BOSTON – Red Auerbach had an annual tradition of journeying out to Springfield, Mass., for the Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement, paying his respects to the birthplace of basketball and the fortunate few who earned entrance to its sanctuary each year.
Over the last 25 years of his life, the Celtics’ patriarch never made the trip without Jeff Twiss.
Auerbach hired Twiss in 1981 to assist in the publicity department. But the role soon branched out into other forms of service, including the pinch-me position of Auerbach’s personal chauffeur.
Twiss would drive Auerbach everywhere – to practice, to the airport, and of course, to the Hall of Fame, where Auerbach had himself been enshrined in 1969.
.Auerbach won’t be in the passenger’s seat this time, but instead, his spirit will be waiting inside the Hall’s doors to welcome his longtime assistant and friend, as Twiss receives the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award.
It is the most prestigious Hall of Fame recognition outside of enshrinement, honoring coaches, players, and contributors whose accomplishments have impacted the game of basketball at any level. Only three other Celtics have earned the award: Satch Sanders in 2007, Bob Cousy in 1983, and Auerbach in 1980 – the year before he hired Twiss full-time.
After 44 years of service, four championships, and only 11 missed home games, it’s exactly where he belongs.