Product guide

Elgin Baylor: The Man Who Changed Basketball

Elgin Baylor: The Man Who Changed Basketball is a biography by Bijan C. Bayne about Baylor’s playing career, influence on basketball, and stand against racial discrimination. Its account draws on reflections from former teammates, childhood companions, players he coached, and sports journalists.

At a glance

Covers Baylor’s childhood, college years, and professional life with the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers.
Connects his inventive style of play with his influence on later NBA stars.
Addresses his opposition to racial discrimination as a prominent Black athlete.
Includes personal reflections from people who knew, played with, or coached Baylor, along with sports journalists.

Price

$28.80Save 22%

Reference price: ~~$36.95~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Combines basketball biography with an account of Baylor’s civil rights advocacy.
The described mix of personal reflections and career history offers perspectives beyond a season-by-season summary.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Rowman & Littlefield
Publication date	December 28, 2017
Edition	Reprint
Language	English
Print length	292 pages
ISBN-10	0810895781
ISBN-13	978-0810895782

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	14.9 ounces
Dimensions	6 x 0.65 x 9 inches

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Basketball fans interested in Elgin Baylor and the history of the NBA.
Readers exploring the relationship between sports and the Civil Rights Movement.
Readers seeking a researched biography with perspectives from associates and sports journalists.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.7 / 5 · 34 ratings

5 stars78%78%
4 stars15%15%
3 stars7%7%
2 stars0%0%
1 star0%0%

Customer feedback describes the book as enjoyable and highly recommended, with positive remarks about its detailed research and Baylor’s importance to basketball. That reported response may appeal to readers seeking context and biography rather than a brief career overview. Aggregate ratings lean positive, but they do not establish which specific passages readers valued.

Positive themes

Customer feedback praises the book’s detailed research.
Customers describe it as enjoyable and recommend it.

Frequently asked questions

What does the book cover?

The listing describes Baylor’s childhood, college career, and professional life, alongside his influence on basketball and his opposition to racial discrimination.

Does the book include perspectives from people around Baylor?

Yes. The description says it includes reflections from childhood companions, former teammates, players he coached, and sports journalists.

How long is the book?

The listed print length is 292 pages.