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3 notable NBA stars that played for the Harlem Globetrotters

By Ed Easton Jr.

GOOD MORNING AMERICA - The Harlem Globetrotters go for the Guinness Book World Record for most half court shots in an hour on 'Good Morning America,' on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, airing on the ABC Television Network.(Photo by Heidi Gutman/ABC via Getty Images)HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
GOOD MORNING AMERICA - The Harlem Globetrotters go for the Guinness Book World Record for most half court shots in an hour on 'Good Morning America,' on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, airing on the ABC Television Network.(Photo by Heidi Gutman/ABC via Getty Images)HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS /
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(Original Caption) Nat Clifton, center for the New York Knickerbockers, was on hand with two balls, for today’s practice session of the team at the 69th Regiment Armory. The Knickerbockers open their season at Madison Square Garden on November 10th, and will play a 25-game schedule.
(Original Caption) Nat Clifton, center for the New York Knickerbockers, was on hand with two balls, for today’s practice session of the team at the 69th Regiment Armory. The Knickerbockers open their season at Madison Square Garden on November 10th, and will play a 25-game schedule. /

2. Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton

Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton was a member of the Globetrotters from 1947-50 and is well-known for being part of the first wave of African-American players in the NBA. He is best known in the league for his time with the New York Knicks, where he spent seven seasons of his career.

In his first season with the Knicks, he helped to lead the team to its first trip to the NBA Finals in a losing effort. He averaged 10 points and 9.0 rebounds per game during his eight seasons in the league. His selection to the 1957 NBA All-Star team was historic at the time because he was the oldest first-timer at the age of 34.

The nickname “Sweetwater” could be used to describe his play, but the former Globetrotter was always honest with the origin in many conversations with the media.

"”I got the name when I was a kid, because all I ever wanted to drink was soda pop,” he once explained. ”You know, sweet water.”"

Clifton’s legacy will always be synonymous with being one of the first African-American basketball players in the 1950s. His courage and skill helped him last eight seasons in the league considering all the negative attention his appearance on a NBA roster caused for those not accepting of his skin color.

The Globetrotters were instrumental in serving as the proper platform to showcase the skill needed to make it in the NBA. His presence is still being felt today with the continued growth of culture throughout the league internationally.