Dominant Early Years:

✦ Hayes spent his first four seasons with the San Diego/Houston Rockets, leading the league in scoring during his rookie year with an average of 28.4 points per game.

✦ He also displayed his rebounding prowess, averaging over 17 rebounds per game in his first three seasons.

✦ These impressive performances earned him 12 consecutive All-Star appearances from 1969 to 1980.

Championship Glory and Career Highlights:

✦ In 1972, Hayes was traded to the Baltimore Bullets (later Washington Bullets), where he joined forces with another legendary player, Wes Unseld.

✦ This duo led the Bullets to three NBA Finals appearances, culminating in a championship victory in 1978.

✦ Throughout his career, Hayes remained a consistent scoring threat, finishing his career as the NBA's second all-time leading scorer at the time with 27,313 points (currently 12th).

✦ He also ranks fourth all-time in total rebounds with 16,279, solidifying his reputation as a complete player.

Legacy:

✦ Hayes' career transcended individual accolades. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990 and received numerous honors, including being named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

He is still revered as a legend in both San Diego/Houston and Washington, his jersey numbers retired in both cities.

Born November 17, 1945, in Rayville, Louisiana, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Center/Forward Elvin Hayes. This legend of the hardwood attended and played for the Houston Cougars. As a pro, he was a two-time NBA TRB Champion, went All-NBA six times, and was a twelve-time All-Star in the League. Hayes played for the San Diego / Houston Rockets and the Baltimore / Capital / Washington Bullets.