Auerbach said to be improving

Celtics president Red Auerbach, in intensive care in a Washington hospital, showed mild improvement yesterday amid growing concerns for his health. According to a Celtics official who spoke yesterday with the soon-to-be 88-year-old franchise icon, a breathing tube had been removed and Auerbach was ''conversant.

''That's not to minimize things," the official cautioned. ''We've been worried about him for more than a month."

Auerbach was admitted to the hospital within the last two weeks and has been on a ventilator. The New York Post reported Thursday that Auerbach was in a coma and ''fighting for his life." The Celtics official said that was not the case. However, while on the ventilator, Auerbach is under sedation.

The Auerbach family yesterday released a brief statement on the Celtics' website, asking that their privacy be respected. ''Red has been under the weather at times recently and he has taken steps with his doctor to return to feeling better," the statement said.

The past three months have been tough for Auerbach, who turns 88 Sept. 20. He was not well enough to attend the Celtics' annual draft night party -- he's always been a war room fixture on draft nights -- and also missed his annual summer basketball camp the first week of July for the first time in memory. The camp has been in operation for more than 40 years.

Last month, Auerbach was hospitalized for a successful surgical procedure to clear an intestinal blockage.

PETER MAY