When Women Were Drafted into the NBA: A Look Back at Unconventional History
You just watched an insightful video detailing the surprising history of women drafted into the NBA, not the WNBA. It’s a fascinating subject that challenges common assumptions about professional basketball. The reality is that a few pioneering women and even a celebrity made headlines for being selected by NBA teams, long before the WNBA even existed. These moments, while varied in their intent and outcome, collectively tell a story of breaking barriers and pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in professional sports.
The journey of these women into the NBA draft spotlight is filled with unique circumstances, from genuine attempts to join a professional men’s league to strategic publicity stunts. Understanding these individual stories provides a richer context for the evolution of women’s sports and the ongoing conversation about gender equality in athletics. Let’s delve deeper into each of these historic selections and free-agent signings, exploring the details and the impact they had.
1. Denise Long: The Trailblazing First Pick in 1969
The story of women in the NBA draft truly begins in 1969 with Denise Long. She was an incredible high school basketball player, celebrated for her prolific scoring ability in Iowa. The San Francisco Warriors, seeking to generate excitement and perhaps tap into a new fanbase, made the bold decision to select Long in the 13th round of the NBA draft. This move instantly made headlines across the nation, as it was unprecedented for a professional men’s league to draft a female athlete.
However, the euphoria surrounding Long’s selection was short-lived. NBA Commissioner Walter Kennedy quickly voided the pick, stating that the league’s bylaws did not permit drafting female players. While this decision prevented Long from pursuing an NBA career, her draft selection remains a powerful symbol. It highlighted the potential for women in basketball and sparked early discussions about inclusion, even if the league wasn’t ready to act on them at that moment.
2. Lusia Harris: A True Pioneer’s NBA Draft Opportunity in 1977
Eight years after Denise Long’s historic moment, another incredibly talented woman received an NBA draft call. In 1977, the New Orleans Jazz made Lusia Harris the 137th pick in the seventh round of the NBA draft. Harris was not just any player; she was a dominant 6’3″ center with an impressive collegiate career, leading Delta State University to three consecutive AIAW National Championships and earning an Olympic silver medal for the USA in 1976.
Harris’s selection was seen by many as a legitimate recognition of her skill, not just a publicity grab. Unfortunately, she was pregnant at the time of the preseason tryouts and thus unable to participate. While she never got the chance to prove herself on an NBA court, her legacy as a pioneer is undeniable. Lusia Harris later achieved another significant milestone, becoming the first Black woman ever introduced into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing her place among basketball’s all-time greats.
3. Ann Meyers Drysdale: The Free Agent Path to the Indiana Pacers
While not formally drafted, Ann Meyers Drysdale’s story is another critical chapter in the history of women attempting to break into the NBA. In 1979, the Indiana Pacers offered her a free-agent contract, a groundbreaking move that put her on a direct path to an NBA tryout. Meyers Drysdale was already a legend in women’s basketball, a four-time All-American at UCLA, the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship to an NCAA Division I school, and an Olympic silver medalist.
She courageously participated in the Pacers’ rookie camp, competing directly against male athletes vying for a spot on the team. Although she ultimately did not make the final roster, her participation was incredibly significant. It demonstrated that a woman could not only sign an NBA contract but also compete on the court in a professional setting. Her efforts paved the way for future generations of female athletes, proving that the desire to compete at the highest level knew no gender.
4. Caitlyn Jenner (Then Bruce Jenner): The Publicity Stunt Draft
The 1977 NBA draft, the same year Lusia Harris was selected, also featured another high-profile, non-traditional pick: Bruce Jenner, now known as Caitlyn Jenner. The Kansas City Kings selected Jenner as the 139th overall pick in the seventh round. At the time, Jenner was a globally recognized Olympic decathlon champion, having won gold at the 1976 Montreal Games and setting a world record in the process.
This particular selection was largely acknowledged as a publicity stunt rather than a serious attempt to integrate a non-basketball athlete into the NBA. To emphasize the PR aspect, the Kings even presented Jenner with a custom jersey featuring the Olympic record score of 8618. While it generated headlines and buzz, it stood in stark contrast to the genuine athletic aspirations associated with picks like Lusia Harris. It highlights the different motivations teams might have had when dipping into unconventional draft choices.
5. The NBA Rulebook: No Formal Ban on Women Participating
An often-overlooked fact in this discussion is that, even today, there is technically no explicit rule in the NBA preventing women from participating. While the WNBA was founded in 1996, creating a dedicated professional league for women, the NBA’s rulebook has never formally restricted its players based on gender. This fascinating detail underscores the historical attempts to draft women and sparks ongoing conversations about the future.
The physical demands of the NBA are immense, with a significant difference in average height, strength, and athleticism compared to women’s basketball. However, the theoretical possibility remains. Many basketball analysts and fans continue to speculate about what it would take for a woman to genuinely make an NBA roster based purely on merit. Lusia Harris, with her remarkable skill and physical presence, is often cited as the player who came closest to making that dream a reality, had circumstances allowed her to fully participate in the tryout process back in 1977. The stories of these women drafted into the NBA offer a rich tapestry of forgotten history and inspiring moments that continue to resonate in the world of sports.
Your Questions on the NBA’s Game-Changing All-Female Draft
Why is it surprising that women were drafted into the NBA?
It’s surprising because the NBA is a professional men’s league, and these draft selections happened long before the WNBA existed, challenging common ideas about professional basketball.
Who was the first woman ever drafted into the NBA?
Denise Long was the first woman drafted into the NBA in 1969 by the San Francisco Warriors, though her selection was later voided by the league commissioner.
Were all women drafted into the NBA considered serious contenders?
No, the reasons varied. Some selections, like Lusia Harris’s, were seen as legitimate recognition of skill, while others, like Caitlyn Jenner’s, were largely considered publicity stunts.
Did any of these women actually play in an NBA game?
No, none of the women mentioned ended up playing in a regular NBA game. Their attempts were often prevented by league rules, personal circumstances, or the difficulty of making a men’s professional roster.
Does the NBA rulebook currently prevent women from playing?
Interestingly, the NBA’s rulebook has never formally restricted its players based on gender, even today. The WNBA was founded in 1996 to create a dedicated professional league for women.