and was replaced by Happy Hairston in the starting lineup.

Thanks, you are right. He retired the game before they went on their 33 game winning streak. Lakers gave him a ring anyway.

 

[chrissaran]

Too bad Elgin missed the championship.

 

[cwaduke]

Just a MOFO

 

[MilfordHusky]

Elgin was one of the early greats, with incredible moves. He averaged 27 and 14 for a career at 6'5".

 

[Scud49]

I was a big Celtic fan back in those days, but I always marveled at his graceful incredible agility and ability to change his shot in mid air.

He was a true superstar - thanks Elgin and RIP.

 

[Boreifs]

Baylor retired early in the 1971-72 season (played only 9 games) and was replaced by Happy Hairston in the starting lineup.

Best me to it.

 

[Boreifs]

Unbelievable talent in that generation. First Elgin, the Wilt, then the big O and Jerry. No other comparable quartet in a three-year period. They were responsible for popularizing pro basketball.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Here's a list of NBA players who averaged 27 and 14 for a career:

Wilt Chamberlain 30 and 23

Elgin Baylor 27 and 14

End of list.

In the early 1960s, Elgin had 2 seasons of 35 and 20 and 38 and 19. He was very close to averaging 40 and 20 for a while. Stellar!!

 

[Jingo]

Elgin and Jerry West were my favourite dynamic duo!

 

[willtalk]

One of my early favorite players. He was so good, in fact, that the named a watch and a college after him.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

Probably the first great player to come from DC. Went to Spingarn HS across the street from DC Stadium parking lot.

 

[CTFIRERETIRED]

Elgin and Jerry West were my favourite dynamic duo!

With that addition of Wilt, there was your very first trifecta of talent. Although they never won a championship together, though.

 

[Jingo]

With that addition of Wilt, there was your very first trifecta of talent. Although they never won a championship together, though.

Didn't they win in '72 .. or had Goodrich replaced Elgin by then?

 

[CTFIRERETIRED]

Didn't they win in '72 .. or had Goodrich replaced Elgin by then?

Wasn't Goodrich Jingo. Baylor was either released or retired mid season. He was "replaced" by Happy Hairston in the lineup.

 

[Ouremblem]

Actually it was Jim McMillan who replaced Elgin in the lineup. I wish Elgin didn’t retire during the season. Lord knows he deserved a title.