The team's outstanding roster included Oscar Robertson, Jerry Lucas, Team Captain Wayne Embry, Jack Twyman, Arlen Bockhorn, Bob Boozer, Tom Hawkins, Adrian Smith, Bud Olsen, Larry Staverman and coach Jack McMahon .
In the playoffs the Royals defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in a 5-game series, but both Lucas and Olsen would be lost to injury.
In the Eastern Conference Final, the Royals were eliminated by the Boston Celtics, who triumphed in 5 games.
Tom Thacker from the outstanding University of Cincinnati program was another territorial draft pick, the team's first this year.
The Royals consistently posted winning marks over the full season for each month of play.