1974 John Havlicek FMVP Breakdown（七）

John Havlicek wore No. 17 for eighteen seasons, and retired as the Celtics' all-time leading scorer. He held that spot for many years until the Paul Pierce era, but the "franchise scoring king" crown itself proves his staying power.

His scoring was never "explosive": no back-to-back scoring outbursts, just a steady 20 a night, year after year. That "slow and steady" accumulation pushed him to the top in both games played and total points. For Boston, the retired No. 17 hanging in the TD Garden reminds everyone that titles come from persistence, not just talent.

Notably, Havlicek's scoring efficiency rested on "not dominating the ball": much of his output came from cuts, fast breaks and put-backs rather than isolation. That was exactly the quality Red Auerbach's system treasured most—win first, stats second.

Related Reading

• 1974 NBA Finals MVP: John Havlicek (Boston Celtics)
• Classic Battles: Havlicek’s Playoff Moments
• Two-Sport Rookie: Drafted by Both the NBA Celtics and MLB Red Sox
• The Eight-Ring Dynasty: Havlicek and the Passing of the Celtic Torch
• The Do-Everything Wing: Havlicek, a Pioneer of "Positionless" Basketball