John "Jackie" Moore, a former NBA player and trailblazer who became the first Black player to appear in a game for the Warriors franchise, has died at the age of 93, the team announced.
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Moore signed with the then-Philadelphia Warriors on February 15, 1955, and made his debut that same day. He later spent three seasons with the franchise and was part of the team that won the 1956 NBA championship.
Over the course of his professional career, Moore also played for the Syracuse Nationals and Milwaukee Hawks. A 6-foot-5 forward, he averaged 2.7 points per game during his time in the league.
In 2018, Moore represented the 1956 championship team during Golden State's ring ceremony in Oakland, reconnecting with the organization decades after his playing days.
A native of Philadelphia, Moore was also the first Black player to compete for the men's basketball team at La Salle University. He was later inducted into the halls of fame at both La Salle and Overbrook High School.
Moore's career included time in the Eastern Professional Basketball League, where he played for the Sunbury Mercuries during the 1954-55 season and again following his NBA tenure.
The Warriors extended condolences to Moore's family, noting his place in franchise history.
He is survived by his daughters, Felicienne Moore and Raushanah Qadree Muhsin, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
