Cousy, Havlicek and 4 Others Set to Play in Legends Game

Former Boston Celtics stars Bob Cousy and John Havlicek, both of whom appeared in 13 consecutive All-Star Games, Thursday were among six former players named to participate in the NBA Legends game.

The old-timers contest will be held Feb. 9--the day before the NBA’s All-Star Game--at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis.

Oscar Robertson and Dave DeBusschere, who with Cousy and Havlicek are members of the Hall of Fame, also have been chosen to play, as have Connie Hawkins and Nate Thurmond.

The teams will be coached by Red Holzman, who collected 696 career victories while guiding the New York Knicks to two NBA crowns, and Bob “Slick” Leonard, who led the Indiana Pacers to three American Basketball Association titles.

The coaches will select their teams in a draft Jan. 14. The game will be played at 12:30 p.m. EST and follow practice by the All-Stars. A slam-dunk championship will follow the Legends Classic at 2 p.m.

Cousy, the slick playmaker who helped the Celtics to six league championships, appeared in the first NBA All-Star Game in 1951 and twice was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Havlicek was a member of eight championship clubs and was named to the All-NBA first team four times.

Robertson, who will serve as the East team’s honorary captain in the All-Star Game, is the league’s fourth-leading career scorer and the all-time leader in assists. He played in 12 All-Star games. DeBusschere, currently the Knicks’ executive vice president, was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive first team six straight years.

Hawkins led the Pittsburgh Pipers to the 1967 ABA Championship in his rookie season and later played for the Phoenix Suns. Thurmond is the NBA’s fifth leading career rebounder.

Remaining players for the game will be announced later this week.