“I don’t care if he’s striped, plaid or polka-dot,” Celtics’ Walter Brown said of the Duquesne star. For nearly 75 years before, the league wasn’t what it is today. The change that ushered in a new era wouldn’t have been possible without the legends of the sport and remarkably the three NBA pioneers. Their efforts, which changed the sport much like Jackie Robinson did for Major League Baseball, are still remembered and for a reason. It was, hence, about time that the league honored the three legends’ history and contribution to the sport, and how it impacted the current NBA scene.

Somewhere over the years, even if the three names were forgotten, their legacies weren’t. Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, Chuck Cooper, and Earl Lloyd. The first African Americans in the league’s history. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have now come together to ensure that their legacies receive the recognition they have long deserved.

Remembering the legends, former NBA player Baron Davis shared a post on his social handle and wrote, “Appreciate All The Legends That Came Before Me. Thank you!!” “With love and respectful Shoulder of Giants,” Davis proudly detailed. 

As the historic date of April 25, 1950, marks 75 years of the former NBA players breaking the norm, several active and former NBA players joined in the celebration. Many took to social media to express their emotions through heartfelt messages. The Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony shared the post on his IG story and wrote, “75 years of pushing the game forward.” 

Starting in the 2025–26 season, the league and NBPA have plans to have the legends of the game honored annually during Black History Month, as per the latest details. “History! S/O to those who paved the way,” Dwyane Wade wrote on his IG story. Back in May 1950, the Celtics drafted Cooper as the 13th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft. With this, the Celtics became the first team to draft a Black player.

That same year, the Washington Capitols selected Lloyd with the 101st overall pick in the ninth round. He went on to become the first Black player to play in an NBA game. On the other hand, the New York Knicks purchased Clifton’s contract from the Harlem Globetrotters, making him the first African American to sign an NBA contract. In 1957, he was named an NBA All-Star. 

Fast forward 75 years, and the league now sees no less than 70.4 percent black players, with the game redefined by the likes of Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The pioneers withstood the discrimination and segregation to pave the way for generations to come.

A fitting message, thus, came from Pistons legend Isiah Thomas. “ The NBA celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the historic 1950 NBA Draft, commemorating the season that broke the color barrier when the first Black players entered the NBA,” Thomas wrote. And so did Dominique Wilkins.

While the three legends are no longer with us, their children, who share a great bond thanks to their fathers, will join in for this big moment and initiative.

The league will make a special tribute video for the three pioneers 

The three legends had a great impact on the next generation. In an effort to keep the waves and ripples flowing through every generation and to remember their history, the league will create a special tribute video. NBA veteran and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry will make an appearance to share his experience of watching Lloyd. The icon was an All–American player at West Virginia State University and won the NBA championship in 1955 with the Syracuse National.

Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown will pay tribute to Cooper, who was the first African American named to an All-Rookie team. The New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns will reflect on Clifton. The entire 2025–26 season will celebrate the massive impact these legends had on the league. This tribute will include several events, recognitions, and more. Clifton’s daughter, Jataun Robinson, Chuck Cooper III, and Kevin Lloyd will be present on behalf of their fathers. 

As per the details, three of them had several conversations with NBPA to discuss the events and have agreed to share the legends’ stories to inspire people. They had just one wish, which was to see their fathers’ jersey retired in the league.