The NBA released a set of new names for the league’s end of season awards. The new names honor legends of the game. The Sixth Man of the Year trophy is now appropriately named after Boston Celtics great John Havlicek.
“Our new collection of trophies celebrates some of the greatest and most impactful players in the history of the NBA,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a press release. “As we recognize the league’s top performers each season, we also pay tribute to the legends who embody these prestigious awards.”
Havlicek played 16 seasons in the NBA, all with the Boston Celtics. For the first seven years of his career, Havlicek served as the club’s sixth man, earning four All-Star nods in that time. “Hondo” played in 13 All-Star games and won eight NBA titles. He was finals MVP in 1974.
The crystal trophy features a player shooting an off-balanced jump shot. This is meant to be “symbolic of the boost provided by the player to his team,” according to the NBA.
Here's a look at the new John Havlicek Trophy to be awarded to the NBA Sixth Man of the Year each year.
Hondo immortalized in crystal forever. pic.twitter.com/pVECbasArb
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) December 13, 2022
Havlicek died in April of 2019 and is survived by his wife, Beth. She and the Havlicek family spoke about the honor and pride that comes with this new trophy.
“We are honored that the NBA recognized John’s career achievements with this award,” said Havlicek “John defined what it means to be the ultimate sixth man, with his leadership and stellar play serving as the utmost example of effectively starring in a role for the betterment of the team.”
The full list of new trophies can be found here.
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