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This is Keith Morris of Sports Illustrated. My guest is Johnny Havlicek of the Boston Celtics.
John, the Celtics have missed the playoffs two years in a row.
Do you think the blend of youth and experience on this year's team can reverse that trend?
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
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.
And I feel that this year's team, particularly the younger fellows, are asserting themselves a little more.
They've gained more confidence and right now we have to think about making the playoffs.
John, what about all the injuries that have struck down such stars as Jerry West, Dave Bing, Gus Johnson and Pete Maravich?
Is basketball becoming too rough as part of this? Is that an indication?
Well, I don't know if it's becoming too rough. The thing is, things sort of happen in bunches
and I know that basketball is a very grueling sport and I've been very fortunate.
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.
And these are all things that can develop into a situation like this
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
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.
Dave Cowens was co-rookie of the year last year. Has he gotten even better?
Yes, I think Dave has improved quite a bit. He seems to have a great deal more confidence
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
and it certainly can't help anything but boost your confidence to receive an honor like that.
John Havlicek, thank you very much and good luck to you and the Boston Celtics.
Thank you, Keith.
This is Keith Morris of Sports Illustrated.