Natural abilities are like natural plants; they need pruning by study.

In an interview with ESPN Auerbach stated that his all-star fantasy team would consist of Bill Russell—who in the former's opinion was the ultimate player to start a franchise with—as well as Bob Pettit Elgin Baylor Oscar Robertson and Jerry West with John Havlicek as the sixth man. Additionally Auerbach was vital in breaking down color barriers in the NBA. The next year the Capitols went 28–20 but were eliminated from the playoffs in a one-game Western Division tie-breaker.

As general manager and team president of the Celtics he won an additional seven NBA titles for a grand total of 16 in a span of 29 years making him one of the most successful team officials in the history of North American professional sports. Additionally Auerbach was vital in breaking down color barriers in the NBA. He made history by drafting the first African-American NBA player Chuck Cooper in 1950 and introduced the first African-American starting five in 1964.