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My son had a burn when I was in the military and Elgin Baylor helped take care of him at madigan hospital in Tacoma Washington in 1961 while he was in the army.
The young folks have no clue about Elgin or Wilt. Two of the best players EVER! Wilt is my Goat and Elgin is probably a top 15 player if not higher. He was certainly way ahead of his time.
I am so glad the great Elgin Baylor picked Bill Russel. What a great assessment of Russell. I grew up in the 60's in Southern California. We hated Russell and the Celtics. They handed us our ass year in and year out. They crushed our will. If the Celtics with Bird had Russell, not even the Magic led Lakers could beat them. Russell would destroy LeBron James. Russell is the GOAT. I know Magic was a straight up winner. Much better than James or anybody else in the last30 to 40 years, excluding Bird, but Russell was even more of a winner. 11 NBA championships. Dann near caused me to have a complex.
I absolutely love this man. Mr Baylor sent kids from the Projects to summer sport camp for a week, free of charge. This is when I failed in love with the game of basketball! Also, I played against his son Alan, everyday at Fairfax High!, great times!
As I like to say, Elgin taught us all how to play in mid-air. Many great ballplayers came off DC’s playgrounds and schools. #22, Spingarn HS, floats at the top!
A.D. and the guy who broke UCLA’s streak, Austin Carr: John Austin, Bernie Williams, John Thompson, Bobby Lewis, Fred Hetzel, who all go pretty far back.
My brothers high school, he won a letter for track and field, it ws beautiful kelly green and gold. Don't forget Dave Bing. We saw Elgin talking to Wilt at an outdoor summer league game, D.C. boys vs NYC boys. Damn Wilt was huge, a real aircraft carrier, Elgin was no slouch either. Anyway a tall slim guy got the ball about 15 feet from the hoop, at the base line, did something sooo smoothe and quick, a couple fakes, spun to the hoop and layed it up and in, we saw Wilt and Elgins reactions, my father looked at us and said SO THATS THE GREAT CONNIE HAWKINS, BOY IS COVERED IN HONEY AND BUTTER. Hawkins did that several times, seemed to be unstopable. Great memories. Cheers Champ.
When I started playing basketball at 15 years old in high school I became a Laker fan and Elgin was and still is my favorite player of all time. I guess because the game was so new to me and I was just learning the game and Elgin brought me more excitement and joy to me than any player since then. I also had the extreme pleasure of watching the Lakers play an intra-squad game at my high school in 1965. It was actually a fund raiser for Gail Goodrich’s Poly HS’s football field lights. They used our gym because back then it held the biggest capacity in the area, maybe even in the city, not sure. I also read Elgin’s autobiography “Hang Time”, very interesting and entertaining! Thanks for the memories Elgin. RIP.
Thank you for this! Elgin Baylor made his 61 points in the playoffs in regulation time. I love how he recognized and reminded the listeners that there was and is more to a Great player that scoring and in mere stats in general.
Elgin is right there with Larry and LeBron as the top forwards of All Time. Respect to Dr J, Barry, Durant and even Havlicek. But Elgin laid the blueprint. And even today his accomplishments stack up with anyone. The style, the versatility, dominance. He set the standard for all-around play in the relatively early era of the league.
When I was growing up in 1950/60s the best players were Bob Pettit, Baylor, West, Oscar, Russell. Russell stood out above everyone. He was INTIMIDATING. I watched what he did to the offense.
Grew up watching Elgin on TV in LA. During a game at MSG in NY, toward the end of his career, Elgin drove the basket, spun, hung in the air as he was able to do, and just missed the shot as he was fouled. Fans gave him a standing ovation - for a missed shot. I went to the park later, and kids were trying to emulate his shot on the court.
Elgin was the first modern player. He could shoot from outside, drive the hoop, rebound, pass the ball and block shots at the other end. He had a special gift.
I have been watching the NBA since 67 - the year the sixers won - Russell was the greatest player I ever saw or ever will. His will to win was just nuts. Forget stats (though he has plenty) he played like a force of nature, just a cosmic explosion disguised as a basketball player. He was so good it was weird.
Would double like if I could. A lot of people have no idea who Elgin Baylor is or was these days... but him recognising Russell in this way, and explaining why he was the greatest in the way he did adds a lot of weight to the argument. Elgin would know. The Lakers suffered years and years of heartache against the Celtics during his time. Elgin suffered the most... but always showed class, and always has since.
I was in the Army at Fort Sill United States Army post North of Lawton, Oklahoma in 1959. I was sitting on the ground taking a break and looked over at the other soldiers sitting there. I could not believe my eyes when I saw Elgin Baylor sitting there. We were taking Army training at the same time at Fort Sill. Elgin was one the greatest forwards that ever played the game. Thanks for the video.
Great to see Elgin is still around. I loved his play as a great Laker team. He hat great inside moves, before dunking and 3 point shot seemed to be everything. He had such a way to keep the team moving with picks. I miss that style of play. As Chick Hearn would would say, "faked him out of the popcorn machine.
You got me to subscribe because of this interview. I associate Elgin Baylor with the turning point in professional basketball. His rookie season (I, not 78, was starting high school basketball in rural Southern Illinois. I watch the St. Louis Hawks, whose leading player was a perpetual All-Star & considered one of the best NBA players. He was out of LSU, a classic box-out, rebound, and score on short jumpers or rebounds. He was selected the co-recipient of MVP of the All-Star game that year. The other recipient was a rookie with the L.A. Lakers: Elgin Baylor. I was inspired by BAYLOR, who was so strong, so athletic, so unstoppable. He rebounded; he drove the ball past all the other stars, brought strength and a vertical not identified in most NBA players of the era. Yes, Wilt and Russell brought size and athleticism (I loved Bill Russell’s play more than any NBA player, but I was mesmerized by the way Baylor brought a view of the future of the NBA: athleticism, speed, size, and skills beyond the imagination of most of us. He and other men of color inspired the next generations of basketball players, introducing the athleticism on the court that we stand in awe of. I sat on the floor at a Lakers’ game probably 10 or 15 years ago. On TV I could identify moves that I had learned, had used; sitting court side, I recognized the speed, the poetry of the superior athlete, one who faces quickness I could not have comprehended until I sat within touching distance, and still soars, glides,elevates, and does the impossible. Since so many now share such superior qualities, we tend to think it is just basketball. It is not; it a sport of men with such physical skills, all honed to the ridge of the impossible…and I can only admire the awesome scene (which we can miss because most teams have numerous players with skills we mere mortals cannot experience.
People forget that in addition to being the greatest defensive player of all time (and averaging 17 a game and getting 22 rebounds and assists) that Russell played the 5 as a world class athlete, sprinter and high hurdles. THEN start talking about how smart and how competitive and how proud this man was? People who argue against William Felton Russell being the GOAT simply have no recognition for how much winning is important. NOT Rucker park globetrotter stuff. Won the California HS championship and the NCAA twice at little San Fran U and won the GOLD MEDAL for the US where he was the back up on the high hurdles as well as Basketball. Then he played 13 seasons and was in the playoffs every year and lost ONE playoff series. Read that again. 11 out of 13 and one of them Russell's ankle was broke for game 7 so he could not play. The man lost ONE playoff series in 13 years of playoffs.
Elgin was one of the best in his day, a great talent who contributed in all areas of the game. Auerbach complimented Satch Sanders for the great job he did holding Elgin to 61 points in that game against the Celtics. No kidding Baylor was that good!
Elgin Baylor had the greatest volume scoring performance in playoff history. 61 points in 4 quarters regulation in a finals win. Don't let anyone fool you into thinking 63 points in a double overtime loss inside of getting 1st round swept was better.
Don't forget the 22 rebounds, along with the 61 points. MJ could never, and the media likes to embellish and perpetuate that nigga's career, still to this day.
I miss men of this style, grace, character and integrity. The man served his country while playing only on weekends during the 61-62 season, and averaged 38.3pts, 18.6rebs and 4.6 asts as a 6ft 5inch small forward. That's just crazy.
Elgin baylor is one of the greatest player in his era. He is great rebounder good defender and scorer but je never considers himself great. Humble despite his achievements
Agree with Elgin here. My top 3 in any order would be Russell, Wilt, Kareem before taking a player like MJ or Bron to start a winning team. Even Phil Jackson takes Russell over MJ, which says it all right there.
@@tommyrawlings3046 He did struggle with foul shots and it probably did cost him titles against the Celtics but I wouldn’t exactly call him a selfish loser. He was a great player.
@tommyrawlings3046 Well Russel only shot 56% and Shaq only averaged 53% from the free throw line and no one ever makes the same claim that these low shooting percentages “cost them games and/or titles and were selfish players”.
Wilt averaged 30.1 pts per game for his career, 22.9 rebounds per game 4.4 assists per game .540 FG % .511 FT% ......................... Russell averaged 15.1 pts per game 22.5 rebounds per game 4.3 assists per game .440 FG% .561 FT% ........................... Russell and Wilt played against each other 94 times in the NBA. Here are their stats "head to head". Bill: 14.2 pts per game, 22.9 rebounds per game, 4.4 assists per game. Wilt: 29.9 pts per game, 28.1 rebounds per game, 3.8 assists per game. ......................................................................................................................... In other words, Wilt pretty much dominated the stats. Bill dominated in the rings. Bill played on better teams.
I'm so happy to hear Baylor say what he said about Russell and his impact on wins and losses on the Celtics. The two longest losing streaks of the the Russell era Celtics is a four game losing streak in 1962 and a five game losing streak in 1969. Russell missed all of those games with an injury. Also, Russell lost one NBA Finals in his career, and that was 1959. Russell got injured and missed nearly half of the Finals due to his injury.
Not only was Elgin extremely skilled - he just comported himself in a very classy way. Elgin and Jerry West, two of the most complete players ever, made professional basketball on the West Coast. My first game, Lakers versus Royals. I saw Elgin, Jerry, and Wilt. How lucky am I?
One of the greatest shots that I had ever seen was when Elgin drove to the basket against Bill Russell who was clearly going to block his shot only he did a 360 spin and laid the ball in.
Big Laker fan in the late 50's into the 70's. Many frustrating loses to the Celtics. Elgin Baylor and Jerry West were my favorites. I liked Elgin Baylor's response to the question put to him about racism. "I don't think about it".
For the young bloods. Steph Curry is a great player, top 15-20 all time. Steph broke Wilt’s Warriors all time scoring record in Steph’s 13th season , quite a feat. Thing is young bloods, Wilt only played five and a half seasons with the Warriors. Another thing. If a player has a 30 point 20 rebound game nowadays it’s the lead story on ESPN. Happens only a couple times a season, some years it doesn’t happen once. Wilt AVERAGED 30/20 for his career. His average game, when he was just average, 30/20. Only reason he’s second and not the goat is Bill Russell is.Russell played 13 seasons, 11 chips, only reason it’s not 12 is he had a high ankle sprain during the playoffs, couldn’t walk. Kareem and his 6 MVPs and 6 chips is third. Michael fourth. Sorry LeBron, Mount Rushmore pi’s full. I’m not sure Kobe isn’t a head of you anyway. Basketball didn’t start in 1984.
EXACTLY. There's a reason why Russell won 11 championships. He's the best, & he was pitted against the best. Baylor, Chamberlain and West couldn't do much to alter Russell's victories.
I'm no longer an NBA fan but I had a feeling Elgin might pick Bill Russell. Those Russell/Auerbach Celtics championships were a thing to behold - especially to a young Red Sox fan. They just seemed to win ALL the time.
Basketball is a team sport and obviously the object of the game is to win. Statistics will help you identify players with great talents but great talents do not always add up to victories in the game. Give me the player who helps the team win. Bill Russell was a player who towers above others in helping his team win. He does not have the best stats but he has the best winning record. That's what everyone should want. It reminds me of the baseball coach who said of a player "he can't run, he can't hit, he can't throw--all he can do is beat you.". Russell wasn't the best offensive player--all he could do is beat you. That's what the game is all about.
He had a number of HOF teammates and a HOF GM/ Head Coach. I think that had a lot to do with his success. He was the perfect center for those Celtic teams and he was as important to their success as they were to his. That doesn't make him the GOAT. That makes him an All-Time Great and someone to be admired !
@@josephyodiceyodice5990you overstate case on team mates. Wilt had West and Baylor but lost overwhelmingly to Cs Ill go with Baylor and Phil Jackson s calling Russ maybe the GOAT Cousy Hondo. Sam jones NOT heads and shoulders above many other players
@@malcolmdouglasjr2178 When Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell both played in the NBA, in their prime, Chamberlain was All - NBA First Team CENTER 7x and Russell 2x. If that doesn't tell you who was the better player, I don't know what could. You know Ted Williams, Ernie Banks, Dan Marino, Elgin Baylor, and a few other All -Time Greats never won a Championship; but that doesn't diminish their stature in their sports. In a team sport it takes multiple players, coaches, and even executives to win a Title and no one man is responsible for winning; especially, winning repeat- edly. Russell was vital to the Celtics success; but so was Red Auerbach and a lot of really excellent players. He was Great but, I think, Chamberlain was, clearly, The Greatest !
@@malcolmdouglasjr2178 btw. Chamberlain, West and Baylor only played together against Russell's Celtics in one Finals series,1969. It went to 7 games and the Celtics eked out Game 7 by two points. OVERWHELMING .... I don't think so ! WEST won the MVP of the series; from the losing team (NOT Russell). Havlicek was Boston's Best player(NOT Russell). Russell, in his last Finals ever, was outscored and outre - bounded by Chamberlain; (who was only two years younger). He was NOT the main reason the Celtics beat Chamberlain, West and Baylor ! His HOF team - mates were !!
E. Baylor, the all time “Super Chief”. Seattle U had some great players back in the day. Bill Russel gets my vote for GOAT too. His team beat a lot of great teams to win those championships.
Baylor played at a time when palming/carrying the ball on every dribble was a violation. Just look at old videos of Baylor, West, Cousy, etc. dribbling. The ball goes straight down from the palm of the hand that is facing the floor, not sideways, or even facing a little up.
Saw this story many years ago, Elgin coulda been one of the players in the story. So the story is many many years ago, All Star game, 2 seconds left in the first half. Cousy and (posssibly Baylor) Cousy flings the ball one second left in the half, from half court, Swish!! All net! He says to the opponent, “You never could play defense‼️” Still gets a chuckle from me today!
Russell is probably the greatest defensive player and defensive rebounder of all time and the greatest teammate and winner of all time. Wilt is still in my opinion the greatest player of all time. Now, he didn’t win nearly as many titles because he didn’t play with a full team of hall of players throughout his career like Russell did. Given the same teammates and the conversation about number of championships would likely be different.
@@warren5699 to top that off Russell was vary arguably the greatest defensive player ever and no worse than a top 5 rebounder ever. The amazing thing with the 11 chips is that Russell was the only main common denominator during them. He won 1 without Sam Jones, he won multiple without Cousy, and he won 2 without Red as coach being the coach himself while playing.
@@BulletBill-yb3tiand it's sad it's tough to convince some viewers to realize this. They say "well Russell joined a good team. He didn't have to score that much." And there's definitely truth in that. But they didn't win anything till he got there, I don't believe they ever made it to the finals. And once he did they almost never relinquished it. Aside from Havlicek and Sam Jones, the others' were good or complimentary players. Yes Cousy and Sharman were outstanding, but they were only there for like 5 to 6 years after Bill arrived. After that it was Havlicek , Sam and Bill. And role players.
The thing is he would be a thousand percent correct if it was individual sport like tennis but it’s not. So deciding who is the best player ever in a team sport you can’t just go on number of championships.
@@Amick44 The he did not have score much narrative is flawed. Russell actually lead the Celtics in playoff scoring once and finals scoring twice in title runs. He had 30 pts to go along with 40 rebounds and shot over 80% from the FT line in Game 7 of the 1962 NBA Finals versus the Lakers on April 18, 1962. If that's not showing up when most needed I don't know what is. So while he was not a mega elite scoring machine he could pick it up when needed. He was elite at everything else including facilitating as he initiated the fast break and is 4th all time in center assists in season and 1st all time in center assists in the playoffs. In many less games than 2 of the 3 ahead of him in season and the other is Jokic who certainly has higher offensive usage than what Russell had. Plus, I ask people who knock his scoring: what playoff series did his team lose because of his lack of scoring? They never have an answer for that. Because 1 series they lost he was injured mid way of it. The only other series is 1967 vs peak Wilt and as first year coach - player. He did not lose any other series.
I have been watching the NBA since 1968-69. To say that Bill Russell is the GOAT is ludicrous and insanity. Bill Russell was surrounded by offensive players, and he was offensively challenged. He had no jump shot whatsoever. He got his points on hook shots,lay ups, put backs,lobs and free throws. He played great defense though. My GOAT is overwhelming Michael Jordan. Jordan won 10 consecutive scoring titles, and may have won 12 consecutive scoring titles if he didn't get bored and leave the NBA for 2 seasons to play MLB. He was also a 9 time first team defensive player, though he missed several seasons. Jordan may have won 8 consecutive NBA championships, if he didn't leave to play baseball for 2 seasons. He 3peated before he left, and 3peated again as soon as he came back. He was also a 6 time NBA champion, and he was the MVP in all 6 of his championships,which never went 7 games. He shot over 80 percent from the charity line. He is the NBA greatest closer. Jordan played with no great center, nor no great point guard. I REST MY CASE !
I have been watching the NBA since 67 - the year the sixers won - Russell was the greatest player I ever saw or ever will. His will to win was just nuts. Forget stats (though he has plenty) he played like a force of nature, just a cosmic explosion disguised as a basketball player. He was so good it was weird.
We don't do no what-if's, and 11 defensive win-shares is arguably more valuable than 10 scoring titles, and the Finals is named in his honor for a reason. Undefeated in all 10 game 7s either at home or on the road, and even repeated as player/head coach, which MJ could never fathom of doing.
Elgin knows a bit about bb. Played against some of the greatest, was one of the greatest, and he just affirms what I've said for years: Bill Russell was, is & will be #1 for many, many, more decades
MJ, Kobe, Kareem,Bird, Magic, then LeBron the stat padder Elgin said Lebron is the only one who can play all 5 positions. I guess he forgot about Magic’s first championship.
Russell and his legacy will never be matched. He made others better. All those championships. 11 of 13. He had one of the greatest coaches. He coached a few years even as he played. He played with many HOFers. He was the ultimate team player. Some players had better stats. Better athletic skills. Higher scoring. And on and on but one. RINGS and TITLES. Boston Bill #1.
When I growing up there five elite players and until Kareem, Bird, Dr. J. and MJ: Russell, Wilt, Elgin, Oscar, West. No one was in that class. No one. Thethought of playing at Baylor's level was unthinkable for those young buck trying to learn the game. The same for the rest. Remember West's shot against the Knicks. DeBusschere fainted.
@@tonypassaretti How is being a 5-time MVP and the Finals MVP named in his honor not considered the best? The Celtics couldn't win anything until he got there, and missed the playoffs the season after he retired. Besides, everything isn't about strictly scoring the basketball
The guys playing today simply don’t compare. It’s a different game. The guys from Baylor era would thrive today. Half of the players today wouldn’t make it in the league back then.
I can’t believe that Elgin Baylor is still alive! When I was a kid growing up in the 1960’s, he was one of the greatest players! Glad that he is so honest! I was a Celtics fan then. Both Jerry West and Elgin Baylor were great and worthy opponents. But the Celtics always beat them! I am sorry for the racism and bigotry that Elgin Baylor faced at the University of Seattle. But I agree with Baylor: The Celtics would have NEVER won their Championships without Bill Russell! As they say, the proof is in the pudding: Russell won 11 NBA Titles, Wilt Chamberlain 1! Who was the better player, or, should I say, the best player in NBA history?
Don’t to just love the interviewer race bating Elgin Baylor - great response - race issues while playing ball didn’t cross my mind - I played basketball
Met him twice, 2nd time he asked me about what beer to buy in Santa Monica Grocery store. He had shrunk, and I grew. 1st time in Watts 1965, at an affair, 2nd near Beverly Hills Vons grocery store, as he browsed the brews. How funny, me a wanna (be (Venice Beach) hoopster, chatting with, and next to a highlight film. I was in college, and I told him, get the dinger, that is tops, after remarking on his stature and an eye to eye level 2nd meeting, I was a rare beer drinker, obviously he also, took off, and me, being a Gospel worker, obviously cannot engage much booze. Physicality never needed pride (taunting and cursing like an animal, current profile of athletes), obviously a classic old school soul brother, content to let God take care of racist in the midst, and let God do His work, leave space for God to judge men. Take advantage of joy today, and the family of God. Not gonna ruin my joy today, focus on negative people and their problems. Old school black folks I was raised with, educated minded, kind to all, and most notable, classy, self controlled, meek, focused on enjoying now, as I lived in my youth, in the hood, withthe friends of mine, my home boys, classy black folk, kind to all, like Mr. Baylor, exemplary negroes of no real color, colorless, and happy because of it/Jeremiah has spoken
Bill Eussell and Wilt . Put them on a coin, flip it, either one comes up is the greatest of all time, Jordan not in the conversation. Jordan is the most hyped , greatest merchandise salesman of the game , that’s it. Good defender too.
Elgin, Wilt Chamberlin and Jerry West are Laker Royalty... ...Unfortunately this interviewer failed to research that Donald Sterling owned the Clippers.
Don't get me wrong Russell is phenomenal,most likely the greatest defender ever & second greatest rebounder to Wilt,but it is certainly much easier to concentrate on that when you don't have responsibility to lead a team offensively.Russell averaged 15 points a game at 44% in the regular season & 16 points a game at 43% in the playoffs.Subpar.
It's always hard to compare eras, it's always hard to compare elite players directly, and statistics seem to give us some tangible defining points. A few observations, though: 1. it being easier to focus on defense when you don't have to lead a team offensively is a 2 ways street, the offensive players on the Celtics I'm sure were saying that to themselves, imagine the improvement in individual and collective offensive mindset when you have most likely the greatest defender ever on your team. 2. In an era where so many more players played with only one tor two teams in their entire career, a player might say to himself "this team has a good amount of offensive players, I am going to dedicate all my practice energy to improving as a defensive player every day until I stop playing, because that's what this team needs the most to win". So: I could imagine a Bill Russell not spending as much time on offensive skills as he might have if he had been with another team (and, of course, it helped to have a genius general manager working with you for your career). What makes this argument feasible is that in the ultimate statistic, winning, Russell won SO DAMN MUCH!. Additionally, whenever Russell was out by way of injury, the team didn't win much. One other thing to remember: Russell in college was rated the 7th best High Jumper in the world, also competed in the 440. Everyone talks about Chamberlain being incredibly athletic (which he was!), but a good argument could be made for Russell being equally (or more) athletic.
Just so you all know, I have another TH-cam page called Michael Jordan fans are the worst sports fans of all time. Please subscribe to the page. This is the link to the page - www.youtube.com/@michaeljordanfansaretheworst
Well I think those who call MJ fans the worst fans... should communicate with the MJ fans that KNOW basketball...
@@mariohannon4665Ok well if you find one who does please let them know that they can go on my program.
@@universegalaxyuniversegalaxy lol I'm 1!!
@@mariohannon4665 Ok graet. You're welcoem to go on the progarm. So do you mind emailing me your number so I can call you up?
What happened to the big Liberal? As all Libs are, you're a complete hypocrite. Better be careful, one of your Lib buds may come and kick your a-s-s.
RIP Elgin. Thank you for your service to our country. And for being one of the greatest legends in NBA history . You are sorely missed.
Elgin was one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA
My son had a burn when I was in the military and Elgin Baylor helped take care of him at madigan hospital in Tacoma Washington in 1961 while he was in the army.
The young folks have no clue about Elgin or Wilt. Two of the best players EVER! Wilt is my Goat and Elgin is probably a top 15 player if not higher. He was certainly way ahead of his time.
Elgin could play in ANY era in. my opinion!
Wilt is my GOAT too
Define young
@@okodi30's and under
I am so glad the great Elgin Baylor picked Bill Russel. What a great assessment of Russell. I grew up in the 60's in Southern California. We hated Russell and the Celtics. They handed us our ass year in and year out. They crushed our will. If the Celtics with Bird had Russell, not even the Magic led Lakers could beat them. Russell would destroy LeBron James. Russell is the GOAT. I know Magic was a straight up winner. Much better than James or anybody else in the last30 to 40 years, excluding Bird, but Russell was even more of a winner. 11 NBA championships. Dann near caused me to have a complex.
I absolutely love this man. Mr Baylor sent kids from the Projects to summer sport camp for a week, free of charge. This is when I failed in love with the game of basketball! Also, I played against his son Alan, everyday at Fairfax High!, great times!
As I like to say, Elgin taught us all how to play in mid-air. Many great ballplayers came off DC’s playgrounds and schools. #22, Spingarn HS, floats at the top!
Adrian Dantley? Too?
A.D. and the guy who broke UCLA’s streak, Austin Carr: John Austin, Bernie Williams, John Thompson, Bobby Lewis, Fred Hetzel, who all go pretty far back.
My brothers high school, he won a letter for track and field, it ws beautiful kelly green and gold. Don't forget Dave Bing. We saw Elgin talking to Wilt at an outdoor summer league game, D.C. boys vs NYC boys. Damn Wilt was huge, a real aircraft carrier, Elgin was no slouch either. Anyway a tall slim guy got the ball about 15 feet from the hoop, at the base line, did something sooo smoothe and quick, a couple fakes, spun to the hoop and layed it up and in, we saw Wilt and Elgins reactions, my father looked at us and said SO THATS THE GREAT CONNIE HAWKINS, BOY IS COVERED IN HONEY AND BUTTER. Hawkins did that several times, seemed to be unstopable. Great memories. Cheers Champ.
@@taylorwMarkelle Fultz too?
When I started playing basketball at 15 years old in high school I became a Laker fan and Elgin was and still is my favorite player of all time. I guess because the game was so new to me and I was just learning the game and Elgin brought me more excitement and joy to me than any player since then. I also had the extreme pleasure of watching the Lakers play an intra-squad game at my high school in 1965. It was actually a fund raiser for Gail Goodrich’s Poly HS’s football field lights. They used our gym because back then it held the biggest capacity in the area, maybe even in the city, not sure. I also read Elgin’s autobiography “Hang Time”, very interesting and entertaining! Thanks for the memories Elgin. RIP.
Thank you for this! Elgin Baylor made his 61 points in the playoffs in regulation time.
I love how he recognized and reminded the listeners that there was and is more to a Great player that scoring and in mere stats in general.
no 3 pt shots
Wilt had the stats, Bill had the rings.
**** The playgrounds in DC hosted incredible talent, especially Turkey Thicket in NE.
That was when over 50 was a legitimate rarity. Other than Wilt's 100, 61 points was an incredulous number.
Elgin was one of the greatest players ever, and obviously very smart too.
Elgin is right there with Larry and LeBron as the top forwards of All Time. Respect to Dr J, Barry, Durant and even Havlicek. But Elgin laid the blueprint. And even today his accomplishments stack up with anyone. The style, the versatility, dominance. He set the standard for all-around play in the relatively early era of the league.
When I was growing up in 1950/60s the best players were Bob Pettit, Baylor, West, Oscar, Russell. Russell stood out above everyone. He was INTIMIDATING. I watched what he did to the offense.
@@babyboomer9560 Chamberlain dominated Russell. But Bill's team was loaded with great plyers, unlike Wilt.
22...Awesome! Thanks Elgin...YOU'RE the best!
Grew up watching Elgin on TV in LA. During a game at MSG in NY, toward the end of his career, Elgin drove the basket, spun, hung in the air as he was able to do, and just missed the shot as he was fouled. Fans gave him a standing ovation - for a missed shot. I went to the park later, and kids were trying to emulate his shot on the court.
Thanks for this, not sure i have ever seen an Elgin Baylor interview....great insight by him.
Elgin was the first modern player. He could shoot from outside, drive the hoop, rebound, pass the ball and block shots at the other end. He had a special gift.
I have been watching the NBA since 67 - the year the sixers won - Russell was the greatest player I
ever saw or ever will. His will to win was just nuts. Forget stats (though he has plenty) he played like a
force of nature, just a cosmic explosion disguised as a basketball player. He was so good it was weird.
Russ super IQ. INTANGIBLES!
Would double like if I could. A lot of people have no idea who Elgin Baylor is or was these days... but him recognising Russell in this way, and explaining why he was the greatest in the way he did adds a lot of weight to the argument.
Elgin would know. The Lakers suffered years and years of heartache against the Celtics during his time. Elgin suffered the most... but always showed class, and always has since.
I saw Baylor and West coming down the court as a kid in Minneapolis🙏
I was in the Army at Fort Sill United States Army post North of Lawton, Oklahoma in 1959. I was sitting on the ground taking a break and looked over at the other soldiers sitting there. I could not believe my eyes when I saw Elgin Baylor sitting there. We were taking Army training at the same time at Fort Sill. Elgin was one the greatest forwards that ever played the game. Thanks for the video.
I'm going with Wilt Chamberlain as the GOAT
Yes, Wilt is and always will be the GOAT.
Yes!..Wilt is da GOAT!-absolutely no question about it!..
My choice also, even as a Bull's fan when MJ won 6 rings.
Funny how only people who pick Wilt were not around when he played. Guys that were around in the league at that time want Russell.
@@reggiecleveland you don't know shit about me pussy. Stop it.
Thanks Elgin much respect ! Bill Russell 👍🏼 BIG Wilt the Stilt 👍🏼 God Bless great men like Mr Baylor ! B-Ball is really insignificant !
The small forward position in the NBA, can be defined by the 3 B's. Bird, Barry and Baylor. One of the greatest ever.....🏀
Don't forget Doc😮
@@NeutronS9 The Doctor was more of a swingman, but you're absolutely right....
If ! the three point shot was in play during the Jerry West era. They would still be chasing the great Jerry West. " Enough Said)
@@robertspiller7093 Well, Jerry was a Guard. But to your point, maybe Pete Maravich as well......
Elgin was probably the first player that was responsible for “hang time”. It seemed to come naturally to him. What a lovely sight to behold.
He wrote a brilliant autobiography. So many traumatic experiences. But also great humor. And great insight.
Baylor is a great man strong will and educated man!👏👏
Great to see Elgin is still around. I loved his play as a great Laker team. He hat great inside moves, before
dunking and 3 point shot seemed to be everything. He had such a way to keep the team moving with picks.
I miss that style of play. As Chick Hearn would would say, "faked him out of the popcorn machine.
Unfortunately he passed away in 2021. RIP.
You got me to subscribe because of this interview. I associate Elgin Baylor with the turning point in professional basketball. His rookie season (I, not 78, was starting high school basketball in rural Southern Illinois. I watch the St. Louis Hawks, whose leading player was a perpetual All-Star & considered one of the best NBA players. He was out of LSU, a classic box-out, rebound, and score on short jumpers or rebounds. He was selected the co-recipient of MVP of the All-Star game that year. The other recipient was a rookie with the L.A. Lakers: Elgin Baylor. I was inspired by BAYLOR, who was so strong, so athletic, so unstoppable. He rebounded; he drove the ball past all the other stars, brought strength and a vertical not identified in most NBA players of the era. Yes, Wilt and Russell brought size and athleticism (I loved Bill Russell’s play more than any NBA player, but I was mesmerized by the way Baylor brought a view of the future of the NBA: athleticism, speed, size, and skills beyond the imagination of most of us. He and other men of color inspired the next generations of basketball players, introducing the athleticism on the court that we stand in awe of. I sat on the floor at a Lakers’ game probably 10 or 15 years ago. On TV I could identify moves that I had learned, had used; sitting court side, I recognized the speed, the poetry of the superior athlete, one who faces quickness I could not have comprehended until I sat within touching distance, and still soars, glides,elevates, and does the impossible. Since so many now share such superior qualities, we tend to think it is just basketball. It is not; it a sport of men with such physical skills, all honed to the ridge of the impossible…and I can only admire the awesome scene (which we can miss because most teams have numerous players with skills we mere mortals cannot experience.
Thank you
People forget that in addition to being the greatest defensive player of all time (and averaging 17 a game and getting 22 rebounds and assists) that Russell played the 5 as a world class athlete, sprinter and high hurdles. THEN start talking about how smart and how competitive and how proud this man was? People who argue against William Felton Russell being the GOAT simply have no recognition for how much winning is important. NOT Rucker park globetrotter stuff. Won the California HS championship and the NCAA twice at little San Fran U and won the GOLD MEDAL for the US where he was the back up on the high hurdles as well as Basketball. Then he played 13 seasons and was in the playoffs every year and lost ONE playoff series. Read that again. 11 out of 13 and one of them Russell's ankle was broke for game 7 so he could not play. The man lost ONE playoff series in 13 years of playoffs.
Love this dude.
I'm old enough to have watched his entire pro career.
Russell’s strategies and mind games were next level. Cerebral.
We should all have his attitude as expressed by his answer to the question @1:20.
Elgin was one of the best in his day, a great talent who contributed in all areas of the game. Auerbach complimented Satch Sanders for the great job he did holding Elgin to 61 points in that game against the Celtics. No kidding Baylor was that good!
One could easily choose Elgin as the greatest player ever.
I love Elgin. I am disgusted with the interviewer trying to turn it into a discussion about racism instead of honoring his career.
Elgin Baylor had the greatest volume scoring performance in playoff history.
61 points in 4 quarters regulation in a finals win.
Don't let anyone fool you into thinking 63 points in a double overtime loss inside of getting 1st round swept was better.
Exactly I concur
Don't forget the 22 rebounds, along with the 61 points. MJ could never, and the media likes to embellish and perpetuate that nigga's career, still to this day.
@@TylerHingleton Yeah Jordan never had into the 20s of rebounds in any game.
Real rap! Saw Elgin a little! Very strong. SB never forgotten
Wilt scored 50 or more points 4 times during playoff games. Wilt had 30 or more rebounds in playoff games 36 times!
What a great guy. Mad Respect
I miss men of this style, grace, character and integrity.
The man served his country while playing only on weekends during the 61-62 season, and averaged 38.3pts, 18.6rebs and 4.6 asts as a 6ft 5inch small forward.
That's just crazy.
Elgin baylor is one of the greatest player in his era. He is great rebounder good defender and scorer but je never considers himself great. Humble despite his achievements
Agree with Elgin here. My top 3 in any order would be Russell, Wilt, Kareem before taking a player like MJ or Bron to start a winning team. Even Phil Jackson takes Russell over MJ, which says it all right there.
Good point Elgin made so many facets Bill was very good at, they add up to great player.
Nobody could "STOP" Wilt Chamberlain, EVER!!!
Nobody could stop Wilt, but Russell could contain him enough to be on an even field.
That's crap....Wilt couldn't hit foul shots! Cost him titles....he selfish, a loser
@@tommyrawlings3046 He did struggle with foul shots and it probably did cost him titles against the Celtics but I wouldn’t exactly call him a selfish loser. He was a great player.
@tommyrawlings3046
Well Russel only shot 56% and Shaq only averaged 53% from the free throw line and no one ever makes the same claim that these low shooting percentages “cost them games and/or titles and were selfish players”.
Wilt averaged 30.1 pts per game for his career,
22.9 rebounds per game
4.4 assists per game
.540 FG %
.511 FT%
.........................
Russell averaged
15.1 pts per game
22.5 rebounds per game
4.3 assists per game
.440 FG%
.561 FT%
...........................
Russell and Wilt played against each other 94 times in the NBA. Here are their stats "head to head".
Bill: 14.2 pts per game, 22.9 rebounds per game, 4.4 assists per game.
Wilt: 29.9 pts per game, 28.1 rebounds per game, 3.8 assists per game.
.........................................................................................................................
In other words, Wilt pretty much dominated the stats. Bill dominated in the rings. Bill played on better teams.
He was phenomenal. I so enjoyed watching him play.
Thanks , More Life Inspiration from your the All Timers and your Channel !
Thank you
I'm so happy to hear Baylor say what he said about Russell and his impact on wins and losses on the Celtics. The two longest losing streaks of the the Russell era Celtics is a four game losing streak in 1962 and a five game losing streak in 1969. Russell missed all of those games with an injury. Also, Russell lost one NBA Finals in his career, and that was 1959. Russell got injured and missed nearly half of the Finals due to his injury.
Good to see Elgin healthy and doing well.
Not only was Elgin extremely skilled - he just comported himself in a very classy way. Elgin and Jerry West, two of the most complete players ever, made professional basketball on the West Coast. My first game, Lakers versus Royals. I saw Elgin, Jerry, and Wilt. How lucky am I?
I agree with Mr. BAYLOR
First one I've seen on Elgin Baylor. Thanis
Elgin Baylor was beast on the court. One of the best ever.
One of the greatest shots that I had ever seen was when Elgin drove to the basket against Bill Russell who was clearly going to block his shot only he did a 360 spin and laid the ball in.
This is the one and only GOAT > 🐐
blocking the shots,not slapped out of bounds but tipped to a teammate
Yup. Players today don't think to play the game to that degree, the way Russell did. Why give the opposing team an extra possession to try and score?
Big Laker fan in the late 50's into the 70's. Many frustrating loses to the Celtics. Elgin Baylor and Jerry West were my favorites. I liked Elgin Baylor's response to the question put to him about racism. "I don't think about it".
How old are you
For the young bloods. Steph Curry is a great player, top 15-20 all time. Steph broke Wilt’s Warriors all time scoring record in Steph’s 13th season , quite a feat. Thing is young bloods, Wilt only played five and a half seasons with the Warriors. Another thing. If a player has a 30 point 20 rebound game nowadays it’s the lead story on ESPN. Happens only a couple times a season, some years it doesn’t happen once. Wilt AVERAGED 30/20 for his career. His average game, when he was just average, 30/20. Only reason he’s second and not the goat is Bill Russell is.Russell played 13 seasons, 11 chips, only reason it’s not 12 is he had a high ankle sprain during the playoffs, couldn’t walk. Kareem and his 6 MVPs and 6 chips is third. Michael fourth. Sorry LeBron, Mount Rushmore pi’s full. I’m not sure Kobe isn’t a head of you anyway. Basketball didn’t start in 1984.
See your reasoning? Good argument fun topic!
What a great guy!
Respect to Bill Russell and Elg, the Godfather of hangtime.
He might be the greatest all-around player ever. His stats are phenomenal.
Great rebounder and scorer
EXACTLY. There's a reason why Russell won 11 championships. He's the best, & he was pitted against the best. Baylor, Chamberlain and West couldn't do much to alter Russell's victories.
Wilt had some monster games against Bill
@@carlreed6186who won almost all the finals?? Takeaway here is its a team. game! Baylor saying RUSS the greatest speaks volumes!!
I'm no longer an NBA fan but I had a feeling Elgin might pick Bill Russell. Those Russell/Auerbach Celtics championships were a thing to behold - especially to a young Red Sox fan. They just seemed to win ALL the time.
Pure class
Basketball is a team sport and obviously the object of the game is to win. Statistics will help you identify players with great talents but great talents do not always add up to victories in the game. Give me the player who helps the team win. Bill Russell was a player who towers above others in helping his team win. He does not have the best stats but he has the best winning record. That's what everyone should want. It reminds me of the baseball coach who said of a player "he can't run, he can't hit, he can't throw--all he can do is beat you.". Russell wasn't the best offensive player--all he could do is beat you. That's what the game is all about.
He had a number of HOF
teammates and a HOF GM/
Head Coach. I think that had
a lot to do with his success.
He was the perfect center
for those Celtic teams and he
was as important to their
success as they were to his.
That doesn't make him the
GOAT. That makes him an
All-Time Great and someone
to be admired !
@@josephyodiceyodice5990you overstate case on team mates. Wilt had West and Baylor but lost overwhelmingly to Cs Ill go with Baylor and Phil Jackson s calling Russ maybe the GOAT Cousy Hondo. Sam jones NOT heads and shoulders above many other players
@@malcolmdouglasjr2178
When Wilt Chamberlain
and Bill Russell both played in the NBA, in their prime,
Chamberlain was All - NBA
First Team CENTER 7x and
Russell 2x.
If that doesn't tell you who
was the better player, I don't
know what could.
You know Ted Williams,
Ernie Banks, Dan Marino,
Elgin Baylor, and a few
other All -Time Greats
never won a Championship;
but that doesn't diminish
their stature in their sports.
In a team sport it takes
multiple players, coaches,
and even executives to win
a Title and no one man is
responsible for winning;
especially, winning repeat-
edly.
Russell was vital to the
Celtics success; but so
was Red Auerbach and
a lot of really excellent
players.
He was Great but, I think,
Chamberlain was, clearly,
The Greatest !
@@malcolmdouglasjr2178
btw. Chamberlain, West and
Baylor only played together
against Russell's Celtics in
one Finals series,1969.
It went to 7 games and the
Celtics eked out Game 7 by
two points. OVERWHELMING
.... I don't think so !
WEST won the MVP of the series; from the losing team
(NOT Russell). Havlicek was
Boston's Best player(NOT Russell).
Russell, in his last Finals ever,
was outscored and outre -
bounded by Chamberlain;
(who was only two years
younger).
He was NOT the main
reason the Celtics beat
Chamberlain, West and
Baylor ! His HOF team -
mates were !!
Hooey!!
Class act.
E. Baylor, the all time “Super Chief”. Seattle U had some great players back in the day.
Bill Russel gets my vote for GOAT too. His team beat a lot of great teams to win those championships.
Totally agree with Elvin. Bill Russell, hands down.
Baylor played at a time when palming/carrying the ball on every dribble was a violation. Just look at old videos of Baylor, West, Cousy, etc. dribbling. The ball goes straight down from the palm of the hand that is facing the floor, not sideways, or even facing a little up.
Saw this story many years ago, Elgin coulda been one of the players in the story. So the story is many many years ago, All Star game, 2 seconds left in the first half. Cousy and (posssibly Baylor) Cousy flings the ball one second left in the half, from half court, Swish!! All net! He says to the opponent, “You never could play defense‼️” Still gets a chuckle from me today!
I can't argue with his Goat being Bill Russell. I'm a Chamberlain man, but I can't argue with Russell too.
I can respect that.
Bill Russel. The GOAT! I only wish he could of played against these players today!
Russell is probably the greatest defensive player and defensive rebounder of all time and the greatest teammate and winner of all time. Wilt is still in my opinion the greatest player of all time. Now, he didn’t win nearly as many titles because he didn’t play with a full team of hall of players throughout his career like Russell did. Given the same teammates and the conversation about number of championships would likely be different.
If winning is the Criteria?? Then Bill Russell is the Greatest 🎤💥😡
Players play. Teams win. Wilt is and always will be the GOAT.
Elgins 100% correct with Russel. When you see 11 Rings that clinches it for me and I was never a Celtics fan.
Yes - Russell has always been my choice. 11 championships - lightyears from everyone else.
@@warren5699 to top that off Russell was vary arguably the greatest defensive player ever and no worse than a top 5 rebounder ever. The amazing thing with the 11 chips is that Russell was the only main common denominator during them. He won 1 without Sam Jones, he won multiple without Cousy, and he won 2 without Red as coach being the coach himself while playing.
@@BulletBill-yb3tiand it's sad it's tough to convince some viewers to realize this. They say "well Russell joined a good team. He didn't have to score that much." And there's definitely truth in that. But they didn't win anything till he got there, I don't believe they ever made it to the finals.
And once he did they almost never relinquished it. Aside from Havlicek and Sam Jones, the others' were good or complimentary players.
Yes Cousy and Sharman were outstanding, but they were only there for like 5 to 6 years after Bill arrived. After that it was Havlicek , Sam and Bill. And role players.
The thing is he would be a thousand percent correct if it was individual sport like tennis but it’s not. So deciding who is the best player ever in a team sport you can’t just go on number of championships.
@@Amick44 The he did not have score much narrative is flawed. Russell actually lead the Celtics in playoff scoring once and finals scoring twice in title runs.
He had 30 pts to go along with 40 rebounds and shot over 80% from the FT line in Game 7 of the 1962 NBA Finals versus the Lakers on April 18, 1962.
If that's not showing up when most needed I don't know what is.
So while he was not a mega elite scoring machine he could pick it up when needed. He was elite at everything else including facilitating as he initiated the fast break and is 4th all time in center assists in season and 1st all time in center assists in the playoffs. In many less games than 2 of the 3 ahead of him in season and the other is Jokic who certainly has higher offensive usage than what Russell had.
Plus, I ask people who knock his scoring:
what playoff series did his team lose because of his lack of scoring?
They never have an answer for that. Because 1 series they lost he was injured mid way of it. The only other series is 1967 vs peak Wilt and as first year coach - player. He did not lose any other series.
Russell should be in the conversation for GOAT. Along with Wilt, Lebron, Kareem, and yes, Jordan.
Michael Jordan has no case. But if you disagree, you can go on my progarm and prove it. Would you liek to go on?
I have been watching the NBA since 1968-69.
To say that Bill Russell is the GOAT is ludicrous and insanity.
Bill Russell was surrounded by offensive players, and he was offensively challenged. He had no jump shot whatsoever.
He got his points on hook shots,lay
ups, put backs,lobs and free throws.
He played great defense though.
My GOAT is overwhelming Michael Jordan.
Jordan won 10 consecutive scoring titles, and may have won 12 consecutive scoring titles if he didn't get bored and leave the NBA for 2 seasons to play MLB.
He was also a 9 time first team defensive player, though he missed several seasons.
Jordan may have won 8 consecutive NBA championships, if he didn't leave to play baseball for 2 seasons.
He 3peated before he left, and 3peated again as soon as he came back.
He was also a 6 time NBA champion, and he was the MVP in all 6 of his championships,which never went 7 games.
He shot over 80 percent from the
charity line.
He is the NBA greatest closer.
Jordan played with no great center, nor no great point guard.
I REST MY CASE !
Would you like to go on my program and show everyone how you rested your case then?
I have been watching the NBA since 67 - the year the sixers won - Russell was the greatest player I
ever saw or ever will. His will to win was just nuts. Forget stats (though he has plenty) he played like a
force of nature, just a cosmic explosion disguised as a basketball player. He was so good it was weird.
We don't do no what-if's, and 11 defensive win-shares is arguably more valuable than 10 scoring titles, and the Finals is named in his honor for a reason. Undefeated in all 10 game 7s either at home or on the road, and even repeated as player/head coach, which MJ could never fathom of doing.
11 championships against very physical opponents.
Elgin knows a bit about bb. Played against some of the greatest, was one of the greatest, and he just affirms what I've said for years:
Bill Russell was, is & will be #1 for many, many, more decades
ELGIN BAYLOR RIP TAUGHT THEM ALL
CONNIE HAWKINS RIP DR. J TOOK SOMETHING FROM ELGIN BAYLOR THE MAN...TRULY GIFTED JB.OK
MJ, Kobe, Kareem,Bird, Magic, then LeBron the stat padder
Elgin said Lebron is the only one who can play all 5 positions. I guess he forgot about Magic’s first championship.
And Bird for that matter.
You don't really know much about basketball?!!
If Jay-Z doesn't know who his father is, I found him.
It's Elgin Baylor!
Russell and his legacy will never be matched. He made others better. All those championships. 11 of 13. He had one of the greatest coaches. He coached a few years even as he played. He played with many HOFers. He was the ultimate team player. Some players had better stats. Better athletic skills. Higher scoring. And on and on but one. RINGS and TITLES. Boston Bill #1.
When I growing up there five elite players and until Kareem, Bird, Dr. J. and MJ: Russell, Wilt, Elgin, Oscar, West. No one was in that class. No one. Thethought of playing at Baylor's level was unthinkable for those young buck trying to learn the game. The same for the rest. Remember West's shot against the Knicks. DeBusschere fainted.
Elgin Baylor is right: Bill Russell is the NBA's greatest champion.
Champion yes, BUT not the best player.
@@tonypassaretti, of course Bill Russell is the best player. He was the leader of a team that won 11 NBA championships.
@@tonypassaretti How is being a 5-time MVP and the Finals MVP named in his honor not considered the best? The Celtics couldn't win anything until he got there, and missed the playoffs the season after he retired. Besides, everything isn't about strictly scoring the basketball
Larry Legend
If I was has good a basketball player has Elgin Baylor was when people asked me who the best basketball player of all time was I would say. I am.
When absolutely healthy, Bill Walton was not only the best center ever, but the best player!
The guys playing today simply don’t compare. It’s a different game. The guys from Baylor era would thrive today. Half of the players today wouldn’t make it in the league back then.
I can’t believe that Elgin Baylor is still alive! When I was a kid growing up in the 1960’s, he was one of the greatest players! Glad that he is so honest! I was a Celtics fan then. Both Jerry West and Elgin Baylor were great and worthy opponents. But the Celtics always beat them! I am sorry for the racism and bigotry that Elgin Baylor faced at the University of Seattle. But I agree with Baylor: The Celtics would have NEVER won their Championships without Bill Russell! As they say, the proof is in the pudding: Russell won 11 NBA Titles, Wilt Chamberlain 1! Who was the better player, or, should I say, the best player in NBA history?
Elgin died years ago, where you been!?
Most NBA Hall of Famers like Magic, Jordan, and Barkly, say Larry Bird was the greatest they ever played against. I agree.
Don’t to just love the interviewer race bating Elgin Baylor - great response - race issues while playing ball didn’t cross my mind - I played basketball
Elgin Baylor is the best NBA player & Willie Mays is the best baseball player.
Both of them were in the USA while they were playing their sports!
Poetry in motion
Elgin the original DR J great player
Russell is my GOAT for sure
Met him twice, 2nd time he asked me about what beer to buy in Santa Monica Grocery store. He had shrunk, and I grew. 1st time in Watts 1965, at an affair, 2nd near Beverly Hills Vons grocery store, as he browsed the brews. How funny, me a wanna (be (Venice Beach) hoopster, chatting with, and next to a highlight film. I was in college, and I told him, get the dinger, that is tops, after remarking on his stature and an eye to eye level 2nd meeting, I was a rare beer drinker, obviously he also, took off, and me, being a Gospel worker, obviously cannot engage much booze. Physicality never needed pride (taunting and cursing like an animal, current profile of athletes), obviously a classic old school soul brother, content to let God take care of racist in the midst, and let God do His work, leave space for God to judge men. Take advantage of joy today, and the family of God. Not gonna ruin my joy today, focus on negative people and their problems. Old school black folks I was raised with, educated minded, kind to all, and most notable, classy, self controlled, meek, focused on enjoying now, as I lived in my youth, in the hood, withthe friends of mine, my home boys, classy black folk, kind to all, like Mr. Baylor, exemplary negroes of no real color, colorless, and happy because of it/Jeremiah has spoken
Bill Eussell and Wilt . Put them on a coin, flip it, either one comes up is the greatest of all time, Jordan not in the conversation. Jordan is the most hyped , greatest merchandise salesman of the game , that’s it. Good defender too.
Wilt. Period
Tells you everything you need to know about Russell.😊
Elgin, Wilt Chamberlin and Jerry West are Laker Royalty...
...Unfortunately this interviewer failed to research that Donald Sterling owned the Clippers.
A truly “great” player
Wilt, Russell, Jordon, Alcindor, James,
Would you like to go on my program and prove that Michael Jordan should be there?
Don't get me wrong Russell is phenomenal,most likely the greatest defender ever & second greatest rebounder to Wilt,but it is certainly much easier to concentrate on that when you don't have responsibility to lead a team offensively.Russell averaged 15 points a game at 44% in the regular season & 16 points a game at 43% in the playoffs.Subpar.
It's always hard to compare eras, it's always hard to compare elite players directly, and statistics seem to give us some tangible defining points. A few observations, though: 1. it being easier to focus on defense when you don't have to lead a team offensively is a 2 ways street, the offensive players on the Celtics I'm sure were saying that to themselves, imagine the improvement in individual and collective offensive mindset when you have most likely the greatest defender ever on your team. 2. In an era where so many more players played with only one tor two teams in their entire career, a player might say to himself "this team has a good amount of offensive players, I am going to dedicate all my practice energy to improving as a defensive player every day until I stop playing, because that's what this team needs the most to win". So: I could imagine a Bill Russell not spending as much time on offensive skills as he might have if he had been with another team (and, of course, it helped to have a genius general manager working with you for your career). What makes this argument feasible is that in the ultimate statistic, winning, Russell won SO DAMN MUCH!. Additionally, whenever Russell was out by way of injury, the team didn't win much. One other thing to remember: Russell in college was rated the 7th best High Jumper in the world, also competed in the 440. Everyone talks about Chamberlain being incredibly athletic (which he was!), but a good argument could be made for Russell being equally (or more) athletic.