John Havlicek
John Havlicek, also known as Hondo, was a highly talented basketball player who became the best 'sixth man' in NBA history while playing for the Boston Celtics. He was a key player in the Celtics' comeback during the early 1970s and won eight championships in his career.
Basketball Player
April 8, 1940
April 25, 2019
79
John Havlicek, commonly known as “Hondo,” was a talented American basketball player who played as a forward for the Boston Celtics. As a crucial member of the Celtics’ dynasty, he contributed to the team’s eight NBA championships during his 16-season tenure. Havlicek’s exceptional skills earned him 13 consecutive All-Star appearances and inclusion in the All-NBA First or Second Team eight times. Before his successful professional career, he was a two-sport athlete at Ohio State University, playing both basketball and football. In 1962, Havlicek was drafted by both the NBA’s Boston Celtics and the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, but he ultimately chose to focus on basketball. He passed away on April 25, 2019, at the age of 79.
