Chuck Cooper broke historic NBA barriers with the Boston Celtics. The Duquesne alum was the first Black player drafted into the NBA in the history of the then still-young league, picked up by the Celtics after iconic head coach and general manager Red Auerbach famously proclaimed “I don’t give a damn if he’s striped, plaid or polka dot. Boston takes Charles Cooper of Duquesne” as the Celtics drafted him with the 13th overall pick of the 1950 NBA Draft.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native went on to forge a Hall of Fame career with Boston, and the Celtics reaped the benefits, setting the table for legendary Boston big man Bill Russell and many other Black ball players to succeed, and even excel in the NBA.
The folks behind the “Chuck Cooper Foundation” YouTube channel put together a clip featuring Cooper’s son commenting on his legacy with Boston. Check it out below!
Listen to “Havlicek Stole the Pod” on:
Spotify: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47
YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3