Friends of Auerbach feast on the memories

WASHINGTON - Every Tuesday during lunchtime, Kwok K. Cheung places a picture of the late Red Auerbach in an empty seat and a cold bottle of Tsingtao beer at the table in front of it at Shanghai Village Chinese restaurant in Bethesda, Md. Soon after, many of the former Celtics coaching legend's friends arrive to enjoy the weekly lunches and conversations he started years earlier.

"I definitely appreciate them still coming here," Cheung said in a phone interview. "I've known Red Auerbach for a long time. Of course, I miss him."

For years, Auerbach had lunch with a group of friends in and out of basketball at the China Doll in downtown Washington. The lunches became the backdrop of a best-selling book called, "Let Me Tell You a Story," by John Feinstein.

The China Doll, near the Verizon Center, where the Wizards play, is now closed. According to Auerbach's close friend, Dr. Murray Lieberman, the Tuesday lunches were moved to the Shanghai Village in 2006 because it was closer to the Hall of Famer's doctor appointments. Auerbach, who died at age 88 Oct. 28, 2006, was also a longtime friend of Cheung's and would regularly visit the restaurant.

The likes of Lieberman, Feinstein, Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace, former Washington Post sports editor George Solomon, George Washington University director of athletics Jack Kvancz, ex-Celtics great Sam Jones's son, Aubre, among others still carry on his Tuesday luncheon tradition. They keep in touch via e-mail and all have become close friends.

"Everyone likes each other and it's grown into a club," said Lieberman, who was Auerbach's urologist and close friend. "[Auerbach] would have said, 'This is great that this guy did something good for this guy and they didn't know each other before.' It was amazing to him that he created that.

"The lunches are every week, every week. Anything and everything gets covered."

In "Let Me Tell You a Story," Feinstein describes Lieberman as "someone Red trusted implicitly both as a friend and a doctor." Since he couldn't make a lot of the Tuesday lunches because of his schedule, Lieberman often had lunch with Auerbach on Wednesdays. Lieberman said he wishes Auerbach was around to see today's Celtics play, but added he was with them in spirit. Lieberman said Auerbach didn't watch the Celtics play live in Washington and preferred to go to games in Boston, where he is still idolized.

Lieberman attended last night's Celtics-Wizards game wearing a "RED" pendant and a watch from the 1984 NBA Finals that Auerbach gave him.

"He loved the atmosphere and the camaraderie of being there with the guys," Lieberman said. "He was great with the players that were there and felt great about Paul [ Pierce] and a lot of the others. He'd be really happy to see what they're doing today. You just wish he could be here."

Said Pierce: "[Auerbach] would have been one of the happiest guys [now]. But the thing about Red is he's going to keep stuff in perspective. I know we're playing well and we're winning. But he would come in during a day like today and say, 'Great regular season, guys, but the mission ain't accomplished.' He's one of those guys who won't let you get too high and won't let you get too low."

Cassell improving

Sam Cassell said his back spasms were much improved, but he still missed his second straight game last night, a 109-95 Celtics loss to the Wizards.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he hopes the 38-year-old will play this weekend, but Rivers and Cassell both noted there wasn't any rush. "I feel good, baby," Cassell said. "I feel better."

He backs Portsmouth

In 1992, then-Louisiana Tech forward P.J. Brown showcased his skills to NBA scouts by playing in the Portsmouth Invitational, which showcased senior college stars under the radar. It worked well for Brown, who is in his 15th NBA season. The Portsmouth alumni now playing in the NBA include Ben Wallace, Cuttino Mobley, Derek Fisher, Devean George, John Salmons, Theo Ratliff, Mikki Moore, Willie Green, Greg Buckner, Rasual Butler.

While some NBA executives have questioned whether Portsmouth is still a useful tool, Brown described it as "important" for players from lesser-known colleges.

"It was a great experience," he said. "For guys like myself, and I was a no-name coming into that tournament, it was a chance to make a name for yourself. It was a great opportunity with all the GMs and scouts around the league to show if you belong in the NBA."