Birthday: Red Auerbach

Born Arnold Auerbach in 1917 in Brooklyn, New York, Red would go on to be one of the most respected men in the history of the NBA. He played college basketball for George Washington and had a brief stint in professional ball with the Harrisburg Senators. In 1944 he joined the Navy to do his part in World War II.

In 1946 he joined the upstart NBA coaching the Washington Capitols for 3 years. His big break came in 1950 when he was hired to coach the Boston Celtics. As the head of the Celtics from 1950 to 1966, Auerbach won 938 games and 9 championships, including 8 in a row. Beginning in 1967 Auerbach concentrated on his job as General Manager. Boston won 2 more titles in 1968 and 1969 before slumping through most of the 1970's. However, he made a bold move, selecting Larry Bird in the 1978 draft. Behind Bird the Celtics won again in 1981. Aueurbach then made more moves adding such players as Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Bill Walton. Those players helped Boston win two more titles in the 80's.

Red Auerbach was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1968. He was named coach of the year in 1965, a trophy which now bears his name. In 1980 he was named Executive of the year.

Red Auerbach has been in and out of the hospital the past few months. However, his family has requested that his health status not be disclosed.

If Red were to die today he would be worth 12 points for Izzy.