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.