Who was the first NBA player to break a backboard?

Chuck Connors played professional basketball for both the Rochester Royals and the Boston Celtics. He is recognized as the first athlete to shatter an NBA backboard while playing for the Celtics. Unlike Darryl Dawkins (who shattered 2 by dunking), Connors' took a shot during practice that hit the front of the rim causing the backboard to shatter.

Although he acted in many movies and T.V. shows, Chuck Connors is best known for his role as Lucas McCain in The Rifleman.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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39 Comments

James Brice

Connors also played professional baseball....what a record!

foxphilam

I recognized him from the photo.

jfbeau

He went from the worst shot in the east to the best shot in the west.

barbie

That's wrong it was Daryl Dawkins from 76ers

Ron Garfinkle

James Brice, 1st base for the Cubs!

Rick Brandenburg

Must of been a brick he threw up to break backboard, haha!

ejrich

What a cheap backboard!!!

sweetqb

I never knew that!! I eliminated him, because he was an ACTOR!!

Teri Gallagan-Horning

I knew about his baseball career, but didn't know he also played basketball. Interesting!

kite005

And I was going to try to think of a joke about "The Rifleman".

patrhea

..did not know any of that! I do recall when it happened and on the news.

fdeisner

I chose Darryl Dawkins but in the back of my mind thought it might be Chuck Connors as kind of a trick question as I knew he played pro ball. Bazynga I got tricked. 🤣