NBA's Greatest Players in History: Elvin Hayes

• Led the NBA in scoring as a rookie in 1969, averaging 28.4 points per game
• Named to 12 consecutive All-Star teams from 1969 to 1980
• Won an NBA championship with the Washington Bullets in 1978
• Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

Elvin Hayes was a dominant force in the NBA for 16 seasons, known for his scoring prowess, rebounding ability, and remarkable durability on the court.

Overview

Elvin Hayes, nicknamed "The Big E," was one of the most prolific and consistent players in NBA history. His career spanned from 1968 to 1984, during which he established himself as a scoring machine and rebounding powerhouse. Hayes began his career with the San Diego Rockets (now the Houston Rockets) before spending the majority of his prime years with the Baltimore/Washington Bullets (now the Washington Wizards).

Career snapshot

Hayes's career statistics are staggering. He accumulated 27,313 points (ranking 11th all-time) and 16,279 rebounds (4th all-time). His durability was legendary, playing in 1,303 out of a possible 1,312 regular-season games over 16 seasons – an astonishing 99.31% attendance rate. In the playoffs, he never missed a game, playing all 96 possible contests.

Playing style

Hayes was renowned for his signature turnaround jump shot, which became virtually unblockable due to his ability to shoot it over either shoulder. He also possessed a reliable face-up jumper from up to 20 feet and a powerful driving game. His low-post game was the cornerstone of his offensive arsenal, allowing him to consistently score against the best defenders of his era.

Why Elvin Hayes is on our list

Elvin Hayes's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is justified by his consistent excellence and impact on the game:

1. Scoring Prowess: Hayes led the league in scoring as a rookie, a feat only achieved by him and Wilt Chamberlain (excluding the NBA's inaugural season).
2. Rebounding Dominance: At the time of his retirement, Hayes ranked third all-time in rebounds, behind only Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.
3. Durability: His ironman streak is one of the most impressive in NBA history, missing only nine games in 16 seasons.
4. Team Success: Hayes led the Washington Bullets to three NBA Finals appearances, including a championship in 1978.
5. Statistical Accumulation: He retired as the NBA's all-time leader in minutes played and games played, showcasing his longevity and consistency.

Five Fast Facts

• Hayes was nicknamed "The Big E" and "The Bionic Man" due to his scoring ability and durability.
• He played in the famous "Game of the Century" in college, leading Houston to victory over Lew Alcindor's (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) UCLA team.
• Hayes finished third in MVP voting for the 1978-79 season, the highest he ever placed in his career.
• He was part of one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in NBA history, paired with Wes Unseld in Washington.
• Hayes's jersey number 44 has been retired by both the Houston Rockets and the Washington Wizards.

Career Highlights Timeline

1968: Drafted 1st overall by the San Diego Rockets

1969: Led the NBA in scoring as a rookie (28.4 PPG)

1970: First All-Star selection

1972: Traded to the Baltimore Bullets

1975: Led the NBA in rebounding (16.8 RPG)

1978: Won NBA Championship with the Washington Bullets

1981: Returned to the Houston Rockets

1984: Retired from the NBA

Hayes's impact on the game extended beyond his impressive statistics. He was a fierce competitor who brought intensity to every game. His consistency and durability made him a reliable cornerstone for his teams, particularly during his prime years with the Bullets.

His scoring ability was matched by few in his era. Hayes had the unique distinction of being able to dominate games offensively while also being a defensive force. His shot-blocking ability and rebounding prowess made him a complete player, capable of influencing the game on both ends of the court.

The partnership Hayes formed with Wes Unseld in Washington created one of the most formidable frontcourts in NBA history. Their complementary skills – Hayes's scoring and Unseld's passing and rebounding – were key to the Bullets' success in the 1970s, culminating in the 1978 NBA championship.

Hayes's legacy is sometimes overshadowed by contemporaries like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Erving, but his consistent excellence over such a long period deserves recognition. He was a player who could be counted on night after night, year after year, to produce at an elite level.

His durability wasn't just about showing up; it was about performing at a high level consistently. Hayes averaged over 20 points per game for 10 seasons, demonstrating that his presence on the court translated to tangible production. This consistency made him a cornerstone of every team he played for and a nightmare for opponents to game plan against.

One of Hayes's most memorable performances came in Game 7 of the 1979 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks. With the Bullets' title defence on the line, Hayes delivered a dominant 39-point, 15-rebound performance, playing every minute of the game. This clutch performance silenced critics who questioned his ability to deliver in big moments.

Hayes's impact on the game extended beyond his on-court performances. He was a pioneer for big men, showing that power forwards could be dominant scorers and not just rebounders or defenders. His turnaround jumper became a blueprint for future generations of big men looking to add finesse to their power game.

Conclusion

Elvin Hayes's place among the most dominant players in NBA history is secured by his remarkable consistency, durability, and production over a 16-year career. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the court, lead his team to a championship, and accumulate statistics that still rank among the all-time greats solidify his legacy as one of the NBA's true ironmen and a dominant force of his era.

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