Baylor’s blend of athleticism, versatility, and scoring prowess revolutionized the forward position in the late 1950s and 1960s.
Baylor’s career averages of 27.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists stand out to this day. He set a then-NBA record with 71 points in a 1960 game, a testament to his offensive brilliance
Despite his individual greatness, Baylor’s Lakers fell short in eight NBA Finals, often to the dynastic Boston Celtics led by Bill Russell. Injuries, particularly a devastating knee injury in 1965, hampered his later years, yet he remained a force
Baylor retired nine games into the 1971-72 season, just before the Lakers won the title, adding a bittersweet note to his legacy.
Baylor’s aerial acrobatics and creative scoring paved the way for modern forwards like Julius Erving and Michael Jordan.
“With ridiculous scoring and rebounding numbers, especially for a non-big man, Elgin Baylor was one of the first players who would awe fans with impressive athleticism. He never got the championship he deserved, however, and the Celtics largely to blame, as out of his seven Finals losses, six came against Boston. Baylor finished his career with as many All-NBA 1st Teams as Kareem.
But who ranks ahead of Baylor on the list of the greatest NBA players without a ring? Find out below
