Great work by Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers in helping the NBA announce the first ever NBA Pioneers Classic to honor the 75th anniversary of the league’s first black players. Listen to Coach Rivers reflect on how Chuck Cooper, Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton, and Earl Lloyd impacted his career as a coach and former player.
Beginning in the 2025-26 NBA Season, February 1st will be recognized as “NBA Pioneers Day” to tip-off Black History Month and honor the legacy of so many NBA players, coaches, executives, and officials.
Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers introduces the inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic, featuring the Bucks and Celtics on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 3:30pm/et on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/8S7nzVCMnG
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) October 2, 2025