The Best of Arnold ‘Red’ Auerbach

Red oversaw, developed, conceptualized the fundamental principals of basketball that are still followed today. Red was also the architect of the Boston Celtics mega-dynasty of the 50’s and 60’s, having won 8 consecutive titles before retiring from coaching in 1966. Auerbach replaced himself with Bill Russell. This new role for Russell made him the 1st man of color to coach a pro sports team in America. Russell was also the only player/coach to win an NBA crown. Red was also influential in the integration of black and white players during the civil rights era. Proving brave and loyal to his players, Red also drafted the first man of color and started for the first time, an all black starting-5.

Red went on to manage the Celtics for the rest of his life, having a finger print on 16 of the 17 World Championship Celtics teams.