When thinking about the players who changed the NBA forever, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and LeBron James are probably among the first names that come to mind. However, there is one person who is often forgotten when it comes to their lasting impact on the league.

Earl Lloyd

In 1950, Lloyd was selected with the 100th overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Washington Capitols. He was one of first three Black players who were drafted into the NBA. He was a 6ft 5in 225lbs forward and played over 560 games (9 seasons) in the NBA. Nicknamed "The Big Cat", Lloyd averaged career highs of 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds for Syracuse In 1954-1955, who beat the Fort Wayne Pistons 4 games to 3 to win the 1955 NBA Championship. Lloyd and Jim Tucker became the first African Americans to play on an NBA championship team.