Red Auerbach was the legendary architect behind the Boston Celtics‘ dynasty—a coaching mastermind and front-office pioneer who turned the franchise into the NBA‘sfirst true powerhouse. With nine championships as a head coach and seven more as an executive, Auerbach’s influence on the game remains unparalleled. And perhaps his most defining move? Selecting the player he believed was the greatest of all time—and no, it wasn’t Michael Jordan.
Though Auerbach passed away in 2006, his legacy lives on through his championship banners and bold decisions. In a 1991 interview with legendary sportscaster Bob Costas, Auerbach reflected on a range of topics, including his iconic career, the evolving game, and, of course, the heated GOAT debate. That’s when the Celtics patriarch made his thoughts on NBA greatness crystal clear.
“You can make a case for the greatest player of all time for [Bill] Russell, for [Larry] Bird, for [Michael] Jordan, for Magic [Johnson], and for Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar]. Those five—you can make a case as to who the greatest, most valuable player of all time is,” Auerbach told Costas.
So, who was No. 1 for Red Auerbach?
When pressed to choose, Auerbach didn’t hesitate. For him, the greatest player in NBA history was Bill Russell. It wasn’t about scoring titles or flash—it was about what Russell brought to the game: his leadership, his intelligence, his ability to dominate defensively, and his unmatched record when it mattered most.
“It’s the ability to perform under dire situations—in other words, what does he do in a clutch? What has he won? Forget about all the stats as I’ve said before. And Bill Russell would rise to occasions,” Auerbach emphasized. For a man who valued winning and team-first mentality above all else, Russell was the obvious choice.
Auerbach’s all-time top 12 NBA players
Asked to pick his all-time team in 1990, Auerbach responded, “Can’t do it,” citing the overwhelming talent across generations. Still, he offered a 12-man list instead of the usual five—a testament to how difficult the task really is.
His picks at center: Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At forward: Julius Erving, Larry Bird, Elgin Baylor, and Bob Pettit. A loaded lineup that covered eras, styles, and skill sets. But he didn’t stop there.
At guard, Auerbach selected John Havlicek, Bob Cousy, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Oscar Robertson, and Jerry West. It was a carefully thought-out list, balancing leadership, winning pedigree, and clutch performances—a who’s who of NBA icons.
A brief look at Red Auerbach’s career
Red Auerbach served as the head coach of the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1966, guiding the team to nine NBA championships—including an unprecedented eight straight titles from 1959 to 1966. Known for his fiery sideline demeanor and strategic genius, Auerbach revolutionized the role of the coach in professional basketball.
After retiring from coaching, he transitioned seamlessly into the front office, where he built championship rosters as general manager and team president. He won seven more titles in those roles, most notably by drafting and trusting players like Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. Auerbach finished his career with a total of 16 NBA championships, making him one of the most successful executives in sports history.