The history of professional basketball is rich with incredible athletes, unforgettable moments, and surprising narratives. While much of the focus naturally falls on the monumental achievements and breakthroughs within the men’s game, a distinct and often overlooked chapter involves the pioneering instances of women being considered for or even selected in the NBA draft. The accompanying video offers a concise look at some of these pivotal moments, highlighting names that challenged the traditional boundaries of the sport.
Indeed, a deep dive into the archives reveals that the concept of women in the NBA draft is not entirely new, despite the common perception that such a scenario has never occurred. Several remarkable individuals have, in various capacities, seen their names associated with NBA teams, creating a fascinating subset of basketball history that speaks volumes about evolving attitudes, publicity, and undeniable talent. Understanding these events provides a broader perspective on the journey of gender integration in professional sports.
Early Trailblazers: Women in the NBA Draft & Beyond
The idea of a woman playing in the NBA was, for many decades, considered a mere fantasy, yet official records prove otherwise. Historical entries, often surprising to even dedicated fans, document a time when certain women were indeed drafted, even if the outcomes varied significantly. These early instances set a precedent, illustrating the untapped potential and the challenges faced by female athletes in a male-dominated league.
Denise Long: The First Woman Drafted into the NBA
The year 1969 is remembered for many societal shifts, and within the NBA, it marked a peculiar first. Denise Long, a high school basketball phenom from Iowa, was selected by the San Francisco Warriors in the 13th round of the NBA draft. This choice, while historic, was quickly met with scrutiny and, ultimately, nullification.
Commissioner Walter Kennedy, the highest authority in the league at the time, officially voided the pick. His reasoning was rooted in the rules and traditions that specified the NBA as a men’s league. Nevertheless, the act itself brought significant attention to Long’s exceptional talent, having averaged an astounding 62.8 points per game during her senior year. This moment, though brief, sparked conversations about eligibility and gender roles in professional basketball.
Lusia Harris: A Legitimate NBA Prospect
Perhaps the most compelling and genuinely groundbreaking instance of a woman being drafted into the NBA occurred in 1977. Lusia Harris, a dominant 6’3″ center from Delta State University, was selected by the New Orleans Jazz as the 137th pick in the seventh round of the NBA draft. Her selection was not a publicity stunt; rather, it was a recognition of her incredible skill and dominance on the court.
Harris’s collegiate career was legendary, marked by three consecutive AIAW national championships and an Olympic silver medal in 1976, where she scored the first points in women’s Olympic basketball history. However, her opportunity to participate in preseason tryouts with the Jazz was unfortunately impacted by her pregnancy at the time. Despite not ultimately joining the roster, her inclusion in the draft solidified her place as a true pioneer. She was later recognized for her monumental achievements by becoming the first Black woman to be introduced into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to her enduring legacy.
Ann Meyers Drysdale: The Free Agent Trailblazer
While not a draft pick, Ann Meyers Drysdale’s story in 1979 adds another fascinating layer to the narrative of women in the NBA. Recognized as one of the greatest female basketball players of all time, Meyers Drysdale signed a free agent contract with the Indiana Pacers. This agreement allowed her to participate in the rookie camp, a significant step forward for female athletes.
Her participation was not merely symbolic; it represented a genuine attempt by the Pacers to evaluate her skills against male professional players. Though she did not make the final roster, her courage and skill earned her widespread respect. Meyers Drysdale’s career also extended beyond playing, as she became a prominent sportscaster and general manager, continually breaking barriers for women in sports media and administration.
The Publicity Stunt: Caitlyn Jenner in the NBA Draft
Not every mention of a woman in the NBA draft carried the same gravitas or intent as the selections of Long or Harris. In 1977, the same year Lusia Harris was drafted, another notable and somewhat controversial pick was made. Bruce Jenner, now known as Caitlyn Jenner, an Olympic decathlon gold medalist, was selected by the Kansas City Kings in the seventh round, 139th overall, of the NBA draft.
This pick was widely acknowledged as a publicity stunt, designed to generate buzz and media attention for the Kings. To underscore the nature of the selection, Jenner was even presented with a jersey displaying their Olympic record score of 8618. While undoubtedly a celebrated athlete, Jenner’s draft pick was distinct from the genuine basketball talent evaluations of Long and Harris, highlighting how the concept of women in the NBA draft could also be leveraged for marketing purposes.
The Absence of Rules and Future Possibilities
A surprising fact, often overlooked, is that technically, there has never been an explicit rule preventing a woman from participating in the NBA. This absence of a direct prohibition has fueled speculation and discussion for decades. The framework of the NBA draft and player eligibility has historically been constructed around a male athlete pool, but a definitive gender-based disqualification has generally not been formally codified.
The biological differences between men and women in professional sports are frequently cited as the primary reason for separate leagues. However, the foundational truth remains that if a woman possessed the requisite skills, physical attributes, and could withstand the rigors of the NBA, there would be no direct written barrier to her inclusion. The creation of the WNBA in 1996 provided a dedicated professional pathway for women’s basketball, arguably shifting the focus and reducing the direct pursuit of NBA opportunities by elite female athletes.
The “What If” of Lusia Harris’s Potential
The conversation around Lusia Harris often gravitates to the question of “what if.” Many basketball analysts and historians believe that had she not been pregnant, she possessed the skill set and physical prowess to genuinely compete for a spot on the New Orleans Jazz roster. Her powerful post-game, exceptional rebounding, and dominant presence beneath the basket were attributes highly valued in the NBA of that era.
Harris’s selection was not merely a token gesture; it was a recognition of a truly exceptional athlete. The thought of her participating in tryouts, showcasing her talent directly against male NBA hopefuls, continues to spark intriguing debates about the true potential of women in professional basketball. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder of talent that transcended conventional expectations.
Court-Side Queries: Unpacking the NBA’s Groundbreaking Women’s Draft
Has a woman ever been drafted into the NBA?
Yes, several women have been drafted or considered for the NBA, which is traditionally a men’s league, making these instances pioneering moments in basketball history.
Who was the first woman drafted into the NBA?
Denise Long was the first woman drafted into the NBA in 1969 by the San Francisco Warriors, although her pick was quickly voided by the commissioner.
Was there a woman drafted into the NBA based purely on her basketball skills?
Yes, Lusia Harris was genuinely drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977, recognized for her incredible skill and dominance as a center.
Are there any rules in the NBA that explicitly prevent women from playing?
Surprisingly, there has never been an explicit rule preventing a woman from participating in the NBA, though the league was historically structured around male athletes.
Were all instances of women in the NBA draft serious attempts to play?
Not always; some picks, like Caitlyn Jenner (then Bruce Jenner) in 1977, were acknowledged as publicity stunts to generate media attention for the team.