1964-65 NBA Championship Trophy Presented to Red Auerbach from The Red Auerbach Collection....

Description

1964-65 NBA Championship Trophy Presented to Red Auerbach from The Red Auerbach Collection. Arnold "Red" Auerbach once said, "The Boston Celtics are not a basketball team, they are a way of life," and he lived that life to the fullest. His ability to identify star and role players who could fit into the Celtics system, and maneuver to draft or trade for them, were pillars of his greatness. Hall of Famers whom Red made green include Russell, Heinsohn, Hondo, Cowens, Bird, McHale and Parish. Ultimately, Auerbach was the architect of sixteen NBA title teams in thirty seasons, a run unmatched in basketball history. Nine of those titles came as a head coach, a capacity in which he won a combined 1,037 regular season and playoff games.

The incredible trophy offered here is truly a collectible for the ages. Presented to Red after he guided the 1964-65 Celts, considered by many as the greatest of the Auerbach/Russell teams, to the franchise's seventh straight title. A full size gold tone figural metal basketball sits a top a brown wood base. Two figural roundballers man the two front corners. Meanwhile, the inscription plate displays a green enamel shamrock and the following text: "Boston Celtics, National Basketball Association Champions 1964-65, Arnold 'Red' Auerbach."

Exhibits exceptional display appeal despite exhibiting the understandable wear from age and storage. Measures 16.5' tall, with an 8.5x8.5" base. One of the most important basketball artifacts we have ever offered at Heritage Auctions. Letter of provenance from the exclusive agent for the Auerbach estate.

More Information: The Arnold "Red" Auerbach Collection

He was the greatest coach in the history of the National Basketball Association, and not simply for his record tally of nine NBA Championships earned during his seventeen seasons at the helm of the Boston Celtics, or his status as the first coach in the Association to win a thousand games. Auerbach was far more than a strategist--he was a leader of men. His "Pyramid of Success" hangs in locker rooms and boardrooms all over the world, celebrating such qualities as industriousness, loyalty and enthusiasm as the foundation of competitive greatness. After moving from the sidelines to the front office, Auerbach continued his essential service to Beantown basketball, earning another eight NBA championships as general manager and president.

Heritage Auctions is particularly proud to bring to market the inspiring artifacts of this cigar-chomping giant of professional basketball, one of the most beloved and respected figures ever to lead a team into battle. All lots are consigned by the Auerbach family with their letter of provenance, making their hobby debut in this Platinum Night event.