Red Auerbach believed Larry had more patience to work with a different generation of players than Russell.

As a humble Indiana native, Larry Bird 's appearance was unassuming. He did not carry the aura of an elite player. In fact, when Boston Celtics president Red Auerbach first laid eyes on "The Hick ...

However, Auerbach argued that Bird's legacy was not about all that. For Red, Bird's greatness transcended statistics and accolades.

However, while this narrative is well-known, there is a lesser-acknowledged aspect of Larry's personality - a softer side that even once surprised Red Auerbach.

Former Celtics coach and President Red Auerbach, who witnessed Larry Bird lead the Celtics in the 1980s, once remarked in a Sports Illustrated story that the Indiana native was the best passing ...

Red Auerbach stated in 1991 that only five players could be considered for the GOAT title.

According to then-Celtics head coach Red Auerbach, that enthusiasm even reached the legendary Larry Bird. "Larry Bird was so excited, he said he'd be coming up to rookie camp," Auerbach recalled ...

"I would've kept them," Bird said, revisiting the dissolution of the trio. "One thing about Red [Auerbach] was loyalty and that's why I never wanted to leave there because I always knew he had my ...

Despite later becoming one of the most iconic Celtics players, Bird wasn’t familiar with the franchise’s dynasty, mystique, or championship legacy when Red Auerbach selected him sixth overall ...