John Havlicek, Eight-Time NBA Champion, Dies at 79

NBA legend, John Havlicek, who brought trophies to the Boston Celtics, died at the age of 79.

Heroes come and go, but Legends are forever. Eight-time NBA Champion and Boston Celtic great, John Havlicek, has died at the age of 79. Through his late years, the Basketball Hall of Famer endured Parkinson’s disease.

On Thursday, his peaceful departure from this world had been made known. Havlicek’s skill set allowed him to play the positions of shooting guard and small forward, as he spent a total of 16 seasons with the Boston Celtics.

The Celtic Legend’s Hall of Fame career takes an unconventional route as he was initially drafted and signed by the Cleveland Browns. Havlicek played as a wide receiver and made two preseason appearances.

Later on, he was cut by the team, and eventually joined the Celtics, winning four consecutive NBA titles from 1963 to 1966. They continued their successful championship runs in the years 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1976, as well.

The 6-foot-5 phenom did not shy from historical highlights. In one of his playoff appearances, Havlicek’s hustle play aided Boston to seal the deal in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals Game 7, outclassing the opposing team in a one-point victory.

Havlicek has gone beyond his call of duty as a professional player. On its website, Boston signifies Havlicek’s unique character:

“His defining traits as a player were his constant hustle and wholehearted commitment to the team over self. He was extraordinarily thoughtful and generous, both on a personal level and for those in need, as illustrated by his commitment to raising money for The Genesis Foundation for Children for over three decades through his fishing tournament”.

The Basketball world did not hesitate to pour out their tributes. Fellow Basketball Hall of Famer and 11-time NBA Champion, Bill Russell, recognizes his former teammate as family.

Legends from Boston’s archrivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, have also paid their respects to the passing of Havlicek. Lakers legend, James Worthy, took it to Twitter to reflect on Havlicek’s “super nice” personality, highlighting his “quirky sense of humor.”

Legends from Boston’s archrivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, have also paid their respects to the passing of Havlicek.

Lakers legend, James Worthy, took it to Twitter to reflect on Havlicek’s “super nice” personality, highlighting his “quirky sense of humor.”

Another Lakers legend in Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson also highlighted via twitter the different milestones and awards received by Havlicek in his career.

The Basketball world has lost a number of great people through the recent years, with one of them being the death of Sacramento Kings forward, Tyler Honeycutt, whose life was claimed in a shootout involving the LAPD.