During his time suiting up for the Celtics, Naulls wore only jersey No. 12 and put up 10.3 points and 4.6 rebounds.

C. Jones, No. 6 Bill Russell, No. 16 Tom Sanders & No. 12 Willie Naulls. In honor of Black History Month, it’s important to recognize the key Black figures who helped propel the NBA to the ...

Willie Naulls, a four-time All-Star and three-time champion, captained the Knicks in the early 1960 -- making him the first black athlete to earn such an honor.