Elvin Hayes Franchise Scoring Record
The Big E: A Hall of Fame power forward who led the Washington Bullets to their only NBA championship.
Elvin Ernest Hayes (born November 17, 1945), nicknamed "the Big E", is an American former professional basketball player and radio analyst for his alma mater Houston Cougars. He is a member of the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams, and an inductee in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Known for both his offensive and defensive prowess, Hayes is often regarded as one of the best power forwards in NBA history.
Quick Facts
- Primary era
- 1972–1981 (Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets)
Lore & Background
Hayes was traded from the San Diego Rockets to the Baltimore Bullets in 1972 after conflicts with Houston coach Tex Winter. In his nine seasons with the team in Baltimore and Washington, Hayes and his durable presence aided the team to three NBA Finals appearances (1975, 1978, 1979). In the playoff run for 1978, Hayes had the most points for all players in the playoffs and averaged over 21 points and 12 rebounds per game; in the Finals against Seattle, he had more points than every player and had the second most rebounds as the Bullets won Game 7 for their only championship. His 11 offensive rebounds in Game 3 of the 1979 NBA Finals is an NBA Finals record that has been tied but never surpassed.
Reader's Guide
Among the individual accolades achieved by Hayes include 12 NBA All-Star Game selections, three All-NBA First Team and All-NBA Second Team honors each, two NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors, one NBA scoring title, and two NBA rebounding titles. Hayes is also known for his longevity, being seventh in NBA minutes played (at exactly 50,000), and missing only nine games during his 16-season career. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990 and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Did You Know?
- Hayes was the first overall selection in both the 1968 NBA draft and 1968 ABA draft.
- He remains the last rookie to lead the NBA in scoring average.
- His 222 rebounds in the NCAA tournament is still the most by a player in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the Elvin Hayes Franchise Scoring Record?
Elvin Hayes is the all-time leading scorer for the franchise, accumulating his points during a ten-year stretch from 1968 to 1978. His total remains the highest in team history, bridging the Baltimore Bullets and Washington Wizards eras.
Does the record count points scored in Baltimore?
Yes, the franchise history includes his tenure with the Baltimore Bullets prior to their relocation to the nation's capital. This continuity ensures that all points he accumulated for the organization are counted toward his total.
What other honors accompany this scoring milestone?
In addition to leading the team in points, Hayes was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990 and has had his jersey number retired by the franchise. These accolades recognize his broader impact beyond just statistical accumulation.
How did Elvin Hayes achieve this record?
He built his total through a combination of high-volume shooting, relentless rebounding, and physical play that defined basketball in that era. His consistency over multiple seasons allowed him to amass a point total that remains untouchable today.
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