Pete Millerman said…
In addition to the cited instances of heroism, Menachem “Red” Auerbach also had the presence of mind to outwit both the league, AND insurers at Lloyd’s of London with his crafty certitude and foresight in the
1986 draft.

To Whit:

Why waste a lottery pick on that malcontent ‘Pearl’
Washington, that convicted felon-in-training Chris Washburn, that crackhead Roy Tarpley, that lard-ass John (Hotplate) Williams, that drug-addicted troublemaker William Bedford…
even that JuCo headcase (tut, tut) Dennis Rodman…..

FOR WHAT?

With typical aplomb, combining scouting skill with forensic dexterity, conducting exhaustive background checks and intensely studying the field of potential draftees, the Celtics astutely selected Len Bias, (whom management obviously had an inkling would expire 48 hours after draft day.)

Thus did Red Auerbach spare the franchise from spending A Ton of Money on what would have been a guaranteed long-term contract for a chronic, known drug-abuser, and therefore
proved his brilliance once and for all…

The upshot? Presenting the great, aging Larry Bird with the “challenge” of increased minutes…opening up roster space for, uh, less melanin-heavy “fan favorites” as Fred Roberts, and Connor Henry…, an extension of the Popular “Scott Wedman-Era” on the parquet, and YES, saving the Boston franchise MILLIONS of $$$
in what would have been one of the costliest blunders of all time….

All resulting in yet another ATLANTIC DIVISION TITLE and trip to the NBA FINALS in 1987… Brill-i-ance!

Additionally, Red and co. went on to spend this now-saved money wisely on gifted role-players such as
Reggie Lewis.

7:48 PM

spudrph said…
Amen. This is great, great stuff. Seriously, are you thinking about publishing this?

9:07 AM