Here’s a fun fact you should know as a Boston Celtics fan: Red Auerbach invented the “Sixth-Man.” Red built his dynasty around Bob Cousy and Bill Russell, but knew the importance of a strong bench, a second unit that could put points on the board and close out important games with fresh legs. Frank Ramsey is widely regarded as the first sixth-man, as he supposedly felt more comfortable coming off the bench.
Just years later, Auerbach made the tactical decision to place Ohio State star John Havlicek on the bench to start games.