Arnold Jacob Auerbach, best known as Red Auerbach, was an incredibly charismatic and successful basketball coach. He managed to lead his team nine times to victory in the NBA championship. Auerbach is remembered by millions of Americans as the leader and major figure of modern basketball. He redefined basketball as a sport based on teamwork and defense. He introduced a fast break strategy in the game and for him, it became a powerful offensive weapon against opponents. He coached many prominent basketball players, whose names were later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Find out more at i-new-york.com.
The story of Arnold Auerbach
The future outstanding basketball coach was born in New York in 1917. Basketball came into Auerbach’s life at a young age. While his parents worked, he spent his time playing basketball on the streets of Brooklyn. He demonstrated phenomenal abilities in this sport. Therefore, Auerbach decided to dedicate his whole life to the basketball game.
Auerbach had a very striking appearance, in particular, he had red hair. Because of this feature, the boys from the basketball team gave him the nickname Red when he was a kid.
He continued to develop his basketball skills. Also, Auerbach played as a guard when he was in high school. After graduation, for his high achievements in sports, he received a scholarship to participate in the basketball program at George Washington University. In the early 1940s, he was awarded a master’s degree and was called up for military service because the Second World War was at its peak.
After graduating from university, Auerbach began to understand how important it is to make the fast break in the game. He was evaluating how powerful three attacking basketball players against two retreating defenders could be. However, he could implement his strategy in the basketball game as a coach only after returning from the war.
Coach Auerbach
Auerbach´s career as a basketball coach began after the end of World War II. For a while, he coached a basketball team called Washington Capitols. In the late 1940s, he was lured as a coach to the Tri-Cities Blackhawks basketball team. He formed this team almost from scratch. He coached the team for about two seasons and then he was again invited to train a new basketball team. This time it was the Boston Celtics. Coaching this basketball team, he achieved a huge triumph. Auerbach became one of the most successful and reputable coaches in NBA history.
He was the coach of the Boston Celtics for 16 seasons. Auerbach managed to lead them to nine NBA championships, which took place between 1957 and 1966. In particular, Auerbach became popular as a coach and led his team to success through innovative coaching methods and strategies. He was one of the first coaches in basketball history to emphasize team defense. He also popularized the fast break and the use of a full-court press. He had a fantastic ability to play basketball and teach and led the pinnacle of fame not just himself, but also many players whom he coached. Many of their names were inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
In addition to being a prosperous and respected coach in America, Auerbach also became famous for supporting racial equality in professional sports. For example, in the middle of the 20th century, he became the first NBA coach to sign the first African-American player.
Auerbach´s career as a basketball coach ended in 1966. Even though he did not train his Boston Celtics team, he kept consulting and also worked as a manager for this team. He devoted his entire life to basketball and worked with the Boston Celtics until his death in 2006.
Auerbach is remembered by many generations of Americans as one of the greatest coaches in basketball history. He was distinguished among others with his innovative techniques and strategies. He had an incredible gift for growing players. He was also known as a supporter of racial equality. His influence on basketball left a significant mark in history. Moreover, Auerbach was an extremely charismatic person.
