LifestyleHistory Makers: Starting Five African Americans to Play in the NBA Sakina SpruellFebruary 11, 2015February 11, 2015 0 (Image: snipview.com) (Image: thinkprogress.org) Earl Lloyd: Washington Capitols Earl Lloyd was drafted by the Washington Capitols in the ninth round and was the first African-American NBA basketball player to debut on a team. He played with the Washington Capitols, starting on October 31, 1950 1 2 3 4 5