"There is no substitute for winning. None."

[CeltsSteve@AOL.com]

Excellent, in depth article on how Red built the C's dynasty. 

http://www.realgm.com/src_gm_articles.php?artid=auerbach



Here's a sampling:


Team Design According to Red Auerbach 

During the 34 years that Red was Boston Celtics GM (1950 - 1984), certain concepts of Team Design repeat themselves over and over. The pattern that I noticed after looking at all significant moves since 1950 were that Auerbach got: 

1) The quickest players he could get at each position, for superior defense and easy scores off the fast break. 

2) Great shooters of the ball. He consistently had several players in the top ten for field goal and free throw percentage. 

3) Longevity. Players retired as Celtics. Over 50 players went on to pro or college coaching or executive careers. 

4) Never less than three scorers on the floor, and usually three who could knock down 20 foot shots. 

5) Great defenders at all positions. 

6) Players who considerably improved their game, year after year, by becoming a better shooter, ball handler, etc. 

7) Quick, defensive centers who rebound (Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, Robert Parish) 

8) Power forwards who can knock down 20 foot shots (Tom Heinsohn, Bailey Howell, Cedric Maxwell, Bob McAdoo, Kevin McHale) 

9) Wing players who can knock down 20 foot jump shots, and drive to the rim (Bill Sharman, Sam Jones, John Havlicek, Charley Scott, Curtis Rowe, Larry Bird, Danny Ainge, Scott Wedman, Pete Maravich, Paul Westphal) 

10) Point guards who can break the press, penetrate, defend, and knock down open jump shots (Bob Cousy, K.C. Jones, Larry Siegfried, JoJo White, Dave Bing, Tiny Archibald, Dennis Johnson) 

11) The starting power forward and center positions combined for between 23 and 33 rebounds per game (In 27 of 30 years). 

12) He did not start the five best players, but made sure the five best players would finish the game. He saved a scorer or two as the first substitute. Since there were only so many shots to go around for the starters, if the second best scoring guard or forward came in as the first substitute he would provide an immediate lift for the team. But when you've got five guys who have scored 40 or more points in a game (like his teams from 1957 thru 1969) you can do this. 

So, Auerbach was about superior quickness, scoring easy points on the break, superior shooting ability, getting open and making the shot when open. He never had less than three dependable scorers on the floor. His players had longevity, the will and desire to always play intense defense, and absolutely loved rebounding.