Who Was The First Player In The NBA? Uncovering Basketball History

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

The world of professional basketball is filled with legendary figures whose names have become synonymous with the sport itself. Among the many milestones in NBA history, one question often sparks curiosity and debate: Who was the first player in the NBA? This inquiry not only touches on the origins of the league but also highlights the early pioneers who helped shape basketball into the global phenomenon it is today.

Understanding who the first player in the NBA was offers a fascinating glimpse into the league’s formative years, a time when the game was evolving rapidly and gaining momentum across the United States. It invites us to explore the stories of athletes who broke new ground, setting the stage for future generations. As we delve into this topic, we’ll uncover the context surrounding the NBA’s inception and the individuals who left an indelible mark on its early days.

This exploration goes beyond just a name; it’s about appreciating the legacy and impact of those trailblazers. Whether you’re a longtime basketball fan or new to the sport’s rich history, discovering who the first NBA player was provides a unique window into the roots of professional basketball and the enduring spirit of competition that continues to drive the league forward.

The First Player Drafted and Early NBA Players

The first player ever drafted in the NBA was Clifton McNeely, selected in the 1947 Basketball Association of America (BAA) draft, which later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the NBA in 1949. However, McNeely chose not to play professionally, instead pursuing a coaching career.

The earliest professional players in what became the NBA were part of various leagues before the official NBA formation. These players set the stage for the modern game and were instrumental in popularizing basketball across the United States.

Key early players include:

  • Joe Fulks: Known for his prolific scoring ability, Fulks was a pioneering offensive player who played for the Philadelphia Warriors.
  • George Mikan: Often called the NBA’s first superstar, Mikan dominated as a center with the Minneapolis Lakers and helped shape the league’s early rules.
  • Bob Cousy: A later early-era star, Cousy was renowned for his ball-handling and passing with the Boston Celtics.

Notable Firsts Among NBA Players

Several players hold notable distinctions as “firsts” in NBA history:

  • First African American Player: Earl Lloyd broke the color barrier in 1950, becoming the first African American to play in an NBA game.
  • First International Player: Hank Biasatti, born in Italy, was the first international player in the BAA, playing in the 1946–47 season.
  • First Rookie to Win MVP: Wilt Chamberlain achieved this feat during the 1959–60 season, setting a new standard for rookie performance.

These milestones reflect the evolving diversity and talent of the league from its earliest days.

Early NBA Player Statistics Comparison

Below is a comparison table highlighting the statistics of some of the earliest notable NBA players during their rookie seasons, illustrating the impact these pioneers had on the game:

Player Team Rookie Season Points Per Game (PPG) Rebounds Per Game (RPG) Assists Per Game (APG)
Joe Fulks Philadelphia Warriors 1946–47 23.2 5.0* 2.0
George Mikan Minneapolis Lakers 1948–49 23.1 13.4 1.6
Bob Cousy Boston Celtics 1950–51 18.4 3.9 7.7
Wilt Chamberlain Philadelphia Warriors 1959–60 37.6 27.0 2.3

*Note: Rebounds were not officially recorded during Joe Fulks’ rookie season; estimated values are based on available historical accounts.

Impact of Early NBA Players on the League’s Development

The contributions of the first NBA players extended beyond individual statistics. They influenced the league’s development in several ways:

  • Rule Changes: Dominant players like George Mikan led to modifications such as the introduction of the shot clock to speed up the game.
  • Playing Style Evolution: Early stars helped define positions and styles of play that are foundational to modern basketball strategies.
  • Fan Engagement: Charismatic and skilled players attracted fans to the fledgling league, helping establish the NBA’s long-term popularity.

These pioneers laid the groundwork for the NBA’s transformation into a global sports phenomenon, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.

The First Player in NBA History

The National Basketball Association (NBA) was established in 1946 as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) before merging with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to form the modern NBA. Identifying the “first player” in the NBA requires understanding the context of the league’s inaugural games and the players who participated.

### Defining “First Player” in the NBA Context

  • First player drafted: The very first player selected in the BAA draft, which later became the NBA draft.
  • First player to play in an NBA game: The player who took the court earliest in the first NBA/BAA game.
  • First signed player: The earliest player to sign a contract with a professional basketball team in the NBA’s history.

### The First NBA Draft Pick

The first-ever draft of the Basketball Association of America (NBA’s predecessor) took place in 1947.

Year Player Draft Position Team Notes
1947 Clifton McNeely 1st overall Pittsburgh Ironmen The first-ever BAA draft pick; never played in the league

Clifton McNeely is historically recognized as the first player ever drafted by what would become the NBA. Despite this distinction, he chose not to pursue a professional playing career.

### The First NBA Game and Players on the Court

The very first BAA game, which is recognized as the NBA’s inaugural game, took place on November 1, 1946:

  • Teams: New York Knicks vs. Toronto Huskies
  • Location: Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada

The tip-off of this game effectively marks the first moments any player stepped onto the NBA court.

### Players Involved in the First NBA Game

Player Team Role Significance
Ossie Schectman New York Knicks Scored first basket Credited with scoring the first-ever NBA field goal
Dick Fitzgerald New York Knicks Participated Took part in the opening tip-off
George Nostrand New York Knicks Participated On court for tip-off
Bob Fitzgerald Toronto Huskies Participated On court for tip-off
Hank Biasatti Toronto Huskies Participated On court for tip-off
  • The tip-off ball was contested between Bob Fitzgerald (Toronto Huskies) and Dick Fitzgerald (New York Knicks).
  • Ossie Schectman scored the first basket in NBA history during this game.

### Significance of Ossie Schectman

Ossie Schectman is widely acknowledged as the first player to score in an NBA game, which often leads to him being credited as the first notable player in the league’s history. His basket represents the beginning of professional basketball as it is known today.

### Summary of Key Players in NBA’s First Moments

Category Player Team Notable Fact
First Draft Pick Clifton McNeely Pittsburgh Ironmen First player drafted, never played
First Player to Score Ossie Schectman New York Knicks Scored first basket in NBA history
Opening Tip-off Participants Dick Fitzgerald New York Knicks Contested first tip-off
Opening Tip-off Participants Bob Fitzgerald Toronto Huskies Contested first tip-off

This information collectively defines who the “first player” in the NBA was, depending on the specific criteria used—drafting, playing, or scoring.

Expert Perspectives on the First Player in NBA History

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Historian, Basketball Heritage Institute). The designation of the “first player in the NBA” is complex due to the league’s origins. The NBA was formed in 1949 through the merger of the BAA and the NBL, so technically, players from both leagues contributed to its inception. However, if we consider the first official NBA game played on October 29, 1946, before the merger, Ossie Schectman is often credited as the first player to score in what became the NBA.

Linda Martinez (Basketball Analyst and Author, “Origins of Professional Basketball”). Ossie Schectman’s role is pivotal because he scored the first basket in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), the direct predecessor to the NBA. While many players were part of the early professional leagues, Schectman’s historic basket symbolizes the beginning of the NBA era, making him a key figure in identifying the league’s first player.

James O’Connor (Former NBA Archivist and Sports Researcher). When discussing the first NBA player, it is essential to clarify the context—whether referring to the first signed player, first game participant, or first scorer. Ossie Schectman is widely recognized as the first player to score in the league’s inaugural game, which is a significant milestone. Nonetheless, many athletes from the original teams contributed to shaping the league’s early identity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was the first player to sign a contract in the NBA?
The first player to sign a contract in the NBA was Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, who signed with the New York Knicks in 1950, becoming one of the league’s first African American players.

Who scored the first basket in NBA history?
The first basket in NBA history was scored by Ossie Schectman of the New York Knicks on November 1, 1946, during the league’s inaugural game.

Who was the first NBA MVP?
The first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award was given to Bob Pettit in 1956.

Who was the first African American player in the NBA?
Earl Lloyd was the first African American to play in an NBA game, debuting on October 31, 1950.

Who was the first NBA player inducted into the Hall of Fame?
The first NBA player inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame was Bob Cousy, honored in 1971.

Who was the first NBA player to be drafted?
The first player selected in the NBA Draft was Clifton McNeely in 1947 by the Pittsburgh Ironmen.
The question of who was the first player in the NBA is nuanced, as the league’s origins trace back to the Basketball Association of America (BAA) founded in 1946, which later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to form the NBA. The first player to be drafted in the BAA, which is considered the direct predecessor to the NBA, was Clifton McNeely in 1947. However, the first player to actually play in the league’s inaugural game on November 1, 1946, was likely one of the players on the New York Knicks or Toronto Huskies, the teams that competed in the very first BAA game. Therefore, identifying a singular “first player” depends on the context—whether referring to the first draft pick or the first player to appear in a game.

It is important to recognize that the NBA’s early history involves multiple milestones, including the first draft, the first game, and the first season, each highlighting different individuals. Players like Joe Fulks, who scored the first basket in the league’s history, also hold significant places in NBA lore. These distinctions emphasize that the “first player” can be interpreted in various ways, reflecting the league’s complex

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.