JOHNHAVLICEK
BOSTON CELTICSJohn Havlicek — 8× NBA champion, Finals MVP, 13× All-Star, "Hondo." Career stats, bio and legacy of the Boston Celtics' legendary two-way forward.
8×NBA CHAMPION
13×ALL-STAR
John Havlicek biography — NBA career story, legacy, championships, awards and personal background.
Career timeline, milestones, and place among all-time greats.
He began his career coming off the bench and ended it as the NBA's all-time leader in games played — John Havlicek redefined what a "sixth man" could be worth. Born April 8, 1940, in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Died April 25, 2019, in Jupiter, Florida, at age 79. Height 6 ft 5 in (196 cm).
He played at Ohio State (1959–1962) alongside Jerry Lucas and Bob Knight, winning the 1960 NCAA championship. Drafted 7th overall by the Boston Celtics in 1962, he spent his entire 16-season career with the franchise, winning a championship as a rookie and another 13 years later in his final title run.
Nicknamed "Hondo," Havlicek is remembered for one of the most famous plays in NBA history — deflecting a Philadelphia inbounds pass to seal Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Division Finals, immortalized by the call "Havlicek stole the ball!" He won eight NBA championships, the 1974 Finals MVP, and made 13 consecutive All-Star teams. He was the first player to record 16 consecutive 1,000-point seasons.
Career totals: 26,395 points (20.8 ppg), 8,007 rebounds (6.3 rpg), 6,114 assists (4.8 apg) over 1,270 games — a career record for games played at his retirement.
His No. 17 was retired by the Celtics. Named to the NBA's 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
John Havlicek quick facts — Height 6'5. 20.8 PPG career average. Championship years: 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976.
Height, weight, draft year, and years in the league.
John Havlicek awards and honors — Championship years: 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976.
Major individual and team accolades with seasons won.
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John Havlicek career statistics summary — 20.8 PPG career average.
Regular-season averages and totals across the full NBA career.
John Havlicek career highs — best single-game performances in points, rebounds, assists and more.
Personal records with dates and opponents.
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John Havlicek advanced stats — PER, win shares, BPM and overall impact metrics.
Impact measured beyond traditional box score statistics.
John Havlicek playoff stats — postseason points, rebounds, assists and games played.
Postseason production across every playoff run.
John Havlicek All-Star Game stats — appearances, minutes and showcase performance.
Mid-season exhibition stats across every All-Star selection.
John Havlicek NBA transactions — trades, signings and team changes by date.
Team moves and dates across every NBA stop.
FAQ about John Havlicek — rings, MVP awards, career stats, height.
Answers to the most searched questions about championships and career honors.
John Havlicek averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists per game in the regular season.
Players similar to John Havlicek — statistical peers by position, peak seasons and career arc.
All-time comparisons with the closest playing profile.
NoteThe club shown in the profile isn't necessarily the player's last team, but the one he's most associated with and that defined his career. See the full team history in the Transactions section.