R.I.P Elgin, here because his death was just announced😞

Sadly, fans nowadays do not know Mr. Baylor anymore. For me, he will always remain as one of the top 10 NBA players of all time. Without him, the evolution of the game would not escalate rapidly. His excellent skills on the court was way ahead of his time. A player from the late '50s, '60s, and early '70s with the skills of 2000s basketball. A true legend: Mr. Elgin Baylor.

Who here after the Terrible news😥RIP Elgin Baylor Laker legend 🙏🏾Another laker Legend Gone

I am 68, I have watched basketball all my life, been an NBA fan all my life! Elgin Baylor is the most underrated player in any sport, by far!! The guy invented glide, hang time floater, and turn around jump shot!! My number one player of all time!!!

Elgin Baylor is a champion. Don't let anyone tell you different. The story is Baylor suffered a career ending knee injury 9 games in a Championship season for the Lakers. Rules were different then, although he was part of the teams roster technically, he did not participate in the Finals therefore negated his status as a champion. And to this day the NBA has never acknowledged him as part of that championship team. He made his contributions and did his dues to the team to the best of his ability, he should be acknowledged for what he's contributed to that team and for the organization. Heck, even for the league and sport itself. Elgin Baylor is without a doubt a champion. Don't let anyone tell you different.

RIP, Mr. Baylor. We can't ever thank you enough for what you brought to our favorite sport.

Mike before The Mike , Doc before The Doc, Elgin Baylor.

I recall Dr J saying something very similar once. He said "a lot of guys in practice do incredible things. But when the game starts, they play so not to get taken out of the game. They don't want to take chances, look bad to the coach. I dared to be great." Elgin said the same early in this video.

Elgin Baylor = the template for modern basketball. Much respect to the originator.

Rip Legend 😔🙏🏼 One of the most underrated players ever.

To describe Elgin Baylor's game in one word: Beautiful.

I never watched Elgin Baylor when he played, but seeing these highlights makes him look so in control it is ridiculous how great his decision making is and finishing at all points of the court.

Rest In Peace. Elgin Baylor😭😢

Elgin Baylor and Oscar Robertson are probably my two picks for the two most often "unknown" or "overlooked" mega-great legends by many NBA fans under the age of 50 today. Two absolute monsters who changed the game forever.

The film shows the quality of Elgin as a versitile skilled strong swift shooter, defender, passer and rebounder. Additionally, he made teammates better or could be a outstanding match up player. He is co signed by the doctor as the architect of a modern player. You can see the forerunning moves of many past/current stars in his game. Elgin was truly one of the NBA's most gifted players. 👍 A 6'5" 230 dynamic beast of skills.

Before his knee injury, Elgin was as athletic a player as the NBA has ever seen. After the knee injury he was still a great player because he was so skilled.

Would be interesting to see what Elgin would do with the ability to turn the ball over and change directions like they can today. When Baylor played it was called palming the equal to traveling!

Massive props for making this video! Elgin, Oscar, Wilt, Russ, West....all of these guys were so much more mentally and physically tougher than today's candy ass NBA.

in an era of huge dominating centers, Elgin, a forward averaged 20 rebounds a game in 1961, and 19 rebounds a game in 62 before his knee injuries.

Have been watching hoops since 1958 and Baylor is the greatest all around player I have ever seen. Did all facets of the game at an elite level ball handling, defense, scoring, assists, rebounding. In the top 6 or so every year in all those categories. There is no other player who played at that level. all have a weakness in one of those categories, Also the only player aside from Wilt who is in the top nine all time in both scoring and rebounding.

Still hard to comprehend how great Elgin Baylor was. Growing up in Washington, D.C. , him and Dave Bing were 2 of the alltime D,C. legends, and years later , after watching these highlights I am still amazed at how special a talent Baylor truly displayed as he was a transcendent forerunner to generations afterward, and became the prototype for all small forwards that came later. Maybe the best all around superstar ever. No weakness!

I’m glad to see the internet introducing today’s fans to Elgin Baylor. He is the best all around basketball player ever.

The one to start it all respect

I never know who Baylor is until I played 2k13. He got the 3rd best rating for a SF, behind only LeBron and Bird. He was great to play against in CPU. He put up points, rebounding and dunking. So I gotta come here and see for myself if it's true and see who he is. And damn he is the real deal. We all heard of the great players of the 60s and 70s, but this guy's name never came up. Truly an underrated player.

Wow. His footwork and fundamentals were so great. He could drive and dribble both left and right and had great touch. No wonder he's top 50 player.

Saw Elg many times in person at the Forum when I was in high school/college. He was the greatest, most exiting player I have ever seen. No one has his incredible hang time shots. His defense is often ignored but he could steal the ball so easily, especially inbound passes. Yes, if he were playing today he would receive greater attention.

Just think, he's basically the prototype of Lebron James and magic with the ability to play all positions and do anything needed. And without him, THERE WOULDN'T BE LA LAKERS!!

Basketball illiterates likes to say that people like Wilt Chamberlain was only dominant because of his size and strength. And yet a man from the same exact era that was 8 inches shorter than him was 3rd in all time scoring and 4th in all time rebounds when he retired. It show how ignorant and disrespectful so called basketball "fans" are, especially in today's era.

Elgin is my favorite player ever. There is one play I've never seen on replay. In a Feb. 1967 game in LA against Wilt and the 76ers. Somehow it was a total one on one. Wilt was coming up the court late, alone, and Elgin stole the ball from someone, and it was just the two of them, Wilt like a hockey goalie out of the net back down cutting off Elg's way to the basket. After several fake moves, he couldn't get around Wilt, who kept cutting off the angle. Finally, he leaped up, went horizontal, faked a shot directly up and over and flicked the ball high and away ever so slightly toward the right top corner of glass. Too quick for any thinking, I leaped up, right arm extended and let go a roar that seemed a full second before anyone else did. The ball touched high on the backboard and then flicked off downward, angling right through. Swish. Then the crowd erupted. I'd seen enough of Elgin in person in Minneapolis to sense the only move he could make. And I'd seen Wilt and Gene Shue in a similar situation of TV, with Wilt humil.

Youngster's today don't know who Elgin Baylor. Pound for pound the greatest basketball player of all time....

Just looking at these highlights.... definitely was a superstar and yes, ahead of his time massively. Do not forget this man!

This man is the inspiration behind "hang time" stars like Julius Erving and MJ. Jordan himself said that there would be no Michael Jordan without Elgin and Dr. J.

I never seen Baylor played before but looking at these highlights he had major game smooth and always in control

Tremendous footage, thanks for this. Elgin was amazing.

Wore his number 22, patterned my game after his style. Was able to get four year scholarship watching him. Where I live, he is not underrated , ; everybody wanted to be like him. He is one of the greatest. Just awesome!!

His creativity was Incredible u can clearly see his influence in his ability to drive and change the angle and direction of the ball mid air that's been emulated over the years extremely well rounded player

He was the original LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Dr. j, Kobe, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan....could do it all...easily most underrated player of all time

Rip Mr Baylor, thanks for everything

there is so much i do not know.

Baylor was his time’s Lebron; a do it all, freak athlete (for his time), small forward that dominated the game with the combination of strength, incredible finishing ability and next level court vision.

All great players imbue uniqueness. Just watching this clip, I saw Baylor make shots that no one can make...IN A GAME! I met Mr. Baylor once and shook his hand. May I say that my hand disappeared in his hand and I was also surprised at how big a man he is.

It's really a shame that most of us today did not get to experience these greats during their prime. I suppose a highlight reel is as close is it gets. Between Baylor, Oscar Robertson or Connie Hawkins, it's really a shame these guys are forgotten but their highlight reels are such beautiful basketball. These are some great forgotten players that deserve way more recognition in history.

Baylor, like so very many (all?) of his peers, did it ALL without thumping his chest, playing to the cameras, or acting like he'd just won the NBA title when he made a sensational shot...and his terrific scoring before the 3-point rule yet. I "discovered" Elgin Baylor about the time I hit 8th grade in the late 50s, became an instant Baylor fan, and Lakers too because of him. 60 years later I still consider him my favorite all-time NBA player.

Rest in peace Mr. Inside!

Elgin is godfather of Lebron and Dr. J. Best all around player of his time. Legend.

One of, if not the Greatest, Highlight Reels i've ever seen. I've had to watch it a couple of times just to take it all in. Even with the knee injury, the type of surgeries we have in the 21'st Century, he still would have been unstoppable from the 80's to the 2010's. For sure.

I'll never forget watching Elgin back in the day what a STUD💪👍😃

The player who most missed the media coverage of past 20 yrs. Everyone would know of his greatness today if he had been in the recent era.

Rip Legend, one of the best nba players of all time!!!

REST IN PEACE 🙏

I knew Baylor was an all time great scorer and rebounder, but look at some of those passes!! Dude was a complete player.

Have been watching hoops since 1958 and Baylor is the greatest all around player I have ever seen. Did all facets of the game at an elite level ball handling, defense, scoring, assists, rebounding. In the top 6 or so every year in all those categories. There is no other player in NBA history who played at that level. all have a weakness in one of those categories, Also the only player aside from Wilt who is in the top nine all time in both scoring and rebounding. Most exciting player I have ever seen.

Rip hopefully now people wit acknowledge ur greatness💔🙏🏾

All time CLASS HUMAN! I followed him while he attended Seattle University & as a Laker! Rarely saw any NBA games on TV in the 60's ...I remember Lakers always losing to Boston & the hated Celtics & Bill Russell & Co. And Elgin setting records...unstoppable...Truly IRONIC Lakers finally won a championship after he was unable to play...

Elg was my favorite basketball player of all time. I wanted to wear his number, but the Center on my HS team got it first. I settled for number 9 and got to like it. Best wishes, Elg - you were my basketball hero. I worked on that hang shot and scoop of ice cream, and it worked out fine for me. Thanks, Captain (Chickie Babe, too - the greatest sports announcer, ever). Oh, and Elg may be underrated, but not by me - I've watched him since he was a rookie in '58. He's the reason BB is my favorite sport. I tried not to miss any Lakers games back then, but I had to miss some. When I was in the Navy I only caught one Lakers game on AFRS (Armed Forces Radio Service). When I got home after 4 years I was so happy that Elgin was still active. Unfortunately, he missed a lot of games those last two years, but when he did play, he still had that desire and flair. He just loved to play. You know what else? he didn't have a big head; he was very humble, even though he'd kid around a lot. One thing they never mention about Elgin - he missed 2 NBA season because of his Army service.

It's funny that his dad named him after a wrist watch and then he one day be known for his "hang time" on a basketball court...My all time favorite player....

It's sad this is the first highlight I've seen of him. His touch around the basket is the best I've ever seen in my life tbh. His lay up game is insane

Great player. Best i ever saw. Saw him score 61 in game 5 of 1962 finals in Boston. LA won game but lost series in 7. Baylor did this without the 3 pt shot in game yet. Best forward i ever saw play. Great player.

Elgin Baylor would be a superstar today. One of the best, all time, PERIOD! Now he's gone. Never got the respect he deserved. Very sad. And he was a very humble man. One of the GREATS!!!!

I know why you’re here. And it’s why I’m here too. Rip Elgin. The player most similar to Michael Jordan of his era

RIP LEGEND 💪🏾🔥🙏🏾

My goodness look at how fluid he was on the court!

Great players like should never be forgotten.

Gotta love those running one handers off the dribble. Elgin was truly a GREAT one.

Came here to pay my respects! Definitely underrated and does not get his due credit! Trend Setter!

I don't know why everybody always considers him unrated. He was revered by some of the greatest ball players that ever lived, in my opinion that says something about who you are. In fact as a rookie Clyde Frazier said that he got invaluable tutelage from Baylor regarding maintaining his cool or something like that. And also as a rookie Frazier followed Baylor for blocks and blocks through the street of New York to in awe to approach him. Jerry West said that he was not only the best teammate that he ever played with. But that he also was a genuine and classy individual that embraced him as a rookie and took him under his wing. The list goes on and on with accolades and praise from a cavalcade of the greatest that ever donned a pair of sneakers and played basketball at the highest level. Rest in Peace smooth "B" Elgin and I truly and profoundly hope that millennium upon millennium. Through the medium of video tape or whatever else is available at the time. Can watch your amazing and remarkable exploits as I have all these many years because brother you were something else to behold.

The guy had the rebounding stats of a power forward, and could play inside like a PF. But he also could shoot and was an excellent passer. And this guy was one of the best drivers to the basket of his time period. When you add in his moves and hang time, he was simply sensational. In one game he scored 71 points and got 25 rebounds. In 1961-62, while in the service playing part time, he still averaged 38 PPG. In a game in the playoffs that year he scored 61 pts.

Simply put: Lord Elgin is the greatest to ever touch a basketball!

GOAT Period! Baylor is the only player in NBA history who could run and dribble with guards, shoot with anyone, change direction in midair but most significantly rebound with centers. He is the 9th leading rpg player of all time and the 4th leading scorer ppg of all time in a time when there was no 3 pt shot!. He played half his career with calcium deposits in his knees. His first few healthy years he averaged 34 ppg and 16 rebounds-ridiculous numbers. No on else even comes close. When asked about Baylor Bill Russell said "the only way to stop Baylor is with an axe". No one could touch Elgin one on one! Amazing to watch the most exciting player I have ever seen!

I grew up in LA and Elgin Baylor was tied with Jerry West as my favorite players. You coulldn't talk about one without mentioning the other. They complimented each other so well. I recall going to the games, Chic Hearn, the after game interviews. It was so exciting. Elgin is skipped over so often for no treason. My brother and I listened to Chic Hearns radio broadcast of that famous Celtics game.

Elgin needs to be in everyone's top 10. He is a fringe top 5 player in my opinion. Amazing.

Didn't know Baylor's defense was that good. I always learn something new from watching your videos... good job!

Elgin could have been converted to Tight End & played in the NFL. His toughness, soft hands & ability to create separation..., not s doubt in my mind,

I grew up in So Cal in the '60's and Elgin was The Man. He and Jerry West were an incredible duo. But, somehow we would lose seemingly every year to the Celtics in The Finals. I would try to imitate Elgin's moves on the playground with little success. If Elgin could have used the "Euro step", palmed the ball like they do now and not have the hand checking on D used in his era, he could have averaged 50. He was a tremendous player and it's a shame that so many people did not see him play. Thanks for this video.

RIP Mr.Baylor, basketball would not be as amazing as it is today without you.

Man I've always heard of him.. This video is great to see. I love how he spins the ball, and uses it for the reverse lay-up. Very similar to my own game! Unorthodox, but smooth.

The best non-centre to ever play in the NBA. Simply awesome.

I’m still amazed he didn’t win one. He was so influential.

Pretty electrifying watching Baylor get a defensive rebound and torch everyone down the court. Those guys aren't running slow Baylor's just sprinter harder even than an nfl wr today.

If Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell both say you are a top 5 player of all time, then you are without a doubt a top 5 player of all time.

Thanks a lot WCA.....all those guys in the video who said Elgin reminded them (or the other way) of the grace of Dr. J, Jordan, Kobe etc. well I don't see much of Jordan or Kobe tbh. I see Dr. J in the way Elgin changes directions, contorts his body for those reverse layups, up and unders etc. but the one modern player Elgin reminds of is an older version (i.e. current) of Manu Ginobili. The flair, creativity, contortion and body control, the hesitation, the craftiness, the sneaky athleticism, the super quick first step,the crazy circus shots, the passing, the steals/ blocks just the all around game reminds me of Manu.

Thank you for this video. I wouldn't have known until I saw it. How could I? He was everything Dr J and Michael were. Dr. J stated he was his favorite player. This video made me understand. Thanks.

Thank you for posting this! Elgin Baylor never seemed to pop in my mind when I think of the greats, but now I will!

How many people can you name that saved a franchise? There will never be another. #22

Thanks for posting this. My NBA experience started with Dr J as a child. I only had fleeting exposure to Elgin Baylor. About time I got schooled.

Elgin, Jerry, and Oscar were my favorite players when I was a kid. They were all class acts, great teammates, and three of the best plumbers and firemen to ever play the game.

Thanks for doing this video! Very well done. I hope it gets in the feeds of a lot of people who have never heard of him. If they could see all this footage of him playing they’d know how great he was.

Thank you for watching? Thank you for bringing us this video of one of the VERY greatest to ever play.

Kobe Bryant stole the moves of Michael Jordan that stole Dr. J's moves which had been stolen from Elgin Baylor

Rest in Peace G.O.A.T All time favorite Laker of all time Greatest Foward to play the game no question Elgin Baylor

ONE OF THE GREATEST TO EVER HOOP!!!! RIP LEGEND!!!

Today all basketball is teaching young people is how to flop, and that the sport is all about business and not about the game. Elgin Baylor is one of my favorite players of all time. I wish I was born in that era, to watch actual competitive basketball. The only reason I am happy to be born in this era is that I got to watch Kobe Bryant. After Kobe retires I am done watching basketball. Will always support my Toronto Raptors!

without elgin baylor there is no showtime, no shaq and kobe, and no bron and ad RIP to the legend

Although I wasn't around during Elgin Baylor's time, based on what I have seen, I can confidently say that he was on the same level as Magic Johnson in terms of skill and playmaking ability. He is vastly underrated.

Elgin Baylor was from DC and played at the legendary Spingarn High School. I see a few different past great players in Elgin. I see George "Ice Man" Gervin with the finger roll. I see David "Sky Walker" Thompson with the glide and hang time. I see Dr J. with the float in mid air. I see Magic Johnson with the razzle dazzle fast break. I see Michael Jordan with the ability to dominate and score at will. I see Kobe with the incredible jump shot. It seems Elgin, with his style of play, gave birth to modern the day basketball players. I see all these players in Elgin Baylor's style but I don't see anyone who was able to come along later to dribble the ball in the half court like he did.

I believe that Elgin Baylor would be more effective in today's game.

Elgin paved the way for Dr. J who paved the way for Jordan who paved the way for Kobe. It all started here. #Respek

Those of us who watched him play will never forget how much of a marvel he was on the court. Not even one weakness in any facet of the game.

I’m glad somebody did this. My big brothers used to regale us with stories of his stellar feats as my years of eyeing b-ball began a couple years after his retirement. For me, this feast of footage is long overdue-BigPhatThanks👊🏾

Chic Hearn always called Baylor the greatest Laker of all time. That's saying a lot considering all the greats he saw play the game. He passed away before Kobe reached the top of his game, but I doubt if he would have changed his mind.