NAT "SWEETWATER" CLIFTON - NBA Pioneer & NBA 75th Anniversary Celebration

Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton was the first Black player to sign with an NBA team, the New York Knicks on May 24, 1950.

Clifton's resilience, vision, and leadership fundamentally changed the game, laying a foundation for a more dynamic league and inspired future generations to dream bigger and push further.

Clifton spent seven seasons with the Knicks as a solid rebounder and loved to run the floor. Clifton averaged 10 points and 8.2 rebounds, and made the 1956 NBA All-Star team, scoring eight points in 23 minutes off the bench.

LEGACY