The Arnie Risen Interview
By:
Michael D. McClellan
|
Wednesday, December 13th,
2006
Red
Auerbach was famous – some of his players would say notorious – for taking
his team on preseason barnstorming tours throughout New England. What do
you remember most about these tours?
I
remember those tours well – and probably most of all, I remember Red’s
driving. He was always the last to leave and first to
get there. No one
wanted to ride with him because he would scare you to death [laughs]. He
was a crazy driver.
On
October 2nd, 1998, you were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball
Hall of Fame. What does this honor mean to you?
As
time goes on and you find yourself farther from the spotlight, and I think
it starts to mean more. Back then you weren’t playing for enshrinement into
the Hall of Fame – there wasn’t a Hall of Fame. You were playing for
immediate goals. Then to finally get in, and not on first try, means more.
It was the crowning point in my career. And joining all of the guys who are
in the Hall of Fame makes you feel like you’re on the team again. So, I
guess it meant more coming to me late in life, rather than if it came to me
on my first trip to the ballot box five years after retirement. I think
after you get away from the limelight and all, in many ways the recognition
means more. You’ve been away from it long enough that you don’t take so
much of it for granted. I think when you’re actively playing and you don’t
get recognition, then you feel you’ve been slighted. And then you take it
for granted when you do get it. But later in life, if you’re remembered
fondly enough to be recognized, then I think you’re more appreciative of it.
Final
Question: You’ve achieved great success in your life. You are universally
respected and admired by many people, both inside and outside of the NBA.
If you could offer one piece of advice on life to others, what would that
be?
Oh
boy – I think no matter what, you need to analyze your life and decide what
it is that you want to achieve. Kids today should have a goal in mind, and
they should give it their very best when trying to attain it. And not
everyone is going to reach their goal. The noble thing is the effort, and
that’s what is most important. And remember – don’t be downhearted if you
don’t reach it.
