The No. 1 overall pick in the 1958 NBA draft, Elgin Baylor transformed the fortunes of the Minneapolis Lakers after the franchise finished the previous season with the league's worst record. Signed for a then-significant $20,000 annually, the forward provided the athletic core necessary to prevent the organization from bankruptcy, eventually establishing himself as the team's all-time rebounding leader.
Early Development in Washington
Born in Washington, D.C., on September 16, 1934, Baylor faced systemic barriers to athletic participation, as segregation limited his access to public basketball facilities. He played at Phelps Vocational High School before finishing his secondary education at Spingarn High School. In 1954, he set a District of Columbia scoring record with 63 points in a single game against his former teammates.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Collegiate Stints
Baylor attended the College of Idaho during the 1954–55 academic year, where he averaged 31 points and 20 rebounds per game. Following a year spent playing for the Westside Ford Amateur Athletic Union team to establish eligibility, he transferred to Seattle University. During his time at Seattle, he led the school to its only appearance in an NCAA championship game and maintained a career collegiate average of 31.3 points per contest.
Professional Impact and Recognition
A 14-season veteran of the NBA, Baylor earned Rookie of the Year honors in 1959. He was named to the All-NBA Team on numerous occasions, including selections in 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965, and 1968. Beyond his on-court contributions, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977 and later named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Management and Later Life
Following his playing career, Baylor transitioned into front-office roles, serving as the general manager for the Los Angeles Clippers for 22 years. His management tenure included winning the NBA Executive of the Year Award in 2006. Outside of basketball, he made various television appearances on programs such as Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and The White Shadow. He died on March 22, 2021, in Los Angeles and is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Fast facts
- Born: 16 September 1934, Washington, D.C.
- Died: 22 March 2021, Los Angeles
- NBA Career: 1958–1971
- Education: Spingarn High School, College of Idaho, Seattle University
- Lakers Rebound Record: 11,463
- Executive of the Year: 2006
- Hall of Fame Induction: 1977
Questions readers ask
Did Baylor play any sports other than basketball?
Yes, in 1974 he participated in a mixed doubles exhibition tennis match in Claremont, California.
Which teams did he play for in the NBA?
He played his entire 14-season career for the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers.
