NBA's 1st African-American player Earl Lloyd dies at 86
The NBA lost one of its foremost pioneers and a Hall of Famer on Thursday.
Earl Lloyd - the first ever African-American to play in the NBA - passed away at the age of 86 on Thursday, the NBA announced on its Thursday night broadcast.
"The NBA family has lost one of its patriarchs. Earl Lloyd, the first African-American to play in an NBA game, was as inspirational as he was understated," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement Friday morning.
"He was known as a modest gentleman who played the game with skill, class, and pride. His legacy survives in the league he helped integrate, and the entire NBA family will strive to always honor his memory. Our deepest condolences to the Lloyd family," Silver added.
Lloyd suited up for the Washington Capitols on Oct. 31, 1950, the first of three African-Americans to play in the NBA in 1950-51.
SAD DAY , Earl Lloyd was the first black player in NBA history. World lost a great man !
— Tony Parker (@tonyparker) February 27, 2015
Lloyd went on to play 10 seasons in the league, finishing with 4,682 points and 3,609 rebounds.
Lloyd was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003 as a contributor.