Celebrating the NBA’s Pioneers

NBA Pioneers: Earl Lloyd on Facing Discrimination

Stephen Curry and Earl Lloyd himself talks about how Lloyd dealt with racism upon joining the NBA and how others stepped to help.

Chuck Cooper Facing Racism, Feeling Solidarity

Jaylen Brown tells the story of how Chuck Cooper dealt with racism at the time with the help of his coach and teammates.

NBA Pioneers: A Bond Formed by Struggle - Sweetwater Clifton and Joe Lapchick

A Bond Formed, Sweetwater Clifton and Joe Lapchick

Joe Lapchick and Nat Clifton formed a bond when they encountered racist anger upon Clifton joining the New York Knicks in 1950.

NBA Pioneers Day: Feb. 1

Black History month 2026 begins with the Inaugural NBA Pioneers Day on Feb. 1.

NBA Pioneers: Career Crossovers

Stephen Curry tells us about the barrier-breaking accomplishments of NBA pioneers.

NBA Pioneers: Debut Games

On October 31, 1950, Earl Lloyd stepped onto the court and into history as the first Black player to play in an NBA game, becoming a Pioneer in the NBA. Fellow NBA Pioneers, Chuck Cooper made his debut for the Boston Celtics on Nov. 1, and Nat Sweetwater Clifton made his debut on Nov. 4 for the New York Knicks. Stephen Curry, Jaylen Brown and Karl-Anthony Towns reflect on the 75th anniversary of these barrier-breaking debut games.

NBA Pioneers Classic

Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers introduces the inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic, featuring the Milwaukee Bucks vs the Boston Celtics on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 3:30 P.M. ET on ESPN.

NBA Pioneers: Riding with Sweets

Catch up with Nat Sweetwater Clifton during his career after basketball, as a cab driver in his native Chicago

NBA Pioneers: Cooper and Cousy

Jaylen Brown tells the story of Chuck Cooper when the Boston Celtics selected him in the 1950 NBA Draft.

NBA Pioneers: 'Sweetwater' Clifton and his coach

Karl-Anthony Towns tells the story of how former Knicks Head Coach Joe Lapchick was an ally to Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, and how their shared experience brought them closer.

Towns reflects on Nat Clifton's role in Knicks history

On the 75th anniversary of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton becoming the first Black player to sign an NBA contract (with the NY Knicks on May 24, 1950), Karl-Anthony Towns reflects on the importance of learning the history of the Knicks franchise and the pioneering role played by his predecessor.