I would like to know the backstory as to why Russell nicknamed Elgin, "Rabbit". Apparently he had five nicknames: Rabbit, Mr. Inside, Motormouth, Tick Tock, Aches and Pains I can figure out a couple of those from his game, but I'd love to know the backstories.
Baylor was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977, and his number was retired by the Lakers in 1983. As we reflect on his immense legacy in the game of basketball and beyond, here are a few things to know about the late, great Elgin Baylor. He was always better than everyone Baylor went across the country to attend Seattle University, where he led the school to its only Final Four appearance in 1958. The Redhawks lost to Kentucky in the title game, though Baylor was named Most Outstanding Player. The Minneapolis Lakers then selected him with the no. 1 overall pick, although it wasn’t the first time he’d been drafted by the organization. The Lakers picked him in the 14th round of the 1956 draft, too, but Baylor opted to play out his collegiate career. Mr. Hang Time Baylor was one of the sport’s pioneering above-the-rim artists. His nickname applied to more than just the around-the-rim acrobatics. Baylor’s signature hanging jumper was considered dazzling at the time. Here’s a clipping from Ramona Shelburne’s 2010 article for ESPN on Kobe Bryant’s basketball influences: Baylor’s highlight reel prompted Bryant to coin the former Lakers great “the footwork king.” “He was Dr. J and Michael Jordan before Dr. J and Michael Jordan,” Kobe said. “He could get to the basket and do all these incredible things in the air, but I wanted to know, how did he get to the basket? It’s cool to be able to do all those fancy things, but how did he get here?” The answer, young Kobe discovered, lay in Elgin Baylor’s unorthodox footwork. While most scorers like to establish a rhythm in the way they attack the basket, Elgin was adept at mixing up his fakes, thereby keeping the defender guessing. His explosive first step, as well as his superior strength, made that possible. Kobe pointed out images of Baylor pivoting on his right foot and using his left foot to fake out the defense. “It’s an uncomfortable move for right-handed players, but he looked absolutely natural doing it,” he said. If only more highlights of his prime existed. Kobe talking ^^^ about Baylor's footwork.
He doesn't even a front page feature on espn.com - disappointing tbh. Really a big figure in NBA history: the lack of a championship really messed an otherwise perfect resume that deserves recognition
Chick Hearn in his book wrote about how bad Baylor was at cards. Right now, he's probably trying to hustle Baylor again.
Unfair, but I think of him as a Clipper. He played before my time, so all I see/smell is Clipper Stank. damn I'm cranky today, leave me alone
There just is not an appreciation about how great Baylor was. Baylor, Wilt and Big O first NBA superstars.
