Statement from Isiah Thomas
On the death of NBA Hall of Famer and Former Detroit Piston, Earl Lloyd
February 27, 2015
Today, the sports community mourns the loss of one of the pioneer players in NBA history, Earl Lloyd.
A man of notable character, strength, and resilience, Mr. Lloyd paved the way for every African American player in the NBA and was an inspiration to all African Americans and people of color.
From his days with the Washington Capitols, where he became the first African American to play in the NBA in 1950, to his days as head coach of the Detroit Pistons in 1971, my career would not have been possible without the selfless contributions from Mr. Lloyd to the game.
The NBA today looks starkly different than it did when Mr. Lloyd pioneered the league; he opened the door for all people from all walks of life and helped begin to remove the racial barriers within the industry.
Earl Lloyd will be remembered as an orchestrator for equality not only in the NBA but for the entire sports community. Mr. Lloyd and his family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.