Today in Boston Celtics history: Red names Bill Russell coach; Sam Jones drafted

Today in Boston Celtics history, Hall of Fame head coach and executive Red Auerbach announced that the legendary Boston center Bill Russell would succeed him as coach.

Earlier in the season, Auerbach made it known that the 1965-66 NBA regular season would be his final one as head coach of the Celtics. Following the loss in Game 1 of the 1966 NBA Finals, he let it be known that Russell would take over the position from him. The Louisiana native made history as the first Black head coach of any major professional sports team in North America, not just in basketball, and Boston won the 1966 NBA title with Russell at the helm.

Auerbach stayed on as the team's general manager until late in the 1980s, and remained involved in team affairs until he passed away in 2006.

Transactions

It is the date the Celtics drafted shooting guard legend Sam Jones in the 1957 NBA Draft. Selected eighth overall, Jones had played his college ball at North Carolina Central and went on to a storied career with Boston.

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The North Carolinian won 10 titles with the Celtics, trailing only Bill Russell in total number of rings, and was elected to five All-Star Games between 1962 and 1968.

Birthdays

It is the birthday of early Boston big man Andy Duncan, who played a total of 14 games for the Celtics in the 1950-51 NBA season. Born in 1922, the former William and Mary player averaged 2.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.6 in his short stint with Boston.

It is also the birthday of former Celtics center Theo Ratliff, who was born on this day in 1973 in Demopolis, Alabama. Ratliff was traded to Boston in 2006 by the Portland Trail Blazers. Ratliff played two games for the Celtics due to back problems before being dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He averaged 2.5 points, 3.5 boards, and 1.5 blocks per contest over that brief run with Boston.