Golden State Warriors Honor Phil ‘The Flash’ Jordon, NBA’s First Native American Player, with Impact Award
The Golden State Warriors, one of the NBA’s most successful and storied franchises, have long been known for their commitment to recognizing historical figures and contributing to the cultural fabric of the game. This season, the Warriors made headlines not for their on-court performance, but for an off-court gesture that speaks to the franchise’s deep respect for the history of basketball and its impact on various communities. The Warriors chose to honor Phil “The Flash” Jordon, the NBA’s first Native American player, with the prestigious Impact Award during a ceremony that highlighted not just Jordon’s on-court achievements but also his enduring legacy in inspiring generations of athletes, particularly those from Native American backgrounds.
Phil Jordon’s story is one of resilience, groundbreaking achievement, and trailblazing impact. Born in 1948 in the small town of Omak in Washington state, Jordon’s rise to prominence in the NBA was not just about athletic talent—it was about breaking barriers and serving as a symbol of hope and possibility for Native Americans, a group that had been historically underrepresented in professional sports. Jordon’s inclusion in the Warriors’ Impact Award celebration speaks volumes about how far basketball has come, but also how far it has yet to go in terms of recognizing the stories of marginalized communities within the sport.
The Life and Legacy of Phil ‘The Flash’ Jordon
Phil Jordon’s journey to the NBA was marked by numerous obstacles. Raised in a time when Native Americans faced systemic discrimination in virtually every aspect of American life, Jordon had to overcome a host of societal and cultural barriers. But from an early age, he demonstrated a rare athleticism that would ultimately pave the way for his entry into professional basketball.
Jordon was a standout player at the University of Washington, where he starred as a shooting guard. His speed and scoring ability earned him the nickname “The Flash,” a moniker that reflected his quickness on the court. His college career set the stage for what would become an impressive professional journey. In 1970, after a successful collegiate career, Jordon was selected in the second round of the NBA draft by the then-Boston Celtics, making history as the first Native American to be drafted into the league. This was a significant moment, not only for Jordon but also for the Native American community, which had long struggled with underrepresentation in professional sports.
While Jordon’s tenure in the NBA was brief—he played for the Celtics, the Seattle SuperSonics, and the Washington Bullets during the early 1970s—his legacy has far outlasted his time on the court. He averaged 8.3 points per game during his NBA career, but it was his impact off the court that would resonate the most. Jordon became a role model for Native American youth and an advocate for Native American issues, particularly in sports and education. His success in the NBA opened doors for future generations of Native American athletes, offering proof that people from marginalized communities could make it to the highest levels of competition.
After his NBA career, Jordon continued to give back to his community. He became involved in various Native American causes, including educational initiatives and programs aimed at increasing visibility and opportunities for Native American youth in sports. Through his post-NBA work, Jordon solidified his place as a mentor and inspiration, demonstrating that his contributions went far beyond basketball.
The Golden State Warriors’ Impact Award
The Impact Award is a prestigious recognition given by the Golden State Warriors to individuals who have significantly contributed to both the sport of basketball and their communities. The award highlights the influence of these individuals, not just in terms of athletic achievement, but also through their positive impact on society, their advocacy for underrepresented groups, and their work to leave a legacy that transcends the game itself. Past recipients of the Impact Award have included figures like Bill Russell, Rick Barry, and Al Attles—people who have shaped the NBA’s culture and history.
In 2024, the Warriors took a moment to honor Phil Jordon with this distinguished award, acknowledging his groundbreaking role as the first Native American player in the NBA and his continued efforts to elevate Native American communities. The Warriors’ decision to honor Jordon was not just an act of celebration, but also a statement that basketball recognizes the cultural richness and diversity that exists within the sport, and the players who have shaped it.
For the Warriors, honoring Jordon was not just about looking back on the past but also about highlighting the importance of diversity in the modern NBA. In a league that now includes players from all over the world—African, European, South American, and beyond—the Warriors’ recognition of Jordon stands as a reminder of the importance of Native American representation in professional basketball.
The Significance of the Impact Award for Native American Communities
The Warriors’ decision to honor Phil Jordon with the Impact Award has a far-reaching significance for Native American communities. Historically, Native Americans have been vastly underrepresented in professional sports, especially in basketball. While other minority groups, such as African Americans and Latin Americans, have seen increased representation at the professional level, Native American athletes have had to fight for recognition and visibility.
The honor of receiving the Impact Award is a symbol of validation for the Native American community in the realm of sports. Jordon’s recognition serves as a reminder that Native Americans have a rich history in athletics, even though they have often been excluded from the narrative. Jordon’s success in the NBA opened the door for future generations of Native American athletes to dream bigger and pursue careers in sports, not just in basketball, but in all fields. His legacy speaks to the resilience of Native Americans, who have historically faced systemic challenges but continue to break barriers in various arenas.
By honoring Jordon, the Warriors are helping to push forward a narrative of inclusion and opportunity for Native American athletes. The Impact Award sends a powerful message that Native Americans have a place in the NBA, not just as athletes but also as contributors to the broader cultural and social fabric of the sport. This is especially important in an era where the visibility and representation of marginalized groups in mainstream media are more critical than ever.
Moreover, the Warriors’ gesture aligns with the growing trend of sports teams and organizations making efforts to recognize and amplify the stories of underrepresented communities. This is evident in the increasing focus on honoring Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and other cultural observances in the NBA. The recognition of Phil Jordon represents another important step in ensuring that the contributions of Native American players are not lost to history.
The Warriors’ Ongoing Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Golden State Warriors have long been a franchise known for their commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. They have consistently been at the forefront of efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the organization and in the wider community. By honoring Phil Jordon, the Warriors are continuing this tradition, ensuring that the contributions of Native American athletes are celebrated and that the path for future Native American players is clear.
The Warriors have also been involved in various outreach programs aimed at creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, including their youth basketball initiatives and partnerships with local schools. By dedicating time and resources to these efforts, the Warriors have solidified their role as an organization that not only prioritizes winning basketball games but also works toward positive social change.
Furthermore, Jordon’s recognition as the recipient of the Impact Award highlights the Warriors’ commitment to acknowledging the diverse history of the NBA. By honoring a player who broke barriers in the 1970s, the Warriors are shining a light on an important chapter in the league’s history that had previously been overlooked by many. Jordon’s legacy is not just a footnote in the story of the NBA; it is a vital piece of the fabric that makes the league what it is today.
The Warriors’ Ceremony and Reflection
The ceremony in which Phil Jordon received the Impact Award was a moment of reflection for both Jordon and the Warriors organization. As Jordon stood on the court at Chase Center, surrounded by his family, friends, and the Warriors community, the weight of the moment was palpable. Warriors players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, who are known for their advocacy of social justice issues, spoke eloquently about the importance of honoring Jordon’s legacy.
During the ceremony, Jordon gave an emotional speech in which he thanked the Warriors organization for the recognition. He reflected on his journey from a small town in Washington to the NBA, highlighting the importance of believing in oneself and the power of sports to bridge cultural gaps. “When I was growing up, I never imagined I’d be standing here today,” Jordon said. “But I believed in the power of basketball to change lives, and I’m proud to have been part of that story.”
The Warriors’ recognition of Jordon also sparked a broader conversation about the importance of diversity and representation in sports. As players from various cultural backgrounds continue to excel in the NBA, the league is becoming more reflective of the global nature of the sport. But as Jordon’s recognition showed, there is still more work to be done to ensure that the stories of marginalized communities are told and celebrated.
Conclusion: Honoring a Trailblazer
Phil Jordon’s recognition by the Golden State Warriors with the Impact Award is not just a moment of personal triumph for Jordon, but a celebration of the history of Native American athletes in the NBA. Jordon’s pioneering role as the league’s first Native American player is a legacy that extends far beyond his time on the court. Through his work, both during and after his basketball career, Jordon helped pave the way for future generations of Native American athletes.
As the NBA continues to evolve into a more diverse and inclusive league, the Warriors’ decision to honor Jordon speaks to the franchise’s commitment to celebrating all aspects of the game’s history. This recognition serves as a reminder that the NBA is a global institution, shaped by the contributions of athletes from all walks of life, and that the impact of players like Phil Jordon will continue to resonate for generations to come.
