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The 5 greatest Boston Celtics forwards of all time

By Dylan Woods

BOSTON - JUNE 17: A Boston Celtics flag is on the court after the Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the 2008 NBA Finals on June 17, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOSTON - JUNE 17: A Boston Celtics flag is on the court after the Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the 2008 NBA Finals on June 17, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

2. John Havlicek 

Paul Pierce has the memorable moments, but there is no arguing that John Havlicek had the better overall career. How can you disprove any of these numbers? 8 rings, 1,442 games, and 30, 171 points for the Boston Celtics.

John Havlicek was the perfect player. He did everything imaginable on the court and never got tired. For 16 seasons, he put it all on the line for Boston. In the beginning, he played alongside Bill Russell and then eventually led his own team to the Finals. Even in his last year, Hondo averaged 18 points and 42 minutes in the playoffs.

Bird and Pierce have the stats and moments, but no one other than Havlicek did it for so long. His longevity combined with the staggering number of championships puts him at number two.

Related Story: The 5 greatest Boston Celtics guards of all time

Career achievements

Time spent with Celtics: 16 seasons.

Playoffs: 172 games, 22.0 PTS, 6.9 REB, 4.8 AST, 1.1 STL, 44 FG%, 1974 Finals MVP, 8 rings.

Post-Career: No.17 retired by Celtics, most points and games played in Celtics history.

Memorable moments: “Havlicek stole the ball“, never lost stamina, all-around superstar, most clutch player on 60’s Celtics, running shot in “Greatest Game Ever Played”, never truly dropped off.

Raw stats: 1,270 games, 20.8 PTS, 6.3 REB, 4.8 AST, 1.2 STL, 44 FG%, 13-time All-Star, 3 2nd Team All-Defense’s, 5 1st Team All-Defense’s, 7 2nd Team All-NBA’s, 4 1st Team All-NBA’s, 2 Top 5 in MVP voting.

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