Larry Bird | 50 Amazing Assists

Check out 50 great assists by Larry Bird.
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[@Kamelody-kn9gw]

Now I'm convinced that we are "prisoners of the moment " when we say that lebron is the best Passer Forward we've seen. this dude Bird passing ability was INSANE.

[@iwasbornfriday]

i never say that, in fact i think lebrons passin is overrated. i told a guy in a bball group, Bird is better at passing and scoring.

[@CCJ3]

Kamelody 2330 don’t get ridiculous

[@richardeast3328]

@@CCJ3 You don't want company?

[@gkniffen]

I got Bird above LeBron on the all time list...

[@eternal60214]

Take your nostalgia glasses off gramps

[@mpa417]

Larry had the most important gift any great athlete can have. Extraordinary hand eye coordination

[@NeilLB7]

Bobby Knight is on film saying he believes Larry Bird quite possibly had the best hand eye coordination of any person who has ever played the game.

[@felixmadison5736]

And Bird also had great instinct, and peripheral vision as well. He could see things on the court other players could not.

[@Forever_Soul]

Every basketball player should see this tape to understand how basketball should be play in the first place. Larry Bird is by far the greatest player any NBA team can get in their lifetime. It's an honor for those who played with him or those who watch him play. The NBA will never has this kind of player again. Legend!!!

[@Gaderelli]

AMEN/DITTO

[@keenakaur6314]

@@Gaderelli Mega Dittos!

[@waynearrington8411]

Only in America where a white player can win 3MVPs and never lead the league in no category name me one black player who did that wasn't even in the top five except Free throw percentage America is racist

[@HFH-Official]

You sir... You know what you are talking about. 100%

[@felixmadison5736]

Hell, I was honored to have him playing for my Celtics his entire career. I've been a C's fan since 1960, and missed a few games now and then. When Bird played I NEVER missed a game. Bird would have us screaming with delight, laughing like hell, and crying in amazement every night. My brother-in-law and I went to the old Boston Garden for the first time in our lives just to see Bird in action. He did not disappoint!

[@spacepioneer4070]

I think everyone can appreciate Larry Bird's effort through all four quarters. He's the only player i know of that will dive on the floor for a loose ball when ever the opportunity presented itself. His devotion to the game is second to none.

[@mememe131199]

His awareness of his teammates position is outstanding!

[@Milordvega]

Bird's passing made Parish and McHale better. He made his team better.

[@johnnydough3740]

Made them both HOFamers.

[@MuddyPoppins]

R H if you hadn't said it I would have!! They both owe their HOF rings to Bird. DJ earned his though.

[@Milordvega]

@@MuddyPoppins Agreed!

[@bob_._.]

He made basketball better.

[@homoerectus744]

And for those who weren't Bird,It would be so easy to make a pass to someone who has a better opportunity than one's self.if you see it give it up.

[@joemartin1253]

I hated the Celtics but one thing for sure Bird is the greatest passer I've ever seen.

[@Boomhauersdad]

He could do it all!

[@justinle8787]

Of all the legends in the past, Bird's game is the most suitable to modern basketball. It's like you can ship him directly from the 80s into today and he will perform the same if not better

[@cabbageman5329]

idk the shorts did most of the work lol

[@AKSBSU]

Today's game is much better suited for his strengths, and to be honest I think an argument can be made that Bird essentially created the "stretch 4" before there was such a thing. After his rookie year he hardly shot 3's outside of low percentage buzzer beaters for 4 or 5 seasons. Frontcourt players usually didn't take a lot of 3s back then. Mid-career he started shooting a high volume of much higher percentage 3s, weaponizing the shot in a way you didn't see from many frontcourt players in that era. Outside shooting and finding the open players are of premium value right now. The defensive oriented rules of Bird's era actually worked heavily against him. Harden would be looking nervously over his shoulder if Bird was in his prime today. He'd be nearly unstoppable offensively.

[@gogetter5137]

The NBA has been waiting for almost 3 decades to witness just one player that possesses even HALF of Bird's fundamentals and brilliant skillset. Nikola Jokic is slower than Bird was...he isn't close to being as great as a shooter that Bird was...yet. Nor is he proved himself to be as clutch as Bird was yet. That said? He's 24 years old! Jokic? 1ST TEAM ALL NBA this year! He dominated everyone! Best center in the league! Jokic is as close a player has come to being as fundamentally sound, extremely intelligent of the player Bird was since The Legend retired. He is the living embodiment and END to the ignorant debate NBA youngsters argue claiming Larry Bird wouldn't dominate today's NBA.

[@gogetter5137]

@@steff2738 You're obviously not from Denver, KD might model his game after Bird but he doesn't have the same mechanics...his shot is his own. KD also doesn't possess some of the intangibles that Bird and Jokic share. Jokic's game? Not only is his skillset modeled after Bird? The similarities of the intangibles Bird and Jokic both possess are off the charts!. Even though Jokic is a 5....the arch of his shot, his court vision,. they way he passes, rebounds....his selflessness, the way he gets his teammates involved in the game, the way he can control an entire game without scoring over 10 points? Knowledgable Bird fans do double takes 3-4 times a game when they watch Jokic play. It's as if we're all transported back 3 decades ago for a couple of seconds. The rest of America will.catch up soon noticing the comparison. I honestly can't believe it's taken this long.

[@gogetter5137]

@Ta-Kuan Fuan And Dirk really struggled for the last 2 decades right? Jokic and Doncic just can't seem to find their way playing against all the speed...all the athleticism! They are far too slow and awkward. LOL. JOKIC GOT VOTED TO 1ST TEAM ALL NBA AT 24 YEARS OLD. DONCIC IS GOING TO GET VOTED FOR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AT 19 YEARS OLD. Fundamentals and intangibles will ALWAYS beat athleticism and speed. ALWAYS. Bird would COMPLETELY OBLITERATE today's NBA! IT WOULDN'T EVEN BE FAIR. THEY'D HAVE TO BLINDFOLD HIM.

[@highflyer011]

LeBron's basketball IQ is impressive but Larry's is off the charts! Basketball genius

[@navaropalm6111]

Bird >>> Lebron

[@J34xalpha_KING]

Larry LEGEND!!

[@nicholasumphrey5645]

LeBron's assist totals are higher because he usually runs the offense as the point forward. I rarely see a LeBron highlight where I wonder "How did he do that?"

[@CCJ3]

Stop it

[@thenoseknows1097]

@groovy j Yep, Lebron ain't even close........

[@MrTitanSword]

As a Celtics fan, that tape of this cold-blooded assassin gave me goosepumps....

[@vincentxu8217]

Disclaimer: These plays are made by a legendary player. Do not attempt at games or you could be on Shaqtin a Fool

[@grendelsm21]

I'm agreeing like Wormser in the grasp of a bully.

[@davem1212]

I miss the 80s Celtics so much. I really miss 80s basketball period. Greatest decade ever

[@alphaboi7163]

Angie Williams ??????????????????????????¿

[@alphaboi7163]

Angie Williams the first comment you posted on this comment???????????????

[@alphaboi7163]

Angie Williams PLEASE STOP YELLING

[@zeppelinmexicano]

I know what you mean about missing 80s basketball. Epic epic battles that were must watch TV, groups of people gathered to watch, just epic. I also liked the way Magic passed the ball. He had a great instinctive game too. Not sure that LeBron could touch either of these guys in the passing department. Larry had instincts that were just insane.

[@realMDizzy]

I'll meet you somewhere in the middle and say '84-'94 was incredible!!!

[@AnthonyDobrin]

Did Bird always know McHale and Parish's address for that mail?

[@urboy533]

@Anthony Dobrin Yes, yes he did

[@aristotle736]

Malone may have been the mail man. Larry was the fedex man.

[@ahuxley123]

Every player that was on his team ate very well!

[@killadiator1014]

bird would probably the most lethal player in todays era

[@alecvip7562]

He would get fouled constantly just from his trash talk alone 😂😂

[@steviechampagne]

@@alecvip7562 brothas would be scared to talk shit after Bird let it rip a few times. Dude was ice cold, and not in a tiktok type way like today’s players

[@felixmadison5736]

You didn't even have to piss Bird off for him to kick your ass! If you did though, it was all over but the final score.

[@felixmadison5736]

@@alecvip7562 And that would help him and his team beat your ass. Larry hardly ever missed free throws.

[@masterchinese28]

Young players would be in tears if they had to play prime Bird. Jokic is good, but Bird had killer instinct and so much more.

[@andrewcameron1346]

He saw the game in slowmo. Physical chess and he was the Grandmaster. How good would it have been to play with Bird? Definitely in the GOAT conversation.

[@felixmadison5736]

Just make sure you had your eyes open and your hands ready.

[@kennethward4985]

The Celtics had to always be on their toes or a pass might rocket right past their face.

[@harryhog1977]

His court awareness is unmatched. Blink, and you’ll miss these golden passes.

[@jeremyunderground41]

Matched by Lebron James.

[@harryhog1977]

@@jeremyunderground41 haha, nice attempt troll

[@JonahsWail]

He’s a small forward Jokic

[@mowglie628]

It kills me when people say he wouldn't be athletic enough for today's NBA. Look at Nikola Jokic. Even slower and more unathletic than Bird, yet already knocking on the door of the top 10 players in the league. Bird, fundamentally speaking, was the best player ever. Maybe not quite the best overall due to his physical limitations, but he's right there in the discussion. He would THRIVE in today's NBA.

[@sareaper69]

Bird today would be disgusting. Nikola Jokic that could shoot like Klay Thompson and had that MJ mentality. No question he'd be amazing today.

[@DOGPISSS666]

To be fair, Jokic plays center which traditionally doesn't take a whole lot of athleticism. That said, Larry would be crafty enough to more than get by. He'd definitely be able to take advantage of the modern rules limiting defenders.

[@jimjim3979]

@@DOGPISSS666 look at doncic though

[@dirklean4667]

@@DOGPISSS666 Also given the current NBA's favor for threes, Bird would be a beast. He'll trash talk the hell out of his opponents

[@ymec13]

Bird couldn't fly, pun intended, neither could he run very fast but he didn't need to and he wouldn't need to had he played today. People often overlook how strong of a player he was, his stanima, and endurance. He's the kind of player always 3 steps ahead of everyone and never gets tired. With the no hand check rule and all the changes made to encourage offense especially shooting, Bird would be a much larger monster today than he was in the 80s.

[@brucelau2023]

Larry Legend himself , those amazing assists he made during those Boston days

[@jonathanbzh4318]

,

[@susanbloodgood3572]

Magic, Jason Williams, Pistol Pete, a few examples of incredibly talented players who had cooler looking passes , but Bird was improvising instantaneously, He wasn’t a Point Guard , in my opinion He’s the Best passer ever !

[@johnpacheco2501]

The gospel for sure!!

[@mitchelll3879]

Magic could take an easy pass and made it look ridiculously complicated when he was actually nearly effing it up just to be a hotdog..Bird ALWAYS made the right pass at the right time to the right person and I am unsure I ever seen him make a mistake..Magic was called Tragic for awhile because he would truly do stupid things..Bird never made lunkhead mistakes

[@felixmadison5736]

And in the opinion of anyone who knows basketball. Plus, how many point guards could rebound like Bird?

[@DH-ij9pe]

What is the most amazing part.... Both Magic and Bird were 6'9 making passes like this. Golden Era of basketball for sure, probably never see it like that again.

[@Himmyjewett]

@@mitchelll3879 larry did make lunkhead mistakes tho

[@derekdubs3074]

Bird's assists per game numbers do NOT tell the story of how great of a passer he was. You need to see these passes to appreciate the vision.

[@pwnedd11]

Actually, I just recently realized something... those assist per game numbers actually DO tell the whole story when you consider how little he had the ball in his hands compared to other great passers. Magic has nearly double the assists per game than Bird -- but Magic brought the ball down the court and had the ball in his hands every possession -- and he also had greater time of possession. He had the ball WAAAAY more than double the time and double the possessions. Bird's slightly over 6 assists per game is UNREAL given that he is an SF who did not constantly have the ball -- and given that he didn't have it for long when he had it! If you look at the all-time assists leaders, only 5 people above him weren't point guards, and they all had longer careers with way more time of possession -- Oscar, LeBron, Kobe, Clyde, and Pippen. In terms of assists per possession, time of possession, and touch, I would imagine that he's unmatched. So, it seems to me that the stats show that Bird is indisputably the greatest passer of all time!!!

[@KTF0]

Bird, as prolific as a scorer he was, Bird was not a stats padder. Even though he wasn't above talking trash and dropping 40+ on a dude, he was a team player first. He was about wins. Bird probably could've averaged a triple double if he wanted or averaged 30+ ppg, but, he wasn't going to sacrifice the chemistry of the team to do it.

[@pwnedd11]

​@@KTF0 Yes!!! I've realized that!! I used to oscilate between LeBron, Michael, and Magic as my GOAT... they're all so good... but man, I really really really think that if I had to have one player to start a franchise with, one player to add to any team, or just choose one player that is the best at helping a team win in 5 on 5 basketball.. I'd choose Bird... so, now, I think he's the GOAT!!!

[@AKSBSU]

@@pwnedd11 That's the key. He had a similar assist/TO ratio as Lebron (and consider the defense of each era given this fact) yet Bird didn't need the ball in his hands constantly or have an entire system designed around him. You can see from these highlights many of his best passes were out of barely even having possession of the ball before he'd threaded the needle to an open teammate. Most of the guys considered to be the best passers were very ball dominant. Bird was the exception. He could kill you with catch and shoot while someone else handled the ball then next play he's tap/rebounding like a volleyball player to a teammate at an impossible angle.

[@pwnedd11]

@@AKSBSU Yeah, you put that so well! He's unreal!!! That style of play with so little time of possession and so little plays having to be run through him... well, it just benefits your team so much!!!!!

[@leebrandt33]

LeBron named Bird as one of the top three players ever. Kobe named Bird in his top 3 list. Jordan mentioned Bird in his top five ever. Isaiah Thomas said that if you put himself, Jordan, Magic and Bird in a room, Bird would be the one to walk out of that room at the end of the day. James Worthy said that Jordan was easier to guard than Larry. Kareem said that Bird is the best player he ever played against. Magic said that Bird is the only player he ever feared. Any questions?

[@MuddyPoppins]

THIS IS WHY Larry Bird is the greatest basketball player of all time! This IS what is possible with a basketball. Genius demonstrated. Creating that which was inconceivable, a REALITY.

[@felixmadison5736]

I've watching basketball for over 60 years, and I NEVER saw anything like Bird. To watch him back in the day was so special. Every game, all you would do was shout: "OH, MAN!!! DID YOU SEE THAT?" and shake your head in amazement. Watching these tapes is one thing, but when you were there in the moment with Bird...WOW!!!

[@otiavallito4361]

The most underrated passer in history

[@felixmadison5736]

Bird wasn't underrated. He was the best and everyone who watched him knows it.

[@mandoball1980s]

I have never been a Celtics fan. But Larry Bird belongs on the Mt Rushmore of best players in the history of the sport! Smash that Like button if you agree

[@larryjohnson8687]

I loved watching Bird as a teen but never appreciated how truly amazing he was as a player until his later years in his career. I'm not sure anybody played the game with more intelligence and flat out heart and grit to win. He's my favorite player of all time.

[@eb60lp]

Larry Johnson Bird was great but Magic passed better to me. He did it with so much more style and finesse. 🤷🏿‍♂️ Full disclosure I’m a Lakers but this is my opinion as a basketball fan.

[@jespacey]

S M A S H E D

[@jespacey]

@@eb60lp ex laker fan here, style yes but it's stl an assist, to me they're equals as passers but bird gets my nod as the better player overall, hated bird when I was a child but this dude is baaaaaad

[@steveclapper5424]

Bird was a forward not a point guard. Although he is the only guy I can think of who could play any position at an NBA level.

[@raindogs451]

I'm ALWAYS amazed how WE are always startled by some ridiculous, theatrical assist and the teammate receives it seamlessly. The training to be a high level athlete must involve huge situational awareness.

[@fiatvoluntastua9183]

Greatest SF that will ever play in the NBA. Period!

[@TheMenace722]

Greatest player of all time

[@thecensoredmuscle563]

One day there could be one that is better. But that could be person is not in the nba today.

[@porkfrog2785]

better passer than Lebron. Period. Bird was SICK

[@nemanjadurmic812]

This was the time of beautiful basketball....

[@joemartin1253]

Nemanja Durmic The true golden age of basketball.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Nemanja Durmic beautiful and tough and brutal and Bird🏀

[@Forever_Soul]

the time when players care is all about winning and not about money nor stats

[@angrymobsters1599]

@@Forever_Soul When folks wore that jersey with pride, it meant something to them.

[@RicardoAGuitar]

You guys are all old farts.

[@nandwani88]

Greatest SF of all Time! Hands down!

[@ZodiakAsHell]

Genius player, next level passes. Must've been a dream to play with him.

[@jumpnam]

What’s incredible is that on a lot of these passes you can see that he’s ahead of the play; he throws the ball before the player is even open, as he knows that by the time the ball gets there he will be. Plus look at the bullet like trajectory of those long passes, how they’re placed just outside of the defender’s reach even before they’ve gone for the steal. Man was a savant.

[@felixmadison5736]

He's a LEGEND!

[@kennethward4985]

He would have been a great QB.

[@hydra9267]

What a beautiful player.

[@MuddyPoppins]

Does anyone else(Jordan, LeBron, even Magic, etc.) have a better top 50 assists reel? I thought not....Larry Legend GOAT.

[@ursula3438]

JKidd has a ridiculous assist mixtape on the NBA youtube channel. Check it out.

[@dm5852]

There's no doubt Larry Bird is my favorite athlete ever and not just for his great, great, play but for all the intangibles on and off the court. #1....forever!

[@felixmadison5736]

I've been a Celtics fan since around 1960, and my favorite player was the late, great, John 'Hondo' Havlicek. Being a Celtic fan I watched every minute of every game Bird played, and HE is the real NBA Goat. NO ONE shot, passed, rebounded, and was as clutch as Bird. Never saw a better 'touch passer' than Bird. The ball was off his hands in an instant.

[@brandonadams1783]

Better than LeBron , Curry, Harden, He's a real player. He could pass well and pass good , He could shoot and shoot good. Just an amazing player to watch.

[@spiellyable]

Was gonna like this comment. But, can't bring myself to change the current count from 33.😂😂😂

[@gejau3638]

That kind of player you could go to war with

[@dickiesdocos]

It never gets tiring watching him play

[@user-rb1xy1hw1l]

McHale and bird are famous players in Japan!!

[@DioLuki]

Once in a lifetime player

[@rspbc]

How anyone can think Lebron is a better passing forward then Bird is beyond me

[@aasche04]

millennials are fucking morons.

[@TB-im1ci]

Bird is better period

[@mysterion5136]

I saw both guys. LeBron is pretty impressive. As a matter of fact: Pistol Pete Magic Bird Stockton Kidd LeBron They are ALL spectacular passers and arguing over who was the best is sort of pointless, IMO.

[@idkman09]

Tom Etheridge don’t get it twisted. Lebron is at the bottom of that list and still gets trumped by Nash and few others.

[@onlythewise1]

@@mysterion5136 wrong dork

[@irishgrl]

Never gets old. I watch at least 1, and usually more, clips of Larry every day...never gets old. Bar NONE, the most GENEROUS player to his teammates. Not in it for the glory of his stats, he makes sure all players touch that ball. THAT is a leader.

[@redfirebird2008]

Larry is the GOAT. Steph Curry shooting ability mixed with possibly the best passing ability and court vision ever. Great rebounder and very underrated on defense. Tough as nails.

[@waynearrington8411]

He defense was never underrated he couldn't play defense too slow no atheleticism name me one category he lead the NBA in other than free throw percentage wait name what category he was 3rd in or 5th he was a good basketball player but not great and besides the refs was on his side you better not try to play defense on him when it came to bird white media controlled the narrative just like now

[@raginghandicap1115]

Steph curry shooting ability??? Yall are crazy.

[@jeremyquinn4426]

@@raginghandicap1115 Bird was among the best at the time and considering that they hardly practiced three pointers and growing up the line didn't exist it's obvious that Bird would shoot a much higher percentage now than he did then. Bird is a better shooter and scorer overall than Curry is. He is a much better player overall. There is more to shooting than the deep three but that one aspect for sure Curry is as good or better than anyone ever.

[@jeremyquinn4426]

@@waynearrington8411 Bird was second team all defensive many times, finished top 4 in MVP voting every year from his rookie season until he missed the 88 season. He received 67% of all MVP votes during that decade. In his prime; 30 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, player efficiency off the charts, hit the biggest clutch shots every game, won 3 finals, 2 finals MVP, 3 straight regular season MVP and was unanimously known to the best player in the league leading the Celtics who beat up on everyone until age and injuries gave way to the Pistons and Bulls. Oh and Bird got the opposing teams best defender every night so stop it with the refs and white media garbage. Bird really was that good.

[@waynearrington8411]

@@jeremyquinn4426 the only team they could really beat was the rockets they couldn't beat the 76rs what black players you know that won MVP3yrs that never lead the league in no categories that don't happen larry bird was needed because white people who could afford those bottom seats needed someone they could identify with the refs protected him by putting whoever was guarding him in file trouble so they would back off him he was more political than anything he never had great games against great defensive players like. Michael Cooper Julius Irving before he got old Robert Reid Scooter mcray james worthy go back and watch those games he was a great shooter i give him that its easy to get rebounds when you not playing defense and your teammates are taught to block out and let him get the rebound if you get in his chest and force him to play one on one force him to have to create his own shot and not run behind screens and shoot open. Jumpers he was a good player not great

[@milesx4495]

Larry Bird has eyes on the back of his head

[@milesx4495]

Take it easy man

[@milesx4495]

Angie Williams you r u dumb or stupid

[@choncoconcos5912]

Looks like it.

[@kcender3771]

For all you young people living in the moment, this guy WAS the best.

[@nickpearce9441]

Not was the best. Is the best.

[@24Backdoor]

Only knock is his longevity. Prime for prime bird is as good as anyone and would be even better in the modern era with spacing and 4 times as many 3s

[@ynot3094]

@@24Backdoor oh easily. If im starting a franchise and i can pick anyone its bird... with a warning to not do physical labor

[@matthewmehegan3475]

@@ynot3094 Yeah, don't do your own driveway for f's sake!

[@ynot3094]

@@matthewmehegan3475 when ur a millionaire it really should be the last thing u do 😂

[@johncase2408]

He's still ahead of the game, what an artist!

[@jayels3036]

Bird wouldn’t be bird in todays game.

[@felixmadison5736]

@@jayels3036 He would be even better!

[@cjcj6705]

​​@@jayels3036 he'd be 6'10 luka with a better jumper

[@aljongreat1900]

​@@cjcj6705 he be 6 10 luka with better defense ng passing

[@bvn4680]

watching this is a treat to any basketball loving eyes

[@sonofnam4418]

And you clowns are comparing Queen LeBron to Bird? The Queen had to surround himself with superstars to win...Bird made everyone around him superstars. No doubt, the Legend over the Queen anytime.

[@Forever_Soul]

the queen is a coward also.

[@DaJuiceisLoose11]

Nobody can win alone. Bird had future hall of famers with him his entire career from start to finish

[@sonofnam4418]

@@DaJuiceisLoose11 They became HOF coz of Bird fool! If those guys played with Queen James, your Queen would get all the credit. Fuck your whining Queen James, clown!!! Your Queen choked against a tall white lanky dude from Germany, idiot...& your bitchy Queen had Wade/Bosh with him. What a FUCKING clown!!!

[@sonofnam4418]

@@Forever_Soul You got that right!!!

[@zweirdz7706]

This might be one of the worst takes of all time. Bird was constantly surrounded by HoFs.

[@buckog4914]

Larry OG bird 🕊🏀

[@fabharlock4208]

In Italy when I was a kid Larry was a myth with his Ceeltic, Even now we remember him as one of the greatest ever 🇮🇹🇺🇲

[@jespacey]

larry bird is the best passing small forward ever wait, he's the best forward ever

[@johnpacheco2501]

The best ever!

[@introverted456]

Sad that injuries shortened his career

[@retrogaminga1072]

Wait , he is the REAL GOAT

[@mmmmm_monke55]

Couldnt agree more the best SF ever

[@nolanfox2547]

Him or bron

[@victorsixtythree]

2:53 - Wow, I hadn't seen that one before! And Magic had the best view! Bird must have loved that.

[@GamerModeTwentyThree]

Larry bird the you are looking at greatness and success and hard work a true legend who change the game and inspired so many people and players 🐐🐐🙏👍

[@Matt-pc5cd]

It's also amazing how Chief in particular is ready for even the craziest of these passes as if they were your standard chest bounce pass.

[@bvnseven]

Yes, it's like Parrish was ready and waiting for the ball. Robert never looked surprised to get the ball, he was expecting it.

[@whttrails]

chief was awesome, so focused but I was thinking the same as you. A pass from under a guys legs you can't be expecting it and there it is and he doesn't spazz out or anything just takes it like it was planned. I watched his induction speech and Chief is clearly a genuinely good person and his parents brought him up well. Loved the Chief chants back in the day. McHale too receiving those passes, and he's a great story teller too.....fun to watch.

[@jaredbracci3529]

Their are stories of BIRD hitting teammates off the head in practice with crazy passes. They all kept their heads up, because they were humbled in practice, and they knew BIRD could find them at any moment. BIRD elevated everyone around him, including the opposing team and the officials.

[@Milordvega]

4:48 DJ showing the kind of hops he often displayed during his previous years with Seattle and Phoenix. That may be the only dunk I've seen him make in a Celtic uniform.

[@felixmadison5736]

DJ was a great one. He didn't have to dunk with the Celtics when he had the likes of McHale and Parrish around.

[@Edgeyboy]

Oh yeah he had hops. He just rarely showed it.

[@greense65]

Just beautiful! When you played with Bird, you had better be ready to receive the ball whenever you were open. Clearly, McHale and Chief were. P.s. Rare treat to get to see DJ dunk at 4:45.

[@rclv428]

Slick. Absolutely slick. He plays with such amazing situational awareness. His movements are like a rattlesnake, dead nuts accurate and lightning quick with the minimal amount of energy needed to get the ball in the hoop. His opponents look like the mouse after it got hit with venom from a bite that took a tenth of a second.

[@ItzEkon]

Larry has eyes everywhere He’s watching u right now I bet 😂🤣

[@KH-pr5qb]

I’ll take Bird #1 overall, every time.

[@felixmadison5736]

Remember what coach Pat Riley said.

[@melvinhenderson7169]

Only thing lebron got on larry bird is athleticism and bird wasn't a slouch at all with the ball,better offense player is larry bird 3 pointers,2 pointers,free throws, and passer is larry bird,and bird play better defense and would fight and im a lebron fan but i know and watch basketball

[@waynearrington8411]

I wont you to show me one playoff game where bird shut down a top scorer but I can name 4or 5 players who shut down bird in big games and some of those players were not even considered great name me one player who won 3mvps and never lead the league in nothing but free throw percentage bird was the beneficiary of white boys becoming extinct and white supremacy

[@waynearrington8411]

@Jamal Greasy he probably could but please can you answer my question

[@waynearrington8411]

Go back and watch larry bi games robert parrish and Dennis Johnson scored most of there important baskets in the 4th quarter he was not a good one on one player let me ask you a question how many black players you know that won 3mvps and never lead the league in nothing but free throw percentage that's not great bruh that's average at best you will never see him shut no playa off his game but I have seen several players shyt him down go back and watch how the lakers would dominant his ass Robert reid scooter mcray julias irving. He could never get around defensive minded players when larry came along white boys was having a hard time making NBA teams that's why you seee so many white European players he was a great shooter a good passer but a average basketball player

[@jamesmurphy5742]

To this day he's still the greatest player I've ever seen play!! First NBA game I ever went to was Game 1 of the 1981 NBA Finals

[@finaldestination5847]

Larry Bird is sadly so underrated... imo he´s by far better player than Lebron or Kobe (is or was)... he belongs to the top 5 !!

[@anthonytaylor7928]

I think ur using underrated in the wrong context Larry bird would take it as an insult this dude has MVPs championships all star appearances first ballot hall of famer one of the top 50 to ever play the game . overrated is when somebody is good or great and doesn't get recognized for it this dude has a ton of accolades from the NBA and all thru college so please don't insult this man like that

[@Skibbitypappappa]

@@anthonytaylor7928 i think it's more today's younger generation, everytime I see those reaction videos it's always "damn I thought he was just a shooter"...obviously for people who understand what a player Larry was it's absolutely crazy to hear of anybody thinking he was just a shooter, best all around player to ever play the game in my opinion

[@anthonytaylor7928]

I texted wrong with the overrated in my reply I've heard folks use the underrated in the wrong. Context on youtube all the time larry and magic saved the popularity of a frickin sports league when they came in as rookies and participated in one of the highest rated college basketball final games ever!!!

[@tsandoval9181]

Top 2

[@thomasryan5736]

Celtics were well coached to always expect an off the wall pass from Bird. He was amazing.

[@felixmadison5736]

After Bird hit you in the face with a pass you were not expecting, you ALWAYS expected a pass from Larry Legend.

[@pilgrimhere652]

There is Larry Bird again, What a joy watching your favorites moves from your favorite player, N.B.A season is ahead, Lets see what team have the best players to start up the crowds.

[@ginaconsolini3554]

what a great player! God bless you always. Love ya!

[@marcvslicinivscrassvs7536]

This is one guy who will NEVER get bumped out of the Top 10 all time greats.

[@disgaealikerasapOG]

Bro i dont even watch basketball and im mesmerized by the level of hand eye coordination is at display here. Man throws it behind him with his non dominant hand and it is bullet trajectory with laser accuracy. DAMN

[@geuvsa]

This is baketball as an ART, when you have a Larry Bird your team makes art. LB, not the most gymnastic but the real GOAT for me.

[@pringlescanopen]

Larry Bird is a BIG LEGEND

[@nickduggan3084]

"Larry's not white, he's clear" - bill murray (spacejam)

[@larrylegend199]

GOAT

[@J34xalpha_KING]

Larry GOAT 🐐

[@Edgeyboy]

Absolutely. No doubt

[@petertaylor8503]

We've had some incredible passers in the history of this game, but just a literal handful (Cousy-Magic-) possessing the almost unearthly spatial-court awareness we saw with this guy. Even Oscar and Stockton, they were more efficiently functional, straightforward court generals, than fantastically creative and spontaeneous. Kidd ran somewhere between - just a great playmaker, and look at his numbers. Lebron is a great passer, to save that word for when it's deserved. BUT for pure quality decision making on the court, and total passing ability Bird was a good or better than anyone we've seen. I just don't think you can be better - Defined by the what he did and when he did it, and always backed up by the great threat of his own personal offense...you wanted 40 points, he'll give you 40. You want 20 rebounds, he could do it, you want 15 assists - no problem. Whatever was needed on a particular night, he'd come up with it. I would say this too; that with Oscar, Magic and Larry, their games were more NBA ready from the first time they touched a ball in the league, than perhaps any three players we've seen....toss Wilt in there for impact and sheer overwhelming presence and stats, but he and MJ, and even Lebron, (yeah he was 18 yrs old) had a lot of growing to do to reach their peak - those first three guys were the best at their position from day one in re respective eras...

[@MuddyPoppins]

Peter Taylor You forgot Pistol Pete...Larry learned a lot from Maravich during Pete's final season in Boston.

[@felixmadison5736]

And don't forget what a rebounder and scorer Larry was.

[@felixmadison5736]

@@MuddyPoppins Pete Maravich learned more from Larry then Larry did from him.

[@MuddyPoppins]

@@felixmadison5736 lol…no. Pete retired after Larry’s rookie year. Larry used to watch Pete as a kid.

[@felixmadison5736]

@@MuddyPoppins Pete was with Larry on the Celtics until Fitch F'D things up and Pete quit. Fitch really pissed him off. Larry said Fitch was always on Pete's ass for no reason. I saw all of Pistol Pete's career and he was a hell of a ball handler, but he was no Larry Bird.

[@liamfoley1900]

he is so unforgettable by he is forgotten in the GOAT discussion. in my opinion he is the GOAT

[@Tanfo77]

@Angie Williams He can't as he is on a great team. Maybe he could have if he had a mediocre team and had to carry the team.

[@Katar867]

@@Tanfo77 Wtf, MJ had a superteam and a lot of people say that he is the GOAT

[@Tanfo77]

@@Katar867 LOL. Have you seen his roster? Clearly you don't watch basketball.

[@thewatcherowl6752]

@@Tanfo77 isn't bird number 6th pick when he is in rookie years then turn celtics into a dynasty when mchale and parish came along?

[@Tanfo77]

@@thewatcherowl6752 I believe so. Picks doesn't indicate how the the player is though.

[@mrrickstur]

If Bird never got career-ending injuries so early, the GOAT conversation could've ended up being Jordan vs Bird

[@horsemanhammer1348]

Bird can forever brag that he finished his career UNDEFEATED against Jordan in the playoffs. When real teams existed in the 80s,jordan couldn't beat ANY of them! It wasn't till all those great teams got old and retired,that jordan finally was able to beat some very weak teams in the 90s to get his rings! That's My opinion.

[@alexanderthegreat3424]

@@horsemanhammer1348 Actually thats one of the factors that Bulls under Jordan's turf managed to 6-championships because his experience from the 80's "toughest" basketball makes him unstoppable during the "polished" 90's basketball.

[@horsemanhammer1348]

@@alexanderthegreat3424 yes,jordan learned mental toughness in the 80s,but the teams in the 90s were wimpy,soft teams IN COMPARISON to those great teams in the 80s. It's not even close. Look at 1992,jordan struggled against the knicks!!! Starks & Ewing took them to 7 games!!hahaha When jordan would have lost in the NBA finals it WOULD have been 2 years in a row to Hakeems rockets in 94 & 95 no doubt about it and remember in 95 jordans bulls were eliminated by Penny & Shaqs Magic in the playoffs!! My point is that Jordan STRUGGLED against weak wimpy teams in the 90s,but he was able to win 6 rings regardless. That's My opinion.

[@alexanderthegreat3424]

@@horsemanhammer1348 Haha. Im not against your argument. Actually, Im not a fan of the "Jordan is the GOAT" argument, for the very premise that the GOAT standards is not yet professionally and scientifically defined. And one of the aspects to look at for it is the 'basketball era' the players are playing. I find it funny as well since you're harsh to say that 90's were wimpy. Hahaha. 90's fanatics would be happy to target their laserbeams comments at you. But Im with you when you mentioned that 90's is not as brute and tough as 80's (or even compared to scandalous 70's) since 90's is like the "renaissance" of basketball where changes in gamestyle due to profound creativity and talent of new 90's players (aged or rookies) and even coaches/strategist staffs after 'tough' basketball prove to be not enough when 'polished fundamentals' easily beats it, as basketball is still sport where WINNING is still the only objective.

[@horsemanhammer1348]

@@alexanderthegreat3424 I agree with lots of things you said,you make lots of sense. At least you didnt give Me harsh vulgarities like the ones I get from Jordan kissers. I remember the bad boy Pistons that made Jordan CRY when he came into the paint. Jordan wasnt used to street ball gameplay. Dumars had Jordan so locked down it was laughable. You couldn't go into Laimbeer and Rodman in the paint without getting mugged hahaha Jordan was crying foul,the jordan rules hahaha. I never have bought into the Jordan greatest of all time nonsense. That's My opinion.

[@1teela]

When I think of other great passers like Magic, or Kidd, or Lebron, and even Jordan, (people sleep on what a great passer he was!) Bird had the quickest passes. A lot of the time he is just batting the ball perfectly. I was not a Bird fan, but in a short window there was no one better.

[@ursula3438]

Yeah, the touch pass is such a great tool to have on the court, and the only guy currently, who uses it regularly, is Jokic.

[@G4MBIT]

0:58 the smartest basketball player ever! Such anticipation and feel for the game.

[@paolomagni]

"Larry Bird is the best passing small forward ever in NBA history! There is no second, there is no third: there are only other players getting votes."

[@ursula3438]

I think Lebron deserves to be in second place on this list.

[@jingqi9106]

Larry is the easily the greatest passing forward of all time and one of the greatest passers ever. His first pro coach, Bill Fitch, nicknamed Larry “Kodack” because could take a “snapshot” of the floor at any moment and make the best decision based on that. Prime Larry is the greatest all around player I’ve ever seen.

[@Islandkid679]

I fell in love with Bird's play style a while back...recently I started to become a fan of Nikola Jokic and now I know why...their vision and ability to lift their teams offense/team based offense is so similar...one of my favourite players ever 💯

[@stream-_-sniperget_banned1612]

Larry bird: best Boston player

[@jingqi9106]

"Now there's a steal by Bird, underneath to DJ...!" - Johnny Most

[@Fornax70]

This is literally the first time I’ve ever seen DJ dunk it. I heard he threw it down back in his Seattle days but always lay ups at Boston.

[@maoscott]

This is why Bird is the ultimate legend!

[@Dueville7777]

Dennis & Larry- these two were more in synch with each other than any other basketball combo i can think of

[@Antares070]

I still think he's the best basketball player ever..The most complet one and the one with best basketball IQ..

[@St.CrimsonTweets]

I always thought he was just a 3 point shooter. My universe just expanded tremendously.

[@Cheese797]

I'm not sure how that reputation got started, I guess winning the 3pt shootouts in the 80s. But Bird is one of the most complete, creative, and flashy offensive players of all time.

[@St.CrimsonTweets]

@@Cheese797 I was a youngin, all I knew was Jordan was the best at everything, magic was fast, Bird could shoot 3's really good, Isaiah Thomas could dribble his ass off and charles Barkley could rebound... I didn't know shit about basketball lol

[@iconadams]

@@St.CrimsonTweets, glad you're getting acquainted with Larry Bird. Here's another expansion for you: Bird averaged 10 boards and 6 assists for his career. Here are his career stats: more than 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists per game, while shooting 49.6% from the field, 88.6% from the free throw line and 37.6% from three-point range. Dude was a tremendous "help" defender, too; he made many all-defensive teams. What can't be measured, though, are Bird's intangibles of b-ball IQ, clutch-shooting, and toughness.

[@mrho4speed]

Besus, research Bird and you will find there are arguments for him as the most complete player ever. As a rookie he went to a 29 win team and helped them win 61 games = 32 game turnaround. He won rookie of the year in 1980 and finished 2nd in season MVP voting in 81,82,83 and 88. He won the MVP in 84, 85, 86 and finished 3rd in 87. He was the first player ever to post a 50-40-90 season and he did it 2 years in a row. His 29.9 points per game while shooting 50-40-90 was the highest until Curry topped it some 25 years later? In his first 9 years - before the dual heel surgery and back issues , his celtics won 534 of 711 games he played in giving Bird a winning % of 75.1 = the highest win % of any player ever in the NBA. He is the only Celtic player to ever post a 40 point game while pulling down 20 rebounds on Nov 11th 1987 vs Pacers. In 85 vs Jazz he put up 30 points, 12 reb and 10 assists and 9 steals in 3 quarters and refused to play the 4th quarter to get a quadruple double because his team was up by 30 points. In 86 vs Portland he hit the game tying shot to force OT, then hit the game winner in OT while putting up 47 pts, 14 reb and 11 assists and approx 20 of those points were left handed shots. I can go on and on about Bird - you will be amazed.

[@AyoKHogue]

New found Respect for Larry Bird

[@edmurphy671]

Bird is respected as one of the best ever to play the game and that's not only by his teammates but also by his playing opponents. Guys like Magic, Karl Malone, and yes even Dr J although he would never admit it. I have been at the highest levels and I'll tell you, skills and the respect they gain you are color blind.

[@davep8221]

I love Walton on that steal, pass to DJ and one second remaining winning basket. Happy, but not really surprised. I'm sure he was like, "yeah, that's just Larry."

[@chadstone7468]

In my opinion, Bird is the best passing forward of all time, bird and lebrons assist per game is almost even, but lebron brings the ball up the floor 80% of the time, and played point guard for his team many times. Bird never brought the ball up, and still had as many assists

[@AKSBSU]

He also had above average rebounding you'd want from a forward and deadly outside shooting you'd want from an elite shooting guard. He had so many constant threats opponents had to worry about, and the elite passing could come from nowhere. His defense was also much better than most think. You don't get placed on All-Defensive teams alongside guys like Moncrief, D. Johnson, M. Cooper, or Kareem unless you are pretty decent defender, and he was relentless even if he wasn't a great athlete. I don't know how you'd prepare for an opponent like Bird.

[@joselagyapjr2226]

That's what makes him even more special than the one they called "The King"... He creates plays even when he doesn't bring down the ball.. he perfectly sees the situation that will happen or may happen and gets it done not only for himself but for every one with him on the court...

[@Forever_Soul]

@@AKSBSU the reason why players dont want to guard him

[@littlelamb2112]

Without a doubt, Larry is better than Kobe.

[@redfirebird2008]

Larry was a hybrid of Magic's passing ability, Steph's shooting ability, Michael's killer instinct, Russell & Magic's leadership qualities, and a pretty underrated defender/rebounder. Prime Bird is the GOAT.

[@kingchino6840]

redfirebird2008 facts bro

[@kad9947]

@@redfirebird2008 the only white boys that always on the 10 all time great list

[@christopheryasus3666]

@You know where I like it... FRESH AIR

[@odelinserrano6526]

I recall the battles between Boston and Showtime back in the 80s. Those two teams put on some serious entertainment.

[@ObsoleteTutorials]

I don't play basketball but even I can see this dude is insane. It's as if he knows where everyone is / going to be at all times.

[@makgeoff]

Well made video! Someone should do a video on Bird trash talk & backed up with performance. That's even more amazing, and he's the only guy in the league history who can do all of this incl hitting clutch shots like tossing rocks in a huge pond, & trash talk. His mind must see plays in extremely slow motion. Just incredible.

[@carlosacosta022]

PG: Magic; SG: Jordan; C: Russell; PF: Duncan; SF: BIRD!

[@bigdanhuskieman]

Ooh that's a stud five right there!

[@P2thaR]

I always have the same except Wilt at the 5 and Russell at the 4. I would spend no time arguing with you though, I agree Duncan was phenomenal.

[@comunistanuncatemcomida]

I agree but i feel sad for Wilt Chamberlain 😂

[@dennyweaver8068]

Has eyes in the back of his head. Love this man

[@michaelburke7742]

I don't know how many Bird vids I have watched. Countless videos. This one might be the most revealing and enjoyable of them all. And it only shows his passing and some D. He was a monster. I would absolutely hate to play against him more than any other player. A great player might be a step ahead of you. Bird it seems was two or three ahead of most players. Even his own teammates. His court vision was incredible. His hand eye was off the charts. Basketball IQ forget it. He would tear it up in todays game. Thank god for Larry Bird.

[@Defender80s]

Best Passing Forward Ever! Bar None!

[@G4MBIT]

The true GOAT right here.

[@TexasDragon]

What a team player.

[@aramhamparian9641]

Bird was a visionary. Cedric Maxwell said that the ball had to go to Bird with the game on the line. because he could do more than just get a shot off. Players in that era feared playing against him and his trash talking as he was taking you to school...