1956 HOFer Nat Sweetwater Clifton 1st African American to Sign NBA Contract vs Walter Dukes 1953 NBA #1 Pick Original TYPE I Photo PSA/DNA Historical Photos before finally folding due to

before finally folding due to the league's insolvency

and Big Man Camp

but in 1950 returned to the court as a referee in the NBA

This photo is an alternate shot that was used in the 1964 Topps John F

binding intact

1956 HOFer Nat Sweetwater Clifton 1st African American to Sign NBA Contract vs Walter Dukes 1953 NBA #1 Pick Original TYPE I Photo PSA/DNA Historical Photos before finally folding due toBasketballs integration hit with force, not subtlety. While Jackie Robinson reshaped baseball, the hardwood followed with its own breakthrough. Three players led the way: Chuck Cooper, the first Black player drafted; Nat Clifton, the first to sign an NBA contract; and Earl Lloyd, the first to appear in an NBA game. Clifton, a 6'8" forward, played seven seasons with the New York Knicks and one with the Detroit Pistons, averaging 10 points and 8. 2