Nat Clifton
Inducted:
2014
Player Stats:
6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
225 lb (102 kg)
Born:
October 13, 1922
England, Arkansas, U.S.
Died:
August 31, 1990
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Power forward
Contributor
College:
Xavier (Louisiana) (1942–1943)
Nat Clifton was a trailblazer in professional basketball, remembered as one of the first African Americans to play in the NBA. Signed by the New York Knicks in 1950 after a successful career with the Harlem Globetrotters, Clifton brought a combination of strength, rebounding, and finesse that made him a dependable forward. Over eight NBA seasons, he averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds per game, helping the Knicks reach the NBA Finals three times.
Beyond his on-court production, Clifton’s greatest contribution was breaking racial barriers, opening the door for countless future stars. His professionalism, leadership, and quiet determination set a powerful example during a pivotal era for the sport. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014 as a Contributor, Clifton’s legacy is defined by his role in advancing integration in basketball while excelling at the game’s highest level.
Clifton's Awards and Records:
- First African-American player to sign an NBA contract
- NBA All-Star selection (1957)
- Led Knicks to three straight NBA Finals appearances (1951–1953)
- Harlem Globetrotters star before NBA career
Notable Achivements:
Broke racial barriers by joining the NBA from the Globetrotters
Excelled in scoring, rebounding, and passing despite restrictive roles
Became the oldest first-time All-Star at age 34
Remembered as a versatile, durable, and pioneering figure in league integration
NBA Teams:
New York Knicks (1950–1957)
Detroit Pistons (1957–1958)
Chicago Majors (1961)
Number Worn:
19, 8, 24
Career Stats:
Seasons:
8 (1950–1958)
Games Played:
544
Points:
5,444 (10.0 ppg)
Rebounds:
4,469 (8.2 rpg)
Assists:
1,367 (2.5 apg)