Latest / Retro Sports Radio: Classic Games from History / 1970 • Basketball Clip • Sports Illustrated Interviews Johnny Havlicek

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1970 • Basketball Clip • Sports Illustrated Interviews Johnny Havlicek · Retro Sports Radio: Classic Games from History

• 0:00
  This is Retro Sports Radio. Visit RetroSeasons.com for more sports history.
• 0:07
  This is Keith Morris of Sports Illustrated. My guest is Johnny Havlicek of the Boston Celtics.
• 0:12
  John, the Celtics have missed the playoffs two years in a row.
• 0:15
  Do you think the blend of youth and experience on this year's team can reverse that trend?
• 0:19
  I think that this year has to be the year in which we do make the playoffs because there's no excuse for us not to
• 0:26
  because we have the experience now blended with the fellows like Sanders and Nelson and myself who can give a little experience now and then.
• 0:34
  And I feel that this year's team, particularly the younger fellows, are asserting themselves a little more.
• 0:40
  They've gained more confidence and right now we have to think about making the playoffs.
• 0:45
  John, what about all the injuries that have struck down such stars as Jerry West, Dave Bing, Gus Johnson and Pete Maravich?
• 0:51
  Is basketball becoming too rough as part of this? Is that an indication?
• 0:55
  Well, I don't know if it's becoming too rough. The thing is, things sort of happen in bunches
• 1:00
  and I know that basketball is a very grueling sport and I've been very fortunate.
• 1:05
  I think that a fellow may relax a little bit during the offseason or during the preseason where he may not work as hard to get into shape.
• 1:15
  And these are all things that can develop into a situation like this
• 1:21
  because after you've been around for particularly myself 10 years, I found that this year was harder for me to really get out in practice and get myself into shape
• 1:31
  because I thought I could play myself into shape and after a while you find out that you have to go just as hard as everyone else.
• 1:38
  Dave Cowens was co-rookie of the year last year. Has he gotten even better?
• 1:42
  Yes, I think Dave has improved quite a bit. He seems to have a great deal more confidence
• 1:48
  and I think that that honor probably in his own mind gave him a feeling as though he really is a player in this league
• 1:55
  and it certainly can't help anything but boost your confidence to receive an honor like that.
• 2:00
  John Havlicek, thank you very much and good luck to you and the Boston Celtics.
• 2:03
  Thank you, Keith.
• 2:04
  This is Keith Morris of Sports Illustrated.