Once quite early on in Red Auerbach’s tenure running the Boston Celtics, the coach was asked by his “frugal” owner, Walter Brown, why he kept ten men on the roster while really using only eight of them. Young Arnold shared with the Boss his vision of a winning team comprised of role-players doing what they do best, be it knocking down a game-winning shot – or a too-feisty foe.
The commission of an “intentional” foul – often delivered by a player sent into the game for just that purpose, then immediately subbed out – sending an opponent to the foul line for ONE measly attempt?