American · Martins Ferry, Ohio · Born 8 April 1940American basketball legend who played his entire 16-year NBA career with the Boston Celtics, winning 8 championships and earning 13 All-Star selections.
John Joseph Havlicek was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio in 1940. He attended Ohio State University — where he played in the 1960 and 1961 NCAA championship games and won in 1960 alongside Jerry Lucas and Bobby Knight. Boston Celtics selected him in the first round of the 1962 NBA Draft. His 16-season career produced eight NBA championships (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976), 13 All-Star appearances and the Finals MVP award in 1974. He averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game — one of the most complete statistical profiles in Celtics history. He played 6 of his 8 championships alongside Bill Russell and later won 2 more alongside Dave Cowens and Paul Silas. He was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team in 1996 and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984. His steal of Hal Greer's inbounds pass in the final seconds of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals — immortalised by announcer Johnny Most's call of Havlicek stole the ball! — is one of basketball's most celebrated moments. He is the greatest Celtic outside of Bill Russell in terms of individual production.
Sixth Man role, clutch performances, and incredible stamina
How They Played
Versatile guard/forward known for tireless energy and clutch plays
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest sixth men and clutch performers in NBA history
Career Honours
- NBA Champion 8x
- Finals MVP (1974)
- All-Star 13x
- All-NBA First Team 4x
- Hall of Fame (1984)
- NBA 50th Anniversary Team
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | 1962–1978 | 1270 |
American Athletes