Auerbach, who died in 2006, was born on Sept. 20, 1917.
A very happy Heavenly birthday celebration is in order for Boston Celtics legendary coach Red Auerbach, who was born on Sept. 20, 1917 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Auerbach, one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, died on Oct. 28, 2006 at the age of 89 years old, just under two years from when the Celtics won the 2008 NBA title against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Auberbach spent 20 seasons as a coach, including the last 16 of his career with the Celtics. He was with Boston from 1950-66, going 795-397 (.667). He won nine NBA titles in 10 years, including eight in a row from 1959-1966. He was named one of the 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA history during the 2021-22 season and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969.
After his coaching days were over, he was an executive for the Celtics from 1966-84. He won seven more championships as an executive.
Through his time coaching and in the front office, he came across some of the best players in league history, including Bill Russell and Larry Bird.
Also in the news for the Celtics
--Speaking of that 2008 NBA Finals, the jersey worn by Kevin Garnett in Game 6 sold for $701,500 at auction on Saturday night, as noted by sports business insider Daren Rovell on social media.
That was the jersey that Garnett was wearing when he delivered his iconic "Anything is Possible!" line.
While $701,000 is certainly a huge chunk of money for a jersey, the moment is priceless to Celtics fans around the world, as that game finished off a championship season from the "Big Three" of Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.
--The Celtics are less than 10 days away from the start of training camp, which begins on Sept. 29. The preseason opener is set for Oct. 8 and the regular season begins on Oct. 20 on the road at the Detroit Pistons.
Boston finished 56-26 last season, earning the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. They were upended by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs in seven games. While some do expect the Celtics to maintain similar regular season success this year, I do not.
I think they'll be good, and they are a playoff team, but I think they are ticketed for a No. 5 or a No. 6 seed in the much-improved Eastern Conference.
