Naulls was, with Bill Russell, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, and Tom Sanders, part of the first all-Black lineup in the history of North American pro sports in 1964, and a key part of three of Boston's titles in their golden age of dominance in the mid-1960s. He averaged 10.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game with the Celtics -- rest in peace.

The Boston Celtics suffered a brutal loss to the Brooklyn Nets tonight, dropping to an 8-8 record and a 1-2 record in the Group stage of the NBA Cup. Boston walked into tonight expecting to win, especially after having beaten the Nets earlier this season.

Such a question would have seemed ludicrous at best for the team behind "Mazzulla Ball" at the start of the season.

The Celtics dropped to 1-2 in an NBA Cup in Group B with the defeat, essentially eliminating them from advancing to the knockout round. They are back to .500 on the season with an 8-8 record. Boston gets one day off before hosting the Magic on Sunday night at TD Garden. Here are four takeaways from the Nets loss on Friday night:

The Celtics got major injury news ahead of their NBA Cup clash with the Nets as both teams prepare for Friday’s rematch.

The Boston Celtics have gone from one of the NBA’s most intimidating opponents to a team that no longer inspires the same level of fear. Around the league, scouts, coaches, and front office executives are shaking their heads at how quickly the franchise has slipped from contender status.

During his time suiting up for the Celtics, Green wore only jersey No. 43 and put up 3.7 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.