Elgin Baylor - Basketball purists sum up Elgin Baylor's game with one word: "unstoppable." Baylor was an innovative offensive force never before seen. Baylor could dominate opponents with piercing drives to the hoop or springboard-like jump shots. He had a strong first step, and he used it creatively. The 6'5" Baylor possessed tremendous body control and could suspend himself in air, causing many to say he was "the man with a thousand moves." Baylor was an offensive machine as both a collegian and professional. In 1957-58, Baylor scored 32.5 ppg, grabbed 559 rebounds-second and third respectively in the nation-and led Seattle University to the NCAA championship game. Despite losing to Kentucky, Baylor earned tournament MVP honors. Although he had another year of eligibility remaining, Baylor turned pro in 1958, embarking on a phenomenal 14-year career.
His impact was felt immediately, as he captured 1959 Rookie of the Year honors (24.9 ppg) and ignited the rebirth of the then struggling Minneapolis Lakers, who moved to Los Angeles in 1960. Baylor, who played in 11 NBA All-Star games, scored 23,149 points in only 846 games (27.4 ppg). Baylor's best offensive season was 1961-62, when he averaged 38.3 ppg. Overall, Baylor averaged 30 points or more three times during his career. On Dec. 11, 1960, Baylor became the first player in NBA history to break the 70-point barrier after he torched the New York Knicks for 71 points. Baylor, who teamed with Jerry West to form one of the most feared scoring duos in the NBA, was named All-NBA First Team 10 times. Due to nagging knee injuries, Baylor retired nine games into the 1971-72 season. Ironically, the Lakers won the NBA championship that year, an achievement that eluded Baylor in his distinguished career. Baylor was selected to the NBA's 35th and 50th Anniversary Team in 1980 and 1996.
