"John Havlicek was an American basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Boston Celtics. He was known for his exceptional stamina and is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history."
April 8, 1940: Birth of John Havlicek
On April 8, 1940, John Joseph Havlicek was born. He would go on to become a renowned figure in basketball history.
1953: Origin of Havlicek's Nickname “Hondo”
John Havlicek's nickname, "Hondo," originated from the 1953 John Wayne movie of the same name.
1959: Start of Havlicek's College Basketball Career
John Havlicek began his college basketball career with the Ohio State Buckeyes in 1959.
1960: NCAA Championship Victory and Olympic Team Alternate
In 1960, John Havlicek and the Ohio State Buckeyes won the NCAA championship. He was also named an alternate for the 1960 United States national basketball team for the Summer Olympics.
1960: Ohio State Buckeyes Win NCAA Championship
John Havlicek, alongside notable teammates like Jerry Lucas and Larry Siegfried, contributed to the Ohio State Buckeyes' NCAA championship win in 1960.
1962: Havlicek Joins the Celtics and Revolutionizes the Sixth Man Role
After being drafted by both the NBA and NFL in 1962, John Havlicek chose basketball and joined the Boston Celtics. He became known for his stamina and for revolutionizing the "sixth man" role, coming off the bench in his early years with the team.
1962: Havlicek Drafted by Celtics and Browns
John Havlicek was drafted by both the Boston Celtics (NBA) and the Cleveland Browns (NFL) in 1962. He ultimately chose to pursue a career in basketball with the Celtics.
1965: Havlicek's Iconic Steal in Eastern Conference Finals
John Havlicek made an unforgettable play in 1965 during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals. With seconds remaining, he stole the ball, securing the Celtics' victory and a place in the NBA Finals.
1965: Havlicek's Steal Becomes Legendary
John Havlicek's game-saving steal in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals became the stuff of legends. His quick thinking and athleticism secured a crucial win for the Celtics, and announcer Johnny Most's call of the play is considered one of the most famous in basketball history.
1967: Marriage to Beth
John Havlicek married Beth in 1967 after they met while attending Ohio State University.
1968: Celtics Overcome 3-1 Deficit in Eastern Division Finals
John Havlicek helped the Celtics make history in the 1968 Eastern Division Finals. With strong performances in Games 5 and 7, they became the first NBA team to overcome a 3-1 deficit in a playoff series, ultimately defeating the Philadelphia 76ers.
1969: Havlicek Becomes Celtics Captain
John Havlicek was named captain of the Boston Celtics in 1969, a role he held for nine years.
1969: Havlicek Becomes a Full-Time Starter and Team Captain
John Havlicek's role on the Celtics evolved in the 1969-1970 season as he became a full-time starter and took on the captaincy, leading the team into a new era.
1970: Havlicek's Highest Scoring Season
John Havlicek achieved his highest scoring average during the 1970-1971 season, recording an impressive 28.9 points per game.
1970: Havlicek Transitions to Full-Time Starter
The 1969-1970 season marked a significant shift in John Havlicek's career as he transitioned from a sixth man to a full-time starter for the Boston Celtics.
1974: Celtics Win NBA Championship
The Boston Celtics, led by John Havlicek, won the NBA Championship in 1974.
1974: NBA Finals MVP Award
John Havlicek was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 1974, solidifying his place as a key player in the Celtics' championship win.
1974: Recipient of the Golden Plate Award
John Havlicek was honored with the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in 1974.
1976: Havlicek's Near Game-Winner in a Historic Finals Game
Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals is often cited as one of the greatest Finals games. John Havlicek nearly won it for the Celtics with a last-second shot, but the game went into triple overtime after a series of dramatic turns.
1977: End of Havlicek's Final Season
John Havlicek's final season in the NBA concluded in 1977, marking the end of his illustrious 16-year career.
April 1978: The Sporting News Recognizes Havlicek's Enduring Skill
Even as John Havlicek approached retirement, his talent was still evident. In April 1978, The Sporting News declared that he remained superior to 80 percent of active NBA players.
1978: Retirement from the NBA
John Havlicek retired from the NBA in 1978 after a successful career with the Boston Celtics.
1978: End of Havlicek's Captaincy
John Havlicek's captaincy of the Boston Celtics came to an end in 1978, marking the end of an era for the team.
1980: Selection to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team
John Havlicek's exceptional talent and contributions to basketball were recognized in 1980 when he was chosen for the NBA 35th Anniversary Team.
1984: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In recognition of his remarkable contributions to basketball, John Havlicek was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
1984: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 1984, John Havlicek received one of basketball's highest honors when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
1984: Elvin Hayes Surpasses Havlicek's Games Played Record
In 1984, Elvin Hayes surpassed John Havlicek's record for most games played in NBA history, a testament to both players' longevity and dedication.
1996: Named One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History
John Havlicek was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, further solidifying his place among basketball's elite.
2007: Bridgeport High School Gymnasium Renamed in Havlicek's Honor
John Havlicek's impact on basketball was recognized in 2007 when his former high school, Bridgeport High School, renamed their gymnasium to "John J. Havlicek Gymnasium."
April 25, 2019: Death of John Havlicek
John Havlicek passed away on April 25, 2019.
2019: Havlicek's Championship Legacy
As of 2019, John Havlicek's eight NBA championships placed him among the most decorated players in league history. Only his former Celtics teammates Bill Russell and Sam Jones had won more championships.
October 2021: Havlicek Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, John Havlicek's impact on basketball was further recognized when he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.
October 2022: Inauguration into the Croatian-American Sports Hall of Fame
In October 2022, John Havlicek was honored for his athletic achievements and Croatian heritage with an induction into the Croatian-American Sports Hall of Fame.
December 2022: NBA Names Sixth Man of the Year Trophy in Havlicek's Honor
In December 2022, the NBA paid tribute to John Havlicek's legacy by renaming the newly redesigned trophy awarded to the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year the "John Havlicek Trophy."