Magic Johnson Vs Larry Bird: Who's the Greater Legend?

[@jonnyarnett]

I hate the fact that I had to pick between these two. So who’s higher on your list?

[@BasketballHighway19]

I think bird is better because of his defense

[@braedeneade7175]

Larry but ik y most say magic

[@colewrld901]

Bird. Could do what magic could do, but with better D and elite scoring.

[@tryhardf844]

It sucks that Larry did not have the mayority of Magic's achievements,but at the end of the day,no one can be as clutch as Larry. (Except Curry)

[@ACIMRobert]

Magic because with greatness, I prefer career over skill. This means for me, at least, he had a better career than Bird had a better skillset, if you know what I mean.

[@unclehays750]

That story of Larry Bird walking past the Utah bench and saying "I feel like 43 tonight", and then he dropped 43 is both one of the funniest and most badass basketball stories ever

[@jonnuanez2843]

Or the one where he's literally telling his defender how many steps he's going to take and where before shooting. He does exactly what he said and hits a 2. Lol.

[@Donald38]

He loved trash talking, so obviously Larry wins in that department

[@tj5180]

Larry bird was a savage trash talker there many stories in youtube about it

[@jahimuddin2306]

The time he asked the other players in the three point contest who was coming in second then won will always be my favorite moment.

[@enessulollari3624]

He dropped 43 in the end of 3rd quarter

[@dawkinsbeagle]

I like the answer that Magic gave when he and Bird were asked in an interview who they thought the better player was: "Larry is the better forward and I'm the better guard."

[@faceless-x-abberation8400]

Yeah that's a very good answer lol.

[@jeremygibson228]

Only Bird was better all around. Lol

[@robertdudley1258]

Thank you and at the time that was true but now Magic is still the G.O.A.T at point guard and Lebron is the G.O.A.T at small forward, Bird is second team small forward

[@robertdudley1258]

@@jeremygibson228 Bird was not better than a 6'9" primary point guard who could rebound and transition on a dime, No one had ever seen a point guard with that kind of size, vision and intellect for the game, the world had already seen Larry Bird and his name was Pistol Pete Maravich. There has never been a point guard like MAGIC and he is the primary reason that the Lakers beat the Celtics 2-1 in championships and he is also the reason that Bird lost the NCAA championship. Bird was a great player but he did not transform the game like MAGIC at his position. Alex English played the same position as Bird, small forward and scored more points than Bird during the 80's decade but he did not play with Parish, Mchale, Ainge, Walton, M.L Carr, Maxwel and Dennis Johnson who went to back to back NBA championships with the Supersonics. Walton won a NBA championship with the Trailblazers. Before Magic, Kareem was the only Laker with a championship and that was with the Bucks.

[@CavsFanDallasFanSinceFebruary]

@@robertdudley1258 What does Magic being a point guard have to do with him being better? Bird was the better rebounder, shooter, scorer, finisher, defender, and arguably just as good at passing. The world had already seen Magic Johnson too, his name was Bob Cousy - Houdini of the Hardwood. Those Finals series are taken out of context as well. 1984 and 1985 are the only 2 Finals series where both squads were evenly matched and it was 1-1. In 1986 , the Celtics were no doubt the best team in the league and were waiting to face the Lakers again but they fell to a super young Hakeem and Ralph Sampson. In 1987 they faced a super injury riddled Celtics, but of course you’re going to ignore it in favor of Magic. You’re acting like Magic didn’t get to play with not only Kareem, but James Worthy, Michael Cooper, Jamaal Wilkes, Byron Scott, Norm Nixon, AC Green, etc.

[@joejett5084]

I think people pick Magic because of his career but I'm going with Bird at his peak.

[@TheFadedSpade35]

agreed

[@crasherbasher8067]

I’ve always looked at it Bird- better player Magic- greater career

[@ItsBam93]

How a nba player plays is apart of there career for me

[@TheGodOfAllChads]

@@crasherbasher8067 completely agree

[@AH-bm5xs]

@@ItsBam93 That’s obvious, nobody disagrees with that and I’m not sure who you’re arguing for... But the point people are making is that Larry played better at his peak, while Magic was better for longer and achieved more. Mostly due to Larry’s various injuries and other issues Jonny brought up in the video, such as Larry having it harder in the East at the time, etc. When people make all time lists, a lot of the time they rank it based on overall achievements or their playing career as a whole. I do not take into account any of those aspects and only rate players by literally how good of a basketball player they were; as in, all things considered, who was the better player at their best. That’s why I have Larry one place higher than Magic, at 4th and 5th place respectively.

[@politicalatheist5861]

I was actually shocked at the rebounding stats of bird. You have to realize that he is getting these rebounds while Robert Parish and Kevin McHale are playing with him.

[@ΠατροκλοςΓεωργιοςΟικονομοπουλο]

Check his '81 finals stats against Moses

[@KimfromSoCal]

Don't forget Kevin came off the bench

[@poprobert1991]

I am a Lakers fan since ever, and I love Magic, but I’m putting Larry Legend a slightly bit higher than Magic

[@zackm4132]

Respect

[@22copes]

My sentiments exactly, Magic will always be my favourite player, but I believe Bird was fractionally better.

[@jackmehoff916]

Sorry Robert pop BUT no true REAL Laker fan would ever say bird over magic !!!! I bleed purple & gold , Magic Magic Magic!!!! I guess nxt your gonna say Jordan better than kobe huh??? Lol smh totally different argument but just want it 2 be known, Jordan never scored 81!!!!! #Boom drops phone ( and pick it right up) lol

[@AnObliviousCelticsFan]

@@jackmehoff916 Jordan is better than Kobe. He is a Lakers fan but just is giving Larry the edge as the better player.

[@melvinhhcp3615]

Same here. Bird was better than Magic.

[@pixlocity8818]

I was legit searching for this video on your channel and you just posted this right now. Perfect timing

[@EdgeDE4DSH0T]

🧢🧢

[@MrBombaclout]

Video idea for the next versus video: Wilt Chamberlain vs Bill Russel

[@icetbh]

Yaaaas

[@ibk2205]

Or maybe Kareem vs Bill

[@ibk2205]

Or even Nash vs CP3

[@markjackson6431]

Chamberlain vs ONeal

[@ezraprzytyk]

Wilt vs Shaq, bill vs duncan

[@Silly81]

Definitely Larry. I have the utmost respect for Magic but Larry was scary. The Pistons were known for their hard defensive against Jordan but it started with Bird, they had to literally beat him up in order to stop him. If he didn’t hurt his back, Larry’s numbers and accolades would be higher.

[@tpsam]

Zeke has absolute respect for those celtics teams He said they taught the bad boys how to win

[@tj5180]

@Marcus Middleton magic still had good numbers but I'm sure if he had a jumper that was good. I think he would have been even better. He was a great player who made his teamates better

[@setro5582]

Basically, larry is wilt jr while magic is bill jr stat wise. I noticed that ainsley harriott looks like magic's twin.

[@robertdudley1258]

So scary that he could not beat MAGIC, a 6'9 point guard on a fast break is scary

[@76JStucki]

I lean Bird. But you can hardly think of one without the other.

[@colewrld901]

I got to go with bird. Larry had years ruined because of his back, if he never had those injures I don't think the pistons dynasty even exists lol

[@PhillipCummingsUSA]

Magic had years ruined because he's a homosexual

[@zaindixon9811]

@@PhillipCummingsUSA I don't think that's how he got hiv buddy

[@teeripk9469]

What’s your point? U said if😂what if magic didn’t have aids?

[@TheFadedSpade35]

@@PhillipCummingsUSA LOL

[@colewrld901]

@@teeripk9469 even if magic didn't get aids, he didn't have the team to compete with Jordan and the bulls 🤷 and with him getting older that window would've gotten even smaller

[@davidhilliard1838]

I had the opportunity to witness both of them live and in person and both were just unbelievable highly skilled performers.

[@adelanoriega8578]

As a Lakers fan, never hated but respected a player like i did Bird. Bird is only person in NBA history to win MVP, coach of the year, and GM of the year. That's impressive, just like your channel looks very impressive.

[@melvinhhcp3615]

The only player to win MVP 3x in a row also.

[@QuinnClips247]

@@melvinhhcp3615 Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain also won mvp 3 times in a row.

[@killadiator1014]

for me it will always be larry bird. This guy played half of his career with a broken back and still is in the goat debate.

[@mark..shark..]

hes in the top 5 debate not goat (THERE is no Goat debate)

[@kreamteamz]

@@roundtable3501 and larry is not in it

[@williammal2166]

@@kreamteamz larry is top 5

[@shiro9112]

larry isn’t top 5. Wilt,MJ,lebron,russell,Kareem

[@your_fathers]

@@shiro9112 russell top 5 😂 the man who couldnt even avg atleast 20ppg a season while playing in the fastest pace era of the league on 40+ minutes per game

[@psychofunksoldier02]

The Magic/Bird documentary that came out a few years ago was really good and gave me a whole new appreciation for them and their relationship because I was too young to witness their prime.

[@TheTenCentStory]

Together they made the NBA

[@retrosoul8770]

What's the documentary called?

[@psychofunksoldier02]

@@retrosoul8770 I just found it on KZbin under Magic Johnson and Larry Bird: A Courtship of Rivals.

[@skolcole]

@@retrosoul8770 it’s on HBO Max as well if you haven’t found it.

[@ehi_ij]

I just found your channel and I’m binge watching all the videos. They’re so interesting and non biased, keep it up 👍

[@CavsFanDallasFanSinceFebruary]

I’m taking Larry Bird. He was more talented, he carried the Celtics straight out of his rookie season, got better with age, 3 straight MVPs, played in a tougher conference, and played through serious injuries at a superstar level.

[@wadefan06]

LOL at your user name! Thumbs up just for that!

[@CavsFanDallasFanSinceFebruary]

@@wadefan06 I get that a lot 😂

[@claytonsmith6092]

@@CavsFanDallasFanSinceFebruary that’s a strong point that the video did not make, Bird definitely had the tougher conference

[@mixedpleasure4324]

Magic was finals mvp in his rookie season and won the chip tf you taking about? But I would also take Larry at his best because he was a better scorer better rebounder could pass almost as good as Magic more clutch but Magic had better longevity but Bird at his best is hard to beat only a handful is better then Bird at their peak

[@leonardodavinci5089]

@@mixedpleasure4324 he only won finals mvp because kareem wasnt there to claim it

[@pimpmastaa101]

Larry was a better player, Magic had a greater career

[@terrenceperkins5282]

Team

[@Heart_ken01]

@@terrenceperkins5282 idk man... Those Celtics teams were stupid stacked too

[@capitanfuturo594]

@@Heart_ken01 shut up jerk. The Lakers's team was better than Bird's team.

[@leoster6118]

@@capitanfuturo594 why call him a jerk? The lakers were a better team because of magic period

[@versatillion15]

Magic has the highest assist per game in history what all time stat does Larry have

[@timmyg831]

Finally a video showing preference for Bird. As a kid growing up I preferred Magic over Bird. But this video shows what I learned through the years: I objectively grew in awe of Bird’s game. As much as Jordan’s. Bird is one of my top 3 favorite players in their prime: Bird, Jordan, Olajuwon. They practically had no flaw in their game in their prime. 3-on-3, this would be my group.

[@gilmoskovich7304]

Don't forget that Bird was a 3 straight years league MVP (1984-1986), which was never repeated. He also won 3 straight 3pt contests (86-88).

[@Jay9966]

The way he won the 3pt contests though, fcking legend.

[@ianosaurus27]

YES!!! I knew it!!! Larry and the Celtics faced Superior Competition in the East back then. And Lakers with Magic are like LeBron and the Cavs of the 2010's, always on the Finals because of far less competition.

[@aaronjykim]

Thats a fair comparison in regard to the conference competition, but the difference between Magic and LeBron is that Magic executed in the finals more times than not by winning 5 of 8 finals trip (in the 80s), while LeBron won 3 out of 8 finals trip (in the 2010s). And you can't even say Lebron had harder competition in the finals. Magic's finals competition in the 80s included some all time teams in Julius Erving's Sixers (2-1 against), Bird's Celtics (2-1), Bad boy Pistons (1-1). LeBron against Dirk (0-1), young KD and Westbrook (1-0), aging Spurs (1-1), pre-KD warriors (1-1), KD warriors (0-2). You might say "no team can beat KD warriors, so you can't count that against LeBron." Well first I would say Harden and CP3 almost beat them and should have if CP3 didn't get injured, but even if I granted that and omitted the two finals losses against KD warriors (which is already doing major mental gymnastics with Lebron's resume), he is still 3-3 in finals during that run including a MAJOR blemish in the 2011 finals, and a less oftenly mentioned blemish in 2014 against an aging Spurs team getting gentlemen sweeped by them (yes I know that team was balling and playing great basketball, but from a pure talent standpoint, the Heat had far more talent than that Spurs team and from that standpoint they should have won or at least made for a close series).

[@ianosaurus27]

@@aaronjykim totally whole heartedly agree

[@robertdudley1258]

What was the excuse in the NCAA COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP

[@mrho4speed]

Bird is the better player. For those who do not know, Kareem actually won the 80 FMVP after Magic's great game 6, but because Kareem was not present the voters were asked to change their votes so Magic would win the award. This is covered in the book "Kareem" pgs 140-141. Magic only jumped center at the start of the game and he did not guard the Sixer's center Dawkins = Jim Chones did and held Dawkins to 14 points. Bird was clearly the better defender and in the 82-83 season finished tied for 3rd place for the DPOY award. Bird led the league in defensive win shares 4 times and was 7 times in the top 5. Bird was once 2nd in DRTG and 6 times was in the top ten in DRTG. The voting for the MVP for the first nine season was this, Bird was 4th, 2,2,2,1,1,1, 3 and 2. Magic was not on the list, 11, 8, 3,3,2,3,1, and 3. For 8 of the 9 seasons Bird was higher. For 3 point shooting for the first 6 years for each = Bird was 185 of 550 shots = 33.63% and Magic was 29 of 164 shots = 17.68%. Bird was the Boston player drawing the double teams and Kareem was the LA player drawing double teams. Bird never played as poorly in the clutch as Magic did several times in the 84 finals. Bird created the 50-40-90 shooting club and Magic never had a 50-40-90 season. Magic was great, but Bird did more with less. Bird only had the chance to play with 1 first pick player = Walton for 1 healthy year. Magic had Kareem and James Worthy = better than Parish and McHale. Kareem was the FMVP in the 85 finals! Bird won ROY by a big margin and helped Boston go from 29 wins to 61 wins as a rookie. Respect to Magic but Bird was better.

[@tunisiandom9318]

+ Bird was robbed of the 81 Playoffs MVP. He was best on all metrics in the team and close second in points in the finals. Maxwell got MVP because of 2PPG more in the finals. They forgot about 2 rounds before that where bird dominated. Not that 2PPG is enough to get MVP even for finals when you are very far behind in every other statistic led by 1 man.

[@keithjoseph128]

Kareem is as overrated at Wilt.

[@gregshirley-jeffersonboule6258]

Ridiculous@@keithjoseph128

[@keithjoseph128]

@@gregshirley-jeffersonboule6258 you saying that proves my point.

[@Slipknot5301]

worthy is NOT better than mchale

[@markjackson6431]

HOW GOOD WAS MARK PRICE ACTUALLY

[@lovewhenshe]

Yes pls

[@capitanfuturo594]

That guy is a very underrated player.

[@juliandavis8964]

LEGEND!! Him and Isiah Thomas #zeke are the Godfathers of current Pgs!

[@kaybigg]

Very good, if not great

[@capitanfuturo594]

@@kaybigg Mark Price was the version of Stephen Curry in the 90's. Mark Price didn't last long in the NBA because of his injuries. Although sometimes I think Curry was inspired by Mark Price. 🤔

[@cubenba6046]

For the career definitely Magic with his career achievements beating Larry's but skill wise in terms of offense and defense You gotta go Bird.

[@johnjcarroll7]

An easily forgotten fact is that Bird was in top 5 in MVP every year until he missed the full season in 1989. This was not true for Magic until 1987, and up until that point Kareem was the team leader and best player on their team. If you go back to 1988 there was no question Bird people viewed Bird as the better player, because at the time, Bird and Magic had the same number of titles and Bird had 3 MVPs to Magics zero. Bird got injured, Len Bias died and Magic churned out 2 more rings and MVPS. But until 1988 everyone was asking if Bird was the GOAT and Magic wasn't even in that conversation until after Bird got hurt. Point being, in their primes, there was not question Bird was the better player.

[@funnyspoonman7437]

I could be bias celtics fan but Bird had it all. Before he hurt his back he had underrated speed combined with his crazy IQ and skills. Bird was a talented rebounder passer shooter finisher defender. Magic is still in my top 5 undoubtedly

[@MrReese]

Huge props to come to such a conclusion as a Lakers fan and to acknowledge the east conference's strength as well! I would not be able to choose between these two all-time greats and I don't know if choosing one over the other would be fair.

[@astonishedblade9003]

Ha ha, I remember telling you a long time ago that I thought nobody instantly made his team better than Magic Johnson... Even with that I still can't argue your point. I loved Magic and showtime, but of all his rivals I only feared Bird

[@facelessandnameless]

Larry Bird instantly made his team better on the same level as Magic. Celtics went from 29 wins in 79 to 61 wins in 1980 and the only difference on that team was Larry. I would also add Tim Duncan to that list.

[@xaviervega468]

I would argue Larry made his team better on a higher level. The Celtics went to 61 wins from 29 in Bird's rookie year, and that was without Parish and McHale. Magic on the other hand was drafted to a playoff contending Lakers team.

[@massimocometti6529]

Remember 1980 Finals Game6 vs Phila........and Magic was in his rookie year: Bird and Magic were rivals since the NCAA days (BTW: Bird was 4 years older than Magic)

[@chiefs816kc]

I genuinely enjoy these videos more than today's NBA games.

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

Most definitely.

[@tylerbuck9347]

I like all

[@jonnuanez2843]

My initial Laker bias automatically answered this question for decades. It's only been recently that I have for real seriously come to appreciate Larry Legend and laugh at all his challengers. I feel it's due to videos like this. So tyvm, Jonny Arnett. I appreciate how you've helped enhance a vision.

[@kevinfrei9457]

Considering you are an outspoken Lakers fan, I didn't expect you to be this objective an honest. Respect. Magic had the slightly better career because of the tougher competition in the east and Birds back injury . But prior to Larry ruining his back, he was the better player.

[@82shamroc]

Slightly? 5 rings to 3 and Magic beat him in a National championship game. Even Larry would say magic is better. Larry only beat him once for a ring. Magic owned Larry

[@frankabreu27]

@@82shamroc Magic’s teams were always better when they faced off let’s be real, the showtime lakers might be the greatest team of all time

[@melvynsngltn27]

@@frankabreu27 the 1985 Celtics were the better team. LA just outplayed them

[@lawrenceestabillo1754]

@@82shamroc who is the "better player" not "better team". Magic usually had the better and deeper team that played in a weaker conference. He also had the better coach. But Bird was always the better and more complete player.

[@82shamroc]

@@lawrenceestabillo1754 switch teams and I guarantee magic still wins. He makes the team, basketball is a team sport. Hence the better player. People really don't understand how great magic was. He literally carried the team his rookie year and won the chip. Playing all 5 positions in the finals while Kareem was hurt. Yall need to get your knowledge up on the game. Just because you have a preference doesn't negate the facts. If you want, we can term it as magic was the better winner.

[@Boss3Nate]

These two were both so great..... Mt. Rushmore players in my opinion. It's crazy to think that both their careers were cut short while both still close to their prime and the top of their game. I get Magic was getting "older" but that man was still averaging 19.5/12.5/7 and went to the Finals the year before his retirement. Those are great numbers. And Bird was still dominant... he averaged 30/9/6 and also went to the Finals the year before he really destroyed his back and body...

[@ethanjobson3879]

Both great players but this is what I always come back to. When Magic came back in 95-96, the team that had won 48 games and got to the second round year before won 53 games and lost in first round. Bird in his rookie year took the core of a team that won 29 games the year before and won

[@ethanjobson3879]

... 61 games before losing in a five game Eastern Conference Finals.

[@PerkVFL]

Damn this is the toughest one. Two of the top 5 all time greats.

[@michaelmunk8760]

In regards to accolades I think an important point to note is that Magic only finished above Larry in MVP voting 4 times and for two of those years Larry only played 6 and 60 games. Larry finished above Magic 8 times although in two of those seasons Magic played 37 and 67 games. Also Larry was MVP runner up 4 times and Magic was twice. I think this somewhat works to bridge the gap in accolades, definitely a close debate for sure

[@detpistons4l401]

Just found this channel the other day, I’ve been binge watching since. Some quality basketball content

[@jonnyarnett]

Glad you found my channel! Thanks for watching

[@TheTenCentStory]

This is a top tier basketball history channel.

[@Life_Basketball]

Been waiting for this one

[@benjistanley8663]

Bird's passing IQ and first touch passes are unmatched, he made great decisions for open teammates at the split second.

[@Arcanenix]

It’s time for the ultimate versus. Stephen A smith vs skip bayless. Rank their accolades, achievements, offense and defense

[@rougeclips9438]

bayless has zero d, but is a phenomenal offensive player

[@erictynes265]

@@rougeclips9438 skip sucks on both ends. Has garbage takes like “Lebron wins a chip it will hurt his legacy” then defends it with “that’s my opinion” garbage analysts I can’t believe him and Stephen a are being compared

[@edwardtimothy3581]

@Tyler Benintende woww😂 ur analyzed just cover all the things my friend 😂😂.

[@TheTenCentStory]

@@erictynes265 Only tards watch MSM analysts. Stephen A Smith literally just says outlandish things with a contorted face so that people laugh at him. Listen to his arguments and he usually doesn't even have one.

[@lionstigersbearsohmyanimal6741]

The goat is obviously Charles. But we have an up and comer in Shannon that has the talents to take the thrown once Charles retires

[@chrisoverbey7232]

Both of these guys were my heroes in the 80's. Really too close to call, but I gotta go with Larry Legend.

[@Navvye]

Imo bird is a little better, but it could go either ways. Great video Jonny!

[@randyneves9701]

For me these two are equal on the All-Time greats list, both were incredible at their positions, constantly led their team, and both made huge impacts on the history of the NBA. You can say Bird, or Magic is better than the other, but these two are so close that I would put them as equals at the end of the day.

[@alexandertrochez4365]

I got emotional watching this. The Celtic/Laker rivalry of the 80s was the best in basketball history. Watching Larry hit threes, falling away with hands in his face and Magic no-look dishing to Worthy flying on the wing - unreal! I know that these two are always pitted against each other, but they really couldn't replace each other as far as positions go and maintain their greatness. It's fun watch this and you had some very great comparison stats. I'll just to watch this again to enjoy the memories.

[@sticky9400]

forgot to mention Larry’s back during his best seasons

[@robertdudley1258]

LOL! Magic had HIV in his prime

[@Don-zh2sb]

@@robertdudley1258 magic did not have hiv in his PRIME, plus hiv doesnt affect a human until aids

[@leptonparticle238]

It's simple, Bird was the better player, but Magic is the more accomplished one.

[@averyce2]

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? You get a clash of the Titans... Johnson vs Bird!!

[@archithbinoj24-89]

Oh yeaaaaaaaaaa boiiiiiiiiiiiiii , this is the one I was waiting for.

[@madcapper6]

The 5 vs 3 edge to Magic in titles is almost always what people point to when comparing the two players. As you stated about basketball being a team sport, that is spot on. The difference between the two teams often boiled down to peripherals and things like overall team health, incentive and motivation. That latter of which was huge in that era and was the main reason why it was so hard to repeat. While the Celtics won in '84, the Lakers were the team motivated by either revenge, redemption or both, which gave them an edge in '85 and were able to flip it. The Lakers outlasted the Celtics as a frontrunning title contender too. Some could argue the Celtics' run ended after '86 in that they were never again the favorites and became more of a darkhorse contender, particularly with the death of Len Bias. Magic won 2 of his 5 titles after that point so after '86, both Bird and Magic were in a dead heat at 3 titles apiece. All of that factors into the basketball as team sport concept. Excellent analysis as usual.

[@robertdudley1258]

I point to head to head Magic 3 Bird 1. CHECKMATE

[@jayblocks1]

Ive always said if I had to pick one player to start a team with it would be Bird. He just did everything right and on paper he fits into any system. He can score 30 or get 10 assist. He simply always made the right play for his team.

[@Isaac-rj9ur]

I’ve been watching you since 2019 and your videos have never disappointed me keep up the good work 👑

[@RVered]

I'm a Lakers fan, and would only admit this under oath, but *maybe, perhaps, hypothetically, theoretically, non-legally binding* I think Larry was the better player.

[@facelessandnameless]

🤣🤣👌👌

[@TheTenCentStory]

Imagine if they were on the same team...

[@KW-qh1pd]

Bird only had a better jump shot,other than that…..

[@michaelfrazia4569]

this is the era as a child that I began watching the NBA while in elementary school....I remember watching these guys on an old black and white(no pun intended) TV that we had from the 70s. this makes me so nostalgic for watching those great Lakers and Celtics teams battle...living in New york we had Bernard king and little else before Ewing came in 85 so my friends and I were into the celts and Lakers, Isiah, dominique, and a young mj...just the golden era

[@pacobruna]

Really close, but for me Larry Legend is more complete overall. Him and Magic are my favourite players after Jordan

[@jeremygibson228]

Jordan was a cheat that could jump and officials let get away with all kinds of bs. They are both more talented than jordan

[@certifiedhooper491]

Another great video bro! Always with the goods. I personally have no issue who someone picks as the greater player between these 2, but I do believe Larry was the overall better player. He may be the best clutch player of all time aswell. It's just such a shame his back robbed him of his last few years in the league.

[@bkld.samuel]

Couldn't say it better!

[@56original]

Edge to Magic Johnson.Magic Legendary. Bird.Legendary.The two greatest passers I have ever seen.

[@Johnkoth]

Watch Pistol Pete too. Best behind the back passes probably ever.

[@yourdaddy6030]

Lol no edge to Johnson. Weren't you paying attention?

[@centerofstar]

Great Video Johnny. The debate between those two will go on forever. But it's fun to talk about and try not to get too heated. BTW, who do you think is the better scorer: KD or Kobe?

[@Fullmetalmikey.]

You're forgetting one HUGE thing about Johnson tho, he wouldn't have achieved half his stats or accolades if not for... A.C Green's green bear...

[@iamkailong]

Debate of Bird vs Magic will always be the greatest debate in NBA history. Two remarkably different player, having similar effect to the league, playing in the same era, representing east and west, and both have their career cut short. Stats and accolades are only separated by their role in the team and teammate quality. It literally all come down to 1 thing, which player, or the things that those player represent, you like or care more. There will never be right answer. This is why Bird and Magic is the greatest rivalry in NBA history.

[@DerethAC]

Bird also led the Celtics to the biggest single season turnaround of all time in his rookie year, going from 29 wins to 61 on a team where Cedric Maxwell was the second best player after Bird. Meanwhile Magic stepped onto a team with Kareem, who was arguably the best player in the league at the time.

[@darrell9616]

Another will done piece. For me, though, once you get to this level, I don't bother comparing. I just appreciate the greatness. That's why I think the GOAT conversation is so absurd. Just appreciate what it takes to get to this level and excel year after year. Both of these men were at the top of their craft and I enjoyed watching each of them play. That's good enough for me.

[@jonnyarnett]

Yeah. Personally I like making the comparisons because its fun, and honestly its good for growing a KZbin channel, but once it gets emotional, I lose interest in the discussion. Its just too subjective to get all bent out of shape about it. One of my favorite quotes was Kobe's take on it "I typically don't engage in things that I can not objectively win"

[@darrell9616]

@@jonnyarnett I completely agree with you. I do like the analysis, it's the emotional BS that's just a waste of time except for the talking heads making money on TV. I tune them all out.

[@irishgrl]

Larry Bird. No question. Tho I do like Magic, like Coach Nolan Richardson said, not as much as I love Larry Bird.

[@Sf75178]

Another legendary video about 2 legends. This would have to be the closest call you had to have made. And for me considering I see them both as the GOAT at their positions it makes it harder to call

[@30stu30]

No One: Jonny Arnett: In NBA History

[@chaboiseann]

Your videos are so underrated... I love watching your videos.

[@DomeProductions.]

Great video . I love them both but Bird was more complete . Both legends though

[@bolt7047]

He also had both Parish and McHale and lost to Johnson in the finals twice

[@Kingbossdon]

Once I see 👀 u had a video 📹 I automatically clicked becuase I'm loving this series can u do more videos 📹 like this

[@ostuw]

Can we get a Bill Russel and Wilt Chamberlain player debate. I still can’t decide who is better lol.

[@dysfunctional4912]

That's a really tough one. One of the best individuals (Chamberlain) vs one of, if not the greatest team player of all time (Russell).

[@jasonlommen4769]

I’ll help you. It’s Wilt by a country mile. BR was an elite defender on a stacked Celtics team, that’s it. He’s way overrated. Wilt changed the rules of the game.

[@ostuw]

@@jasonlommen4769 BR made his teammates super good

[@jasonlommen4769]

@@ostuw Yes he did, but he was a bum of an offensive player. A 7 footer who barely averaged 15pts/game on 44% shooting. Wilt was 30pts/game and 54%. Russell’s teams were better certainly, but there is zero comparison on who was the better player.

[@kingdinodragonite3470]

@@jasonlommen4769 in 1962, Wilt had 5 HOFers in his team. Bill had 6. Their help is not that far off actually and you could even see when Wilt left the 76ers, his teammates won MORE without him hogging the ball. His 30ppg would probably not look the same if there was a stat called usage rate back then. He would certainly get 70% usage rate especially when he played 45-48 minutes a game. Russell on the other hand won 11 and by the time he retired, the celts are worse without him, not better unlike wilt

[@jesser6423]

How long have you watched basketball? Because you are so well informed of the older eras it's incredible. Also, are you ever releasing you personal rankings for greatest players ever? Would LOVE to see that

[@Jbf-76]

As a Die Hard Celtics fan since 1981, I was able to see both their Careers.. I can't pick one over the other... They equal. Birds peak was definitely better than Magic, but Magic had the longevity... Regardless they are equals in my mind, and Legends..

[@Zane_Zaminsky]

Old geezer here, watching the NBA since Bob Cousy and Bill Russell. Both are all-time greats, but if I was forced to choose one to start a team: Magic.

[@3631956406]

Jonny Arnett, Magic, Bird... I'll better prepare a coffee, this is going to be great.

[@Fishbone0826]

Hey Jonny I just found you channel last month and my god the amount of time I’ve spent watching your videos is absurd. The amount of detail and research you do is amazing (even if you are a Lakers fan lol jk :) I’m a Celtics fan had to joke). Your unbiased opinion shows. Keep up the great work! Also do you have a twitter?

[@jonnyarnett]

Hey Adam! Welcome aboard, and I appreciate you supporting my channel! A little Lakers Celtics rivalry banter is a good thing. Haha. How sweet it’s gonna be when we pass you in total banners this year 🔥😎 lol. I do not have Twitter, just Instagram. I don’t post there very often, but I try to stay up to date on my DMs as much as possible 👍

[@Fishbone0826]

@@jonnyarnett haha the MINNESOTA TITLES DONT COUNT jk lol. But honestly love the contest man easily the best nba youtuber by a landslide. Do you have a college team? Just curious. Again glad I found your channel and stay safe!

[@STONESGAM]

I have to go with Bird. His numbers speak for themselves and he would absolutely torch today's NBA with little defense and so much three point shooting. Both players had strong supporting casts but Magic had Kareem for the first half of his career and Worthy who would have been the #1 player on almost any other team. I would rank both of them as top ten of all time no question. If I had to start an expansion team with a guy to build around I would go with Bird over Magic.

[@Ardi-wd9kz]

They both had great teams and made them even better. You can't really compare stats cause they played different positions. Number of titles has to be a major factor when comparing these two. They faced each other four times in the finals (including collegiate) and Magic won three of them. Yet somehow it's tough to pick Magic over Bird and vise versa. They were both so damn good.

[@buritobob_smm2382]

Overall, Bird was more talented, but Magic was making his team winning more. So, I'll say Magic was better.

[@icetbh]

I can agree....however magic was the better passer

[@ezraprzytyk]

Magic made his team win more cause he had a longer prime and less injury problems. At their peak bird was making his team win more and he also didn't have Kareem or anyone even close to help him win.

[@CavsFanDallasFanSinceFebruary]

No, the reason Magic was winning more was because he played in an easier conference, hence why he made the Finals 9 times to Larry’s 5 times. And Larry would get significantly better the older he got, only injuries could stop his dominance. I truly believe the Celtics would’ve been very close to 3peating from 1986-88.

[@joshuagarone3744]

I think magic was way more talented and had a way better vison

[@CavsFanDallasFanSinceFebruary]

@Paul Rodríguez 4 straight Finals appearances from 1984-1987. Their 1987 title run failed due to severe injuries plaguing the team. As I mentioned before, Larry Bird was getting better and better with age. In 1988, the Pistons would be the one to knock out the Celtics, so imagine if they didn’t abuse their injuries. That’s basically ANOTHER finals appearance for the Celtics. You honesty can’t tell me they didn’t have a serious chance at 3peating.

[@nickschneider774]

This video needs more views! I agree and there's no way to praise these two guys enough.

[@racewiththefalcons1]

I'd give Bird the edge. Magic had Kareem for all his titles. Bird had a great team, but not Kareem.

[@gamingsquad2326]

And James worthy who is around the same level as mchale

[@timmyg831]

Comparing their team members, Kareem was better than Parish. Worthy and McHale were about equal. I think Lakers had slightly better role players. So Lakers had a little edge with team members. But the difference maker was the Legend. Both Magic and Kareem have said that their toughest competitor ever was Bird.

[@xaviervega468]

Bird had Parish, McHale, Tiny Archibald, and Dennis Johnson. That's 4 other Hall of Famers he played with. 5 if you count Bill Walton.

[@remynogueira8649]

First of Kareem was old he wasn’t in his prime 2nd bird had a super team with McHale Parish Maxwell Walton & Reggie Lewis

[@iuri9161]

magic was final mvp as a rookie and playing the last game as a center without kareem

[@gregshirley-jeffersonboule6258]

Bird could do everything Magic could do plus score, rebound, and play great team defense. He was also tougher.

[@Raulbr21]

This was a great and very thorough breakdown. Perhaps my favorite of this series so far. I have been arguing for years that Bird was a better overall player than Magic. Better scorer and shooter, rebounder, defender, and a great passer himself. Just a more dominant player with less weaknesses in his game. People just rank Magic higher based on accolades and that can be terribly misleading as you pointed out these are highly dependent on your team. Its the same thing when people rank Duncan ahead of Kobe, Hakeem and Shaq just on accolades. Its just a very lazy way of ranking players. In my opinion, Magic did not deserve 2 of his 3 league MVPs (only 87 IMO), and his 1980 Finals MVP is also highly questionable. Nonetheless, both him and Bird are two of the GOATs and deserve all the respect and recognition they can get.

[@eternalboss1046]

I pretty much agree with all of that. The thing with accolades like rings and awards is much of that is out of the player's control and goes outside of how good they actually were. When Magic and Bird were both healthy and prime Bird was better overall.

[@mindfunfulness3273]

In the video you say: "No one has ever made their teammates better than Magic Johnson did which is probably true". But even this statement who makes their teams better is not so clear between Bird and Magic, because 1978-79 season Celtics were 29-53 and next season when Bird joins the Celtics they were 61-21. So Bird's impact to the Celtics was also incredible. I think that Celtics's improvement in the win-loss record is unparalleled in NBA history.

[@lrich6437]

Jonny arnnet respond please i love your vids

[@jonnyarnett]

Whats up L Rich?! Thanks so much for watching and commenting on my vids :)

[@ritchierich6133]

it's a tough choice, either one would be great to start a team but I'd probably go with bird.

[@facelessandnameless]

I’d say peak Larry rivals peak Jordan in the GOAT conversation.

[@brycedeloch2242]

Hell no

[@facelessandnameless]

@@brycedeloch2242 hell yes.

[@J34xalpha_KING]

definitely

[@brycedeloch2242]

@@facelessandnameless don't compare a bird to a goat 🐐

[@KW-qh1pd]

No way!! Bird NEVER won back to back titles, EVER!! Jordan MUCH more athletic and a WAY better defender!! Bird was a bad ass though, one of my all time favorites for sure!!! Mike was just a flat out BEAST!!!!

[@dariengarcianieves3554]

I'm going to like this one before I even watch it.

[@davejohnson9422]

I watched them both play from college all the way through their careers. The only difference between the two was Bird was a much better outside shooter. I would give Bird the nod because of that, otherwise they were dead even. I always wondered what a team that had Bird, Johnson, and Chamberlin would look like passing the ball around.

[@justanotherguy1794]

Bird says Magic; Magic says Bird: that should be good enough for the rest of us.

[@TheTariqibnziyad]

I take Brid, he is more complete, since him and Magic are similar when it comes to playmaking

[@javigar133]

THANKS, finally a true analytical comparison between 2 of the top 5 players of all time. This is as close as It can get, if you put one top 3, the other goes top 4. I think Bird was probably slighly better but I love them both. Also, when you see Bird's Career numbers remember he played injured three whole seasons, look at his numbers for 1983-1988 and he is the GOAT. Top 10? mJ, Russell, Kareem, Bird, Magic, Bron, Kobe, Duncan, Kareem. Imo

[@Doknot-tb9ey]

I'm going with Larry Legend over Magic as well.

[@AlsoKnownAsJunior]

Can you do a How Good was Bob Pettit? Love your videos btw.

[@oli4dj26]

I can’t pick one, but my favorite is Magic due to his skilled passing

[@jacobscholtissek8337]

than look Birds passing he had the same passing Skillset . If you watch Magic Highlights you will ever see his turn arround jump pass and you know what larry did the same but you barely find it in his highlights.

[@cindyknudson2715]

A Bird Passing video 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rajSZamqlr-gqbs

[@dylan__nayld8595]

I totally agree with this. Both Bird and Magic are in my top 5, but Bird edges it at 4 and Magic at 5

[@cranmanjr]

Shaq vs Wilt comparison would be a really good video!

[@TheFastBreakNBA2]

maybe Bill Russell vs Wilt, but I could see Shaq to with his pure dominance.

[@ItsBam93]

Shaq

[@Tbaby47]

I don’t think that’s a very good debate honestly, I think it’s pretty clearly shaq and I’d bet that if there was a poll it would be 90% shaq 10% wilt

[@johndavisson344]

@@Tbaby47 more likely 90% Wilt, 10% Shaq. Wilt is in the GOAT discussion, Shaq isn't even close.

[@cranmanjr]

@@Tbaby47 that’s fair. I think it would be an interesting comparison since they’re the two most physically dominant bully ball players to ever play the game. That reason alone would make it an interesting one I think. Shaq definitely had the better career and could be argued to be the better player but Wilt was the more complete player imo and had more individual success. But being the more complete player doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the better player, like for example I think LeBron is a more complete all around player than MJ, but MJ is the better player.

[@joejesus9902]

Thanks Jonny for another quality video 🙏

[@adarginossar9775]

Can you do a video: Jon Stockton vs Steve Nash vs Jason Kidd

[@dynamicflashy]

Gary Payton vs Jason Kidd

[@brrr3301]

@@dynamicflashy 2 different type of players

[@Johnkoth]

Thats easy Kidd is better than Nash because of defense. About equal on passing, Nash a better 3 shooter. Kidd easily a better defender. Jason Kidd admits John Stockton is better. End of story. John Stockton is better. He had Nash 3 shooting, Kidd defense and even better passing and was as fast or faster than Kidd. Yes Kidd and John Stockton were faster than Nash. So of course I go with John Stockton. I'm a Knicks fan to and I could have added Walt Frazier that was a better PG than Nash. Walt Frazier was 1 of the top offensive and defensive PG of all time. He rivaled Jerry West and Big O. I'd also take Big O over Nash. Big O was a better rebounder, shooter and passer than Nash. Nash just got Free throws on Big O.

[@luxurytags]

Its very hard to say who was better. The more film i watch on them , the more i realize how much of a high level they were pkaying at, especially compared to their peers.

[@ronjulius4653]

Didn't saw it yet, currently I select bird but maybe I change my mind

[@stayofftheweeeeeeed7249]

The intro song is fire

[@randomperson2540]

Well this going to interesting everybody always has magic over bird even though personally bird is a better player. Always consider them even so mabey this might help decide who is better

[@TheTenCentStory]

A lifelong Lakers fan just picked the Celtics legend over the Lakers golden child.

[@randomperson2540]

@@TheTenCentStory I know its word. I remember him talking about how much he loved Kobe and the lakers. So I though he said it might be a tie, but no he said larry as personal preference

[@TheTenCentStory]

@@randomperson2540 I believe he's around my age and the 1980s were a bit before my time. The first NBA season I watched was the Bulls/Suns finals.

[@randomperson2540]

@@TheTenCentStory oh I'm bit younger than that lol. I was born in 1996 the year before Kobe got drafted. I was a bulls fan cause my parents were, however I didnt have team personally like until dwade showed with the heat and won that title. (I loved the heats culture) But I was a fan of Kobe ever since I was 10 when I saw kobe drop 60 on the mavs I didnt know his name so I asked And my dad said his name is kobe. I asked how good he is and he answered with, "the best we ever seen" which I was surprised cause he ever talked about was the bulls pacer and rockets and how great MJ and Hakeem was. He hyped them so much that it made me believe that nobody would reach them. So when he said that it blew my mind and was a fan of Kobe ever since.

[@TheTenCentStory]

@@randomperson2540 I was born in 1983 the year before Jordan was drafted, so basically a generation before you.

[@matthewpepler9673]

I'm from Australia and only discovered Larry Bird in the last year. As an outsider and someone who didn't grow up with basketball being a big part of my sporting landscape, I'm blown away by how good the 80's & mid 90's were. I grew up in the same town as Luc Longley so everything was about MJ & the Bulls. Now having devoured everything about 80's basketball, I can say there's something almost other worldly about Larry Legend. You can look at all the numbers but then (for me) there's things that don't quite translate...I think it was an NFL coach who said something like "Statistics are like bikini's, they reveal a lot but hide the important bits" and this is where the magic (pardon the pun) is for me. I've heard it said that Bird was a savant & 3 steps ahead of everyone else. His ability to read the plays, be intuitive and then call what he was going to do was sublime! The rivalry between Larry and Magic was mesmerising and pure joy to watch, for me, each in their way was as good as the other...that being said I'll go Larry and I mean no disrespect to Magic.