John Havlicek – From Way Downtown

On the Bounce with Jo Jo White, 1975

Jo Jo’s efforts to develop an all-around game have had a noticeable effect on his shooting. “He is streaky now because he has so many other things to think about,” says Tommy Heinsohn, the Boston coach.

The Pro’s Pros: Jerry West and John Havlicek, 1969

Both are intense competitors. To say such is to use a cliché used too often about too many. The fact is, under pressure, some choke up, some do as well as they usually do, only a handful do better.

Paul Silas: He Doesn’t Leave Fingerprints, 1972

“All of us in the league play with a part of a comradeship. This is our living. This is what we do. It doesn’t make sense to go out and get mad. This is a job. But you can be fierce.”

John Havlicek: A Farewell to Remember, 1978

“My suggestion,” said Dave Cowens, the Celtic’s center for the past eight years, “is that they retire his number from the league. Don’t let anyone wear No. 17 again. That’s how much I think John’s meant to the NBA. Just take 17 and stash it up there in lights.”

Who is the Celtics’ MVP—Havlicek or Cowens? 1975

John Havlicek and Dave Cowens don’t look alike, and they are not built alike. But they are emotional twins, playing every game to the breaking point, giving 100 percent of themselves.

Hal Greer: What Wilt Means to the 76ers, 1966

Despite Wilt’s great contributions to the 76ers as a player, his helping the club and the players to belong to the city has to be the most-important boost he gave us.

Paul Silas: Shrewdness in Seattle, 1980

“In order to stay in this league for any length of time, you’ve got to be excellent at something,” Silas said. “Rebounding was my specialty, and I just worked at it.”

Sidney Wicks: Simply Awesome, 1974

Offcourt, the 6-foot-9 former UCLA All-American is as loose and easy as he suggests. But once involved in a game, his disposition changes, and he acts mean and hungry.

Jerry West: A Very Special Agony, 1970

The thing West does is not just play basketball brilliantly, but play it best when it counts the most. This is the rarest of things.

John Havlicek: A Study in Stamina, 1975

“The Celtics, new and old, are very different,” says Havlicek. “The difference isn’t only because of Bill Russell. They are just different kinds of players.”