In 1950, he made NBA history by drafting the league's first African-American player, Chuck Cooper.

In the draft held immediately prior to that season, Chuck Cooper became the first black player drafted by an NBA team.

For the late former pioneering African-American NBA basketball player, see Chuck Cooper (basketball).

In 1950, the Celtics became the first franchise to draft an African American player, signing Chuck Cooper.

The talented cast members, who include formidable Broadway veterans like Terrence Mann and Chuck Cooper, seldom evoke the man they are celebrating.

Duquesne's Chuck Cooper also became the first African American drafted by an NBA team in 1950.

In 1950, the first black player, Chuck Cooper, was drafted by an N.B.A. team, the Boston Celtics.

Auerbach had signed Chuck Cooper in 1950.

"He's delightfully insane," said Chuck Cooper, who appeared with him in "The Life."

His high school and college teammate, Chuck Cooper would become the first black player drafted by the NBA.