Boston Celtics legend John Havlicek passed away Thursday at the age of 79, the team announced.
The Hall of Famer won 8 NBA titles during his 16-year career, which he spent entirely with Celtics.
Hondo, as he was known by fans, will always be remembered for stealing the ball in the final moments of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals, with the Celtics famous announcer Johnny Most yelling, “Havlicek stole the ball!”
The team provided this statement, detailing all he meant to the franchise:
John Havlicek is one of the most accomplished players in Boston Celtics history, and the face of many of the franchise’s signature moments. He was a great champion both on the court and in the community, winning 8 NBA championships and an NBA Finals MVP, while holding Celtics career records for points scored and games played. Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, he is enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame and his retired #17 hangs in the Garden rafters. His defining traits as a player were his relentless hustle and wholehearted commitment to 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. John was kind and considerate, humble and gracious. He was a champion in every sense, and as we join his family, friends, and fans in mourning his loss, we are thankful for all the joy and inspiration he brought to us.
The Celtics and others paid tribute to Havlicek:
