1969 Topps #20 John Havlicek ROOKIE PSA NM-MT+ 8.5

1969 Topps #20 John Havlicek PSA 8.5 - A High-Grade Rookie of Boston’s Relentless Engine

By the end of the 1968–69 season, John Havlicek had already made a name for himself as the Celtics’ do-it-all ironman. A seven-time NBA champion by career’s end, Havlicek was in his prime during this era—filling box scores with points, assists, and hustle plays that didn’t show up in the stat sheet. That same season, the Celtics secured their 11th title in 13 years, with Havlicek averaging over 21 points per game and leading the team through the postseason after Bill Russell’s gradual transition from player-coach to retirement.

The 1969 Topps release is one of the most significant basketball sets ever made, and this card—#20 John Havlicek—is a standout issue within it. The tallboy format and bold color palette give this piece a distinctive vintage flair, while the portrait of Havlicek reflects the cool intensity he brought to every game. With many examples of this issue prone to centering issues or print flaws, this PSA 8.5 copy delivers excellent preservation: strong centering, clean edges, and impressive color pop.

A card that represents the bridge between the Celtics' Russell era and Havlicek’s leadership in the post-Russell years, this is a sharp, high-grade relic of Boston basketball royalty—perfect for collectors building out a Hall of Fame lineup or chasing premium condition vintage.