The first overall selection in the 1958 NBA Draft and 14-year Minneapolis/Los Angeles Laker legend Elgin Baylor has passed away. The exact cause of death, aside from the causes being natural, has not yet been released, but Baylor was 86.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported the news via Twitter on Monday afternoon.
In his 14-year NBA career, Baylor made the NBA All-Star Game 11 times. He also made the NBA First Team 10 different times, was the Most Outstanding Player in 1958’s Final Four, one year before being awarded the NBA’s Rookie of the Year.
The small forward was one of the most recognizable players of his era, but never won an NBA title. Although he was selected to the NBA’s 35th and 50th All-Time teams. Baylor also coached the (then) New Orleans Jazz from 1976-1979.
His points per game average through his 14 years sits at an incredible 27.4, while also somehow averaging 13.5 rebounds per game over his career. A Laker and NBA legend was paid tribute to briefly via the Lakers’ Twitter account. Expect the Lakers to perform a bigger tribute as the 2021 season presses on.
Featured Image courtesy of Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Ben!
“From Our Haus to Yours“
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
