The fascinating narrative of women attempting to break into the National Basketball Association (NBA) is often overlooked, with historical footnotes sometimes obscured by the passage of time. As the accompanying video succinctly presents, a select few women were, in fact, drafted into the NBA, challenging conventional boundaries and sparking conversations about gender integration in professional sports. This deep dive aims to illuminate these pivotal moments, exploring the context, implications, and lasting legacy of these pioneering efforts to see women drafted into the NBA.
The prospect of women competing at the pinnacle of men’s professional basketball has long been a subject of both speculation and serious consideration. These instances, though sparse, represent significant attempts to bridge a perceived gender divide, prompting reflections on athletic capability, institutional barriers, and the evolving definition of sports inclusion. It is through understanding these unique historical events that a clearer picture of professional basketball’s journey towards a more inclusive future can be formed.
Early Attempts: The Path Less Traveled for Women in the NBA Draft
Firstly, one of the earliest and most notable instances occurred in 1969 when Denise Long was selected by the San Francisco Warriors. This historic pick, made in the 13th round, was unfortunately nullified by NBA Commissioner Walter Kennedy, a decision that underscored the prevailing institutional resistance of the era. Long, a high school phenom, had been an undeniable talent, and her selection by an NBA franchise symbolized a fleeting glimpse into a different potential trajectory for the league.
The commissioner’s decision, though legally within his power, was perceived by some as a reinforcement of traditional gender roles in sports, effectively shutting a door that had momentarily been opened. This incident served as a stark reminder of the significant barriers that existed for women aspiring to compete in male-dominated professional leagues during that period. Such voided selections often reflect a broader societal discomfort with challenging established norms, even when extraordinary talent is involved.
Lusia Harris: A Pioneer of Unparalleled Caliber
Secondly, eight years later, in 1977, a similarly groundbreaking event transpired when Lusia Harris was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz. Harris, a dominant 6-foot-3 center, was chosen as the 137th pick in the seventh round, an achievement that cemented her status as a genuine pioneer. Her collegiate career had been nothing short of legendary, culminating in three consecutive national championships and an Olympic silver medal.
While Harris ultimately did not participate in preseason tryouts due to pregnancy, the significance of her draft pick cannot be overstated. Her talent was widely acknowledged to be of a caliber that could, hypothetically, withstand the rigors of an NBA training camp. Many basketball analysts and historians often posit that, had circumstances been different, Harris possessed the skill and physical presence required to potentially earn a roster spot, a testament to her immense abilities and a hypothetical benchmark for women in the sport.
The Hall of Fame Enshrinement and Enduring Legacy
Harris’s legacy was further cemented when she became the first Black woman to be introduced into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, an honor that appropriately recognized her revolutionary contributions to the game. Her story is frequently cited as a ‘what if’ scenario in basketball history, a potent metaphor for untapped potential and the challenges faced by female athletes in a historically exclusionary landscape. The respect she commanded from her peers and coaches during her playing days speaks volumes about her intrinsic value as a player.
Ann Meyers Drysdale: The Free Agent Trailblazer
Beyond these early draft attempts, Ann Meyers Drysdale’s story in 1979 offers another layer to this compelling narrative. Although not formally drafted, Meyers Drysdale signed a free agent contract with the Indiana Pacers, becoming the first woman to sign with an NBA team. Her participation in the rookie camp was a landmark event, attracting considerable media attention and showcasing her undeniable prowess on the court.
While she did not make the final roster, her presence in a professional men’s training environment shattered perceptions and proved that female athletes could hold their own, at least initially, against their male counterparts. This was not a mere token gesture; Meyers Drysdale was a legitimate basketball talent, recognized for her all-around game and competitive fire. Her journey served as an important precursor, demonstrating the growing willingness of some franchises to explore unconventional talent acquisition strategies.
The Curious Case of Caitlyn Jenner’s NBA Draft Selection
Another intriguing, albeit different, chapter in this saga involves Bruce Jenner, now Caitlyn Jenner, who was selected by the Kansas City Kings in the seventh round of the 1977 NBA draft, 139th overall. This particular selection was widely understood to be a high-profile publicity stunt rather than a genuine attempt to integrate a female athlete into the league. Jenner, renowned for Olympic decathlon gold, was not a basketball player by trade.
The Kings even issued Jenner a jersey emblazoned with their Olympic record score of 8618, clearly signaling the promotional intent behind the pick. While it generated headlines and provided a moment of levity, this incident stands in contrast to the serious athletic considerations behind the drafting of Denise Long and Lusia Harris. It highlights the dual nature of sports engagement, where genuine athletic pursuit sometimes intersects with commercial entertainment.
Absence of Rules and the Founding of the WNBA
It is often pointed out that, technically, there has never been an explicit rule preventing women from participating in the NBA. This legal vacuum implicitly permits the possibility, even if practical and physical disparities are often cited as insurmountable. The absence of such a prohibitive rule leaves the door ajar, however notionally, for future possibilities, prompting ongoing debate about fundamental fairness and athletic merit.
The founding of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in 1996 significantly altered the landscape for female basketball players. With its establishment, a dedicated, top-tier professional league was created, offering a legitimate pathway for women to pursue professional basketball careers without necessarily needing to compete in the NBA. This development channeled female athletic talent into a league designed for them, subsequently creating a separate, but equally competitive, professional domain.
Your Questions on the NBA’s All-Female Roster
Has any woman ever been drafted into the NBA?
Yes, a few women have been drafted into the NBA, which challenged traditional boundaries in professional sports.
Who was one of the first women drafted into the NBA?
Denise Long was one of the earliest, drafted by the San Francisco Warriors in 1969, though her pick was later nullified by the commissioner.
Was Lusia Harris drafted into the NBA?
Yes, Lusia Harris was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977, becoming a significant pioneer for women in professional basketball.
Did any women actually play in an NBA game after being drafted or signed?
No, while some women like Lusia Harris and Ann Meyers Drysdale were drafted or signed, none ultimately played in an official NBA regular-season game.
Why isn’t it common for women to play in the NBA today?
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) was founded in 1996, creating a dedicated and top-tier professional league specifically for female basketball players.