How did the NBA pioneer Nat 'Sweetwater' Clifton die? The moving story of the Chicago legend
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: It is true that being humble takes you far in life. The story of Nathaniel Clifton is as inspiring and moving as it is sad. Clifton is regarded as a 'Legend' in the world of basketball. Known to have become the second African-American player to sign an NBA contract. Changing trends and making a mark in a difficult era was the definition of greatness. Nathaniel Clifton was often regarded as Nat 'Sweetwater' Clifton, and the story behind getting this name is as sweet as the word itself.
Nat grew up in England, Arkansas, but moved to Chicago when he was 8. His love for soda pops got him the nickname 'Sweetwater' but there's more to his story. He was remembered as a humble man with a kind disposition, which was also the reason for his sweet nickname. He wasn't just an outstanding basketball player, but an even better baseball player. He played in DuSable High School, after which he graduated in 1942.
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Served in the United States Army
After graduating from DuSable High School in 1942, Clifton attended Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans after which he was listed in the army for the next three years and fought in Europe during the devastating World War II. His love for basketball was something that brought him back to his roots. Post-war, he came back and joined the New York Rens, which was an all-black professional basketball team, which toured and played all over the United States. Clifton was noted to have big hands, which needed 14-size gloves, knowing that he was invited to play for the Harlem Globetrotters and played for them for almost 2 years. Clifton was a man of many talents and had a knack for baseball, so during the basketball off-season in 1949 Clifton played for the Chicago American Giants.
An outstanding career in NBA
While Earl Lloyd became the first African-American to sign an NBA contract with Washington Capitols, Nat 'Sweetwater' Clifton was the second African-American to become a part of NBA and signed a contract with New York Knicks. With his great skills in basketball and becoming a part of NBA, Clifton was soon named to the 1957 NBA All-Star team. Soon he was the part of multi-player trade between the Knicks and the Fort Wayne Pistons in 1957. After playing one season for Detroit, Clifton got retired from the legendary game of Basketball, leaving more than just a legacy.
Clifton was someone who inspired people to be humble, to have a drive for something and to always try to succeed at it. His contributions were as great as his love for basketball. His contributions were recognized by the Associated Black Charities of New York City. To honor his legacy and to have people remember him for his contributions, the charity organization named an award after him and called their Black History Maker Award the Nathaniel 'Sweetwater' Clifton Award.
Clifton spent his last years working as a cab driver
Some might find this quite inferior, but for 'Sweetwater' it was as similar as any other job. His humbleness was the reason that got him to the highest highs. Nathaniel drove for the Checker Cab Company in the last years of his life and passed away in 1990 at the age of 63. Minutes before his passing, Nathaniel was driving and was about to pull away from the curb, took a deep breath and passed out. Later, upon discovery, it was realized that Nathaniel died of a heart attack.
Why should you watch 'Sweetwater'?
'Sweetwater' is the movie that has been made in the memory of late Nathaniel Clifton, who was an inspiration for all the basketball lovers and everyone he touched the lives of. The movie is an upcoming American sports biographical independent film directed and written by Martin Guigui. The cast of the movie includes Everett Osborne, Cary Elwes, Jeremy Piven, Richard Dreyfuss and Kevin Pollak. Osborne plays Nat Clifton as the film narrates the true story of his career, his life and his immense contributions to society.
'Sweetwater' drops on April 14 in the theaters near you.