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Just_Dave · 10-28-2006, 07:51 PM

BOSTON (Ticker) - Red Auerbach, who made the Boston Celtics the greatest franchise in NBA history, died Saturday in Washington, the team announced. He was 89.

The Celtics, whose statement said Auerbach "passed away suddenly," have refrained in the past from giving details on his condition out of respect for his family.

Auerbach joined the Celtics in 1950 as the franchise's third coach and also served as general manager, president and vice chairman of the board.

Auerbach guided the Celtics to their first championship as a coach-general manager in 1957 and an unprecedented eight straight titles from 1959-66, elevating them above such sports dynasties as the New York Yankees and Montreal Canadiens for consecutive championships.

Known for lighting up a cigar on the bench after victories, Auerbach retired as coach after the eighth straight title and appointed center Bill Russell as player-coach, but remained the team's general manager through the 1983-84 season and served as president from 1970-97 and then again starting in 2001.

From 1957-69, the Celtics won 11 championships in 13 seasons. They added five more titles in 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984 and 1986 for an NBA-high total of 16.

Phil Jackson is the only other coach to win nine NBA titles - six with the Chicago Bulls and three with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1968, Auerbach retired with a record of 938-479 in the regular season and 99-69 in the playoffs.

Among Auerbach's most ingenious personnel moves was a trade with St. Louis in 1956 in which he acquired the Hawks' first-round pick. He used that selection on Russell, who became the cornerstone of the franchise and one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Auerbach laid the foundation for another great run by the Celtics in 1978, drafting Larry Bird in the first round. He orchestrated another brilliant trade three years later, dealing the first and 13th overall picks to Golden State for Robert Parish and the third overall selection, which he used on Kevin McHale.

Bird, Parish and McHale all went on to enjoy Hall of Fame careers.

Auerbach won the NBA Coach of the Year award in 1965, capturing the trophy that now bears his name. He also won the Executive of the Year award in 1980, the same year he also was selected as the "Greatest Coach in the History of the NBA" by the Pro Basketball Writers Association of America.

Over the years, Auerbach received seven honorary degrees from various institutions, including his alma mater, George Washington, where he played for three seasons.

An author of seven books, Auerbach also combined with Bird to produce the instructional video "Winning Basketball" in 1987. He once proclaimed "the Boston Celtics are not a basketball team, they are a way of life."

Auerbach, who made his last public appearance on October 25, is survived by two daughters, one granddaughter and three great-grandchildren.

10-28-2006, 07:51 PM
Just_Dave Its almost time Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 13,009	Celtics legend Red Auerbach dies at 89 BOSTON (Ticker) - Red Auerbach, who made the Boston Celtics the greatest franchise in NBA history, died Saturday in Washington, the team announced. He was 89. The Celtics, whose statement said Auerbach "passed away suddenly," have refrained in the past from giving details on his condition out of respect for his family. Auerbach joined the Celtics in 1950 as the franchise's third coach and also served as general manager, president and vice chairman of the board. Auerbach guided the Celtics to their first championship as a coach-general manager in 1957 and an unprecedented eight straight titles from 1959-66, elevating them above such sports dynasties as the New York Yankees and Montreal Canadiens for consecutive championships. Known for lighting up a cigar on the bench after victories, Auerbach retired as coach after the eighth straight title and appointed center Bill Russell as player-coach, but remained the team's general manager through the 1983-84 season and served as president from 1970-97 and then again starting in 2001. From 1957-69, the Celtics won 11 championships in 13 seasons. They added five more titles in 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984 and 1986 for an NBA-high total of 16. Phil Jackson is the only other coach to win nine NBA titles - six with the Chicago Bulls and three with the Los Angeles Lakers. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1968, Auerbach retired with a record of 938-479 in the regular season and 99-69 in the playoffs. Among Auerbach's most ingenious personnel moves was a trade with St. Louis in 1956 in which he acquired the Hawks' first-round pick. He used that selection on Russell, who became the cornerstone of the franchise and one of the greatest players in NBA history. Auerbach laid the foundation for another great run by the Celtics in 1978, drafting Larry Bird in the first round. He orchestrated another brilliant trade three years later, dealing the first and 13th overall picks to Golden State for Robert Parish and the third overall selection, which he used on Kevin McHale. Bird, Parish and McHale all went on to enjoy Hall of Fame careers. Auerbach won the NBA Coach of the Year award in 1965, capturing the trophy that now bears his name. He also won the Executive of the Year award in 1980, the same year he also was selected as the "Greatest Coach in the History of the NBA" by the Pro Basketball Writers Association of America. Over the years, Auerbach received seven honorary degrees from various institutions, including his alma mater, George Washington, where he played for three seasons. An author of seven books, Auerbach also combined with Bird to produce the instructional video "Winning Basketball" in 1987. He once proclaimed "the Boston Celtics are not a basketball team, they are a way of life." Auerbach, who made his last public appearance on October 25, is survived by two daughters, one granddaughter and three great-grandchildren.