Elden Campbell never chased the spotlight, but he kept finding himself in big moments. During the 1990s, Campbell was one of the rare players who could play both sides of the floor. He was a defensive force, blocking shots at the rim, but also an inside presence on the offensive side. With news of his passing, fans are revisiting some of his highlights. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best moments Elden Campbell delivered that defined his legacy.
The Finals Performance That Cemented Elden Campbell’s Legacy
All-Time Leading Scorer At Clemson University
Campbell was a three-time All-ACC selection during his college years. With 1,880 points, he remains the program’s scoring leader and is among the leaders in blocked shots and rebounds. During the 1989–90 season, he led the Tigers to their only ACC regular-season championship and an NCAA Sweet 16 run. The team lost at the buzzer to Connecticut.
1990 NBA Draft
Campbell was selected 27th overall by his hometown Los Angeles Lakers in the 1990 NBA Draft. Looking at the players drafted before him, he could have been a higher pick. Some of the best players in that draft were Derrick Coleman, Gary Payton, Dennis Scott, and Toni Kukoč. Here is a fun fact: sixteen players drafted before him didn’t last 10 seasons in the league. Campbell lasted 15.
Leading The Lakers
Elden Campbell was one of the leading scorers for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1990s. He was part of a core that also included Vlade Divac, Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones, and Cedric Ceballos. After Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant arrived in Los Angeles, Campbell was no longer needed. But he got his revenge years later in the Finals.
During his time with the Lakers, he averaged 10.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, showcasing inside scoring and shot-blocking ability. His two best seasons were in the 1995–96 and 1996–97 seasons.
Career Scoring Night
When we talk about Elden Campbell and his best moments, we have to mention the masterpiece at Madison Square Garden. Nowadays, we cherish players who deliver iconic performances at MSG. Stars always shine brighter there. And Campbell delivered a 40-point, four-assist, and four-block performance.
Career Night In Blocks
Campbell was one of the better shot blockers of his generation. He averaged 1.8 blocks per game in six seasons, with his highest being 2.6 blocks per game. Twice, he averaged 1.9 blocks per game. His single-game record was nine blocks. In that game, against the Golden State Warriors, he also had 20 points, showing his versatile game. The former champion could play on both sides of the floor, a rarity in the league at the time. With 1,602 career blocks, he is before players like Tyson Chandler, Al Horford, and DeAndre Jordan.
2004 Finals Impact
Campbell retired after the 2004–05 NBA season. During his last years, he was no longer the scorer he was before, nor the shot blocker. Yet, he was one of the unsung heroes of the 2004 NBA Finals. Facing his old team, Campbell played key minutes, guarding Shaq and providing toughness off the bench. In Game 1, for example, he was instrumental in the win, with four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Even without gaudy stats, his defensive presence was crucial.
Featured Image: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images
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