As the Boston Celtics continue their NBA Finals campaign, former coach Don Casey only needs to look at his backyard pool to reminisce about his time with the storied franchise.
Casey’s wife had longed for a pool to cool off in during hot summers, and players Robert Parish, Ed Pinckney, and Joe Kleine helped make it a reality by giving her a “playoff bonus” from their postseason earnings.
Casey, once an assistant for the San Diego Clippers and later their head coach after the move to Los Angeles, joined Chris Ford’s coaching staff in Boston during a pivotal era for the Celtics. He was part of the team during the twilight of the careers of superstars Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Parish.
After being let go by the Clippers, Casey received a helping hand from San Diego sports icon Bill Walton, who recommended him to Bird. Bird’s initial interaction with Casey was blunt but memorable, marking the beginning of his time with the Celtics.
Casey cherished every moment—the star power, the iconic parquet floor, the old Boston Garden, and interactions with legendary coach-turned-executive Red Auerbach. He recalled the intense competitiveness among players during scrimmages, which were limited to seven baskets to manage the fervor.
Bird’s intensity was legendary. Casey noted that once the players crossed the white line, it was all business, with Bird being the undisputed leader. Auerbach’s traditional ways also stood out, especially his confusion about using video tapes for game preparation, preferring only short highlight reels to keep players’ spirits high.
Despite his gruff exterior, Auerbach showed a compassionate side, particularly when Casey’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Auerbach and team CEO Dave Gavitt quickly arranged top medical care for her. Casey also fondly remembered driving Auerbach around, a task few were willing to undertake.
Auerbach’s quirky nature was evident in his affection for a large cat named “No Cut,” which lived in the Boston Garden to control the rodent population. The name reflected Auerbach’s humor, implying the cat was always part of the team.
Although Casey later became the head coach for the Clippers and Nets, his Celtics tenure was unforgettable. His home office features a signed photo of Bird, highlighting Casey’s connection to the team. Another memento is a New York Post front page showing Casey’s frustration during a tough Nets game.
Casey recounted how the Celtics’ players, including Parish, were eager to absorb his coaching, despite his recent firing from the Clippers. This willingness to learn reassured him about his role in Boston.
Today, Casey enjoys the warm days in El Cajon, often reflecting on those remarkable times with the Celtics, an experience symbolized by the pool in his backyard, a gift from the players who respected and appreciated his contributions.
