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Earl Lloyd: The Story of the NBA's First African-American Player

 
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The incredible story of Earl Lloyd, the first African-American player in the NBA and former Harlem Globetrotter.

An African-American man dressed in a sports uniform standing in a basketball court with a basketball in his hands.

Earl Lloyd was the first African-American player to step onto the court in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This was an incredible achievement, not only for Lloyd, but for the African-American community as a whole. Lloyd was born in 1928 in Alexandria, Virginia. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school, excelling in basketball, baseball, and track and field. After graduating, he joined the Harlem Globetrotters in 1950, becoming the first African-American player in the all-black basketball team.

At the time, there were no African-Americans playing in the NBA, due in part to the racial prejudice of the time. But, with the support of the Globetrotters, this began to change. Lloyd was approached by Nat Clifton, formerly of the Globetrotters, and they were both drafted by the NBA in 1950. Lloyd was the first African-American to sign an NBA contract.

Lloyd was a star in the NBA, becoming the first African-American to win an NBA championship in 1954. His career spanned nine years, during which he played for the Washington Capitols, Syracuse Nationals, and Detroit Pistons. He was also the first African-American to coach in the NBA, taking the reins of the Pistons in 1971.

Off the court, Lloyd was a leader in the African-American community. He was a member of the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), a non-profit organization that seeks to improve the lives of former NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotter players. He was also the grand marshal of the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, a fitting tribute to his incredible career.

Lloyd was an important figure in the history of basketball and a true pioneer for African-Americans in the sport. His influence extended beyond the court and into society, where he advocated for the rights of African-Americans and pushed for greater inclusion in the NBA.

In addition to his playing career, Lloyd was also an author. He wrote a memoir called "Showboat: The Life of Earl Lloyd," which was published in 2013. In the book, he recounts his incredible journey from the Negro leagues to the NBA and his experiences as a Harlem Globetrotter. He also explores his commitment to civil rights and the legacy he left behind.

Lloyd was an integral part of the early days of the NBA, and he will always be remembered for his courage and determination. He paved the way for future generations of African-American basketball players and inspired countless people around the world.

Labels:
earl lloydnbaharlem globetrottersafrican-americannat cliftonwashington capitolssyracuse nationalsdetroit pistonsnbrpacivil rights

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