Elvin Hayes is a former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association, who last played for the Houston Rockets.
In 1978, he became an NBA Champion while playing for the Washington Wizards. He is also a 12-time NBA All-Star. When he retired in 1984, the Wizards retired his jersey number No.11. He was also named to the 50th and 75th NBA Anniversary Teams.
Player Profile and Personal Life
Elvin Ernest Hayes was born on November 17, 1945, in Rayville, Louisiana in the United States of America. He stands 206 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 107 kg. He shoots right and he played power forward and center.
Position | Power Forward |
Height / weight | 2.06 m / 107 kg |
Born | 17 Nov 1945 |
Nationality | United States |
Playing Style | Right Handed |
Nickname | The Big E |
Team History | |
Houston | 1981 - 1984 |
Baltimore Bullets | 1972 - 1981 |
San Diego Rockets | 1968 - 1972 |
He is catholic and converted to the faith in the 1970s.
High School and College Career
Hayes attended Britton High School where he helped lead his team to championships. He later went on to attend the University of Houston and in 1968, he received several accolades including being named the Associated Press Player of the Year and the Sporting News Player of the Year. In 1967 and 1968, he was also named a Consensus first-team All-American.
Professional Career
Hayes was drafted into the NBA in 1968. In his first year in the league, he was named to the 1969 NBA All-Rookie Team. He was also impressed by leading the league that year in scoring. He was named an NBA All-Star for the first time in 1969.
In 1972, he was traded to the then-Baltimore Bullets– the team went on to become the Washington Wizards. While with the team, he became an NBA Champion in 1978. Before he retired, Hayes wished to return to playing for the Rockets and was traded back to the team.
He retired from the NBA in 1984. After he retired, the Wizards retired his jersey number 11. The Rockets are also expected to retire his Jersey number 44 in November 2022. Hayes has been named to the Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame.
He has also been named to the 50th and 75th NBA Anniversary teams.
Career Highlights
- 1978 - NBA champion
- 1969–1980 - NBA All-Star
- 1975, 1977, 1979 - All-NBA First Team
- 1973, 1974, 1976 - All-NBA Second Team
- 1974, 1975 - NBA All-Defensive Second Team
- 1969 - NBA All-Rookie First Team
- 1969 - NBA scoring champion
1970, 1974 - NBA rebounding leader
- No. 11 retired by the Washington Wizards
NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
- 1968 - Associated Press Player of the Year
- 1968 - UPI Player of the Year
- 1968 - Sporting News Player of the Year
1967, 1968 - Consensus first-team All-American
No. 44 retired by the Houston Cougars
- Basketball Hall of Fame - 1990
- College Basketball Hall of Fame - 2006
Team History:
As Coach:
- 1984 - Houston Shamrocks