Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of NBA pioneer Earl Lloyd last weekend at the age of 86.

“The NBA family has lost one of its patriarchs. Earl Lloyd, the first African-American to play in an NBA game, was as inspirational as he was understated. He was known as a modest gentleman who played the game with skill, class, and pride. His legacy survives in the league he helped integrate, and the entire NBA family will strive to always honor his memory. Our deepest condolences to the Lloyd family.”

Lloyd, a forward, made his debut in 1950 with the Washington Capitols, who drafted him in the ninth round a few years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier.

Lloyd had a 10-year playing career and then coached the Detroit Pistons for one season.