Elgin Baylor (Part 3)

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11 Mar 2024

Elgin Baylor (Part 3)

Elgin Baylor's transition from a legendary player to a prominent executive began in 1986 when he was appointed as the vice president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Clippers. Over the course of his tenure, which spanned an impressive 22 years, Baylor faced significant challenges in leading the Clippers to success.
Despite his efforts, the Clippers experienced limited success during Baylor's time as an executive. The team struggled to achieve consistent winning seasons, and their overall win-loss record reflected their difficulties on the court. With only two winning seasons and a lackluster playoff performance, including just one playoff series victory, Baylor faced considerable obstacles in his role.

Despite the team's struggles, Baylor's dedication and contributions to the Clippers organization were recognized when he was named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2006. His leadership and commitment to the team's development were evident throughout his tenure, even in the face of adversity.
Baylor's remarkable career, both as a player and an executive, left an indelible mark on the Clippers franchise and the NBA as a whole. Despite the challenges he faced during his time as an executive, Baylor's legacy continued to resonate within the basketball community, cementing his status as one of the sport's most influential figures.

Elgin Baylor's post-playing career was not without its challenges. In 2009, he took legal action against the Los Angeles Clippers, team owner Donald Sterling, team president Andy Roeser, and the NBA, alleging employment discrimination. Baylor claimed he was underpaid during his tenure with the team and ultimately fired because of his age and race. While he initially included racial discrimination claims in the lawsuit, he later dropped them.
The legal battle continued until 2011 when a jury ruled in favor of the Clippers on Baylor's remaining claims, determining that his termination was due to the team's poor performance rather than discriminatory reasons. Despite the outcome, Baylor found some measure of vindication when Sterling was banned from the NBA for life in 2014 following the exposure of racist remarks attributed to him.

Elgin Baylor passed away on March 22, 2021, at the age of 86, due to natural causes. He left behind his wife Elaine, their daughter Krystle, two children from a previous marriage named Alan and Alison, and his sister Gladys. Baylor's contributions to basketball as both a player and an executive, coupled with his perseverance in the face of adversity, ensured his lasting impact on the sport and its community. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills.

Elgin Baylor was renowned for his versatility and skill on the basketball court. Despite being shorter than many of his contemporaries at 6'5", he possessed remarkable strength and agility that allowed him to excel in all aspects of the game. His ability to outmaneuver defenders with finesse and creativity made him a formidable opponent.
One of Baylor's trademarks was his exceptional leaping ability, which earned him the nickname "the godfather of hang time." He had a knack for staying airborne longer than his defenders, enabling him to score points even in heavily contested situations. Baylor was also known for his deceptive moves, often changing hands or directions mid-air to evade defenders and create scoring opportunities.

Offensively, Baylor had a diverse skill set that included a running bank shot and a left-handed hook shot, despite being naturally right-handed. His on-court facial twitch served as an effective head fake, further confounding defenders and opening up scoring opportunities. Baylor attributed much of his success to his innate talent for jumping and his ability to improvise and react quickly to defensive pressure.
Overall, Baylor's combination of athleticism, creativity, and determination made him one of the most dynamic and influential players of his era, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of basketball.

Elgin Baylor's impact on the game of basketball is truly monumental, and his legacy as one of the sport's greatest players remains undisputed. He revolutionized the NBA with his creative and acrobatic playing style, introducing a new level of athleticism and flair to the game that inspired generations of players to come.
Baylor's skill and versatility were unparalleled, as he excelled in scoring, passing, rebounding, and defense. His ability to elevate above defenders and score with finesse and agility made him a dominant force on the court. He was a pioneer of the vertical game, bringing excitement and entertainment to basketball with his high-flying dunks and acrobatic moves.

Throughout his illustrious career, Baylor achieved numerous milestones and set records that still stand today. His scoring prowess, exemplified by his 71-point game and NBA Finals record of 61 points, solidified his place among the league's elite. Additionally, his exceptional rebounding ability, particularly during the 1960-61 season, showcased his all-around dominance on the court.
Baylor's accolades speak volumes about his impact and contributions to the game. As a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection and 11-time NBA All-Star, he earned the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977 cemented his status as one of basketball's all-time greats.

Beyond his playing career, Baylor continued to be honored for his contributions to the sport. From having courts and tournaments named in his honor to being immortalized with a statue at the Staples Center, his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
Elgin Baylor's influence transcends statistics and accolades; he will always be remembered as a trailblazer who forever changed the game of basketball.