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Kings Honor Earl Lloyd

Basketball Hall of Fame contributor Earl Lloyd, who became the first African-American to play in the NBA in 1950, passed away on Thursday.

The Sacramento Kings will join the basketball community in remembering the life and impact of Lloyd with a moment of silence prior to the team’s contest against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.

Following the news, Kings personnel joined Chairman Vivek Ranadivé, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and more in expressing their condolences for the NBA pioneer.

Kings Assistant Coach Corliss Williamson

“It's a sad day but the milestone he broke, as far as being the first African-American in the NBA, is a great feat to accomplish. It opened up the doors for a lot of us to be able to play this game of basketball at such a high level. It’s a sad day but I also believe in celebrating the life of someone. It’s a blessing he was able to break that barrier for us.”

Kings Assistant Coach Dee Brown

"It's a sad day. Someone who was a pioneer as the first African-American in the NBA. He doesn't get mentioned as much as Jackie Robinson because baseball at that time was 'America's sport’, but Earl had the same impact of breaking the color barrier. You think about what he did that spearheaded all of the other (firsts); Bill Russell becoming the first (African-American) coach and Wayne Embry becoming the first executive. Those things couldn't happen without Earl Lloyd being the first African-American player. The things he did for us to be able to coach and play are because of what he did early in his life."

Kings center Ryan Hollins

"You have to be appreciative for the door being opened for African-Americans in the game of basketball. Those times he played in to open the door for us and go through those trials, we can't really imagine what it was like because we don't have to go through that today. It's truly a blessing and amazing to see how our game has grown and the influence it has. Rest in peace to him, and blessings to his family."

Former Kings guard Kenny Smith

“No matter what race, creed or color you are, you can only admire people who have done groundbreaking things like Earl Lloyd.”

Kings Chairman Vivek Ranadivé

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver

Chris Webber & Inside the NBA Crew

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson