Wayne Embry's journey in professional basketball began when he was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks in 1958. However, it was with the Cincinnati Royals that he truly began to establish himself as a formidable presence on the court. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 240 pounds, Embry played the center position with a physical style that made him a force to be reckoned with in the paint. His ability to rebound and defend was complemented by his scoring prowess, making him a valuable asset to his team.

During his time with the Royals, Embry played alongside Oscar Robertson, one of the greatest players in NBA history. This partnership helped the Royals become a competitive team in the league. Embry's performance earned him five consecutive All-Star selections from 1961 to 1965, highlighting his status as one of the top centers of his era. His best statistical season came in 1963-64 when he averaged 19.8 points and 13 rebounds per game.

In 1966, Embry was traded to the Boston Celtics, where he played a crucial role as a backup center. His tenure with the Celtics was marked by winning an NBA Championship in 1968, providing veteran leadership and depth to a team that was already rich in talent. After his stint with the Celtics, Embry played briefly for the Milwaukee Bucks before retiring as a player in 1969.

Transitioning from player to executive, Embry broke new ground in the NBA. In 1972, he became the first African American general manager in the league when he took on the role with the Milwaukee Bucks. His tenure as an executive was marked by a keen eye for talent and a strategic approach to team building. Under his management, the Bucks remained competitive, and he played a role in drafting and developing future stars.

Embry's executive career continued to flourish as he took on roles with other teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors. With the Cavaliers, he served as general manager and later as president, helping to guide the team through various phases of development. His leadership was instrumental in building a strong foundation for the franchise.

In Toronto, Embry served as a senior advisor and interim general manager, providing guidance and expertise to the Raptors' front office. His influence extended beyond team management, as he was known for advocating for diversity and inclusion within the league's executive ranks.

Throughout his career, both on and off the court, Wayne Embry was recognized for his leadership and integrity. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport. His autobiography, "The Inside Game: Race, Power, and Politics in the NBA," offers insights into his experiences and the challenges he faced throughout his career.

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