Circa 1970 Elvin Hayes San Diego Rockets Game-Used & Autographed Home Uniform

Elvin Hayes’ Historic San Diego Rockets Uniform: A Testament to NBA Greatness

A Legendary Career

Elvin Hayes, one of the most talented power forwards in NBA history, is celebrated for his remarkable skills and enduring legacy. Known for his signature turnaround jumper and aggressive defense, Hayes carved a secure place in the NBA record books. His career is marked by impressive statistics, including being fifth on the all-time list in games played (1,303) and third in minutes played (50,000). His durability and conditioning are evident as he missed only nine contests in his 16-year career. Hayes was an All-Star for each of his first 12 seasons and scored more points (27,313) than any other player except for legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan.

College Stardom and NBA Ascendancy

Hayes’ journey to NBA stardom began at the University of Houston, where he honed his skills and led his team to national prominence. His defining moment came in 1968 when he outplayed UCLA’s Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) at the Houston Astrodome, securing a victory with two crucial foul shots. This performance earned him the title of College Player of the Year by Sporting News. Hayes carried this momentum into the NBA, joining the San Diego Rockets for the 1968-1969 season. In his rookie year, he led the league in scoring with 28.4 points per game and ranked fourth in rebounding with 17.1 rebounds per game.

The Historic San Diego Rockets Uniform

This remarkable San Diego Rockets home uniform, worn by Hayes circa 1970, is a piece of basketball history. The uniform features the “Rawlings” manufacturer’s size 42 tag on the back right tail, accompanied by a wash instructions tag. The front proudly displays “ROCKETS,” with the player number “11” below and on the back. The player name “E” is emblazoned across the back, all in yellow on green tackle twill. The uniform is autographed on the front in black marker, rating a 7. The shorts include the “Sand-Knit” manufacturer’s size 34 tag and a hand-sewn “San Diego 200th Anniversary 1769-1969” patch on the front left thigh. Presented to us as game-used, this uniform shows game-use and appears to have no alterations of any kind. The autograph is accompanied by a LOA from JSA.

Why This Uniform Matters

• Historical Significance: Worn by Elvin Hayes during his early NBA years with the San Diego Rockets.
• Iconic Player: Represents one of the NBA’s greatest power forwards, a Hall of Famer and one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
• Unique Provenance: Features a special patch commemorating San Diego’s 200th Anniversary.
• Condition and Authenticity: The uniform is presented to us as game-used and shows appropriate wear, with no alterations.

A Legacy Beyond the Court

Elvin Hayes’ influence extends beyond his playing days. His contributions to the game are celebrated by fans and historians alike, and his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1990 solidifies his status as a basketball luminary. This uniform is not just a piece of fabric; it is a testament to a career that redefined excellence and set new standards for generations to come. If you have your own piece of history, consider exploring our basketball memorabilia auctions or learn how to consign sports memorabilia with us. Discover more about our offerings on our homepage.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.