Red Auerbach

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Lore & Background

Red Auerbach's impact on the game began with a radical shift in philosophy. When he took over the Celtics in 1950, they were reeling from a 22–46 record. He immediately prioritized collective play, famously snubbing Bob Cousy initially before integrating him into a core alongside Ed Macauley and Bill Sharman. The true turning point arrived on draft day in 1956 when Auerbach traded for Bill Russell, securing the defensive anchor who would dominate the paint. This move allowed the Celtics to force opponents into low-percentage shots and capitalize on fast breaks. Under this system, they won nine of ten championships from 1957 to 1966. Beyond tactics, Auerbach broke racial barriers: in 1950 he drafted Chuck Cooper, the NBA's first African-American player; in 1964 he fielded the league's first all-African-American starting five; and in 1966 he appointed Bill Russell as the first African-American head coach. His tenure ended only when he stepped down as coach in 1966 to focus on management, a role where he continued to build winning teams.

In Their Own Story

The celebration of victory was a ritual as iconic as the wins themselves. After clinching titles, particularly during the eight-year streak from 1959 to 1966, Auerbach would light a victory cigar on the sidelines, a gesture that became synonymous with Celtics success. The atmosphere in the Boston Garden was electric, filled with the roar of fans as his teams dismantled opponents like the Minneapolis Lakers or the St. Louis Hawks. One defining moment occurred during the 1956 draft when Auerbach secured Bill Russell via trade, setting the stage for a decade of dominance. Another pivotal era was the 1946–47 season with the Washington Capitols, where he led a team built around Bones McKinney to a 49–11 record and a 17-game winning streak. Even in defeat, such as the loss to the Chicago Stags that year or the finals loss to George Mikan's Lakers in 1949, Auerbach remained a fierce competitor. His journey from a Navy Rehabilitation officer in 1943 to an NBA legend was marked by constant adaptation, whether rebuilding the Tri-Cities Blackhawks by trading over two dozen players in six weeks or crafting the perfect role for sixth men like Frank Ramsey and John Havlicek.

Reader's Guide

For fans seeking to understand the Celtics' identity, Auerbach's career offers a blueprint of resilience and innovation. His legacy is preserved at TD Garden, where his number 2 jersey hangs retired alongside other legends. To appreciate this history, one must recognize the specific milestones: his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969, his selection as the greatest coach in NBA history by the Professional Basketball Writers Association in 1980, and his recognition as NBA Executive of the Year that same year. Auerbach's influence extended beyond the court; he was named one of the NBA's 10 Greatest Coaches and inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. His coaching record of 938 wins stood as an NBA benchmark upon his retirement in 1966. Fans can trace his evolution from a high school coach at St. Albans School and Roosevelt High School to a college standout at George Washington University, where he led the team in scoring in 1940. The story of the Celtics is inseparable from Auerbach's vision of defense, conditioning, and unselfish play.

Did You Know?

• Auerbach earned the nickname 'Red' due to his distinctive flaming red hair and fiery temper.
• In 1943, while still a player for the Harrisburg Senators of the American Basketball League, he scored exactly one point in an appearance.
• He was the first coach to draft an African-American player (Chuck Cooper) in 1950 and later hired the first African-American head coach (Bill Russell) in 1966.
• The Washington Capitols, coached by Auerbach, set a single-season league record with a 17-game winning streak that stood until 1969.
• Auerbach popularized the tradition of lighting a victory cigar after winning championships.