I got interested in finding out more and came to find out that there were 2 other players, Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton and Charles Cooper, that were also in the NBA in 1950. In fact each one is credited as being the 1st depending on which website you read, though I think it is semantics regarding 1st to play, 1st to sign a contract, 1st to be drafted, etc.
Earl Lloyd played in a game on the night of October 31, 1950
Charles Cooper played in a game on November 1st, 1950
Nat Clifton played in a game on November 3rd, 1950
Cooper was the 1st to be drafted, as he was selected in the 2nd round of the NBA draft on April 25th, 1950, however both Clifton and Llyod were also drafted that year, just in later rounds.
Of the 3, Clifton was the 1st to sign to an NBA contract, on May 24, 1950.
So while Lloyd would get the distinction as being the 1st to play in a game (literally by a matter of days), I think all 3 players should be mentioned when it comes to breaking the color barrier in the NBA.
Earl Lloyd played in a game on the night of October 31, 1950
Charles Cooper played in a game on November 1st, 1950
Nat Clifton played in a game on November 3rd, 1950
Cooper was the 1st to be drafted, as he was selected in the 2nd round of the NBA draft on April 25th, 1950, however both Clifton and Llyod were also drafted that year, just in later rounds.
Of the 3, Clifton was the 1st to sign to an NBA contract, on May 24, 1950.
So while Lloyd would get the distinction as being the 1st to play in a game (literally by a matter of days), I think all 3 players should be mentioned when it comes to breaking the color barrier in the NBA.
Collecting John Stockton, Karl Malone, Ivan Rodriguez, Gary Carter & UF player rookie year cards. Plus Jedd Gyorko rookie and prospect cards.
Jedd Gyorko 2010-2013: Have 329/419 including 1/1s
Wantlist: http://sites.google.com/site/sportscardsite/set-needs/
Jedd Gyorko 2010-2013: Have 329/419 including 1/1s
Wantlist: http://sites.google.com/site/sportscardsite/set-needs/