1972

Rick Barry returns to the NBA from the ABA, signing as a free agent with his former team, the Warriors. Barry had spent his first two professional seasons with the Warriors before absconding to the ABA, playing for five years in the nascent league amidst a flurry of lawsuits and other legal activity. He was an All-Star and 2nd-Team All-NBA in his first season back with Golden State, while leading the NBA in free throw percentage.

1943

ABA Playoffs MVP Freddie Lewis is born in Huntington, West Virginia.

Jim Washington is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While playing for Villanova in 1965, he was awarded the Robert V. Geasey trophy as the best collegiate player in Philly.

Longtime NBA newspaper columnist and TV analyst Peter Vecsey is born in Queens, New York.

1947

The inaugural BAA Draft takes place in Detroit, with both the Pittsburgh Ironmen and Toronto Huskies participating though they both fold before the ’47-’48 season begins. Notable picks include Harry Gallatin (Northeast Missouri) to the Baltimore Bullets at #40 and Andy Phillip (Illinois) to the Chicago Stags at #47.

1956

Dick Harp takes over as head coach at Kansas, replacing Phog Allen.

1995

For the first time ever an NBA lockout occurs, as owners and the league officially suspend operations while collective bargaining is taking place. The lockout winds up lasting just over three months, with a new collective bargaining agreement agreed upon in September, allowing the ’95-’96 season to be played in its entirety.

1998

The NBA officially ceases operations as the owners institute a lockout while negotiations ensue over a new collective bargaining agreement. The lockout would eventually last for just over six months.

2011

The fourth lockout in NBA history begins, as the collective bargaining agreement expires. It would last until December of 2011.