John Havlicek

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Havlicek revolutionized the 'sixth man' role early in his career, coming off the bench while playing all 80 games in his rookie 1962–63 season. He averaged 14.3 points per game that year, helping secure a championship against the Los Angeles Lakers. As he matured, his scoring climbed; by 1963–64, he averaged nearly 20.0 PPG and scored a regular-season high of 43 points against the Baltimore Bullets. His defensive prowess was equally legendary, earning him five NBA All-Defensive First Team selections and three Second Team nods. He served as team captain from 1969 until his retirement in 1978, bridging the eras of Bill Russell and later stars while maintaining an 8–0 record in the Finals.

In Their Own Story

On April 15, 1965, during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics led 110–109 with five seconds left. A turnover by Bill Russell gave the ball to Hal Greer for an inbounds pass. Havlicek, guarding Chet Walker with his back to Greer, spun and leaped as the pass came in, tipping it to Sam Jones. Announcer Johnny Most famously screamed, 'Havlicek stole the ball!'—a call dubbed by the NBA as the most famous radio broadcast in basketball history. This play preserved Boston's playoff hopes, leading to a 4–1 Finals victory over the Lakers. In another critical moment during the 1968 Eastern Division Finals, Havlicek recorded a near triple-double with 29 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists in Game 5 to avoid elimination against the 76ers.

Reader's Guide

Havlicek's career is defined by durability and versatility. He played all 82 games in the 1967–68 and 1968–69 seasons, averaging over 40 minutes per game in the latter postseason. His statistical peaks included a 1965–66 playoff run where he averaged 23.6 PPG and 9.1 RPG off the bench. He was named to the All-NBA First Team four times and Second Team seven times, while also being selected for 13 consecutive All-Star games. After retiring in 1978, his number 17 jersey was retired by the Celtics, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984. His legacy includes leading the team to six championships in his first seven seasons.

Did You Know?

• Havlicek was of Czech and Croatian descent, from his father and mother respectively.
• He scored a high school record 53 points in an overtime win over Cadiz as a junior.
• Havlicek played college football under Woody Hayes before focusing solely on basketball at Ohio State.
• He was selected by the Cleveland Browns of the NFL in 1962 but chose to become a full-time Celtic after their training camp stint.
• Referee Earl Strom called Havlicek's famous steal one of the greatest plays he ever saw in his 32-year career.