Former Celtic great John Havlicek has passed away at age 79,voted one of the top 50 players of all time,he played 16 seasons for the Celtics,winning 8 NBA titles,"Havlicek stole the ball! Havlicek stole the ball!"remains one of the most iconic calls in sports history R.I.P. Hondo
Hondo passes away
- Thread starter Canadian Dukie
- Start date
Very sad to hear this news! R.I.P.
This one hurt, badly... Hondo was like a Zion in a way, just happy to be playing and a brother to all his teammates black and white- when our country needed to come together.
Not only a terrific player, but a gentleman, scholar and remarkable person. OFC
Not only a terrific player, but a gentleman, scholar and remarkable person. OFC
He won titles in half of his 16 seasons? Wow. That's impressive. He's before my time. I've heard of him, but never saw him play. Sounds like a heck of a player. Will have to look up footage of him.
Was sad when I heard news he passed away. He was the quintessential team player. Small forward and sometime 6th man. One of his great strengths was his motor. He just ran and moved constantly - huge part of the Celtics fast break.
He was not the "individual" that most players are today. He complemented others perfectly - sometimes not getting an assist but still being a key part of the play with a great pass, a defensive tip, and his mid range jumper was great.
I was never a big Celtics fan, but I loved watching him play. He also crossed over two eras - the Russell Era, with whom he won several titles, and then teamed with Dave Cowens, JoJo White, Paul Silas, Don Nelson and Cheney to win a couple more titles in the 70's.
I realize I am stepping on some toes here, particularly with a Duke comnection to the Celts. I apologize in advance to any one here (I consider you all friends), but theres no one on that roster or any NBA roster now, who 1)played the game like Hondo, 2)was a diplomat for the sport, and 3)touched players of all races like the great John Havlicek. I would venture the last to do so was the great Grant Hill, and the next may be Zion Williamson. I would also be remiss if I omitted the Dr J's, and Magic Johnsons....
OFC
OFC
The guy gave 100% every second of every game. Celtics during the Hondo, Russell and Jones boys years were special to watch.