Famous Freemason - Arnold Jacob Auerbach

Basketball is like war in that offensive weapons are developed first, and it always takes a while for the defense to catch up.

Arnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach was an American professional basketball coach and executive. He served as a head coach in the National Basketball Association, most notably with the Boston Celtics. He was also the head coach of the Washington Capitols and Tri-Cities Blackhawks.

As a coach, Bro. Auerbach set NBA records with 938 wins and nine championships. After his coaching retirement in 1966, he served as president and front office executive of the Celtics until his death.

As general manager and team president of the Celtics, he won an additional seven NBA titles for a grand total of 16 in a span of 29 years and making him one of the most successful team officials in the history of North American professional sports.

Bro. Auerbach was a pioneer on and off the court. He introduced the Fast Break as a potent offensive weapon. He was also the first coach to draft and African-American player in 1950. In 1964 he would introduce the first African-American starting five in the league, and notably was the only coach in the NBA to give his players time with their families to mourn the death of Martina Luther King Jr.

Bro. Auerbach was famous for his polarizing personality, when he felt victory was assured he would light up a cigar. This became the "ultimate symbol of victory" for many during his time with the Boston Celtics.

In 1965 Auerbach won the NBA Coach of the Year award which would be named after him in 1967. Bro. Auerbach was inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969, named the greatest coach in history in 1980 by the Professional Basketball Writers Association of America and was the Executive of the year in 1980. He was also inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.