Red Auerbach

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Lore & Background

Red Auerbach's philosophy centered on demoralizing opponents through relentless pressure and superior conditioning. He drilled his players to prioritize defense over offense, forcing turnovers that fueled their trademark fast break. This strategy allowed the Celtics to dominate from 1957 to 1966, winning nine of ten championships, including six Finals victories against the Los Angeles Lakers' stars Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. Auerbach revolutionized roster management by popularizing the role of the sixth man, utilizing players like Frank Ramsey and John Havlicek to maintain high intensity throughout games. His teams forced opponents into low-percentage shots from long distances, a tactic that was particularly effective before the introduction of the three-point arc. The psychological impact was profound; as forward Tom 'Satch' Sanders recalled, 'defense and conditioning were the best parts of those teams.' Auerbach also managed the egos of future Hall of Famers, turning Bob Cousy from a 'local yokel' into a great playmaker while integrating Bill Russell to anchor the defense.

In Their Own Story

The turning point for the franchise arrived on draft day in 1956. Needing a defensive rebounding center, Auerbach executed a trade with the rival St. Louis Hawks to acquire Bill Russell, simultaneously selecting Tom Heinsohn and K.C. Jones. This move anchored a new era of dominance. In 1950, Auerbach made history by drafting Chuck Cooper, the NBA's first African-American player, effectively breaking the color barrier. He further integrated the league in 1964 by sending out the first all-Black starting five: Bill Russell, Willie Naulls, Tom Sanders, Sam Jones, and K.C. Jones. The following year, he hired Russell as head coach, making him the NBA's first African-American head coach. These moves were not just tactical but moral, as Auerbach played a key role in decreasing racial discrimination throughout the league. His tenure saw the Celtics win eight straight titles from 1959 to 1966, a streak that denied Wilt Chamberlain a championship during his reign and established a standard of excellence unmatched in North American sports.

Reader's Guide

To understand Auerbach's legacy, one must look at his specific achievements and records. He compiled an NBA coaching record of 938 wins upon retiring in 1966. In 1950, he selected Chuck Share first overall after snubbing Bob Cousy, whom he initially dismissed as lacking poise, though their relationship later improved significantly. Auerbach's impact was recognized globally when the Professional Basketball Writers Association of America voted him the greatest coach in NBA history in 1980 and named him NBA Executive of the Year that same year. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969 and later into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. His jersey number 2 was retired at TD Garden, the Celtics' home stadium. Auerbach served as president until his death on October 28, 2006, at age 89, leaving behind a legacy defined by 16 total NBA titles—the most of any individual in history.

Did You Know?

• Auerbach earned the nickname 'Red' due to his distinctive flaming red hair and fiery temper.
• In 1943, he appeared in a game for the Harrisburg Senators of the American Basketball League (ABL) and scored exactly one point.
• His team's 17-game winning streak with the Washington Capitols stood as the single-season league record until 1969.
• Auerbach drafted Chuck Cooper in 1950, making him the NBA's first African-American player.
• In 1966, he hired Bill Russell to become the NBA's first African-American head coach.