Last Updated on October 5, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about Willie Naulls, a former NBA player:

  • Full Name: William Dean Naulls
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on October 7, 1934 (passed away on November 22, 2018, at the age of 84)
  • Hometown: Dallas, Texas, USA (raised in San Pedro, California)
  • Height: 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)
  • Weight: 225 pounds (102 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 7 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 15 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 6, 12, and 71
  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • High School: San Pedro High School in San Pedro, California
  • College: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (1953–1956)
  • NBA Draft: Selected in the 2nd round (9th overall pick) in the 1956 NBA Draft by the St. Louis Hawks
  • Teams Played For:
    • St. Louis Hawks (1956)
    • New York Knicks (1956–1962)
    • San Francisco Warriors (1962–1963)
    • Boston Celtics (1963–1966)
  • Championship Rings: 3 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics (1964, 1965, 1966)
  • Kids: Not publicly available
  • Siblings: Not publicly available

Willie Naulls was known for his scoring and rebounding ability, as well as his leadership both on and off the court. He was the first African-American player to be named captain of the New York Knicks, and he was a four-time NBA All-Star. Naulls had his best years with the Knicks, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game at his peak. He later joined the Boston Celtics and contributed to three consecutive NBA championships as part of their legendary team in the mid-1960s.