This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2011
The Boston Celtics had done very well in the early 1950's with the high-scoring trio of Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman and “Easy” Ed Macauley under the masterful tutelage of Red Auerbach. But while the run and gun Celts were usually a winning team and high up in the standings, they had never won an NBA title. Something was missing, and before the 1956-1957 season got underway coach Auerbach thought he had the answer. The man he wanted was Bill Russell, the six-foot, nine inch All- American center from the University of San Francisco. The big guy's game was defense and rebounding, and that was the element Auerbach and his high-flying outfit needed. After some maneuvering that involved the trade of MaCauley and Cliff Hagan to allow the Celtics to move up in the draft, Red got his man. Though Russell missed about a third of the season due to his commitment to play for the US Olympic team, he made an impact as soon as he joined the club. He was an indomitable force in the middle. Russell’s ability to block shots or snare rebounds and then make quick outlet passes to Bob Cousy triggered the Celtics' fast break and turned Boston into an unstoppable force. With Russell in the lineup, rookie Tommy Heinsohn having a great year at shooting forward, big Jim Loscutoff doing the rugged inside work, and Cousy and Sharman working their magic in the back court, the Celtics quickly became the class of the NBA. They finished the season with the best record in the league, and swept the Syracuse Nats in the playoffs. The NBA championship series against St. Louis looked to be a serious mismatch. But the Hawks pushed the Celtics to seven games, culminating in a double overtime thriller. Game seven, remembered as one of the greatest in history, was a gut wrenching battle that saw the Celtics prevail to win their first NBA championship. A dynasty was born. Offered here is the Championship ring from the historic 1956-57 season received by Red Auerbach for his wife Dorothy. This ring, worn by Dorothy Auerbach, features a diamond set atop a basketball, surrounded by the words “World Champions”. Both sides feature the year “1957” above a shamrock, with “Celtics” bannered at the bottom. Added to the inside band of the 10k gold ring is the inscription “A. Auerbach”. The ring shows only moderate wear. Simply put, this is one of the most significant basketball treasures ever offered publicly. It is the ultimate symbol of the dawn of the Celtics Dynasty, from the family of the man who was it’s heart and soul. Size: 6-1/2. Includes a letter of provenance from the Auerbach estate.