Wat Misaka was not only the first Japanese player in the NBA, not only the first Asian player in the NBA, but the first all-around non-white player in the NBA. In addition, he joined shortly after World War II, where the United States had just fought and defeated Japan, the nation his parents had emigrated from! Although he was cut from the league after only three games, Misaka broke incredibly important ground when it comes to racial lines in professional sports.

Video of Misaka meeting Curry

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"Orchestral" by Makai Symphony

"Horizons" by Roa

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