'Is he Stupid?' Dominique Wilkins Goes off on JJ Redick for Steph Curry VS Larry Bird Comments! ESPN

'Is he Stupid?' Dominique Wilkins Goes off on JJ Redick for Steph Curry Larry Bird Comments! ESPN. JJ Redick ESPN First Take. First Take Today NBA today. JJ Redick VS Mad Dog Russo Stephen Curry VS Larry Bird. Stephen A Smith on ESPN First Take. JJ Redick Old Man & the Three Things podcast. NBA on ESPN. Golden State Warriors Steph Curry. Lebron James Los Angeles Lakers. Warriors news. NBA news.
0:00 Intro
0:34 JJ comments on Larry Bird
3:34 Breakdown
5:02 Dominique's full response

[@gammaant78]

3pts were introduced to the NBA the same year Larry Bird started a rookie in 1979. 3pts were thought of as a gimmick to make the game exciting. If Larry Bird knew this was going to be a part of the game, imagine how more deadly he would be? I'm a Lakers fan and have mad respect for Larry Bird.

[@144Souldier]

🤣🤣🤣

[@wildtakeidc4731]

damn, nice hypothetical

[@Hopealliswell6054]

Bird also understood math. Don’t compare Bird to Steph on shooting the deep ball. The NBA has never seen anything like Steph as far as a shooter goes. Bird might be overall a better player but he’s not a better shooter.

[@ronald8792]

Curry is a better 3pt shooter than Bird because he specializes in deep shots. Larry was better at everything else.

[@chrisbuck7520]

​@@Hopealliswell6054 You don't think if Bird @ a full 6'9" and known as one of the strongest hands on the ball guys he couldn't have shot from deeper??? Just cuz you didn't see him do it doesn't mean he couldn't have. Many storytellers have told about Bird taking challenges on and nailing ridiculous long shots. Just like everyone thinking because Shaq dunked & tried to do chinups on the rim he was the most intimidating or dominant big man ever. Wilt NEVER did that but surely could've too. It wasn't allowed and it wasn't his nature. Don't get it twisted that Bird & Wilt couldn't do those things

[@arielaltairch]

"I watched the games, I was there at them. JJ you looked them up on youtube" LOL that was cold JJ's highlight reel watch history couldnt hold up

[@Carlospjr]

He’s right!

[@chrisv.noire.6388]

that was the dumbest non-logical statement Mad Dog made. Cold? are you fcking kidding. There is no replay in live games...I can just see the coaches saying...nah i don't watch film...because i was at the damn game. WTF?

[@HulkVahkiin]

@@chrisv.noire.6388 Your statement is what is non-logical. ''There is no replay in live games...I can just see the coaches saying...nah i don't watch film...because i was at the damn game'' Wtf does this even mean?

[@jeremyellismusic]

@@chrisv.noire.6388 Correct. Being at the game does not give you better insight than watching the film. Human memory is one of the worst indicators of facts. And this debate is silly. JJ is saying over and over that Bird was a great shooter. Saying, "I saw a game," does not change math and stats. Strangely enough, if you check best 3pt by %, JJ is 4th best all time! If you look at 3pts made, Bird is not top 50. He won that one 3 pt contest tough, so that's cool...

[@The_Pause_Tape_KING]

@@jeremyellismusic but yet you completely ignore JJ's ignorant statement about physicality against Steph vs Bird... the Bad Boy Pistons had more physicality on one team than the entire NBA does today!

[@dionpayne144]

He said Steph Curry had to face Marcus Smart for 48 minutes, Bird had to face Bill Lambeer and the bad boy Pistons and people like Charles Barkley for 48 minutes.

[@scottrackley4457]

Had to face Nique, Pippen, Chuck, Oakley, Rodman on the regular

[@thebigdeazold4519]

@@scottrackley4457okay? That doesn’t make him a top 3 damn shooter. 💀 he’s not a top three 3 point shooter regardless of if he played JESUS FUCKING CHRIST. 😂

[@almidaad8014]

You didn't listen correctly, JJ was talking about the defense at the three points line not in the paint.

[@bthom172]

Marcus Smart is a good defender, but Bill was a street brawler; his game had nothing to do with playing good defense. Any idiot can hit a man in the face while he tries to score a basket.

[@TuttaNeck]

Bird was a sf- power forward 💀 and his point is that bird was not getting touched up like curry on the perm

[@edpra7068]

I love the fact that these legends stand up for each other. I grew up watching these guys and , I can attest, they gave their heart and souls to the game. I love 80's/ 90''s NBA

[@JustNeedaBeerandPark]

Facts........Better than this generation....... But this generation is pretty good.

[@Rakeemgrant]

80's and 90's Basketball was amazing

[@javiervargas8391]

Facts over feelings, the nba progresses as does any sport, players get better, bigger, stronger, more athletic. You guys are just stuck in the past and can’t accept reality.

[@daniel8p]

⁠​⁠@@JustNeedaBeerandParkyour a idiot if u really think the 80s and 90s teams are better than nowadays teams lmao

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@javiervargas8391 Bigger? Ooo, a whopping - 1 bloody INCH in today's game over the 1960s, and the PEAK of the NBA was ballpark 2005 at a huge - 2 inches bigger. That's after adjusting for the change in how heights were measured, socks or bare feet in the 1960s to IN THEIR SHOES in recent years. Better? That peak seems to have been somewhere in the 1980s or 1990s. Today's players COMMON palm the ball. Since 2009 they can OFFICIALLY take up to 4 steps without a dribble - 1 step before that. ET CETERA. Stronger? I'll grant that ON AVERAGE, perhaps - but why is WILT considered to be the strongest player to ever play the game? More athletic? IFFY - perhaps on average, but not in the STARTING lineups.

[@JakeFromYoutube]

The bad boys had more physicality on one team than the entire NBA does today 💀🤣

[@CreativeBigL]

Jake LeBron bigger than any player on the Pistons 😂

[@syyner1748]

​@@CreativeBigL irrelevant

[@mutt8553]

@@CreativeBigL How is that relevant?

[@lelu0079]

Bruh elbowing a man when he is midair don’t make you physical just make you a basketball thug with zero skill

[@syyner1748]

@@lelu0079 you must be a kid

[@user-oq6pn6lz1r]

Totally agree with Niq. One thing that wasn't mentioned was how many Big shots Bird hit in pressure situations or how he told the defense what was going to happen before it did.!!!

[@user-jh5wv3oo1l]

@user-oq6pn6lz1r Let us not get carried away, Larry Legend did not tell people his every move, as you are suggesting. You are referencing some occasions when he did it (as have other greats), but that was not his general demeanor. It discredits you when you make a valid point then totally embellish another point and present both as absolutes.

[@jeffmiller4506]

Yep, definition of the greatest shooter is when pressure is on. Give me Larry legend

[@TheBeelzboss]

When Bird was playing as a kid, in jr high, and high schools, and plenty of college games there was no 3-point line. He was one of the first players to utilize the line and he transitioned to it seamlessly. These new players spent most of their lives practicing the 3-point shot...

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

To be fair, there WAS a 3 point line - in the ABA only - when Bird was in school. But I doubt Bird saw a lot of Pacer games in the part of the state he was in (not within WTTV Indianapolis coverage area). He probably DID learn of the shot during College - as one of his assistant coaches was Mel Daniels, who played pretty much his entire career in the ABA - and there was some discussion about adding it for a few years in the NBA before it finally happened.

[@qt3dot14ish]

Well stated in a brief comment.

[@HeatherRadcliffe-jd8lr]

​@@bricefleckenstein9666literally doesn't take away from anything he said...bro wrote a whole Bible for no reason..

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@HeatherRadcliffe-jd8lr The person I was posting to was WRONG - and that's what I was explaining. The whole "Bird never heard of the 3 point shot 'til he joined the NBA" concept is just a flat out lie or based on people that don't know the timeline of it.

[@TomCruz54321]

Also remember that the 3-point shootout in the 80s didn’t have 2-pointer balls in every rack. So Bird’s total would actually be higher if he competed today. Bird’s score of 24 would probably be 28 today and it would beat 95% of 3-point competitors today.

[@degill76]

It was a completely different game in the 80's. Example: Larry Bird 3-point attempts for his best year 85-86 = 194. Curry's best year 15-16 = 886. Teams were more physical and the rules were less strict. It's a 3-point league now.

[@FreedomFighter2112]

When it mattered most...Most game-winners (last minute) of All-Time: #1) Kobe = 26 (in 1346 games) #2) Jordan = 25 (in 1072 games) #3) Bird. = 24 (in 897 games) However, when it came to overall game-winners ratio, here are the best of All-Time: #1) Bird = 2.67 #2) Jordan = 2.33
 #3) Kobe 1.93

[@FreedomFighter2112]

In the past 50 years, here are the highest Total Career Avg Stat Points (PTS + REB + AST + STL + BLK) #1) Jordan = 44.7 #2) LeBron = 44.4 #3) Bird = 43.1 #4) Kareem = 42.9 Curry is #31 with 37.5 That's just to put things into to perspective..

[@carlschiller5646]

@@FreedomFighter2112 yeah because box score stats mean everything when determining a players greatness, especially rebounds for a point guard😂

[@thetrib1]

@@FreedomFighter2112 it's like you're missing the argument...it was about best 3pt shooters of all time. lebron, jordan, kareem. are not in the convo.

[@jweezy5490]

Bird is pretty much the gold standard for shooting, first 50 40 90 member

[@MentLeee]

Forget what JJ is talking about, give me Bird for the last shot every freaking time

[@SamuelJ888]

Bird shot 32% from three in the postseason

[@ratman5106]

I want IGUODALA!!!

[@curandas8801]

@@SamuelJ888 if you look just at his clutch 3 shots I bet it's way over 50%

[@deadpool1966]

@Samuel J he would be getting easier looks in todays nba, an with that wild jumpshot he would probably draw a bunch of fouls considering players would have to jump high everytime

[@TomCruz54321]

Also remember that the 3 point shootout in the 80s didn’t have 2-pointer balls in every rack. So Bird’s total would actually be higher if he competed today. Bird’s score of 24 would probably be 28 today and it would beat 95% of 3 point competitors today.

[@tomodomo1000]

He only said: Bird had less defense after going OUTSIDE THE 3PT LINE. And that's true. Most of the physicality was inside the paint because basketball was more focused on shooting close to the basket.

[@barrymccoy4729]

The actual point of JJ!

[@gettinmine6604]

Thank you

[@jasonkassa2204]

yes it was a totally different game. Bird hardly ever shot up more than 3 attempts/game for a season. A big part was the way the coaches and media and players misunderstood how valuable 3s are as a weapon. A medium part was the way Bird caught elbows and contact-sports moments down inside and midgame area.

[@djkanvuz]

Facts 💯

[@thomasray1899]

When I see Reddick on ESPN I just immediately change channel

[@johnbaldingham]

same. why would they hire a douche canoe like Reddick?? He reminds me of a Catholic School student quiff. He's the worst

[@aguacito3941]

When a 3 was needed for the win, Bird was MONEY... He jus wasn't hoisting up 3's!! 3x MVP.. Put some RESPEK'on it

[@thelogicalgiantsfan6707]

Exactly

[@franklawrencejimmerson975]

Stephen A saying y'all need to calm down is hilarious

[@presto6944]

In that clip jj didn’t say it is more physical today. The statement that he made was that they are more physical off the ball on Steph curry specifically. And that the perimeter wasn’t guarded as hard back then than now. The 80s and 90s Was clearly more physical of a game all around especially in the paint area.

[@gettinmine6604]

Thank you!!!

[@Gamevet]

I remember going to a game in the 80s, between the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs. I was shocked to see all of the hard contact that was going on.

[@jacobsteele7138]

A while ago on the Dan Patrick show Bird said Curry was the best shooter of all time. Patrick asked Bird if he was in the conversation. Bird laughed and said of course he is in the conversation.

[@samuelmuiruri4704]

I remember seeing that!😅

[@stevenkopko5943]

The physicality of the NBA in the 80’s and 90’s was the greatest factor for great success for players like Bird, Magic, Dr.J and Jordan to be the most creative on their teams and will their bodies to scoring a bucket.

[@MrElpajita]

Does that change the 3pt%???? Because if it was 1/5, is 40% because of that?? LMFAO

[@144Souldier]

Wasn't that physical.

[@syyner1748]

​@@144Souldier 🤡

[@allaboutthemurzic]

Wilts time period was the most physical

[@steve4158]

Agree. Imagine teams today transported back in time to play against the Pistons under those old rules!!!

[@theglove602]

Dominique is the man, I agree with his assessment on Reddick's opinions as ludicrous

[@brendanosullivan771]

I think what redick was trying to say that in today's nba the 3 point line is guarded way more closely than it was in the 80s. The game is definitely not as physical as it use to be but in today's game defending the 3 point line is so much more of a priority than it use to be which leads to shots being closely contested and more difficult.

[@roboninja3194]

Of course the 3 pt line is guarded more now. In the 80s the 3 pt shot was viewed as a gimmick at 1st. And only a small % of players in the 80s could actually shoot the 3 and make it. So why would teams guard against a shot that most guys didn't take? Redick is making a silly point because anyone who has watched the NBA then vs now knows this and his point doesn't prove anything.

[@Luca-yb4sh]

@@roboninja3194 So why are so many people arguing that a player that shot few 3s (factual), on lower efficiency (factual), against less aggressive 3 pt defense (factual and you just agreed on that), won 3 pt contests against inferior competition (factual, in your words "only a small % of players in the 80s could actually shoot the 3 and make it") compared to today's game is one of the top 5 3 pt shooters ever?

[@Luca-yb4sh]

@@critiqueeverything3297Because I hate when people worship the past blindly only because it came first.

[@Luca-yb4sh]

@@critiqueeverything3297 Sure. Which doesn't mean making older players look better than they were indiscriminately, at every aspect of the game.

[@dougmcnair3748]

@@Luca-yb4sh I hate people talking about the past pretending to have some authority when they weren't there.

[@timpride6276]

People forgot what respect is a long time ago.

[@michealtzitz5038]

Long out the window years ago man. I've played pick up games with these young guys and they even call fouls that aren't even fouls....no respect,weak and soft.

[@cchampaine179]

Facts

[@FreedomFighter2112]

When it mattered most...Most game-winners (last minute) of All-Time: #1) Kobe = 26 (in 1346 games) #2) Jordan = 25 (in 1072 games) #3) Bird. = 24 (in 897 games) However, when it came to overall game-winners ratio, here are the best of All-Time: #1) Bird = 2.67 #2) Jordan = 2.33
 #3) Kobe 1.93

[@vernonhurley1300]

Great analytics.

[@dickiedooda.3271]

Pat Reilly once said, when the game is on the line I want Magic shooting, when my life is on the line,I want Bird.

[@kevinp7300]

End of story! 💥💥💥

[@Ray1969.]

Freedom Fighter has said it all!! Case closed

[@lamefart8831]

​@@dickiedooda.3271 Magic? MJ as in Michael Jordan. 🤣🤣🤣

[@scottmoreau3584]

Players didn’t shoot from 35 back then because even if you made it, coach pulling you out faster than you can blink. Now players have the authority and play globetrotters ball. Back then it was fundamentals and you played your position

[@keitheriksen5497]

The NBA was way more physical when bird played , Riddick has no clue .

[@AndreInThe416]

Reggie Miller stated its easier to shoot 3s today because they protect the shooters.

[@chilldoc9638]

Ok? Not for curry, he gets triple teamed at half court

[@tyreek.6815]

That makes no sense when curry gets double teamed. We’re talking about curry not “shooters”

[@AndreInThe416]

@@tyreek.6815 it's the flagrants on landing

[@bimdiesl7031]

Reggie injured more defenders with that kick out motion of his legs when taking his jumper 🤣🤣🤣

[@cmack17]

Reggie Miller is a goofball amd a mediocre broadcaster.

[@Force_RC21]

JJ is saying the the kind of defense has to deal with behind the 3pt line is nothing compared to what Bird faced out there. Now at the same time Steph doesn't face the same kind of defense that Bird faced in the paint.

[@jweezy5490]

You're not wrong that change in zone defense completely changed the game

[@ricoconde1772]

Someone who actually understood what JJ was talking about

[@Sorry-sk4kt]

This is what I was about to comment, he understands bird face more physicality overall but not from three

[@Ninjersey1]

Yeah but Bird didn’t have that landing rule for shooters could you imagine,Bird,Reggie miller,Ray Allen,so many shooters you don’t know about that that rule would’ve benefited

[@antiisolation4]

@@Ninjersey1 however no one was flying at bird for a 3pt Every play so that’s why it wasn’t implemented becuz there was no need bsck then you’d live with a 3pt being shot

[@conjunto505]

This is why I don't watch ESPN. They are paid to be and act stupid

[@bradrielly7031]

Physical in the paint is different than out beyond the 3 pt line. Back in Bird's day they probably didn't guard them as much beyond the line because the 3 pt shot wasn't seen as a threat like it is today. In the paint however, there is no comparison. The 80's and 90's were a far more physical time.

[@jweezy5490]

The difference is they changed the defensive rules years ago, zone defense is now a thing, it changed the league. Nobody talks about the fact you could now just double team Jordan every possession, so the spacing got farther to counter this. Larry was an elite shooter, but in his day it wasn't the game to sit in the corner, the man averaged 10 RBS for his career he was putting in work in the paint

[@Nr4747]

Well, true, but you could also just fragantly foul Jordan every possession while he was mid-air - and the Pistons did just that and plenty of it. So much so that the NBA was forced to introduce the flagrant foul-rule in 1990 to protect Jordan (and others, but mostly Jordan).

[@Ninjersey1]

Zone defense is trash usually what teams do when they can’t play defense lol jordan would destroy zones just like Kobe did he would be way more efficient 😂just stop glazing this era it’s trash

[@olblue3478]

@@Ninjersey1 jordan himself says that if zone defense existed his career might not be as great

[@redpillfreedom6692]

​@@olblue3478There's no evidence Jordan actually said that. Besides as the past couple of decades have shown, there's no evidence that zone defense has limited scoring. We just had a season with a record-setting number of players averaging 30 or 20 PPG. Stats have never been more inflated. Unless you want me to think LeBron was better at 38 than at 28.

[@WestbrickFansGotNoBrains]

​@@redpillfreedom6692 jordan did said that. Zone defense is like a trap. They wait and read the mistake you make and then double you when you did make mistake. Its also allows the defender to be more agressive with you knowing theres help defense behind. Bulls in the 90s. Were bitching and crying about teams such as knicks and pacer playing zone defense to the refs and ask the refs to call illegal defense. 😂

[@brianmayabella5992]

You could get traumatized by playing in the 80s

[@dariopadovan1976]

Wtf are you talking about? 😂

[@351linzdoctor]

@@dariopadovan1976 If you were weak you died playing back then! Oh my finger hurts coach I'm going to sit out 5 games or coach I have a headache I'm going to take tomorrow off like these guys do today!😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@haworthlowell805]

​@@dariopadovan1976 Larry's trash talk would tramatize most guys now. LaBum would go crying home to his mommy after 5 minutes!

[@brianmayabella5992]

​@@dariopadovan1976the bad boys will slap the hell out of you. You could get stitches.

[@dariopadovan1976]

@@brianmayabella5992 they will all be in foul trouble after 5 minutes

[@mycommentpwnz]

Uhhhh, the NBA from the 80's (particularly in the PLAYOFFS) was, literally, almost as physical as the NHL. (That's not an exaggeration, either. If you went into the paint, you were going to get body-checked, or hacked, as HARD AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. The goal was, literally, to prevent guys from routinely going to the rim by INFLICTING PAIN.)

[@The_ZeroLine]

Parrish PUNCHED Lambeer in the face THREE times and didn’t a get personal foul.

[@johnnythekid4601]

sure he did.. he just wasnt ejected

[@leovang9938]

Mad Dog funny for saying you only watch KZbin lmfao

[@somersetbassett4580]

To an 14 year NBA vet no less

[@will-zj5gq]

@@somersetbassett4580 about 3 point shooting no less

[@psalmsurfer1]

he wasnt wrong

[@psalmsurfer1]

@@somersetbassett4580 Redicks a blowhard. and dogger was right

[@psalmsurfer1]

@@will-zj5gq lol Redicks a clown

[@jamesmartin4679]

Bottom line was Curry grew up with 3 point line. Just started when Bird came along

[@kermit415]

"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan; If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life... I'd take Larry Bird." - Pat Riley.Aug 28, 2012. The NBA in the 80's was so much more physical than today's game.

[@dunningkruger9]

It was harder to take and make 3 point shots in the 80s. Reasons. 1. 2 Foul Shots if you foul a 3 point shooter. Therefore, you were not afraid to contest the shot because at best, if you foul them, they would take 2 shots. The 3 was also less effective at letting a team behind catch up because the defense could risk being aggressive because they know if they foul, they may only give up 2 points. This is a huge reason why they didn't take as many 3 pointers back then. 2. No safe landing spot rule. It was only in the last decade, after Zaza injured Kawhi, that the clear landing spot rule was created. Back then, it was totally legal to stand in the shooter's landing spot. This meant that if the defender was nearby, the 3 point shooter knew that they risked injury if they didn't have a clear landing spot. Look at the mechanics of the 3 point shot. Lot's of flat flooted shots taken or shots taken with a small hop. This was to prevent injury but made the shots more difficult. Therefore, the 3 point shot was a more difficult shot in the past than it is today. Today, a shooter knows that if there is any interference to their landing spot, they will shoot 3 foul shots. They are less afraid of injury because no one is deliberately sliding up under them. So the opportunity to shoot a safe, and open 3 were fewer and far between. 3. Analytics were not as advanced in the past. No one was looking at effective field goal percentage or true shooting percentage. Everyone focused on counting stats and basic efficiency stats like field goal and free throw percentage. They were not calculating the points produced on average per shot attempt. Player shot selection was not optimally efficient with too many long, low percentage 2 point shots taken. Over time, strategies became influenced by analytics and the 3-ball began to dominate offenses. This is why, in conjunction with 1 and 2, so many more threes are taken today. All that said, Mad Dog is right, and JJ is wrong. Transport prime Larry Bird to 2023 this summer. Let him learn the modern game, and he'd likely be the leading 3 point shooter in the league next season. His shooting percentage would go way up because he'd have the confidence taking his shot that he will have a safe landing spot. He could get proper lift off every shot and not overuse his arms. Defenses would avoid touching him in the act of shooting because he'd hit 90% of his free throws. It'd be like he was shooting in the three point contest, but in actual games. JJ doesn't understand that numbers can lie if you don't analyze all of the rules changes and other factors.

[@clifflawrence7479]

I have watched the game for many years and the ones that I watched that were just hammered more than any were MJ,Shaq and Bird. No one let those guys breathe.

[@CreativeBigL]

Plummer's and grocery clerks had to mug players because they were not athletes

[@clifflawrence7479]

@@CreativeBigL I remember one plumber that was 7ft 1, had over a 40 inch vertical, ran the 40 in 4.6 and could bench 500lb. I would have hated to get mugged by that guy!

[@ramborigs]

@@CreativeBigL When people make the plumbers argument it just shows their age and lack of ball knowledge. Usually stans of Lebron

[@macoi3008]

The argument is there was less physicality when defending the 3. When Bird shoots 3s, defenders where not up close to block the 3.

[@BmoreAce24]

Exactly its like they missed the whole point and started talking about physicality in the paint

[@polishpimp4233]

to be fair if you foul bird while shooting the 3 with an almost 90 percent shooting percentage for a career... yeah do the math.

[@macoi3008]

@@polishpimp4233 Larry Bird shooting percentage is less than 50% and an even lower 3 point percentage.

[@dariopadovan1976]

@@macoi3008 Bird 3point was less than 38%. Redick was better than Bird with an awesome 41.6% making him one of the best ever in terms of total 3points made and average. And he's such a gentleman cause he never came up with that even if he could just to avoid provoking a further controversy.

[@dariopadovan1976]

@@BmoreAce24 it's a good excuse for every occasion. I started using it when I have an argument with my wife and it works!

[@gedeon179]

I haven't been a professional player and I don't consider myself an expert, but J.J. doesn't comment on 2 details that I consider very important. When he was born, the 3-point line already existed, he was able to practice as a child. That line began to be used in Bird's rookie season, an 50/40/90 guy in some seasons.Then you have to differentiate between the words physical and athletic. Now there are much more athletic players but basketball is less physical. Far fewer contacts are allowed. Normal fouls at that time would now be sanctioned

[@alivialdores978]

I'll never forget the 3pt shooting contest, where on the last shot, bird threw up the shot and as soon as the ball left his fingers he rose his pointer finger in the air in celebration, with out even looking at the basket.....cause he knew it was going in.....and it did!!! It was like a magic trick to me, that's how amazing that shot was. I've always been a Lakers fan, but never could ignore Birds greatness!!!!

[@neonskyrain4024]

Back in the 80s player doesn't focus too much on 3s except for 3 pt especialists because was different back then. 36% without much practice? Imagine if Bird focused on that sh1t.

[@hodge815]

bro. if bird and curry changed teams, curry would literally be shooting 60%

[@sportvibes4121]

Bird would demolish these swethearts just by his mentality, imagine him telling these guys he will shot with his left hand or tell them from where exactly he will shot and what type of shot he will launch. Embarassing realy

[@wakaikozy6084]

​@jester not true. If those players in 80's knew Curry's shooting prowes, they would get extremely physical with him.

[@hodge815]

@@wakaikozy6084 curry gets held, defenders stay on his hip, and the average nba player now is 10x better than back then

[@ramborigs]

@@hodge815 10 times softer too

[@changemymind8692]

If we use statistics as if every era was played the same way then Larry isn’t one of the top 3pt shooters. But for the era Larry did play in and the style they played Larry is definitely a top 3pt shooter.

[@Mrmanu237]

As an elementary school student during the 80's who emulated players of that time clotheslines were a part of the games. Fighting came right after that. 😂😂

[@Striated]

The 80’s style of play was brutal all the way down to jr high school level. Now it’s way easier to play on every level.

[@Ricciuto1980]

That Laimbeer Bird photo is priceless

[@brianmauldin7478]

Boxing out on a FT

[@nickdamas2164]

Larry Bird is UNQUESTIONABLY one of the best 3 point shooters of all time. The 3 wasn't even a big part of the game back then and he was still that good. He wasn't practicing 3 point shooting the way guys do today. If that was the game back then, and three's were prioritized as they are today and he specifically focused on that aspect of the game, forget about it. If you need a 3 made and your life depended on it, I want Bird taking that shot over ANYONE.

[@ov9879]

Todays NBA is designed to score points. It is a different game than the 90's. If today's 3 point shooters had to play back then they would not be putting up the same numbers because of the physicality of the game back then. When you have to go the whole game with someone hand checking you, pushing you or beating you up you will not score the same amount of points as today. Basically the players today can not be touched so they will score a lot more points. Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Isiah Thomas, etc dominated in an era of physical basketball. If they in their primes would play today they might average 50 or 60 points a game because it is a puff league right now.

[@YTzaecapone]

Lies

[@lebronjamesharden3958]

lmao 50 or 60 points a game

[@NileValleyMade]

Did you see that Clippers vs Kings game 02/24/23 176-175 despite the OTs there was no defense all 4 qts 😂

[@YTzaecapone]

@@NileValleyMade cap

[@ov9879]

@@NileValleyMade I did not see that one. But, it is no surprise. It's all offense these days.

[@gentlemankane668]

Bird is the greatest three point shooter under pressure. When he makes the points with what’s at stake, it’s what makes him the best.

[@qt3dot14ish]

Not wanting to know Reddick too badly, but using his parameters, Duncan Robinson is now the greatest three point shooter in NBA history.

[@drew63215]

Yesterday's game "Get up and play ball". Today's game "Flagrant 10, an ejection, and 10 game suspension".

[@eugeniomorichon5624]

Jonkler

[@matthewpace5834]

I don't know too much about basketball, but I was a semi-pro soccer player in England in the late 70's early 80's. Looking at soccer today we see some great players, but there is so much protection it is almost a different game now. The likes of Pele, George Best, Dennis Law, they produced on the field, while being taken out at the knees with not even a foul being called. You simply cannot compare different eras. You have to plug in variables as well as just stats.

[@dbsti3006]

You just described it well. Your reference makes sense to basketball too. They have all these penalties now and players are more protected, but what baffles me is that with the added protection and more advanced medicine, the players today still stay out of way more games due to injury when both soccer and basketball two or 3 decades ago, players played in more games without sitting out.

[@theeconomytraveler9999]

And this is why I cannot watch soccer today. Too soft...too many whistles...too many pretend to be tough guys. I stopped watching the world cup a long time ago. I played pro basketball in europe and it´s the same way. Meaning, it´s quite hard to watch NBA games.

[@matthewpace5834]

@@theeconomytraveler9999 totally agree mate. The amount of flopping around is embarrassing. There is actually discussion taking place at the administrative level to stop the clock when the ball goes out or when a foul is called. The hope is that it will clamp down on time wasting. A study was performed showing that only 59% of the game is actually being played. The powers that he are actually concerned that the fans are not getting value for money. That's a shocker right there.

[@theeconomytraveler9999]

@@matthewpace5834 Yeah, so we´re talking about only 50 minutes of effective play from a 90 minute game. So we both know that the fans aren´t getting their moneys worth. Take care.

[@marcsugi]

I used to rock that Wilkins 21 jersey when everybody seems to own Jordan 23 red.

[@neonthunderbird]

You could get literally TACKLED in the late 80's and they may not even call a foul. Now, you accidentally crowd a shooter and you're thrown out of a game. Guys these days are pampered as hell.

[@MKL3165]

I'm just happy to see the comment section speak some truth. Love how y'all being real about the game back then and now. 👍👍👍

[@user-qi1sc6xs5o]

JJ Redick needs to watch that clip of Laimbeer basically tackling Bird in the ‘87 Playoffs. And that’s just one example.

[@davidneal7060]

i get sick in tired of the disrespect of these young guys have for the tough old school football an basketball players

[@chrisdurante2544]

If someone grabbed Bird like that too often, it would cost that player,dearly

[@kennethharrison9409]

Who had more bruises, players from Birds era, or players from this one?

[@matthewpace5834]

I think Bird came back into a game with a broken cheek bone when his team needed him. Didn't LeBron leave a game with a hangnail?

[@Ewabound571]

Todays players got more bruises… in their feelings. 😆

[@fobinc]

​@@matthewpace5834 the only one I knew was him not playing due to a mild stomach cramp.

[@NikkisCards]

Wow. That’s the longest I have ever heard Stephen A smith being quiet. I’m a lakers fan and I will give Larry props. He was one of the best in all areas of the game

[@madturtle8826]

Dominique Wilkins is 100% crap resistant..He played in the greatest era of basketball IMO..

[@jpchandler868]

facts bird is one of the best shooters ever, quit talking to dudes who compares these dudes to 80s players,more physical, less shots,ran the shot clock,and the game was played completely different and 10 times more competitive

[@shivasirons6159]

I played pickup games in the 70\80,s when basketball was BRUTAL! Remember that time McHale clothes lined rambis? I think they may have even blew the whistle.

[@ericroberts7485]

I can’t believe my eyes. Steven A Smith isn’t yelling. Lol

[@wock4626]

Stephen a telling people to calm down. I love it baby😂😂😂

[@pleaseshutup7053]

You know it’s nonsense when Stephen a doesnt want to hear nonsense

[@ObelixCMM]

"Hammered in the paint" I didn't know you shoot 3 pointers from the paint.

[@dariopadovan1976]

Exactly.

[@crescentprincekronos2518]

I love the way the game used to be. They were adults, they came to play, they cared and they didn't dick around like they do nowadays.

[@IllLogic206]

And here I thought a degree from Duke was worth something 😅😅😅

[@cjrrun]

JJ has no clue. Let Bird play today and he would school these players along with Magic

[@dylanlanzuela7305]

Bird was a Mix between Luka and Jokic,. People forget Larry was 6'10" lol

[@isiahholmes7712]

This is the dumbest argument I always see. Well this guy would have. You don’t know what he would have did. And jj is right one of the greatest all around scorers but not from 3 he’s not top 5

[@dylanlanzuela7305]

@@isiahholmes7712 Steph will be useless in the 70s when there were no 3point line yet

[@cmack17]

​@@dylanlanzuela7305 You know that his made shots would still count as 2, right?

[@isiahholmes7712]

@@dylanlanzuela7305 useless lmao really? Like he isn’t well rounded obviously he does have a middle range greatest free throw shooter and also can get to the basket like the casualness in the comment is crazy and I’m not a steph fan whatsoever but stop it

[@leodrosia4369]

Bird shot 42.8 from 3 in 5 nba finals in a tougher defensive era

[@AstroSully]

On how many attempts? And please stop it. The 3 wasn’t heavily guarded by back then as it is now. We’re not talking about the paint.

[@leodrosia4369]

@@AstroSully you're right junior, d is fucking great now and the best shooter of 80s was routinely left undefended at 3 pt line .

[@AstroSully]

@@leodrosia4369 facts 🤷🏽‍♂️ Defense is better now outside the perimeter

[@keithratajczyk5068]

Better measure is that Bird's career shooting percentage declines from .496 in career, to .478 in playoffs, to .453 in NBA finals. Scoring average also dips from 24.1 to 23.1. Also put up consecutive 3-11 duds in Games 3&4 in 81 Finals. And 5-16 in Game #5. In 84 7-17, 8-22, 9-24, and 6-18 with neither a bucket or assist in 4th qtr in Game #7. Went 9-21, 8-21, & 12-29 in series losing loss in Game #6 in 85. And I would be remiss if I failed to mention the Game 3 10-24, followed by 7-19 including Game losing miss in Game #4, along with 7-18, & 6-16 in Games 5 & 6 in 87. FACTS. Spare us his finals heroics - shot under 50% in 21 of 31 finals games he played in. They're few, overblown, and far between although you are correct regarding the defense of that era.

[@leodrosia4369]

@@keithratajczyk5068 bird had a bad elbow in 85 but did other things to help his team make the finals that season and was best player in 1981 playoffs ....a off balance 3 ptr that rimmed out in gm 4 87 was preceded by a 3 ptr that put a banged up celtic team up by 1. Ainge said bird was a great closer

[@MetalMann-de3xi]

Larry Bird always told defenders where he was going to shoot the ball and always did it in their faces for a challenge.

[@juliusbailey7384]

Mad dog is absolutely correct on this topic

[@raidergainzx5290]

The thing about bird is, if you challenged him right now, hes accept, and probably win. He has kobes mentality with a shot like ray allen or reggie miller. He disnt have as many 3s because the game was generally played mid range and in the paint. Today most of the game is played behind the arch to mid range. Thats why you have more volume shooters. Both generations were/are dope. Theyre just different. As far as greates of all time discussions in anything they really need to dedine the scope going forward. There are alot of individual ways that can be broken down..

[@theeconomytraveler9999]

What many don´t know is how tough Larry Bird was. Sure, you could grab and hold him, but he would still find a way to get shots off and make them. Bird was a legit 6´10´´ and played all over the floor. Shooters today get protected by these weak NBA rules. And for those who say todays players are more athletic and skilled...STOP IT. The game is simply played different. I pretty much like JJ as an analyst...but he pulled a Kendrick Perkins on this one.

[@landynwhite7646]

he wasn’t 6,10 and they changed to rules to protect shooters from defenders putting their feet in their landing space and potentially breaking an ankle. If you think that was a bad rule u should go watch the NFL or the MMA or something. This is basketball not rugby.

[@aaagaming2023]

@@landynwhite7646 Bird was 6 foot 9.5 inches during his playing career in the NBA. This is why he was often rounded up instead of down. Half an inch hardly makes any difference.

[@philiph5102]

Today's MBA players grew up with the 3 point line. Larry Legend got 3 point line when he went into NBA. Think about that

[@KidAJonni]

in the 70s and 80s, if u punched a player in the face, you get a foul called on you. Today if pushed a player, you're ejected with a suspension and a fine 🤣🤣🤣

[@kingpro192]

If Larry Bird played today he'd average 40. It's a soft era today!

[@desheaj1]

big facts

[@CreativeBigL]

He ain't guarding anybody today😂

[@dariopadovan1976]

No it’s not. It’s a technically way better era

[@KingBrewHA]

Larry fking blew his back out building a driveway in the offseason while Steph’s taking his wife’s instas selfies……. Jj tell me bout physicality these days🤣🤣🤣

[@Gogo-pe8fu]

Jj think cuz they chuck up more three nows they are better shooters

[@will-zj5gq]

that has nothing to with the court. i agree with bird playing more physicality but this example makes no sense💀

[@KingBrewHA]

@@will-zj5gq cause its not an example its to show an era. they say all they want about this and that, but refuse to acknowledge how people lived back then. steph is taking selfies enjoying a kings life every offseason with 600 doctors/specialist/you name it to make sure he can do what he does and maintain his illustrious career. so much money to make sure you dont ever have to build a driveway on your own. back in larrys day they just went about their business in the offseason .... you dont think that plays into their career, style of play and the abilities they had from season to season? i love both players equally and hands down do think steph is the greatest shooter of alltime and its not even close. but dont judge a man for the times he went through. judge him for what he endured, how he carried himself, and the accomplishments he created. larry will always stand above steph and anyone of this new generation. not cause the new gen isnt great. cause the new gen had it easy cause of what larry and the old boys did.

[@ciearlrichardson3132]

🥱🥱The old school NBA is like old people stuck in there old ways... Not thinking about the new generational player's that's 100 times more talented.... The old is out and the new is in...... Senior citizens get over it.... How many rings does Dominique or Sam Mitchell has 0🤔🥱🥱.... Exactly... No "points" needed..

[@KingBrewHA]

@@ciearlrichardson3132 oh we talking rings now?! Big OG bill russell is what then?! nobody gonna obtain his greatness and success hes seen. won on every level played through racism and any hardship an individual could go through. but tell me how these new school, ass wiped silver spoon fed, overpaid babies got it hard. ill wait

[@John-lv6uj]

Raleigh Simmons coached by Fred Tex Winter. Larry Bird is more consistent in every aspect of the game than any other player. He’s a better teammate..

[@francisdelacruz6439]

JJ doing a ChatGpt hallucinations. The fact that the slow Bird gets free in critical moments and make clutch shots while Curry having hard time getting his own shot in clutch tells you something about their skills.

[@Refreshment01]

But then JJ is wrong about Bird being among the greates shooters of all time. If its just about math, there are certainly guys with more volume & best percentage in overall shots than Bird. Anyway, that isnt as relevant. Saying Curry got more physical abuse than bird ishard to believe.

[@officialthomasjames]

JJ is probably the last guy who should be talking about physicality. Got targeted on defense for his entire career and abused by everyone.

[@dariopadovan1976]

Still one of the best 3 point shooters in history, better than Bird

[@imnotdan37]

Phisicality is not just beating up people. And it has increased. See the 2000's and the 80's... In recent years the interpretations of the rules are protecting the offense, often too much in my sense of the spirit of the game. There are nuances.

[@pitar821]

Dude you actually took the time to make a video without ever comprehending what JJ said. JJ's ''physicality'' comments were a rebutal to Russo who insinuated that Bird's 3pt prowess somehow deserves to be inflated because of the ''physicality'' he played against. Again, physicality with regards to 3pt shooting specifically, not physicality in general. JJ's argument wasn't refering to physicality in the paint or the hard fouls. He specifically mentioned the physicality Curry faces with regards to off the ball trying to get it to shoot a 3 as opposed to the physicality with Bird's 3pt shooting coming off pin-downs. And in that respect he's completely right. Go watch tapes of Bird's 3pt shots. Aside from a few game winners, Bird's 3's were mostly with his feet set. In today's age, that's an open 3. As opposed to Steph who's shooting them coming off screens with a guy in his grill, off the dribble with a hand in the face, falling away, etc. In that context, the phyisicality Steph faces with his 3's is tougher than what Larry faced shooting his 3s.

[@capitanfuturo594]

Larry Bird was the best all-around player in NBA history. *Who the hell is JJ who?*

[@carlschiller5646]

you're delusional

[@upy0ur5]

An insanely bitter man since he has and will never reach Larry Bird's accomplishment. He officially sealed the deal the day he decided to retire.

[@carlschiller5646]

@@upy0ur5 lmao JJ Redick is the least hateful or bitter person in all of sports media. He only said the truth

[@upy0ur5]

@@carlschiller5646 hes got both hate and bitterness coursing through his veins. He wouldn't have gotten so offended by the statement about bird being great if he didnt frown excessively. He reminds me of people bitter about Lebron and MJ from both fan bases. Can't hide that to save his life.

[@greywarden5513]

Come on man, Celtics fan and I’d never say he was the best all around Player, that’s MJ or Lebron. Larry was great but that’s way too much

[@NineteenEightyFive]

This is the problem with talking head shows. Redick was specifically talking about bird not being heavily guarded *behind* the 3PT line because even he didn't take many back then. Then Wilkins responds thinking redick meant not guarded heavily/physically in general which obviously makes no sense.

[@ZGMFLLL4444]

yeah magic formula, take something out of context so they can get some sizzle, then realize later that they're the ones being stupid.

[@tripleraze321]

Exactly, I’m a dummy and even I know JJ was specifically talking about physicality on 3 point shots. Back then people didn’t take as many 3 pointers, players were not as good at 3 pointers, and as a result physicality was not extended past the 3 line like it was in the paint. I can go watch a finals from Wilkins time and it is blatantly obvious 3 pointers were not as contested physically overall. Sure you have moments of physicality, but as a whole players were more open for 3 pointers.

[@Refreshment01]

No, no. Please listen: In general JJ thinks that the league being more physical in the 80s 90s is a BS excuse used by all timers. Not just refering to the specific case of 3 pointers. He has said that in other debates in the past that were not related to 3 point shooting. Even in his videos response he talks about it in general terms. So no, Dominic is not taking the comment out of context.

[@richarddixon4303]

​@@tripleraze321

[@dylanlanzuela7305]

​@@tripleraze321 JJ so stupid he didn't consider the FACT that Steph would be benched in that era if he ever try the kind of 3s he was taking. Why make an argument like that when he knows for a fact that shooting too many 3s are considered BAD during that era

[@novaWRX]

Thank you Nique! If Curry had to face the 80s Bad Boys Pistons in a 7 game series, he’d be retired due to injury before game 5

[@deeegeeekay]

this just isn’t true. that pistons team stuffed the paint and prevented 2’s, let’s see how they hold up with curry running around for 48 mins just to pull up in their face for 3 from 30 ft

[@paulthomas9911]

@@deeegeeekay point is Curry or Lebron would not be able to deal with the Physical nature of the game back then. the pistons would have depleted curry's energy. like they did to jordan.

[@deeegeeekay]

@@paulthomas9911 im sorry did you just say one of the most physically dominant and talented players of all time wouldn’t be able to deal with the bad boy pistons/80-90’s physicality?? are you crazy? just because LBJ is a professional actor on the court doesn’t mean he can’t handle physicality, he’s going for fouls. curry has the best stamina maybe in the nba EVER, and doesn’t need to rely on layups and mids to win against the Pistons, i promise you the Pistons are not playing better perimeter defense than half the nba teams rn

[@paulthomas9911]

@@deeegeeekay seriously? how old are you? meaning do you remember Jordan getting beaten up so badly he didnt have enough energy to go against that? He admitted it in the bad boys 30 for 30. If you are under 45, no sense in even having this conversation. you dont know the way the game was played back then.

[@deeegeeekay]

@@paulthomas9911 yeah duh jordan couldn’t handle that it was his damn near first 5 years in the league and he didn’t have the supporting cast he had after the pistons, i’m pretty sure anyone would’ve gotten tired out. but wasn’t he getting beaten up in the paint? why would curry or lebron even go in the paint if they’re better than every shooter in that era, and the defense on 3’s is behind from where it is now? if you think isaiah thomas and some white guys are bullying LEBRON JAMES, a 6’10 muscular monster in his prime who can shoot the 3, i think you’re stuck in the past. sorry i’m not 45 dude 😢😢😢 stop acting like nobody knows the physicality of the past bc you’re old dude, jus take your meds

[@charliewonder7356]

Wasn't JJ's "physicality" comment only to do with 3pt shooting though? I mean that was the topic of their convo. Idk why ppl are talkinh abt physicality on the paint etc.

[@TheBongReyes]

As a Warriors & Steph Curry fan, I’d say yes. Curry is the greatest shooter of all time. But I’m old enough to have seen Bird play. He was a generational player. Epitome of what a scorer should be. Elite shooting skills. He was Luka before Luka was even born.

[@brandonrapola]

People don’t realize that Bird also incorporated his whole team! They are all Hall of Famers! Bird was a raw leader! He lead by example and when anything was on the line, he wanted it and made zero excuses!

[@davidchandler6885]

Ya but he's not really shot creator, Dominque would have better career 2000on

[@MazevG]

@@davidchandler6885 I hope ur joking

[@barryhalpin183]

I COULDNT HAVE SAID IT BETTER!!!!!!!

[@davidchandler6885]

@@MazevG Dominique has skills size and elite althcism even for today, so he would do better. Bird speed on shit creation might be an issue

[@MazevG]

@@davidchandler6885 bird was basically the first player to contort his body in crazy ways and still be able to hit shots effectively, I would say he’s basically the first shot creator ever outside of the paint, ur just making shit up

[@HocusPocusFocus69]

Today's NBA don't know what physical is compared to the 80s/90s NBA.

[@frankoee6755]

I think Stephen Curry would ‘most likely’ disagree with J.J. Reddick’s statement/logic also. Stephen Curry’s Father played in the NBA in the 80’s & 90’s. Curry had the chance to watch many NBA games as a kid in the 90’s.

[@mr8girth]

Lol back then there was no such thing as a flagrant foul and you only got a regular foul and it took almost a fist fight to get a technical foul

[@gilbertbrown4183]

Different era no comparisons.

[@piggsy20]

Thats why these arguments go nowhere

[@stephenlord7316]

They should take JJ up on his offer to compare the finals today compared to the 80’s. Since they are talking about Bird and Steph Curry I suggest they watch 3 finals series between Boston and L.A. then watch 3 finals series between the Cavs and Warriors. Hands down the Bird era was more physical.

[@bgrav007]

Dominique says 20 times…”around the basket” when making an argument about 3 point shooting…

[@kaiz3nberg]

Lol I don’t like this Mad dog fella but he on point Steph be getting ALL the calls.

[@joeygalzote2494]

normal fouls on the old era is flagrant foul F2 on this new era #Facts

[@realested]

Who you want on your team shooting threes and taking the last shot. End of discussion

[@user-rd9oi3wg9z]

Bird didn't just shot 3s, again he's a team player. And they didn't depend on the refs as mj did.

[@tadah21]

If bird played in this era at 6'10 with same exact skillset and new rules he would do what jokic is doing only better 3pt% probably the best in league if not history 47% Bird was a true pure shooter reggie Miller as well would have ungodly numbers