Jerry Krause Recalled Being Intimidated by Red Auerbach Early in His Career

Legendary Chicago Bulls GM Jerry Krause once admitted he was intimidated by Red Auerbach, the mastermind behind the Boston Celtics’ dynasty. During Krause’s first year with the Bulls, Auerbach called with a trade offer for Sam Vincent, but Krause backed out, fearing he might be outsmarted. Krause respected Auerbach’s reputation for dominating trades and building dynasties, including appointing Bill Russell as player-coach and winning nine titles in a decade. The story highlights that even the sharpest minds in NBA history had heroes—and sometimes fears—when it came to making the right moves.