Seeing Red: The Red Auerbach Story

Boston Globe columnist Shaughnessy (The Curse of the Bambino) here presents a fully realized biography of Red Auerbach, the crude, sensitive, brilliant victory-obsessed 76-year-old former Boston Celtics coach famous for lighting up a stogie in the final moments of a game when a win was assured. Best known for guiding his team to 11 NBA championships between 1957 and 1969, Auerbach, argues Shaughnessy, is not sufficiently appreciated for the other two dynasties his shrewd wheeling and dealing assembled: the teams led by John Havlicek and Dave Cowens in the 1970s and by Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale in the 1980s. At 29, Auerbach was a head coach when the pro game got off to a shaky start in 1946. He compiled astounding records both on the court and in the front office and brought many innovations to the game, not the least of which was seeking input from his players, all of whom, according to Shaughnessy, are admirers. His ex-opponents, purportedly, still hate him. Photos not seen by PW. (Nov.)