John Havlicek, born on August 4, 1940, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, was destined for greatness in the world of basketball. He first started making a name for himself on the court while attending Ohio State University, where he helped lead the team to an NCAA championship in 1960. His stellar performance and natural talent caught the attention of NBA scouts, paving the way for an illustrious professional career.
Havlicek was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1962 and quickly made a name for himself as one of the league's top players. Over the course of his career, he won a total of eight NBA championships with the Celtics and was selected to the All-Star team a remarkable 13 times. His scoring prowess was unmatched, and he became Boston's all-time leading scorer with an impressive 26,395 career points.
Throughout his career, Havlicek's number 17 jersey was retired by the Boston Celtics, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history. In 1984, he was rightfully inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.
Off the court, Havlicek was a devoted family man. He married Beth Evans in 1967, and together they raised a son, Chris, who also followed in his father's footsteps by playing college basketball at the University of Virginia. The Havlicek family's love for the game of basketball was truly a generational affair.
It is clear that John Havlicek's impact on the game of basketball goes far beyond his impressive on-court achievements. His influence on future generations of players and fans alike is a testament to his enduring legacy as a true legend of the sport.
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