They Cleared the Lane: The NBA's Black Pioneers

Today, black players compose more than eighty percent of the National Basketball Association's rosters, providing a strong and valued contribution to professional basketball. In the first half of the twentieth century, however, pro basketball was tainted by racism, as gifted African Americans were denied the opportunity to display their talents.

Through in-depth interviews with players, their families, coaches, teammates, and league officials, Ron Thomas tells the largely untold story of w...