John Havlicek

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8 Mar 2024

John Havlicek

John Joseph Havlicek was a legendary American professional basketball player who achieved greatness with the Boston Celtics throughout his entire career in the NBA.
Havlicek, often referred to as "Hondo," played college basketball for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1959 to 1962, where he won an NCAA championship in 1960. His exceptional talent and contributions to the team caught the attention of the Boston Celtics, who drafted him in 1962.
Throughout his illustrious NBA career, Havlicek's versatility as a swingman made him a formidable force on the court. He earned numerous accolades, including being selected to the NBA All-Star Game 13 times. Additionally, he was named to the All-NBA First Team four times and the All-NBA Second Team four times. Havlicek's defensive prowess was also recognized, as he was honored with selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team five times and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team three times.

Havlicek's endurance, hustle, and skill were hallmarks of his playing style, earning him admiration from fans and fellow players alike. He became synonymous with clutch plays, none more famous than his pivotal steal in Game Seven of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals, which secured victory for the Celtics and preserved their playoff aspirations.
Over the course of his tenure with the Celtics, Havlicek contributed significantly to the team's success, helping them capture eight NBA championships. He served as the team's captain from 1969 to 1978, demonstrating leadership both on and off the court. In 1974, Havlicek was honored with the NBA Finals MVP award.
Upon retiring from professional basketball, Havlicek's jersey number 17 was retired by the Boston Celtics, a testament to his enduring impact on the franchise. In recognition of his remarkable career, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

John Havlicek had a storied college basketball career at Ohio State University, where he played alongside notable teammates such as Jerry Lucas, Larry Siegfried, Bobby Knight, and Mel Nowell, among others. Together, they formed a formidable squad under the guidance of head coach Fred Taylor and assistant coaches Jack Graf and Frank Truitt.
Their collective efforts culminated in the 1960 Ohio State Buckeyes winning the NCAA title, marking a significant achievement in the program's history. Havlicek's contributions on the court played a crucial role in the team's success, showcasing his talent and determination as a player.
Additionally, Havlicek was recognized for his skills on the international stage, as he was named as an alternate for the 1960 United States national team that competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics. While he did not participate directly in the Olympic Games, this acknowledgment further underscored his status as one of the top basketball talents of his time.

John Havlicek's career was marked by remarkable achievements and unforgettable moments, solidifying his status as one of the NBA's all-time greats. Drafted by both the Boston Celtics of the NBA and the Cleveland Browns of the NFL in 1962, Havlicek ultimately chose basketball, where he would leave an indelible mark.
A versatile swingman capable of playing guard or forward, Havlicek earned the nickname "Hondo" and became known for his extraordinary stamina and hustle on the court. His role as the sixth man revolutionized the NBA, providing a spark off the bench for the Celtics during their dominant years.

One of Havlicek's most iconic moments came in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals, where his clutch steal in the closing seconds secured victory for the Celtics. His leap and tip of the inbound pass, immortalized by announcer Johnny Most's famous call, "Havlicek stole the ball!", remains one of the most celebrated plays in basketball history.
Throughout the 1960s, Havlicek was instrumental in the Celtics' dynasty, helping the team capture six NBA championships in his first seven seasons. He demonstrated his versatility and leadership, particularly in crucial playoff games such as the 1968 Eastern Division Finals, where he recorded near triple-doubles to propel the Celtics to victory.

In the 1969-1970 season, Havlicek became a full-time starter and assumed the role of captain, leading the Celtics into a new era of success. His contributions were pivotal in the Celtics' 1974 NBA Championship victory, where he was named NBA Finals MVP.
Havlicek's legacy was further cemented in the 1976 NBA Finals, where his clutch shot in Game Five was followed by a dramatic triple-overtime victory for the Celtics. His retirement in 1978 marked the end of an illustrious career, with many acknowledging his enduring talent even in his later years.
John Havlicek's impact on the game of basketball transcended statistics, earning him the admiration of fans and peers alike. His relentless work ethic and ability to deliver in crucial moments ensured his place among the greatest players in NBA history.