"Earl Lloyd, the first African-American to play in the NBA, has passed away at the age of 86."
Lloyd was best known for being the first black player in NBA history, breaking in with the Washington Capitols, but he also ended his playing career with the Pistons and later coached Detroit.
He was a solid contributor in both his seasons playing here, 1958-59 and 1959-60. The Pistons then made him coach in 1971, six years after considering giving him the position and making him the league’s first black coach. By the time they actually hired him, Bill Russell had broken that barrier. Lloyd finished 1971-72 as Detroit’s third coach of the season, but he lasted just seven games the following year. He later worked for Detroit Public Schools.
Lloyd was a seminal figure in NBA and Pistons history. His most monumental moment came elsewhere, but he’ll always be remembered for his vast contributions in Detroit.