Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Selecting the Boston Celtics All-Time starting lineup

By Justin Trombino

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 13: A member of the Celtics dancers performs before the game between the Boston Celtics and the LA Clippers at TD Garden on February 13, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 13: A member of the Celtics dancers performs before the game between the Boston Celtics and the LA Clippers at TD Garden on February 13, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics John Havlicek (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics John Havlicek (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

John Havlicek – Shooting Guard

The Boston Celtics selected John Havlicek seventh overall in the 1962 NBA Draft out of Ohio State, and went on to spend his entire 16-year career playing in Boston. His No. 17 is retired by the Celtics.

It should be noted that Havlicek never started a game for the Celtics, but he became one of the best “sixth man” role players in NBA history. In 16 seasons, he averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Havlicek is the current franchise leader in total points with 26,395.

Havlicek earned many accolades throughout his career as a role player that you don’t see many bench players earn in today’s game. As a sixth man, he would become a 13-Time All-Star (1966-1978), a five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team (1972-1976), and a four-time All-NBA First Team (1971-1974).

Hondo, as he was often referred to, was a key contributor to the Celtics winning 8 NBA championships (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976) and earned the honors of Finals MVP in 1974.

Havlicek ranks first in franchise history in points (26,395), games (1,270), minutes played (46,471), and field goals (23,930). He also ranks in the top 5 for most free throws (5,369), total rebounds (8,007), and assists (5,695).

Havlicek is one of only four players to have won 8 championships, and one of three players to have an impressive 8-0 record in the NBA Finals. The NBA enshrined Havlicek into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.

The Boston Celtics have retired Havilicek’s No. 17.

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