Washington Wizards: 30 greatest players in franchise history

Elvin Hayes was part of a stout frontcourt that featured both him and Wes Unseld. While Unseld took home MVP honors during the run to their only NBA championship, it was Hayes’ play that set the tone. Hayes put up 21.8 points, 13.3 rebounds,2.5 blocks and 2.0 steals per game during the 1978 postseason as Washington won its only NBA title in franchise history.

Prior to his arrival in Washington, he spent four seasons (1968-1972) with the San Diego/Houston Rockets franchise. Hayes averaged 28.4 points and 17.1 rebounds per game as a rookie, taking home the 1968-69 NBA Rookie of the Year award in the process. Following the 1971-72 season, he was traded to Washington for Jack Marin.

During the 1974-75 season, Hayes led the league in rebounds (1,463) and rebounds per game (18.1). From 1972-1980, Hayes was selected to eight consecutive All-Star appearances. In total, he made 12 All-Star games across 16 seasons. His addition to the rotation proved to be a solid one-two punch in the frontcourt alongside Wes Unseld during his career.

In 1990, Hayes was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for his illustrious career. He was a three-time All-NBA First-Team selection, two-time All-NBA Second-Team selection and two-time All-Defensive team selection before it was all said and done in his career.

His No. 11 jersey has since been retired by the Washington franchise. He still remains as the franchise’ career field goal leader (6,251), points leader (15,551), blocks leader (1,558) and ranks second in total rebounds (9,305).