Elgin Baylor's basketball career is a remarkable chapter in the history of the sport. Born on September 16, 1934, in Washington, D.C., Baylor's journey to becoming one of basketball's greats began in his high school days. He attended Spingarn High School, where his talent on the court quickly became evident. His skills earned him a scholarship to the College of Idaho, and later, he transferred to Seattle University, where he led his team to the NCAA championship game in 1958.

In 1958, Baylor was the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, selected by the Minneapolis Lakers. His arrival in the NBA marked the beginning of an illustrious playing career. Baylor's rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, as he averaged 24.9 points and 15 rebounds per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award. His ability to score, rebound, and assist made him a standout player in the league.

Baylor's playing style was characterized by his acrobatic moves and scoring prowess. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, he was known for his ability to play above the rim, a skill that was not common during his era. His scoring ability was highlighted during the 1961-62 season when he averaged 38.3 points per game, a record at the time. Baylor's performance on the court helped the Lakers reach the NBA Finals multiple times, although they often fell short of winning the championship.

Throughout his 14-year playing career, Baylor was an 11-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team 10 times. Despite his individual success, an NBA championship eluded him, as the Lakers frequently faced the dominant Boston Celtics in the Finals. Baylor's career was also marked by his participation in the 1964 NBA All-Star Game, which was the first to be televised nationally.

Injuries began to take a toll on Baylor's career in the late 1960s. Knee problems limited his playing time, and he eventually retired nine games into the 1971-72 season. Ironically, the Lakers went on to win the NBA championship that year, finally capturing the title that had eluded Baylor throughout his career.

After retiring as a player, Baylor transitioned into a front-office role. He served as the general manager of the New Orleans Jazz and later the Los Angeles Clippers. His tenure with the Clippers lasted 22 years, during which he was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2006. Baylor's time as an executive was marked by challenges, as the Clippers struggled to achieve consistent success.

Elgin Baylor's legacy in basketball is cemented by his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977.

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