Elvin Hayes All-NBA First Team

Lore & Background

The significance of Hayes' First Team honors is deeply tied to the franchise's identity during its transition from Baltimore to Washington. These accolades cemented his legacy as one of the greatest forwards ever to wear the jersey, long before the team adopted the Wizards moniker. His performance during this period set a standard for durability and excellence that remains a benchmark for future generations of players in the organization.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with the energy of a packed house in Baltimore as Elvin Hayes stalked his man near the baseline. The hardwood squeaked under his sneakers, echoing the rhythm of the game he mastered. With a thunderous dunk that rattled the rim, he silenced the opposing bench, embodying the sheer physicality that earned him league-wide acclaim. As the crowd roared, the announcer's voice boomed over the PA system, listing his name alongside the greatest forwards in history, a moment where 'The Big E' truly owned the court.

Reader's Guide

Elvin Hayes achieved his All-NBA First Team honors during three distinct seasons while playing for the Baltimore Bullets: 1968-69, 1970-71, and 1972-73. These selections placed him among the elite company of players like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, marking a peak in his stellar career. His first selection in 1968-69 came after he led the league in scoring and rebounding, showcasing his versatility immediately upon entering his prime. This early recognition signaled to the NBA that Hayes was no mere rookie sensation but a dominant force capable of carrying an offense. The subsequent selections in the early 1970s reinforced his status as a perennial All-Star. During this era, Hayes averaged over 25 points and 14 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to the Bullets' championship run in 1978. His consistent First Team recognition highlights a period where he was arguably the best two-way forward in professional basketball history.

Did You Know?

• Elvin Hayes is one of only a handful of players to be selected to the All-NBA First Team three times while playing for the franchise that became the Washington Wizards.
• During his First Team seasons, Hayes was known for his 'flying' ability and incredible vertical leap, earning him the nickname 'The Big E'.
• Hayes holds the all-time record for most career rebounds in NBA history at the time of his retirement, a feat that underscores his dominance during his First Team years.
• He is one of the few players to have been named to both the All-NBA First Team and the All-Defensive First Team multiple times.