FanPost

The most underrated NBA legend

Originally published at Truth & Konsequences

I'd like to extend a happy belated birthday to Lakers legend Elgin Baylor. The Los Angeles Lakers helped Elgin Baylor celebrate his 80th birthday last Sunday at Staples Center. Although the Lakers were run off of their own home floor, a ceremony honoring Baylor provided an opportunity for everyone to take their mind off of the game.

Baylor is perhaps the most underrated player in NBA history. When speaking of the greats, the Jordans and Magics are almost always brought up. Nobody forgets to mention the Kareems, Russells, and Chamberlains in a "GOAT" debate. Yet almost nobody brings up Elgin Baylor's name.

Playing in the same time period (behind a huge shadow) as Wilt Chamberlain, a lot of Elgin Baylor's numbers have likely been ignored, not necessarily intentional. In twelve full seasons (out of 14), Baylor averaged 27.6 PPG and 13.6 RPG as a 6'5 small forward. Only one of those seasons was he not an All-Star.

Unfortunately for Baylor, a championship eluded him his entire career. From the Lakers' second year in Los Angeles in 1962 all the way to Baylor's final full season in 1970, the Lakers made the Finals an astounding seven times. Six of those times, the Lakers led by Jerry West and Elgin Baylor ran into Bill Russell's Celtics teams, leaving with a loss each time. Had it not been for the emotional and motivational boost provided Willis Reed's infamous tunnel walk in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals, Baylor might have a championship under his belt.

Knee problems that had been lingering since Baylor's sixth season had caused him to sit all but two games in 1970-71, and only allowed him to play in nine games during 1971-72. He retired from active competition after those nine games, and was unactive for the Lakers' championship run at the end of the season.

Perhaps the greatest player in NBA history to never have won a championship, it's important that we appreciate him for the player that he was, as we'll likely never see another talent of his caliber again.