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NBA: Best player and coach pairing from each team’s history

By Tony Pesta

LOS ANGELES - MARCH 2: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with head coach Gregg Popovich during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 2, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The Spurs won 106-78. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - MARCH 2: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with head coach Gregg Popovich during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 2, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The Spurs won 106-78. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images /

Best coach/player pairing in Boston Celtics history: Red Auerbach & Bill Russell

The first iconic coach/player pairing in NBA history. It doesn’t get much more legendary than Bill Russell and Red Auerbach on the Boston Celtics.

Their relationship went further than the basketball court, Red and Russell were legitimate friends. This may because even when no one else believed in Russell, Auerbach was there with unwavering support from day one.

(According to the Tampa Bay Times,Russell described one of the first moments meeting Red when he told him:

"“You may be worried about playing with this team. But I’m the coach, you’ll fit.”"

Of course, Russell did more than just fit with the team. Becoming one of the league’s first superstars, Russell anchored the Celtics defense to 11 championships in 13 seasons. During this time, Russell averaged 22.5 rebounds per game, giving him the second-highest rebounds per game total of any player outside of Wilt Chamberlain.

Bill Russell and Red Auerbach’s record together:

  • Regular season: 514-216
  • Playoffs: 84-46

Auerbach was there for every step of the way as this iconic duo broke down barriers on and off the court. Their accomplishments still stand today as some of the most impressive in league history. We may never see a team dominate an era like the Celtics did during this time.