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The NBA jersey advent calendar: 25 days of hoops history for the holidays

By Aaron Hertzog

Saint Mary'a Basilica and a traditional Christmas Market at the Main Square in Krakow, Poland, on November 25, 2017. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Saint Mary'a Basilica and a traditional Christmas Market at the Main Square in Krakow, Poland, on November 25, 2017. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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(Original Caption) 11/10/59-ST. LOUIS: Minneapolis Lakers’ Elgin Baylor (22) moves in for another tally in 1st quarter action here 11/10 night against St. Louis Hawks. Baylor recently set NBA record with 64 points.
(Original Caption) 11/10/59-ST. LOUIS: Minneapolis Lakers’ Elgin Baylor (22) moves in for another tally in 1st quarter action here 11/10 night against St. Louis Hawks. Baylor recently set NBA record with 64 points. /

22. Elgin Baylor — Minneapolis Lakers

Minnesota earns back-to-back entries on our calendar with this classic look from another team whose name made a lot more sense before they changed locations.

Elgin Baylor’s Hall of Fame Career started with a bang as he was named both Rookie of the Year and All-Star game MVP for the 1958-59 season. He went on to be named All-NBA 10 times and was 11-time All-Star.

“The Big E” is one of the greatest players in Lakers franchise history posting career averages of 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game over the course of his career.

He just missed out on becoming an NBA champion as well. Baylor retired due to nagging knee problems nine games into the 1971-72 season. A season that would end with the Lakers becoming champions of the world.

Baylor’s Hall of Fame bio is filled with descriptions of his amazing play from some of the best athletes to ever lace up a pair of basketball sneakers.

Jerry West, the logo himself, said this about his longtime teammate: “He was one of the most spectacular shooters the game has ever known. I hear people talking about forwards today and I haven’t seen many that can compare with him.”

Get this man a bronze statue outside of Staples Center immediately!

While the “MPLS” version of the Minneapolis Lakers jersey is more commonly used by LA for throwback nights, the look during Baylor’s time with the team deserves recognition as well.

The jerseys feature a light blue and white color scheme with four simple stars surrounding the team name and jersey number on the front.

A classic look for an all-time classic player.

Honorable Mention: Clyde Drexler (Portland Trail Blazers), Rolando Blackman (Dallas Mavericks), Dave DeBusschere (Detroit Pistons), Patrick Ewing (New Orleans Hornets)

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