When Doc Rivers became the head coach of the Boston Celtics in 2004, he noticed something striking: the franchise's past legends weren't really involved with the team. To change this, Doc decided to invite several former stars to the facility. This initiative bore fruit almost immediately, leading to a moment that left him truly amazed.
"The next day, John Havlicek walks into the gym and, in a typical John Havlicek way, walks up to me and introduced himself. He said, `Hi. I'm John Havlicek.' Like I didn't know. But that's just who he was, and after that, he was always around," recounted Rivers, per ESPN.
Paying final respects
Rivers shared his story in late April 2019, reflecting on Havlicek , who had recently passed away at the age of 79. The honors bestowed upon the Hall of Famer were well-deserved, as 'Hondo' was a significant figure both on and off the court.
Drafted in 1962 by his sole NBA franchise, the Celtics , the Ohio State product quickly established himself as a standout player. At 6'5", he was among the first exceptional swingmen in NBA history, known for his versatility, athleticism, and clutch performances. John's durability and energetic play style further set him apart. By his retirement in 1978, he had earned 13 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA honors, and 8 All-Defensive Team nods.
'Hondo' was also a remarkable winner, boasting an undefeated record in all 8 of his NBA Finals appearances. His performance in the 1974 Finals against the Bucks was particularly impressive, earning him the Finals MVP award.
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Havlicek's impact went beyond the court
The late Havlicek had no ego about coming off the bench for much of his early career. One of the league's standout sixth men, he prioritized team success over personal accolades, giving a glimpse of his humble nature. That, along with other likable traits, made the Ohio native a beloved figure, especially to his longtime head coach.
"If I had a son, and he was like John, I'd be the happiest man in the world," shared the legendary Red Auerbach in the context of Hondo's last game.
Fast forward many years later, Rivers echoed the same sentiments when talking about Havlicek's impact as a person.
"He (Havlicek) was such a good human being. Really, if you could model our players and how we wanted them to be–he was a fierce competitor, amazing humility, and he was a gentleman–if we could model all of us like that, we would be in a great place as a league," he emphasized.
When hearing that two legendary coaches make those kinds of statements, it's safe to say that 'Hondo' got everything right in his career—a career that every aspiring player should admire and use as a model.
Related: “Best all-around player I ever saw” - Bill Russell thought John Havlicek was the most superior player he ever saw
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