Top > Sport > 2006 > October > 2006-10-30

Red Auerbach, basketball legend, dies at 89

Arnold "Red" Auerbach died suddenly of a heart attack on Saturday in Washington, where he lived. He was 89. Auerbach led the Boston Celtics to eight straight championships between 1959-1966 (and a total of nine in his coaching career), a record unmatched in U.S. professional sports. He was enshrined into the basketball Hall of Fame in 1969, and has always remained involved with the Celtics.

Auerbach had an eye for talent, and masterminded the Celtics team, trading in draft picks to land players he knew would fit his system, like Bill Russell and Larry Bird, and overlooked prospects, with great success, like Dave Cowens. In all, Auerbach coached 11 Hall of Famers. He was a fast-break proponent, and invented the Sixth Man concept.

His famous cigar would light up when games were clearly decided, and when championships won. It will light no more. "Red Auerbach was the consummate teacher, leader, and a true pioneer of the sport of basketball," NBA Commissioner David Stern said. The Celtics said their coming season would be dedicated to him.