John Havlicek in his Celtics jersey, showcasing his agility and court presence
John Havlicek, affectionately nicknamed “Hondo,” wasn’t just a basketball player; he was the embodiment of relentless hustle, versatile skill, and unwavering team commitment. For 16 glorious seasons with the Boston Celtics, Havlicek carved out a legendary career, becoming synonymous with winning and earning his place among the pantheon of basketball greats. His impact extended beyond mere statistics, defining an era of Celtics basketball and solidifying his status as a true icon of the sport.
Red Holzman, the esteemed coach of the New York Knicks, aptly described Havlicek’s extraordinary stamina: “On stamina alone, he’d be among the top players who ever played the game.” But Havlicek’s greatness was far more multifaceted than just endurance. Holzman continued, highlighting the complete package that made Havlicek such a formidable force: “It would’ve been fair to those who had to play him or those who had to coach against him if he had been blessed only with his inhuman endurance. God had to compound it by making him a good scorer, smart ballhandler and intelligent defensive player with quickness of mind, hands and feet.” This comprehensive skillset made him a nightmare matchup and a coach’s dream.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Havlicek’s agility and adaptability allowed him to excel at both guard and forward positions. Sports Illustrated recognized his unparalleled all-around game, suggesting he was “perhaps the finest all-around player in the history of the NBA.” This versatility was instrumental in the Celtics’ sustained success across two distinct decades. He seamlessly transitioned from a dynamic sixth man during the Bill Russell dynasty of the 1960s to the veteran leader guiding younger Celtics teams to championships in the 1970s.
Havlicek’s career statistics are a testament to his consistent excellence and longevity. Playing in an astounding 1,270 regular-season games, he amassed 26,395 points, becoming the Celtics’ all-time leading scorer with a 20.8 points per game average. Beyond scoring, he contributed significantly in all facets of the game, grabbing 8,007 rebounds and dishing out 6,114 assists. His trophy cabinet gleamed with eight NBA championship rings, a tangible representation of his winning pedigree. Individual accolades also poured in, including 13 consecutive NBA All-Star Game selections, 11 All-NBA First or Second Team honors, and eight NBA All-Defensive First or Second Team nods, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the court.
Born to Czechoslovakian immigrants in Martins Ferry, Ohio, a town steeped in the traditions of coal mining and steelwork, Havlicek’s upbringing instilled in him a blue-collar work ethic. His love for running, honed by chasing after friends on bikes without having one himself, laid the foundation for his legendary stamina. This relentless drive would become his hallmark on the basketball court.
At Bridgeport High School, Havlicek’s athletic prowess shone brightly across multiple sports. He earned All-State honors in basketball, baseball, and football, even showcasing his arm strength as a quarterback capable of throwing an 80-yard pass. Despite football offers, he chose to play basketball at Ohio State University, although he briefly played baseball as well. As a collegiate All-American, Havlicek averaged 14.6 points over three seasons, playing alongside future basketball luminaries like Jerry Lucas, Bobby Knight, and future Celtics teammate Larry Siegfried. His Ohio State teams were remarkably successful, boasting a 78-6 record and capturing the 1960 NCAA Championship.
Such exceptional athleticism drew interest from both professional football and basketball leagues. The Cleveland Browns drafted him in the seventh round of the 1962 NFL Draft, while the Boston Celtics selected him in the first round of the NBA Draft. The Browns experimented with Havlicek as a wide receiver, but ultimately released him in favor of Gary Collins. This paved the way for Havlicek to fully embrace his basketball destiny with the Celtics.
Joining the Celtics in 1962, Havlicek entered a team already at the pinnacle of NBA success, having won four consecutive championships. While the team was brimming with talent, the core group of Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman, Frank Ramsey, and Jim Loscutoff were nearing the end of their careers. Havlicek’s youthful energy and dynamism injected fresh life into the aging dynasty. Initially coming off the bench, primarily as a forward, he averaged 14.3 points in his rookie season, often capitalizing on Bob Cousy’s masterful fast-break passes. Havlicek himself often quipped, “I made a living off Bob Cousy.”
Named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1962-63, Havlicek’s hustle and defensive tenacity were immediately apparent. However, some initially underestimated his offensive potential. Sports Illustrated noted Cousy’s early assessment of him as a “non-shooter who would probably burn himself out.” But Havlicek possessed a rare combination of physical gifts. He was a pioneer of the “swingman” role, blending power and speed. At 6-foot-5, he could overpower smaller guards while being quicker than most forwards.
Fueled by “Celtics pride,” Havlicek dedicated himself to improving his weaknesses. After his rookie season, he diligently worked on his outside shooting and dribbling skills. The following season, he emerged as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 19.9 points and seamlessly transitioning into the crucial sixth-man role previously held by Frank Ramsey. Even with Cousy’s retirement, the Celtics maintained their dominance, winning 59 games in the 1963-64 season and securing the NBA title against the San Francisco Warriors. Havlicek’s remarkable progress was recognized with an All-NBA Second Team selection.
For the subsequent five seasons, Havlicek reigned supreme as the league’s best reserve player. As Boston’s “supersub,” he provided instant impact at either guard or forward, consistently being on the court during crunch time. Alongside Bill Russell, Havlicek routinely logged the most minutes for the Celtics.
Havlicek embraced the sixth-man role, recognizing its importance to team success. “It never bothered me,” he stated, “because I think that role is very important to a club. One thing I learned from Red Auerbach was that it’s not who starts the game, but who finishes it, and I generally was around at the finish.”
Throughout the 1960s, Havlicek dispelled Cousy’s initial doubts about his shooting ability. The perceived “nonshooter” blossomed into a potent offensive weapon, consistently scoring between 18 and 21 points per game. Havlicek became proficient from all areas of the court, particularly excelling at shooting on the move. His offensive prowess was on full display at the 1968 NBA All-Star Game, where he poured in 26 points in just 22 minutes. Furthermore, his improved ballhandling skills made him equally effective at either guard or forward, further amplifying his versatility.
Contrary to Cousy’s prediction of burnout, Havlicek’s legendary stamina endured. Dubbed “the man in motion,” he relentlessly wore down opponents with his tireless baseline-to-baseline movement. Estimates suggested he covered 3 to 5 miles per game, showcasing his exceptional conditioning.
Despite his quiet and even-tempered demeanor, Havlicek possessed the robust physique of a steelworker. He was known for his unwavering self-discipline and meticulous approach to everything he did. Even his habit of hanging his socks on a hanger in the locker room, which drew some lighthearted mockery, was defended by Havlicek in Sports Illustrated as a reflection of his disciplined nature: “I’m a man of routine and discipline,” he explained. “My socks have to dry out. My whole life has been thought out.”
Beyond statistics and physical attributes, Havlicek possessed remarkable poise under pressure. In critical moments, when a game-deciding play was needed, it was invariably “Havlicek time.” The iconic example is the 1965 Eastern Conference finals Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers. With just five seconds remaining and the Celtics clinging to a one-point lead, Havlicek famously stole Hal Greer’s inbound pass, securing the victory and prompting Johnny Most’s legendary radio call: “Havlicek steals it. Over to Sam Jones. Havlicek stole the ball! It’s all over! Johnny Havlicek stole the ball!”
In another Game 7 against the Sixers in the 1968 conference finals, Havlicek erupted for 40 points in Philadelphia, propelling Boston to a 100-96 win. Years later, in the pivotal Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals, he sank a miraculous game-saving shot against the Phoenix Suns in the closing seconds of double overtime, forcing a third overtime. The Celtics ultimately prevailed 128-126 and went on to win the championship, further cementing Havlicek’s reputation for clutch performances.
By the end of the 1968-69 season, the Celtics dynasty was transitioning. With retirements and aging veterans, the team finished fourth in the regular season. Needing offensive firepower, the Celtics turned to Havlicek, who responded with 21.6 points per game. His strong playoff performance helped the aging Celtics defy expectations, defeating Wilt Chamberlain and the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games to capture another NBA title – Havlicek’s sixth championship in his first seven seasons.
The 1969-70 season marked the end of an era as the Celtics missed the playoffs for the first time in 20 years. Under new coach Tom Heinsohn, Havlicek became a full-time starter and the focal point of Boston’s offense. He had a phenomenal season, leading the team in scoring (24.2), rebounding (7.8), and assists (6.8), ranking among the league’s best in scoring and assists.
Havlicek, nicknamed “Hondo” after the John Wayne movie, spearheaded a Celtics resurgence in the early 1970s. In the 1970-71 and 1971-72 seasons, he averaged 28.9 and 27.5 points respectively. Even past his 30th birthday, he led the league in minutes played in both seasons, averaging over 45 minutes per game, a testament to his remarkable conditioning.
As the last remaining star from the Celtics’ golden era, Havlicek became the captain of a new generation of Celtics, featuring Jo Jo White, Don Chaney, and Dave Cowens. Employing a fast-paced style reminiscent of Cousy’s era, the Celtics dominated the 1972-73 season with a 68-14 record.
Championship aspirations were derailed when Havlicek suffered a severe shoulder injury in the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks. Despite a courageous return, the Knicks eliminated the Celtics in seven games. In a touching moment of respect, New York fans gave Havlicek a standing ovation when he appeared in street clothes before Game 4 at Madison Square Garden.
Five years after Russell’s retirement, Havlicek led the Celtics back to the NBA summit, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks for the 1974 championship. Named NBA Finals MVP, Havlicek was now recognized as the leader of the new Celtics generation. Breaking from his usual stoicism, he became emotional after the victory. The New York Times reported his heartfelt words to his teammates in the locker room: “Thanks for doing this for me. This is the greatest one.”
Even in his later years, Havlicek continued to astound with his relentless play. The New York Times recounted Bill Russell observing Havlicek’s one-man show against the Knicks, remarking, “The man is crazy. One of these days, he’ll find he can’t do it anymore.” But Havlicek defied Father Time, playing all 82 games in his final season in 1977-78, averaging over 16 points despite turning 38 mid-season. His final season was a farewell tour, with fans across the league paying tribute to the legendary “Hondo.”
Havlicek retired with a staggering list of accomplishments. He held the NBA record for games played at the time and ranked among the top 10 in minutes played and total points. His eight championship rings were a symbol of his unparalleled success. In 1980, he was named to the NBA 35th Anniversary All-Time Team. His enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame followed in 1983, and in 1996, he was honored as one of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team members.
Jerry West hailed Havlicek as “the ambassador of our sport,” praising his consistent effort and accessibility. Dave Cowens suggested, “They ought to retire his number from the whole NBA. Just take 17 and stash it up there in lights,” highlighting the universal respect Havlicek commanded.
Even in his final game at Boston Garden, Havlicek scored 29 points, a fitting farewell performance. Red Auerbach, in The New York Times, offered perhaps the ultimate compliment: “He epitomizes everything good. If I had a son like John I’d be the happiest man in the world.”
John Havlicek passed away on April 25, 2019, at the age of 79, leaving behind an enduring legacy as not just a basketball player, but a true icon of the sport, forever remembered for his unparalleled versatility, relentless hustle, and unwavering commitment to winning.
