The NBA today lost a piece of their history. Hall of Famer Earl Lloyd passed away at the age of 86. Lloyd was the first black player to play in the NBA, starting the 1950–51 NBA season. Three other African Americans played that year as well, but didn’t start until later on that season.
Lloyd, a forward known for his defense, played college ball at West Virginia State College, was selected in the ninth-round of the 1950 NBA Draft by the Washington Capitols making history. On October 31, 1950, Lloyd finally became the first African American to get playing time in an NBA game, against the Rochester Royals.
Breaks my heart to hear my friend & Hall of Famer Earl Lloyd passed. Lloyd was the first black player in NBA history. World lost a great man
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) February 27, 2015
RIP Mr. Lloyd, you won’t be forgotten.
