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1978 John Havlicek Boston Celtics Game-Used & Autographed Road Jersey from his Final Career Game

(Photomatch) (Letter of Provenance) (JSA)

SOLD FOR $27,584
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224
33
$5,000
15

John Havlicek’s Game-Worn Celtics Jersey: A Testament to Basketball Excellence

A Legendary Career with the Boston Celtics

John Havlicek, affectionately known as “Hondo,” is celebrated as one of the greatest sixth men in NBA history. His remarkable 16-year tenure with the Boston Celtics was marked by an extraordinary blend of offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Havlicek’s contributions were pivotal in securing eight NBA championship rings for the Celtics, a testament to his enduring impact on the game.

In 1974, Havlicek’s stellar performance earned him the NBA Finals MVP honors, further cementing his legacy. He was the first player to achieve the remarkable feat of scoring 1,000 points in each of 16 consecutive NBA seasons. His leadership and relentless endurance led legendary Celtics coach Red Auerbach to dub him “the guts of the team.”

The Iconic Jersey

This game-worn Celtics jersey is a rare and significant piece of basketball memorabilia. The jersey features the classic “CELTICS” across the front, with Havlicek’s number “17” prominently displayed both on the front and back. The player name “HAVLICEK” is emblazoned across the back, all crafted in white tackle twill, hand-cut and sewn by the team.

  • Historical Significance: Worn by John Havlicek during his illustrious career with the Celtics.
  • Iconic Player: Represents a Hall of Famer and one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players.
  • Pristine Provenance: Accompanied by a newspaper article and a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA for the signature.
  • Condition: The jersey shows game-use and appears to have no alterations, maintaining its original integrity.

Why This Jersey Matters

John Havlicek’s legacy extends beyond his scoring ability. He was selected to play in 13 All-Star games and retired in 1978 as the Celtics’ all-time leading scorer with an astounding 26,395 points. Havlicek is one of only six NBA players to have played for more than 46,000 minutes in his career, showcasing his incredible stamina and dedication to the sport.

Before his professional career, Havlicek was a key member of the 1960 Ohio State NCAA Championship team. His contributions to basketball were recognized in 1984 when he was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. In 1996, he was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, a fitting tribute to his enduring influence on the game.

This jersey is not just a piece of fabric; it is a symbol of Havlicek’s indelible mark on basketball history. For those looking to own a piece of this legacy, this jersey is a must-have addition to any sports memorabilia collection. If you have your own piece of history, consider consigning your NBA jerseys with Grey Flannel Auctions, where we celebrate and preserve the rich heritage of sports.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.

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