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This is Retro Sports Radio. Visit RetroSeasons.com for more sports history.

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This is Keith Morris of Sports Illustrated. My guest is Johnny Havlicek of the Boston Celtics.

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John, the Celtics have missed the playoffs two years in a row.

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Do you think the blend of youth and experience on this year's team can reverse that trend?

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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

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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.

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And I feel that this year's team, particularly the younger fellows, are asserting themselves a little more.

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They've gained more confidence and right now we have to think about making the playoffs.

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John, what about all the injuries that have struck down such stars as Jerry West, Dave Bing, Gus Johnson and Pete Maravich?

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Is basketball becoming too rough as part of this? Is that an indication?

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Well, I don't know if it's becoming too rough. The thing is, things sort of happen in bunches

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and I know that basketball is a very grueling sport and I've been very fortunate.

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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.

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And these are all things that can develop into a situation like this

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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

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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.

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Dave Cowens was co-rookie of the year last year. Has he gotten even better?

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Yes, I think Dave has improved quite a bit. He seems to have a great deal more confidence

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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

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and it certainly can't help anything but boost your confidence to receive an honor like that.

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John Havlicek, thank you very much and good luck to you and the Boston Celtics.

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Thank you, Keith.

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This is Keith Morris of Sports Illustrated.