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.
2010
Phil Jackson agrees to a one-year contract to remain head coach of the defending champion Lakers for the ’10-’11 season. Jackson had been rumored to be considering retirement and eventually did step down after the Lakers were eliminated in the 2011 playoffs.
2011
The fourth lockout in NBA history begins, as the collective bargaining agreement expires. It would last until December of 2011.
2021
The ability for student-athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness officially takes effect, reversing a long controversial NCAA regulation.
2025
The Indiana Fever capture the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 74-59 in the Cup Final. Natasha Howard is named tournament MVP. Fever star Caitlin Clark misses the game with a groin injury.
More on Rick Barry
- Which side are you on?: A history of the NBA in 16 labor disputes
- Tough act to follow: 23 (mostly) forgotten NBA players who replaced departing legends
- From downtown: 13 great long distance shooters who played before the three-point line era
- Man with one name: Seven legendary players who never received a proper nickname
- Apple didn’t fall far from the tree: 26 greatest NBA father and son duos
- Second acts: 22 franchise legends who ended their career with a brief stop on an unfamiliar team
- I can’t dance: 15 greatest NBA players who (played in Division I but) never reached the NCAA Tournament
- Second in the draft, first in our hearts: 21 greatest second overall picks in the NBA Draft
More on Labor and Capital
- Death penalty: 21 notable players who were suspended or banned indefinitely from the NBA
- Which side are you on?: A history of the NBA in 16 labor disputes
- Media matters: A history of the NBA in 12 television rights contracts
- Hoops and change: Nine pro basketball players who became politicians
- Don’t you forget about me: 80 basketball moments from the ’80s that changed the sport forever
- All the commissioner’s men: Nine enduring NBA conspiracy theories
- Testing the waters and creating a ripple: 15 free agency signings that changed the NBA
- Extracurricular activities: 75 off-court moments that shaped the NBA
- Order on the court: 10 people or entities who have filed notable lawsuits against the NBA
- We’re not gonna take it: Eight NBA teams that openly rebelled against their head coach