The Big E — one of the most prolific scorers and rebounders in NBA history.
Elvin Ernest Hayes was born in Rayville, Louisiana in 1945. The San Diego Rockets selected him first overall in 1968. He scored 39,648 career points — fourth on the all-time list. He set the record for games played with 1,303. He won the NBA championship with Washington in 1978. He averaged 21 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. He and Wilt Chamberlain played opposite each other in the 1968 pre-season at the Houston Astrodome in front of 52,693 fans — the largest crowd for a basketball game in history at the time.
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
NBA Champion 1978 (Washington)
Career Honours
- NBA Champion 1978 (Washington)
- All-Star 12x
- Hall of Fame 1990