Wednesday, 06 May 2026

John Havlicek

Contest: The US Athletics Hall of Fame - Athletes 2026
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Basketball
Statistics & Accolades: 8 NBA Championships (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974 & 1976)
4 All-NBA First Team Selections (1971, 1972, 1973 & 1974)
5 All-Defensive First Team Selections (1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 & 1975)
13 NBA All-Star Games (1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 & 1978)
1 NCAA Championship (1960)
26,395 NBA Points
8,007 NBA Rebounds
6,114 NBA Assists
Member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Member of the College Basketball Hall of Fame
Number Retired by the Atlanta Hawks
Number Retired by the LSU Tigers
Named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team
Named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
John Havlicek was a legendary swingman who spent his entire 16-year NBA career with the Boston Celtics. He secured eight NBA championships and became renowned for his durability and versatility on the hardwood. Known for his exceptional stamina, "Hondo" was a 13-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA First Team selection, and a key figure in the 1960s Celtics dynasty. He originally popularized the "sixth man" role before moving into a starting position as a leader. Havlicek is still the Celtics' all-time top scorer with 26,395 points.

Havlicek was not only known for his offensive skills but also for his remarkable defense and clutch moments, notably the famous 1965 "stole the ball" play during the Eastern Conference Finals. Throughout his career, he was named to the NBA All-Defensive team eight times and secured the Finals MVP award in 1974. His relentless hustle and professional attitude earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984, establishing his legacy as one of the most accomplished winners in professional sports.

We are proud to nominate John Havlicek for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

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