Red Auerbach’s basketball genius transcended the sport.
In the world of basketball, few names command as much respect and reverence as that of Red Auerbach. The legendary coach and executive of the Boston Celtics was more than a tactician; he was a philosopher, a leader, and a pioneer who forever changed the landscape of professional sports. Auerbach’s nine championships as a coach and seven more as an executive speak to his unparalleled success, but his legacy extends far beyond the hardwood. His principles are timeless, his leadership profound, and the lessons he imparted transcend basketball, resonating with anyone aspiring to greatness in any field.
1. Winning is About People, Not Just Strategy
Red Auerbach once famously said, “I don’t look for players with talent alone. I look for people who want to win.” He believed that while talent could win games, it was the character and chemistry of the team that won championships. One of his greatest achievements was building a Celtics team that functioned not just as a collection of individual superstars, but as a unit. He knew that without a deep sense of camaraderie, even the most talented roster would eventually collapse under pressure.
Story: The Humble Greatness of Bill Russell
When Auerbach drafted Bill Russell, many questioned the decision. Russell wasn’t known for scoring; he was a defensive powerhouse and a relentless competitor. But Auerbach saw something deeper: Russell’s willingness to sacrifice personal glory for the good of the team. Despite being the greatest rebounder and shot-blocker of his era, Russell’s true gift was his ability to elevate his teammates. When he took the court, he brought a mindset that said, “I’m here to help you be the best version of yourself.”
Auerbach nurtured this selflessness, and it became the backbone of a dynasty. The Celtics’ success wasn’t just about basketball skills—it was about a commitment to a shared vision. This focus on character over talent offers a powerful reminder: In life, surround yourself with people who share your values and are willing to put in the work to achieve a common goal. It’s not just about who’s the best, but about who’s willing to do what’s best for the group.
2. Adapt, Innovate, and Stay Ahead of the Curve
Red Auerbach was never content to follow trends; he set them. In the 1950s and 60s, he transformed the fast break into an art form and pioneered the sixth-man strategy, using a strong player off the bench to maintain momentum when the starters needed rest. These moves were unconventional at the time, but they gave the Celtics a competitive edge that left other teams scrambling to keep up.
Story: The Birth of the Sixth Man
During the 1956 season, Auerbach started using Frank Ramsey, one of his best scorers, off the bench. Critics called him crazy. Why wouldn’t you start your top players? But Auerbach saw something everyone else missed: by bringing Ramsey in when the opposing team’s starters began to tire, the Celtics could break games wide open.
This innovation revolutionized basketball, and teams around the league began emulating Auerbach’s strategy. But it wasn’t just about basketball—it was about thinking differently, refusing to conform, and daring to try new approaches in the face of skepticism. The lesson here is simple: don’t be afraid to innovate, even when others can’t see your vision. The greatest breakthroughs come from those willing to challenge the status quo.
3. Leadership is About Trust and Empowerment
Red Auerbach understood that great leaders build trust, and they do so by empowering those around them. He was known for giving his players significant freedom on the court, trusting them to make decisions in real-time. He didn’t micromanage; he coached, guided, and prepared his players, then trusted them to execute.
Story: Trusting Bob Cousy
Bob Cousy, one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, thrived under Auerbach’s leadership. Early in his career, Cousy’s flashy, unorthodox style of play was seen as reckless. But Auerbach saw Cousy’s creativity as a weapon, not a liability. He didn’t try to restrain his star guard; instead, he trusted Cousy to improvise and lead the team with his playmaking flair. “If you’re going to make a mistake, make it at full speed,” Auerbach would say, encouraging his players to take risks, learn from them, and never play afraid.
This trust paid dividends. Cousy’s fearless play style turned the Celtics into an unstoppable force, creating scoring opportunities that other teams couldn’t defend against. By trusting Cousy, Auerbach unleashed his full potential, and the results were legendary.
The takeaway? Great leaders don’t control; they empower. By trusting others to make decisions and embrace their strengths, you foster confidence and loyalty that can’t be faked.
4. Focus on Fundamentals, Not Flash
Despite his innovative strategies, Auerbach was a stickler for the basics. He believed that greatness was built on a mastery of fundamentals, whether in basketball or in life. Flashy moves and showmanship were nothing without a solid foundation. He drilled his players relentlessly on the basics—passing, footwork, and defensive positioning—instilling in them an appreciation for the unseen elements of the game that make success possible.
Sam Jones, one of the Celtic’s all-time legends, told me that they typically only had five plays and they didn’t care to scout or prepare for any particular opponent. Auerbach told his team that if they would master those five plays and deploy them at the right times, no one would beat them. The record shows bears him out.
Story: The Time-Out Lesson
There’s a story that perfectly encapsulates Auerbach’s focus on fundamentals. During a game against a fierce rival, the Celtics were losing their composure, missing shots, and getting beaten on defense. Auerbach called a timeout. But instead of ranting or devising a complex strategy, he quietly told his team, “You’re not passing right.”
That’s it. Just passing. His players looked at him, bewildered. But he made them run basic passing drills on the sideline—during the game. It seemed ridiculous, almost embarrassing. But the message was clear: Get the basics right, and the rest will follow. Sure enough, when the Celtics went back on the floor, they executed flawlessly, passing crisply, finding open shots, and eventually winning the game.
The lesson? In any pursuit, don’t get lost chasing the spotlight or the flashy moves. Focus on mastering the basics, because excellence is built on a strong foundation.
5. Success is Temporary, but Character is Permanent
Perhaps Auerbach’s most profound lesson came not from his coaching career, but from how he carried himself off the court. Despite his success, he remained humble, approachable, and generous. He understood that championships come and go, but the impact you have on people’s lives is what truly lasts.
Story: The Humble Giant
After winning his ninth and final championship as a coach, Auerbach could have basked in the glory of his accomplishments. Instead, he was known to spend time mentoring younger coaches, offering advice and guidance, and sharing his wisdom freely. He had a keen eye for spotting potential in people and took joy in helping them achieve their own success.
One of his protégés, Pat Riley, later became one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. Riley often credits Auerbach’s generosity and mentorship as key influences on his career. For Auerbach, it wasn’t about hoarding his knowledge or protecting his status—it was about lifting others up, ensuring that his legacy would live on through the success of those he inspired.
The final lesson? Don’t measure your life by trophies and titles. Measure it by the people you’ve helped and the values you’ve upheld. Character outlasts achievement, and the way you make others feel is the true mark of greatness.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Red Auerbach
Red Auerbach’s wisdom transcends the basketball court. His lessons on building winning teams, embracing innovation, leading with trust, focusing on fundamentals, and living with humility are universal principles that can inspire anyone striving for greatness. Whether you’re a coach, an entrepreneur, a teacher, or simply someone looking to make a positive impact, Auerbach’s teachings remind us that success is about more than winning—it’s about how you win, who you become in the process, and how you elevate those around you.
In the end, Red Auerbach’s legacy isn’t just defined by his victories. It’s defined by the countless people he touched, the lessons he imparted, and the character he exemplified. Because greatness isn’t just what you achieve—it’s what you give back.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon.
