On this day 75 years ago, the sports world witnessed a groundbreaking moment in history.
On April 25, 1950, the New York Knicks purchased the contract of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton from the Harlem Globetrotters, making him the first Black player to sign an NBA contract. This pivotal event marked a significant step toward breaking racial barriers in professional basketball and paved the way for future generations of athletes.
Born on October 13, 1922, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Clifton grew up in Chicago, where he developed his love for basketball. His nickname, “Sweetwater,” was a playful nod to his fondness for sugary drinks. Clifton’s athletic talents were evident early on, and he excelled in both basketball and baseball during his high school years at DuSable High School.
After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Clifton began his professional basketball career with the New York Rens, an all-Black team that toured the country. In 1948, he joined the Harlem Globetrotters, where his exceptional skills and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite. The Globetrotters were not only a source of entertainment but also a platform for showcasing the immense talent of Black players during a time when the NBA was still segregated.
In 1950, the NBA began to integrate, and Clifton’s talent caught the attention of the New York Knicks. The team purchased his contract from the Globetrotters, and Clifton signed with the Knicks, officially becoming the first Black player to sign an NBA contract. While Chuck Cooper was the first Black player drafted, and Earl Lloyd was the first to play in an NBA game, Clifton’s signing was a monumental moment in its own right.
Clifton made his NBA debut on November 4, 1950, and quickly proved his worth on the court. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing 225 pounds, he was a versatile player known for his rebounding, scoring, and passing abilities. During his rookie season, Clifton helped lead the Knicks to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance.
Clifton’s contributions to the game extended beyond his on-court performance. As one of the first Black players in the NBA, he faced significant challenges, including racism and discrimination. Despite these obstacles, Clifton remained a trailblazer, inspiring countless players who followed in his footsteps.
Over his eight-season NBA career, Clifton averaged 10 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He was named an NBA All-Star in 1957, becoming the oldest first-time All-Star at the age of 34. After retiring from basketball, Clifton continued to make an impact in his community, working as a taxi driver in Chicago and playing in local softball leagues.
On this day in 1950, NBA history was made, when Chuck Cooper and Earl Lloyd became the first African Americans to be drafted in the NBA. Along with Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, this trio of future Hall of Famers integrated the NBA and their pioneer efforts paved the way. pic.twitter.com/LaIoqzHBEp
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 25, 2024
In 2014, Clifton was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of the sport.
