The NBA 35th Anniversary Team was announced on October 30, 1980 to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the NBA. Unlike its predecessor, the NBA 25th Anniversary Team, that followed the concept of All-NBA Team, this team was more like an NBA All-Star Team that contains the eleven best players in the NBA's 35 years of existence regardless of their position, and also named the all-time greatest coach. In addition, this team did not require a player to have completed his career to be eligible for this Team. Red Auerbach was selected as NBA 35th Anniversary's "Greatest Coach in the History of the NBA." The players that were honored included Paul Arizin, Bob Davies, Joe Fulks, Sam Jones, Dolph Schayes, Bill Sharman, Nate Archibald, Rick Barry, Dave Bing, Dave Cowens, Billy Cunningham, Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier, Hal Greer, Elvin Hayes, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich, Earl Monroe, Willis Reed, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld, Bill Walton, Lenny Wilkens.
In commemoration of this most significant honor, Red received this 8" tall crystal award. An etched inscription on the front reads, "Arnold 'Red' Auerbach Selected as 'Greatest Coach in the History of The National Basketball Association' 35th Anniversary Season 1980-81." This certainly represents one of the more significant league issued awards in the vast collection of the legendary coaches career mementos. Includes a letter of provenance from the Auerbach estate.