The Celtics have confirmed that hall-of-fame forward John Havlicek, the franchise?s all-time leading scorer, has passed away at the age of 79 after a battle with Parkinson?s Disease. As part of their official statement, the Celtics wrote:
?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.?
?Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, he is enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame? 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??
?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.?
Havlicek, affectionately known as ?Hondo,? is perhaps best known for his clutch steal in the closing moments of Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and 76ers. Boston would go on to win the NBA Finals that season 4-1 over the Lakers.
?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.?
?Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, he is enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame? 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??
?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.?
Havlicek, affectionately known as ?Hondo,? is perhaps best known for his clutch steal in the closing moments of Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and 76ers. Boston would go on to win the NBA Finals that season 4-1 over the Lakers.
