NBA's Greatest Players in History: Elgin Baylor

• First player to score 70+ points in an NBA game (71 points in 1960)
• Set NBA Finals single-game scoring record with 61 points in 1962
• Averaged 38.3 points per game in 1961-62, still the record for forwards
• Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

Elgin Baylor revolutionised basketball with his acrobatic, high-flying style of play, paving the way for future generations of athletic forwards and changing the game forever.

Overview

Elgin Baylor was a transformative figure in NBA history, arriving in the late 1950s just as the game was evolving. His combination of power, grace, and innovation made him the prototype for the modern offensive star. Standing 6'5" and weighing 225 pounds, Baylor possessed a rare blend of strength and agility that allowed him to dominate both in the paint and on the perimeter.

Career snapshot

Baylor spent his entire 14-year NBA career with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers from 1958 to 1972. He was an 11-time All-Star and 10-time All-NBA First Team selection. Baylor's career averages of 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game highlight his incredible productivity and consistency.

Playing style

Baylor's playing style was revolutionary for his era. He popularised the jump shot and perfected the art of hanging in the air to create space from defenders. His array of fakes, spins, and acrobatic layups left opponents bewildered and fans in awe. Baylor's ability to score from anywhere on the court made him nearly unstoppable.

Why Elgin Baylor is on our list

Elgin Baylor earns his place among the most dominant players in NBA history for several reasons:

1. Scoring prowess: Baylor's 38.3 points per game in the 1961-62 season remains the highest single-season average for a forward in NBA history.
2. Versatility: He was one of the first players to dominate from both the interior and perimeter, setting the template for future stars.
3. Consistency: Baylor averaged over 24 points per game for 10 consecutive seasons, showcasing his sustained excellence.
4. Historical impact: His style of play influenced generations of players, from Julius Erving to Michael Jordan and beyond.
5. Playoff performances: Baylor holds the record for most points in an NBA Finals game with 61, set in 1962 against the Boston Celtics.

Five Fast Facts

1. Baylor scored 71 points against the New York Knicks on November 15, 1960, setting a then-NBA record.
2. He averaged a staggering 38.3 points and 18.6 rebounds per game in the 1961-62 season.
3. Baylor played in eight NBA Finals but never won a championship, retiring just before the Lakers' 1972 title run.
4. He was named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team, 50th Anniversary Team, and 75th Anniversary Team.
5. Baylor served as general manager of the LA Clippers for 22 years after his playing career.

Career highlights

1958: Selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Minneapolis Lakers
1959: Named NBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 24.9 points and 15.0 rebounds
1960: Scores 71 points against the New York Knicks, setting a new NBA record
1962: Sets NBA Finals record with 61 points in a single game against the Celtics
1965: Suffers a severe knee injury but returns to All-NBA form by 1967
1971: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 1972: Retires from the NBA after 14 seasons

Elgin Baylor's impact on basketball cannot be overstated. His innovative play and scoring ability paved the way for the high-flying, versatile forwards that would come to dominate the game in later decades. While he never won an NBA championship, Baylor's influence on the sport and his statistical achievements solidify his place as one of the most dominant and important players in NBA history.

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