Posted on 04/25/2019 6:36:08 PM PDT by massmike
BOSTON -- “Havlicek stole the ball! Havlicek stole the ball! It’s all over!”
One of the most iconic moments in Boston Celtics lore, no one will ever forget the call in the 1965 NBA Eastern Conference Finals made by announcer Johnny Most or the player who made a play for the ages, John Havlicek.
Havlicek, the Celtics’ all-time leading scorer (26,395 points) and one of the most decorated players to ever don a Celtics uniform, passed away on Thursday. He was 79.
The Celtics released the following statement upon announcing Havlicek's passing:
John Havlicek is one of the most accomplished players in Boston Celtics history, and the face of many of the franchise’s signature moments. He was a great champion both on the court and in the community, winning 8 NBA championships and an NBA Finals MVP, while holding Celtics career records for points scored and games played. Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, he is enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame and his retired #17 hangs in the Garden rafters. His defining traits as a player were his relentless hustle and wholehearted commitment to team over self. He was extraordinarily thoughtful and generous, both on a personal level and for those in need, as illustrated by his commitment to raising money for The Genesis Foundation for Children for over three decades through his fishing tournament. John was kind and considerate, humble and gracious. He was a champion in every sense, and as we join his family, friends, and fans in mourning his loss, we are thankful for all the joy and inspiration he brought to us.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcsports.com ...
A great one!
.
RIP.
Everybody I grew up with is dying. I remember watching Havlicek play. He played right up to the Larry Bird era. If I recall correctly, Bird’s rookie season was the year after Havlicek retired.
Jesus, he was an ironman...no hope for the rest of us. When he was at Ohio State I once saw him get a rebound against Iowa (my school), drive the length of the court and slam dunk it. I was impressed to say the least. RIP Mr. Havlicek. Same team as Bobby Knight.
That crew is all old or gone already. Tommy H is still doing games.
To many of the fans, these guys are just numbers in the rafters.
Thanks for the memories, John.
“Everybody I grew up with is dying. “
No shit. I just lost my best friend of over 60 years. Scary as hell.
RIP. Those were the days.
What are the odds of getting two white guys in the same frame these days?
I remember we saw him play at the Forum.
RIP. May God receive his soul.
The last of the old fashioned white players
My take anyhow
Squeaky
Exactly what I was thinking. Today, it's a technical foul to have more than a token white guy on the floor, isn't it?
[John Havlicek]
Wow, that’s going way back.
Great player.
RIP
I seem to recall reading an article about him in SI back then. They claimed he had oversized lungs.
RIP
“Everybody I grew up with is dying.”
No one gets out alive. Make the most of every moment.
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