Charles Henry Cooper, known as Chuck Cooper, holds a significant place in the history of professional basketball as one of the first African-American players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His entry into the league in 1950 marked a pivotal moment, challenging racial barriers in professional sports. Cooper was not only a talented athlete, earning consensus second-team All-American honors in college, but also a trailblazer whose presence
helped pave the way for future generations of Black athletes in the NBA. His journey from college standout to professional pioneer is a testament to his skill and resilience in a segregated era.
The Historic 1950 NBA Draft
On April 25, 1950, Chuck Cooper made history when he became the first African American to be drafted into the NBA. The Boston Celtics selected him with the 13th overall pick, which was the first pick of the second round. This decision by Celtics' owner Walter A. Brown, with legendary coach Red Auerbach at the helm, was met with some resistance. Officials from other teams reportedly suggested that Cooper should not be drafted because of his race. However, Brown famously dismissed these objections, stating, "I don't give a damn if he's striped, plaid or polka dot. Boston takes Charles Cooper of Duquesne."Cooper's drafting was a landmark event, but he was not the only African American to break into the NBA that year. Alongside Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton and Earl Lloyd, Cooper became one of the first African-American players in the league in 1950. While Cooper was the first to be drafted, Lloyd made his NBA debut on October 31, 1950, one day before Cooper's debut on November 1, 1950, against the Fort Wayne Pistons. This period marked a significant shift in the racial landscape of professional basketball.
A Career of Firsts and Contributions
Chuck Cooper's NBA career spanned six seasons, during which he played for three different teams: the Boston Celtics, the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks, and the Fort Wayne Pistons. He spent four years with the Celtics before being traded to the Milwaukee Hawks. He concluded his NBA tenure as a member of the Fort Wayne Pistons. Throughout his career, Cooper demonstrated his abilities on the court, contributing to his teams in various ways.Over 409 games in the NBA, Cooper accumulated 2,725 points, averaging 6.66 points per game. He also secured 2,431 rebounds, averaging 5.9 per game, and dished out 733 assists, averaging 1.79 per game. While specific statistics like blocked shots, steals, or turnovers were not consistently recorded during his playing era, his overall contributions were significant. His presence in the league was not just about his statistics; it was about his role in integrating professional basketball and proving that talent transcended racial lines.
Life Beyond the Court: A Commitment to Community
After his NBA career concluded, Chuck Cooper continued to make meaningful contributions, shifting his focus to community work and education. He spent a year playing for the Harlem Magicians after leaving the NBA, but his basketball career was cut short due to a back injury sustained in a car crash. Following his retirement from basketball, Cooper pursued higher education, earning a Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 1960.Cooper dedicated his post-basketball life to improving his hometown of Pittsburgh. He served on the Pittsburgh school board and was appointed as the director of parks and recreation for the city, becoming the first Black department head in that role. He also played a crucial part in the Pittsburgh National Bank's affirmative action program, serving as an urban affairs officer. His commitment to social progress and community development mirrored the pioneering spirit he displayed on the basketball court. Cooper passed away in Pittsburgh at the age of 57 on February 5, 1984, due to liver cancer, leaving behind a legacy as both a sports pioneer and a dedicated community leader.
