While many NBA legends left lasting legacies with their respective franchises, few organizations have nurtured their former players into successful post-playing careers quite like the Boston Celtics.
Even though superstars like Magic Johnson enjoyed tremendous success with the Los Angeles Lakers, he struggled to make a significant impact as a coach or front-office Executive after his playing days. In contrast, Celtics icons like Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Danny Ainge seamlessly transitioned into different roles – a phenomenon that “Larry Legend” credits to the influence on Red Auerbach.
Larry Bird on Red Auerbach’s influence on different players
Auerbach was no ordinary member of the Celtics organization. Instead, his impact extended far beyond winning nine championships as a head coach and seven more as an executive. He instilled confidence in multiple generations of Celtics players, encouraging them to apply their basketball acumen beyond their playing careers.
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Bill Russell became the first black head coach in the NBA in the late 60s and led the franchise to two titles. Then, in a different era, Danny Ainge transitioned almost immediately into coaching, joining the Phoenix Suns’ staff the year after retiring in 1995.
Ultimately, when Cotton Fitzsimmons stepped down, Ainge took over as the team’s head coach and led them to three straight postseason appearances in four years before moving into executive roles with the Celtics and Utah Jazz.
Kevin McHale also enjoyed meaningful coaching stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston wherein he led the latter franchise to an above 51 percent win record in four of his five seasons there. Meanwhile, Larry Bird remarkably guided the Indiana Pacers to three straight Eastern Conference Finals. He was also named the Coach of the Year in his debut season.
Eventually, he stepped down as their head coach only when they lost out to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2000 NBA Finals. Additionally, Bird was also named the Executive of the Year in the 2011-12 campaign, showing how he was instrumental in the Pacers’ next generation to reach three more Eastern Conference Finals.
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In a conversation with his former arch-rival Magic Johnson, the Indiana native acknowledged Auerbach’s influence in shaping several Celtics’ players into leaders.
“I think when it’s all said and done, you’re gonna see our body of work, but we still have a long way to go. I think it’s because of Red Auerbach,” Bird said. “If you look at the players he coached, guys went on to coaching and GMs. There’s a large amount of guys that’s been successful when their playing days are over.”
Red made sure the Boston Celtics stars blossomed in every role
Unlike many coaches who maintained a rigid, authoritarian approach, Red built personal relationships with his players, fostering their confidence both on and off the court. This mentorship played a key role in the willingness of Celtics legends to take on different responsibilities in the NBA long after their playing days ended.
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So it does seem safe to say that while Auerbach might be reckoned as one of the greatest coaches in the league’s history, his legacy extends beyond winning championships. He cultivated generations of leaders, ensuring that he could help those who were connected to him in any way possible and make them attain success even after their playing days were over.