American · Rayville, Louisiana · Born 17 November 1945American basketball player known as 'The Big E', dominant power forward/center who scored over 27,000 NBA points and grabbed 16,000+ rebounds.
Elvin Hayes scored 39 points against Lew Alcindor and UCLA in the 1968 'Game of the Century' at the Houston Astrodome — a performance in front of 52,000 fans that announced one of the most complete big men the game had seen and foreshadowed a career that would produce more than 27,000 points and 16,000 rebounds.. He led the NBA in scoring as a rookie and topped the league in rebounding on two occasions. Hayes, nicknamed "The Big E," moved with the Rockets franchise to Houston before being traded to the Baltimore (later Washington) Bullets in 1972, where he formed a dominant frontcourt with Wes Unseld. The pairing delivered the franchise's only NBA championship in 1978, with Hayes appearing in a finals rematch and eventual triumph the following year as well. Hayes earned 12 All-Star selections and three All-NBA First Team honours across a 16-year career, finishing with more than 27,000 points and 16,000 rebounds — figures that still rank among the highest in NBA history. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990, and had his No. 11 retired by both the Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets, one of the few players honoured by two different franchises.
Dominant power forward/center known for his turnaround jump shot and rebounding
How They Played
Physical post player with excellent mid-range shooting and strong rebounding
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, consistent scorer and rebounder
Career Honours
- NBA Champion 1978 (Washington)
- All-Star 12x
- Hall of Fame 1990
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego/Houston Rockets | 1968–1972 | 328 |
| Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets | 1972–1981 | 731 |
| Houston Rockets | 1981–1984 | 244 |
American Athletes