The journey of women in professional sports has been marked by significant milestones, often against considerable odds. While the WNBA now stands as a premier league for female basketball players, the idea of women participating in the NBA has a longer, albeit more sporadic, history. The video above provides a concise look at some of the pioneering women who were officially drafted or signed by NBA teams, offering a glimpse into a time when the boundaries of professional basketball were being tentatively tested.
Exploring these historical moments reveals not only the individual athletic prowess of these women but also the societal context and evolving attitudes towards gender in sports. Before the WNBA was established in 1996, the path for women seeking to play professional basketball at the highest level was largely undefined, leading to some truly groundbreaking, and sometimes controversial, attempts to enter the National Basketball Association.
Pioneering Moments in NBA History: Women Drafted into the NBA
The concept of women being drafted by an NBA team might seem unusual today, given the physical demands of the league. However, several instances stand out in history where women were indeed selected, albeit with varying outcomes. These moments highlight both the forward-thinking vision of some teams and the systemic barriers that were still very much in place.
Denise Long: The First Official NBA Draft Pick
The story of Denise Long begins in 1969, a period when women’s basketball was primarily confined to amateur circuits. Long, a standout high school player from Iowa known for her incredible scoring ability, was selected by the San Francisco Warriors in the 13th round of the NBA draft. This historic pick was intended to be a genuine acknowledgment of her talent, possibly even a publicity move to boost interest.
However, the decision was ultimately voided by then-NBA Commissioner Walter Kennedy. The official reason provided was that women were not eligible to play in the NBA under the league’s rules at the time. This decision underscores the prevailing views on gender segregation in professional sports during that era, effectively shutting the door on what could have been a truly revolutionary moment.
Lusia Harris: An Olympic Star’s NBA Opportunity
Perhaps one of the most significant moments for women drafted into the NBA came in 1977 with Lusia Harris. Harris, a 6’3″ center, was a dominant force in women’s basketball. She led Delta State University to three consecutive AIAW National Championships and became the first woman to score points in Olympic basketball history, earning a silver medal in 1976.
Her exceptional talent did not go unnoticed, and she was selected as the 137th pick in the seventh round by the New Orleans Jazz. This pick was notable for its seriousness; the Jazz were genuinely interested in her potential. Unfortunately, Harris did not participate in the preseason tryouts due to pregnancy, which prevented her from fully exploring this unprecedented opportunity. Her potential to compete at the NBA level was widely discussed among basketball insiders, solidifying her status as a genuine pioneer. She later achieved another first by becoming the first Black woman inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing her monumental impact on the sport.
Beyond the Draft: Free Agent Attempts and Publicity Stunts
The path to the NBA for women wasn’t limited to the draft. Other avenues were explored, including free agent contracts and even well-publicized stunts that brought attention to the possibility of women in the league.
Ann Meyers Drysdale: A Free Agent Pioneer
While not technically drafted, Ann Meyers Drysdale’s attempt to join the Indiana Pacers in 1979 holds immense historical significance. Meyers Drysdale was an all-around athletic talent, known for her accomplishments in both basketball and other sports. She was the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship to UCLA and later became a four-time All-American.
Her signing of a free agent contract with the Pacers allowed her to participate in their rookie camp. This represented a direct challenge to the unspoken barriers in professional basketball, as she competed directly against male athletes for a roster spot. Although she did not make the final team, her participation was a powerful statement about female athleticism and capability, paving the way for future generations.
Caitlyn Jenner (then Bruce Jenner): The Publicity Play
The 1977 NBA draft also saw another famous name selected: Bruce Jenner, now Caitlyn Jenner. The Kansas City Kings selected Jenner, a celebrated Olympic decathlete, in the seventh round as the 139th overall pick. This selection, however, was widely understood to be a publicity stunt rather than a serious athletic recruitment.
Jenner was even presented with a jersey featuring their Olympic record score of 8618 points, underscoring the promotional nature of the pick. While it did not lead to Jenner playing in the NBA, it generated considerable media attention and contributed to the ongoing discussion about gender, sports, and marketing in the professional arena.
The Enduring Legacy and Future Possibilities for Women in Professional Basketball
These historical moments, from the voided pick of Denise Long to the groundbreaking efforts of Lusia Harris and Ann Meyers Drysdale, collectively illustrate a complex narrative about gender integration in sports. The establishment of the WNBA in 1996 provided a dedicated professional platform for women, which allowed female athletes to showcase their talent on a grand stage, free from direct comparisons and the often-patronizing tone associated with early NBA attempts.
Today, discussions about women in the NBA often revolve around the immense physical differences that exist between the average male and female professional athlete. However, the rulebook technically does not prevent a woman from participating in the NBA. This means the possibility, however remote, still exists for an exceptionally talented woman to break into the league. The legacies of women like Lusia Harris, whose genuine potential was recognized by an NBA franchise, continue to inspire and remind us that the boundaries of sport are constantly being redefined.
Taking Your Best Shot: Q&A on the NBA’s Groundbreaking All-Female Draft
Have any women ever been drafted into the NBA?
Yes, the article highlights several instances where women were drafted or signed by NBA teams, mainly before the WNBA was created in 1996.
Who was the first woman officially drafted into the NBA?
Denise Long was the first woman officially drafted by the San Francisco Warriors in 1969, though the pick was later voided by the league.
Why was Denise Long’s NBA draft pick canceled?
Her draft pick was voided by NBA Commissioner Walter Kennedy because women were not eligible to play in the NBA under the league’s rules at that time.
Did a woman ever have a serious chance to play in the NBA?
Lusia Harris, an Olympic medalist, was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977. The team was genuinely interested in her potential, but she couldn’t try out due to pregnancy.
Was Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner) ever drafted by an NBA team?
Yes, Caitlyn Jenner was drafted by the Kansas City Kings in 1977, but this was understood to be a publicity stunt rather than a serious athletic recruitment.