Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

If there was a living embodiment of the Boston Celtics, and arguable and embodiment of the NBA, his name was Red Auerbach.

Auerbach was a member of the National Basketball Association since its formation in 1946 and a member of the Celtics since 1950. From 1950-1966, he coached the Celtics to nine world titles (eight in consecutive from 1959-1966). Prior to the 1966-67 season he made the move to work exclusively as the general manager, and he appointed Bill Russell as player-coach.

Some of his major victories as an administrator included making the trades and draft picks that brought the Celtics Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, Bill Walton, and Danny Ainge, the current Celtics director of basketball operations.

Red Auerbach's coaching record

Reaction from the basketball community

David Stern, NBA Commissioner: “Red Auerbach was known best for his extraordinary success as an NBA head coach, but his leadership and passion had a profound impact away from the court. Beyond his incomparable achievements, Red had come to be our basketball soul and our basketball conscience. The void left by his death will never be filled. The NBA family extends its sympathy to his daughters Nancy and Randy, and Red's entire family."

Bob Cousy, former Celtics point guard: “In think Arnold was an absolute giant in the field. I have been around a lot of competitive people but his commitment to winning was absolute – nothing was more important. He was relentless and produced the greatest basketball dynasty so far that this country has ever seen and certainly that the NBA has ever seen. This is a personal loss for me, Arnold and I have been together since 1950. I was fortunate that I was able to attend a function with him Wednesday night when he was honored by the United States Naval Memorial Foundation in Washington, and I am so glad now that I took the time to be there and spend a few more moments with him.�

Tom Heinsohn, former Celtics player and coach: “Nobody has had as much impact on a sport as Red Auerbach had on the game of basketball. He was a pioneer of the NBA. He left his philosophy of winning championships, playing hard and playing as a team with several generations of players. He was truly a great manager of people because he got people to commit to who they were as people and what their role was on the team. He was exceptional at listening and motivating people to put out their very best. In my playing days he once gave me a loaded cigar and six months later I gave him one – that was our relationship. We had a tremendous amount of fun and the game of basketball will never see anyone else like him.�

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