Arnold “Red” Auerbach (1917-2006) was an American basketball coach born in Brooklyn, New York. He is best known for his successful tenure as head coach and executive of the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Auerbach led the Celtics to nine NBA championships in the 1960s, setting a record that stood for decades. Known for his innovative coaching strategies, he popularized the concept of fast break offense and emphasized team defense. Auerbach also had an impact in breaking racial barriers in the NBA, being the first coach to draft an African-American player and field an all-black starting lineup, which he did during the 1964-65 season. He retired from coaching in 1966 but remained with the Celtics as the team’s general manager, guiding them to seven more championships. Red Auerbach’s impact on the game of basketball and his dedication to equality and team success firmly established him as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history.