Black History Month: Hall of Famer Nathaniel "Sweetwater" Clifton

Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton became the first Black player to sign a contract in the NBA when he signed with the New York Knickerbockers in 1950. Having already played for the New York Rens and the Harlem Globetrotters, Clifton brought exceptional ball-handling skills and superb athleticism to New York, where he played for seven seasons, averaging a double-double in points and rebounds for two consecutive seasons and making the 1957 All-Star team.

[@ms.robinson8252]

I feel like giving up but watching this video of my grandfather and hearing them talk about how tough he was makes me wanna go harder.

[@carlospizano8703]

That's so dope that's ur og! Wish I had his autograph

[@vogparis09]

I grew up in Brooklyn (born 1943) and the Knicks were my team. I loved all those guys, Sweetwater, Kenny Sears, Carl Braun...

[@browncann]

Always good to catch up on some good ole sports knowledge from the past

[@Rene-cn4jc]

I just saw the movie about him. I wish they would’ve advertised the movie Sweetwater more. In the movie it seems like sweet water came about because his Mom used to put a little sugar in his water.