Charles “Chuck” Cooper made history on April 25, 1950. The Boston Celtics picked him in the NBA draft, making him the first Black player ever chosen by an NBA team. This move changed basketball forever.
A Groundbreaking Moment in NBA History
The Celtics, led by owner Walter Brown and coach Red Auerbach, chose Cooper in the second round. He was the 13th pick overall. Cooper, a 6-foot-5-inch forward, had been a star at Duquesne University.
This draft pick wasn’t just about talent. It was about breaking barriers. Cooper joined Earl Lloyd and Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton as the first Black players in the NBA. Together, they changed the face of professional basketball.
Facing Challenges On and Off the Court
Cooper’s journey wasn’t easy. He and other Black players faced discrimination everywhere they went. Some hotels wouldn’t let them stay. Fans in rival cities shouted racist insults.
“Cooper kept his cool when a new hotel on the exhibition circuit refused him service,” one source reported. He faced these challenges with grace and dignity. Cooper knew he was paving the way for future generations.
The Celtics’ Strategic Move
The Celtics made a smart choice in drafting Cooper. That same year, they also got Bob Cousy when another team folded. Cooper and Cousy, both rookies, were set to turn the struggling Celtics around.
Auerbach, known for his craftiness, saw potential in Cooper. This move showed the Celtics were willing to look beyond race to find talent. It set the stage for the team’s future success.
Cooper’s Impressive Basketball Journey
Before joining the Celtics, Cooper had already proven himself on the court. He was an All-American player at Duquesne University. After college, he played for the famous Harlem Globetrotters.
Cooper’s NBA career took him beyond Boston. He also played for the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks and the Fort Wayne Pistons. His time in the league opened doors for many who came after him.
A Legacy of Progress in Sports
Cooper’s draft marked a turning point in sports history. He carried “a tremendous burden with grace, humility, and a sense of history,” according to reports. Cooper believed in a better future, if not for himself, then for those who would follow.
His courage and skill helped change attitudes in the NBA and beyond. Cooper’s legacy continues to inspire players and fans today, reminding us of the power of breaking barriers in sports.
