Chuck Cooper was the first African American player drafted by an NBA team. Which franchise drafted him?

Chuck Cooper was the first African American player drafted by an NBA team. Which franchise drafted him?

• A. Boston Celtics
• B. New York Knicks
• C. Philadelphia 76ers
• D. Los Angeles Lakers

Answer: (A)

Recognize a landmark moment in NBA history: Chuck Cooper was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1950, making him the first African American drafted by an NBA team. This signing by Boston, under Red Auerbach’s leadership, signaled a breakthrough that opened doors for future generations of Black players in the league. While two other Black players were drafted that same year—Nat Clifton by the Knicks and Earl Lloyd by the Washington Capitols—the franchise that drafted Chuck Cooper is the Boston Celtics. Cooper’s presence on the Celtics helped pave the way for greater integration in professional basketball.

Recognize a landmark moment in NBA history: Chuck Cooper was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1950, making him the first African American drafted by an NBA team. This signing by Boston, under Red Auerbach’s leadership, signaled a breakthrough that opened doors for future generations of Black players in the league. While two other Black players were drafted that same year—Nat Clifton by the Knicks and Earl Lloyd by the Washington Capitols—the franchise that drafted Chuck Cooper is the Boston Celtics. Cooper’s presence on the Celtics helped pave the way for greater integration in professional basketball.