Offensive Game
Relentless scorer who averaged 20.8 PPG. Deadly from mid-range with an unstoppable running game
Career Journey
John Havlicek is a versatile wing capable of contributing on both ends of the floor with the Boston Celtics. Over 16 seasons as a professional, he has built a reputation as a dependable presence at the SF position, contributing to winning basketball through consistent execution on both ends of the floor. He won 8 NBA championship rings over the course of his career.
John Havlicek attended Ohio State, and played professionally from 1962 to 1978.
Offensive Game
Relentless scorer who averaged 20.8 PPG. Deadly from mid-range with an unstoppable running game
Defensive Game
8x All-Defensive Team. Tireless defender whose conditioning allowed him to pressure ball-handlers full court
Intangibles
Instinctive player who always made the right play. Mastered both the sixth man and franchise player roles
All articles
John Havlicek made the most famous play in Celtics history before most people knew his name. His #17 represents eight championships and sixteen seasons of relentless excellence.
Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
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Boston Celtics
1962-1978
8x NBA Champion
1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976
1x NBA Finals MVP
1974
13x NBA All-Star
1966-1978
Celtics All-Time Leading Scorer
26,395 career points — held franchise record for decades
Hondo
Known for tireless endurance and non-stop motor on both ends
4x All-NBA First Team
1971-1974
8x NBA All-Defensive First Team
1972-1976, 1978 + 2x Second Team
Havlicek Stole the Ball!
Iconic steal in 1965 Eastern Conference Finals — most famous call in Celtics history
Iron Man
Played all 82 games in 9 seasons — incredible durability
Sixth Man Pioneer
Began career as sixth man, became a star — helped define the role
Career Earnings
~$3M (pre-modern era)
Estimated total NBA career salary
Endorsements
Boston Celtics
Remained a beloved franchise ambassador throughout life
Post-retirement
Local Boston Business
Various New England business endorsements
1970s-2000s
Personal Life & Family
Partner
Beth Havlicek
Children (2)
Parents & Siblings
Off the Court
Active in Boston-area charitable organizations throughout his life
Did You Know?
Was also drafted by the Cleveland Browns as a wide receiver in the 1962 NFL Draft
His steal in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals inspired Johnny Most's legendary call: 'Havlicek stole the ball!'
Known for his incredible stamina — could run opponents into exhaustion over 48 minutes
Retired as the Celtics' all-time leading scorer with 26,395 points
Career Honors
13x NBA All-Star
8x NBA Champion
1974 NBA Finals MVP
11x All-NBA Team
8x All-Defensive Team
Jersey #17 retired by Boston Celtics
Basketball Hall of Fame 1984
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