A Farewell To Red
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Legendary Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach died of a heart attack yesterday, at the age of 89.
Auerbach is regarded as perhaps the greatest coach in NBA history, having led the Celtics to 938 wins and nine championships, including a remarkable run from 1959 to 1966 in which Boston won eight consecutive NBA titles. Until Lenny Wilkens broke his record in 1994, Auerbach held the NBA record for most coaching wins. In his 20 years as Boston's coach, Auerbach only suffered a losing record one time.
In addition to his amazing coaching resume, Auerbach was also a highly-acclaimed NBA general manager, having built the first dynasty that he coached, but also having acquired many of the key players in the Celtics' 1970s 2-championship run and their 1980s dynasty -- including Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Dave Cowens. Auerbach was named the NBA's Executive of the Year for his work with the Celtics after the 1979-1980 season. He also drafted the NBA's first African-American player in 1950 (Chuck Cooper), and hired the league's first African-American coach (his legendary former player, Bill Russell).
Auerbach, who gained the nickname "Red" in his youth for both his fiery red hair and his equally impassioned demeanor, was a relentless competitor who demanded perfection from his players every time they stepped onto the Boston Garden's trademark parquet floor -- and he often got it. He would always break out his "victory cigar" at home games when it became clear that the Celtics would win, much to the chagrin of opposing coaches. He was often arrogant, sometimes hostile, and always blunt... but he was the consummate winner, and for the players that bought into his system, the rewards were easily worth the abuse. He innovated the concept of the sixth man (most famously John Havlicek), and would encourage jump-shooting in a day in which most coaches stressed forcing the ball inside. He was, in any sense of the word, an original, and he will be missed.
Auerbach died near his home in Washington, just days after his last public appearance -- he received the U.S. Navy's Lone Sailor Award last Wednesday. The Celtics have announced that their upcoming 2006-07 season will be dedicated in Auerbach's honor.
Source
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Auerbach
- http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2006/10/28/passing_of_a_celtics_legend/?page=1
- http://www.hoopshype.com/rumors.htm
