The history of professional basketball is rich with incredible athletes and groundbreaking moments, yet some stories remain less widely known. The video above sheds light on a truly unique facet of NBA history: the rare instances where women were drafted into the league, not the WNBA. These moments, often met with controversy or skepticism, underscore the persistent conversation around gender and opportunity in elite sports. Diving deeper into these pivotal events reveals a complex interplay of athletic prowess, societal norms, and the evolving landscape of professional basketball.
Early Pioneers: The NBA’s First Female Draftees
The concept of women directly entering the NBA draft, a domain historically reserved for male athletes, challenges conventional perceptions. The few women who found their names on an NBA draft board represent more than just a peculiar footnote; they are testaments to potential and societal shifts.
Denise Long: The Voided Pick of 1969
The narrative of women in the NBA draft begins in 1969 with Denise Long. A high school phenom from Union-Modoc, Iowa, Long was a legitimate scoring sensation, famously dropping 111 points in a single game during her senior year. Her incredible talent drew national attention, culminating in an unprecedented move by the San Francisco Warriors. They selected Long in the 13th round of the NBA draft.
However, this groundbreaking decision was swiftly overturned. NBA Commissioner Walter Kennedy quickly voided the pick, citing a rule that prohibited players under 18 from being drafted. While this was the official rationale, many speculated that the underlying concern was the league’s unreadiness for a woman on an NBA roster. Long’s draft selection, though annulled, forced a public discussion about the boundaries of professional sports and the role of women within them.
Lusia Harris: A Genuine Talent in the 1977 NBA Draft
Years later, in 1977, another woman made history in the NBA draft, this time with a more undeniable claim to athletic legitimacy. Lusia Harris, a 6’3″ center, was selected by the New Orleans Jazz as the 137th pick in the seventh round. Harris was not a novelty act; she was an extraordinary basketball player with an unparalleled collegiate and international career.
Before the NBA draft, Harris had already etched her name into the annals of basketball. She was a three-time MVP of the AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) National Championship, leading Delta State to three consecutive titles from 1975 to 1977. She also represented the United States at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, earning a silver medal—the first ever for U.S. women’s basketball. Her dominance earned her a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, making her the first Black woman to achieve this honor. The video highlights a crucial detail: Harris did not participate in the preseason tryouts for the Jazz due to her pregnancy. Many contemporary observers and historians contend that, had circumstances been different, Harris possessed the skill and physical presence to genuinely compete for a roster spot, making her one of the most compelling “what if” stories among women drafted into the NBA.
Beyond the Draft: Other Notable Interactions with the NBA
While the draft provides a formal entry point, other avenues have seen women interact with NBA teams, further blurring the traditional lines of gender in professional basketball.
Ann Meyers Drysdale: Trailblazing as a Free Agent in 1979
In 1979, another celebrated female athlete, Ann Meyers Drysdale, made waves by signing a free agent contract with the Indiana Pacers. Though not a draft pick, her signing and participation in the rookie camp were incredibly significant. Meyers Drysdale was an all-around talent, an All-American at UCLA, and the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship to a major university. Her attempt to make an NBA roster, participating in rigorous professional tryouts, demonstrated her remarkable athletic ability and paved the way for future discussions about women competing at the highest levels of men’s sports. Despite not making the final roster, her presence in camp was a powerful statement about athletic merit transcending gender.
Caitlyn Jenner: The Publicity Pick of 1977
The same year Lusia Harris was drafted, the Kansas City Kings selected Bruce Jenner (now Caitlyn Jenner) in the seventh round, 139th overall, in the 1977 NBA draft. This pick, as noted in the video, was largely a publicity stunt. Jenner, a celebrated Olympic decathlete, was not a professional basketball player. The Kings even presented Jenner with a jersey emblazoned with the Olympic record score of 8618, clearly signaling the intention behind the selection. While interesting for its unique nature, this particular draft pick differs significantly from the attempts to genuinely assess female basketball talent, underscoring the contrast between ceremonial gestures and serious athletic consideration.
The Evolving Landscape and the WNBA’s Rise
The journey of women in professional basketball, particularly in relation to the NBA, reflects broader societal shifts regarding gender equality in sports. Legally, the NBA has never had a specific rule explicitly prohibiting women from participating. This absence of a formal barrier is what allowed these drafting and signing attempts to occur, even if they were ultimately voided or unsuccessful.
The establishment of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in 1996 marked a monumental turning point. It provided a dedicated, professional league for women, offering a legitimate pathway for elite female athletes to compete at the highest level without having to breach the heavily male-dominated NBA structure. The WNBA’s success has cultivated a professional ecosystem for women’s basketball, allowing players to focus their talents within a competitive and globally recognized league.
These historical instances of women drafted into the NBA, though few and often symbolic, serve as powerful reminders of the talent and determination of female athletes. They highlight moments when conventional boundaries were tested and the conversation around who belongs in professional sports was pushed forward. The legacies of Denise Long, Lusia Harris, and Ann Meyers Drysdale continue to resonate, fueling ongoing discussions about opportunity, equity, and the pursuit of athletic excellence irrespective of gender in professional basketball.
Breaking Barriers Q&A: Women of the NBA Draft
Were women ever drafted into the NBA?
Yes, there have been a few rare instances where women were drafted into the NBA, though these selections were often met with controversy or were symbolic.
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, but her pick was quickly voided by the league commissioner.
Was there a woman drafted into the NBA who was a genuine basketball talent?
Yes, Lusia Harris, a highly accomplished collegiate and Olympic player, was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977, and many believe she had the skill to genuinely compete.
Did any women try to join an NBA team without being drafted?
Yes, Ann Meyers Drysdale made history in 1979 by signing a free agent contract with the Indiana Pacers and participating in their rookie camp.