On October 31, 1950, Earl Lloyd made history by becoming the first African American player to compete in an NBA game. Lloyd’s debut with the Washington Capitols marked a significant milestone in the integration of professional basketball and paved the way for future generations of Black athletes.
Born on April 3, 1928, in Alexandria, Virginia, Lloyd grew up in the segregated South. Despite the challenges he faced, Lloyd excelled in high school and earned a scholarship to play basketball at West Virginia State University. There, he helped lead the team to an undefeated season in 1948 and was named an All-American twice.
In 1950, Lloyd was drafted by the Washington Capitols in the ninth round of the NBA Draft. He didn’t know he had been drafted until a friend told him about the rumor on campus. Lloyd joined the Capitols and made his debut against the Rochester Royals, becoming the first Black player to step onto an NBA court.
Lloyd’s entry into the NBA was not without its challenges. He faced racial slurs and hostility from some fans, but his teammates, many of whom had played on integrated college teams, welcomed him with open arms. Lloyd’s presence on the court was a testament to his resilience and determination to succeed despite the obstacles.
After seven games with the Capitols, Lloyd was drafted into the military and sent to Korea for two years. When he returned, the Capitols had folded, and he joined the Syracuse Nationals (now the Philadelphia 76ers), where he played for six seasons and won an NBA Championship in 1955.
Lloyd’s NBA career lasted nine seasons, and he later became the first full-time Black head coach in the league when he took over the Detroit Pistons for a year in 1971.
Lloyd’s legacy extends beyond his achievements on the court. He broke down barriers and opened doors for countless Black athletes who followed in his footsteps. His courage and perseverance in the face of adversity continue to inspire and remind us of the importance of equality and inclusion in sports.
As we commemorate the 74th anniversary of Earl Lloyd’s historic debut, we honor his contributions to the game of basketball and his enduring impact on the fight for civil rights.
