As he lit one of his characteristic cigars while pondering a question during a 1983 interview, Red Auerbach reflected on a pearl of personal wisdom that — given his history — may have felt decidedly uncharacteristic.
“Many times the best deal is no deal,” said the longtime Celtics president. Holding the cigar in the same hand on which he wore one of his (then) 14 NBA championship rings, he leaned back in the leather chair of his Boston Garden office — adorned with memorabilia reflective of his central role in an unprecedented basketball dynasty — and offered a discerning critique of his peers.