Larry Bird: YOUNG FELLOW I WILL TELL YOU WHERE I GONNA SHOOT THE BALL😀

[@SuperIliad]

I can't think of another athlete in any sport that has as many marvelous anecdotes told about him as does Larry Bird.

[@majorkade]

Bo Jackson has quite a big #.

[@andybilakshow260]

That's for the GOAT only. Nobody does it better than Larry Bird.

[@scottflipiak614]

Babe is 2nd to Larry calling The Game Winning Shots

[@dsauce223]

That's right.

[@scottflipiak614]

Still the most Famous called Shot was Kirk Gibson's GrandSlam

[@paulpetersen7041]

Gary wasn't some chump, he's a smart man. Instead of being bitter over the incident, he Analyzed the moves and learned something. That's how you improve & become great!

[@justinbaskin5283]

Gary was an amazing player and a top point guard of all time! A legend speaking on another legend and how he learned from it indeed

[@BigcountryReactions]

Gary was one of the toughest defenders ever

[@JmO-ee1bi]

The Glove. He guarded people like a glove.

[@bruceb2408]

Frederick the Great, as a 29 year old in his first battle (Mollwitz) in command, was asked to leave the field for his own safety, as his plan came apart. The one who asked was his Field Commander for years, until his death at the Battle of Prague. Count Schwerin had the nuts. Like Iacocca in Ford vs Ferrari. Might as well go down fighting. "What we do in life, echoes in eternity."

[@lordofentropy]

As a long time Seattleite I always have love for the Glove, tenacious defender, and another trash talker. Miss the days of the Sonics with GP. Along with Kemp when he wasn't doing something dumb like dribbling the ball of his foot instead of just dunking the damn thing. Of course along with many other Sonic faves like Schrempf, McMillan, Perkins, and Hawkins. Was a good time to watch them, then it got pretty rough for awhile. I remember when we drafted KD and there was so much hope, well we know what happened after one season with KD.

[@rodroller6634]

Much respect to Gary. No ego, just the truth about Larry Legend.

[@dusk6159]

Two brainiacs at that. The 80s part of the Larry Legend stories are so great, from Rodman to Wilkins, and GP has some of the best ones.

[@dansgroi1472]

Bird annihilated his ego. With ease. Completely disarmed him. And that was rarely done to him.

[@photog1529]

I love these stories, despite not being a Celtics fan. Was a long-time Lakers fan growing up and was in awe of Jerry West. But the Magic-Bird years were the best. I gave up on the NBA once Magic and Bird retired...just wasn't the same anymore. Two great players with a ton of respect for each other.

[@bearlylivable]

Could not agree more...coming from the other coast, even though I lived in LA for over 30 years

[@photog1529]

@@bearlylivable Funny thing is, I was born and raised on the east coast, but became a Lakers fan once I saw Jerry West. Even wore #44 when I played basketball in school. Then came Magic and Showtime.

[@photog1529]

@Am Ham Otherwise known as "the good old days". :)

[@ralphthompson355]

The Jordan years were the best.

[@dbsti3006]

I watched it the same time you did. After Larry and Magic left, I still really enjoyed Michael Jordan. Today I can agree that it's not the same.

[@robhileman8890]

As much as I love Larry Bird I love hearing these other guys come true with the stuff that he says and does. All of them legends themselves.

[@stevegaudreau67]

Love these stories about Larry Joe Bird!

[@Elthenar]

You heard Gary, this was old broken down Larry Legend. Imagine him at his best.

[@Elthenar]

@Am Ham It wasn't Larry's knees. It was his back.

[@purplemonkeydishwasher4241]

@Am Ham Larry did not retire due to his knees, he retired due to his back. Also Larry was 35 years old when he retired.

[@hype88]

@Am Ham Lebron is an absolute athletic freak and not at all comparable to Larry Bird body wise even considering different era's. No doubt he would have benefited greatly like anyone from much better doctors and advancements in medicine but many players are still retiring around the same age today. Larry had a good amount of injuries piling up and regardless of advancements they all add up real quick once you start hitting the mid 30's it becomes brutal to go through training camp, pre-season, an 82 game season then the Playoffs. Lebron had a groin strain 2 years ago and people were freaking out that it could be the beginning of the end because it was the most serious injury he had throughout his entire career up to that point. The following year? He won the Championship. Bron pretty much hit the genetic lottery and not many players compare in history on just a pure athletic and genetic level.

[@anniehopkins8470]

@@hype88 ... Larry Bird played 2/3rds of his career at "less than 100%"... LeBron sits out for "load management" games because he's tired. "I'd be tender... I'd be gentle And awful sentimental Regarding love and art I'd be friends with the sparrows And the boy that shoots the arrows If I only had a heart"

[@christopherm6725]

Lebron rarely sits out games for “load management.” I think you meant to say kawhi. He’s the king of load management

[@coreyh7323]

"And I said, sh!t, I ain't gonna mess with you no moe" 🤣🤣🤣 And Payton is one of the best defenders ever

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Payton was also one of the top trash talkers in the league - when *HE* stops trash talking someone.... Hint - he never did stop trash talking Jordan.

[@jingqi9106]

"Young fella, you ain't even got to worry. Ima go over to that corner..." 😂

[@Befree898]

So l wonder WHEN they are going to make Larry Legend the movie? He surely deserve one.

[@adamzysk7321]

Who would play him?

[@Befree898]

@@adamzysk7321 good question.

[@baseless3]

@@adamzysk7321 will ferrel of course

[@rivera2030]

@@adamzysk7321 Dee from It's always Sunny in Philadelphia

[@humblebeginnings8328]

They won’t. Doesn’t fit a 2021 narrative.

[@dennishayes1505]

All these haters need to recognize something. Star after star keep telling Larry legend stories. They need to go back and actually watcha few games. $***, just watch 1992 vs Germany and accept a 35 y/o broken Larry Bird carried the dream team a game or 2. Did what he wanted. Spiced folks up. Game recognizes game. He's Larry legend for a reason

[@mobetta2092]

Saying Bird carried the Dream Team at any point is laughable. Dude was soaking his back in ice for 40 mins a game and the US were winning by 45-50 pts. His injured presence wasn't needed at all, at most it was symbolic for what he contributed to the game

[@scottbrown9836]

I always say if I was drafting a team,it would be Jordan 1,and Larry Legend 2..

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Larry didn't carry the Dream Team - he was too broken down by then. But he was co-Captain of the team over Jordan because JORDAN thought he had earned it - and he WAS a significant contributor when his back let him be one - and his ATTITUDE definitely contributed to the cohesiveness of the team and it's second-best dominance of the Games in all of history (for reference, Russell's 1956 team STILL holds the record for "average margin of victory" with The Dream Team about the only other team in shouting range).

[@dennishayes1505]

I said he did so in the game against Germany, and that he did so being broken down at that point. Nothing to the extent of carrying them the whole series ... Geez

[@jackboyholla4002]

Larry was a beast you gotta give him his flowers just look at his highlights he is the original sniper

[@blackrifle3932]

They don’t call GP “The Glove” for nothing. The man was an elite defensive player. If he is saying Bird was tough to guard, then Bird was hard to defend.

[@dbsti3006]

Pippen and Rodman were also top defenders. They said the same thing about Bird.

[@luigivincenz3843]

Yup. He even gave props to Stockton who is most probably the greatest guard of all time. GP tells that he would trash talk Stockton and he didnt get any type of emotional outburst from Stockton whatsoever, exactly as what Chris Webber also said.

[@Johnacegaynor]

I think Larry just had the iq to know what he could get away with against certain players like Gary said. Taller guy might give Larry problems or Larry would need a completely different solution

[@toehead410]

@@Johnacegaynor Larry Legend had “solutions” for every defender in the league. No one consistently stopped him.

[@kidmillion5540]

@@dbsti3006 so did MJ, dr J and Michael cooper. But yet people who dont play basketball think they know better smh

[@bearlylivable]

When my cousin got drafted in the 3rd round in 80, I got to see some early behind the scenes ridiculousness from the legend himself .. They used to have summer camp at at a facility with outdoor courts..think it was called camp Millbrook.. 1st of all, don't even think Bird was supposed to be there with the rookies, but in a meaningless scrimmage away from all the lights, reporters etc, and a lopsided score, there was a loose ball headed for the baseline.. One of the draft picks, ( i won't call him out- not my couz) had the inside track and decided to let it go out of bounds. No one knew who touched it last, but the best NBA player I ever saw to this point, came from nowhere and flew through the air slapping the ball back in play. The final score made no difference..The amount of $$ he made didn't matter or his NBA status as R.O.Y. The other guy who had not even made the team yet no doubt learned an incredible lesson.. Even though, that guy didn't make Bill Fitch's opening day roster, I bet he learned a valuable lesson as did the rest of the team. The dried blood stained cement left over on asphalt courts long before the opening jump ball and the bright lights are shining are when legends and champions are made. When I hear a player in any sport who makes others better and reach heights they didn't dare set for themselves, I think of Larry Bird.

[@miamivlad]

If true, wow, just wow!

[@bearlylivable]

@@miamivlad definitely true..:)

[@miamivlad]

@@bearlylivable That’s awesome! 👍 Great story. Larry is truly a legend!

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Larry didn't play the game. He LIVED the game. I think Magic said that in the forward to Drive, but many other players have said similar things.

[@jefffisher5883]

@@miamivlad why would he lie about being Ron Perry cousin? Lol

[@kenarthur6253]

I start my new NBA Franchise with Larry Legend

[@scottbelcher9026]

Every time!!!

[@bobforpples]

He’s 64 years old, with a bad back!

[@daveshaw1721]

Good choice

[@michaelmonkey6541]

God bless you Gary.....

[@leebrandt8597]

Lebron, KD, Giannis, and all them players today only talk trash AFTER they do something good, cause they know their game ain't good enough to predict their shots. Larry Bird knew his game was good enough so he could tell you what he was gonna do to you before the play even started, and there was not a damn thing you could do about it

[@toolrammsteindeftones]

People talk about the mount Rushmore. Larry definitely on that list.

[@sugarnads]

@@toolrammsteindeftones first pick all star team for me. Then magic. Then Wilt. Then Kareem. Then hmmm tim duncan...

[@harrikuusjarvi3795]

@@sugarnads Tim only bc he has titles. But yes u can not ignore Tim.

[@harrikuusjarvi3795]

Prime Dirk was as good as prime Tim. But they only got one champ.

[@terryfont9468]

@@sugarnads where’s Bill Russell

[@bobbymoss6160]

Bird's a legendary baller and hustler.

[@yakovpetrovich7682]

Legendary Larry. Bird and GP will always be in my all time starting lineup.

[@tkelly5422]

The Glove giving us a history lesson. Pay attention youngsters.

[@JT-jw4fv]

Sun Tzu had "The Art of War" .. Larry has "The Art of Trash Talking" .. Both are equally legend.

[@richardlee1972]

It didn't matter how tall the defender was, no one could block Bird's outside shots.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

I can think of 3 people that *MIGHT* have had a chance. Prime Bill Russell. Prime Wilt. Prime Nate Thurmond. But I'm not betting on it, when Hakeem couldn't manage it.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

A very common thread about Larry Bird - *smart*. Kareem commenting about the Larry's best muscle being the one between his ears, or just flat out saying Larry was the smartest player he ever faced. Tom Heinsolm - "Larry was playing chess while the rest of us were playing checkers." Magic's comment in the forward to "Drive" about Larry making up for any lack of quickness with guts, intelligence, and determination. So many other similar comments from his opponents AND his teammates.

[@alexandersupertramp7353]

Two of the Trash Talking GOATS!!

[@albertochoa7331]

Gary Payton. You're Cool.

[@MichaelSmith-kz9vr]

Larry Bird was playing chess on the checker board of the nba courts.

[@jimmybooki4281]

Don't worry about it Gazza.Larrrrry inducted you into a elite club.

[@scottbelcher9026]

Just imagine for a moment if Bird had the physical abilities of a Jordan or LeBron… Literally out of this world… Larry is my GOAT choice!!! And could make any team better!!!

[@d25615]

He had a short career. Not to mention he broke his finger before he became a pro. He said he was never totally on again. That's scary

[@tobingallawa3322]

He hurt his back repaving his mother's driveway. Can you believe that, Larry Legend, NBA star, did not hire someone to do that stuff, he did it himself.

[@d25615]

@@tobingallawa3322 crazy isn't it

[@TA152H01]

He had some physical abilities better than they had. Imagine if they had his balance and hand-eye coordination? People make the mistake of thinking athleticism is all about running speed and how high someone can jump, which it's not. Bird was a fantastic athlete, with good speed, decent jumping ability, and the best hand-eye coordination you'll ever see. His balance was also absolutely incredible, and his ability to shoot while moving reflected that. Lebron is strong, but mechanical. Well, compared to guys like Jordan and Barkley. He's fast though, and a pretty good jumper. Jordan looks like he's playing on the moon he's so light footed, and can jump so high, but he's only 6'5" standing on a banana peel, and never had Bird's hand-eye or crazy ability to shoot jump shots while falling down. Nor Lebron's speed or strength. Barkley put them all to shame. Unbelievable athlete, with those long arms, quick jumping ability, strength, balance, smoothness, etc... Watch Lebron, then watch Barkley, and you'll see why I saw Lebron is slightly mechanical.

[@spooge33]

He didn't need to have better physical ability. He beat you with his mind. He did things you didn't expect because of his, so called, average physical ability. He was constantly underestimated, and that bit the opponent in the ass. Everytime.

[@bradschaefer9892]

Gary is just a great dude.

[@n1c98]

Lol great vid, it's great too cuz Payton was considered a legend too back then. Great story 🏀

[@malvolio01]

LOL. No, he wasn’t.

[@slatsgrobneck7515]

"The Glove" Payton, Hella defense

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@malvolio01 Payton was considered a defensive legend, overall a great. He didn't quite make the NBA 50 team - probably not enough time in the league yet - but he's right there on the NBA 75 team.

[@ziginaigra]

@@malvolio01 one of the best pg ever...

[@kevinberger3501]

If you do that to the glove, that’s how you get legend in your nickname.

[@ericfurst6091]

larry couldnt run or jump bc that was god's way to make the things fair - charles barkley

[@chex313]

Having seen both Bird and Barkley run...would have to go with Bird winning a race....or on a golf course.

[@stevegaudreau67]

Hahaha that might be true. But Larry did say that Micheal was God in human form after a 63 point losing effort. So at least he had humility and game recognized game

[@JET1970]

@@stevegaudreau67 Bird knew way before that game that Jordan would be great but Jordan is no God

[@billyboblillybob344]

@@JET1970 It was also a microcosm of the two teams' approach. Jordan could (and did) score all day long but it doesn't mean a great deal if your team doesn't get past the team that is beating you as a team. That Jordan did not have a foil like Magic to Bird and Bird to Magic, marked the beginning of the downward turn to today's joke of a game.

[@jackastor5265]

@@billyboblillybob344 Kinda, but let me tell you what is overlooked by most modern NBA fans. We didn't get where we are by accident. The NBA made rule changes to increase offense and they thought more viewers which equals more money. They pretty much eliminated big men in the paint, eliminated all forms of real defense like hand checking and then started blowing the whistle if the defender so much as looks at the shooter and then people wonder why modern teams appear to have all these incredible shooters. Take these guys back to 1980-90's and they don't shoot quite as good, I promise you that. Rule changes man, rule changes is what wrecked the game us old heads loved.

[@frankford1115]

This was a player! Everyone says the same things. He could not move or jump but he killed you. That is a player! Love Larry.

[@ralphthompson355]

Being 6'9" helped too

[@dennisst.pierre210]

No contest Larry over lebron.

[@jonny_2_gnar]

Jordan, Magic, Bird, Kobe, Kareem... LeBron isn't even top 5

[@malvolio01]

@@jonny_2_gnar Bird would be #1 if he had any sort of athleticism.

[@rickenterkin4720]

@@jonny_2_gnar not even top 10

[@alandenson6649]

Correct me if I'm wrong. When did Larry Bird ever lead the league in any statistical category other than free throw percentage?

[@rickenterkin4720]

@@alandenson6649 ole Chinese lebum is ya boy huh? Dude ain't got no class a pitiful teammate all about me me me instead of putting in real work he jumps teams & wants to build super teams cries & complains gotta be carried off the floor over cramps. I'm no Kobe fan, but lebum isn't even qualified to carry Kobe's jock strap let alone LARRY LEGENDS. Lebum is a joke.

[@derrickbird9676]

I love Bird stories way more than mj stories

[@irishgrl]

THAT ☝️

[@marykuettner752]

because they are always funnier.

[@freespeechisdead1565]

What people always say about Larry: He was slow, couldn't run, couldn't jump. What you never see in one of his NBA games: anyone outrun Larry, anyone out jump Larry for a rebound, Larry behind on a fast break

[@rashb3994]

Dude stop cappin, he played against the Lakers who constantly outran opponents. His teams were just as good but it can't be hard to find clips of him getting outrun, but out hustled no you won't see that, I agree. And I've definitely seen him be left in the dust from a stand still especially by a young Scottie and of course Jordan at any age. He didn't have quick feet at all laterally, but compensated with above average anticipation, and quick hands. With all that said I understand prime Larry Bird was no athletic slouch like they say, so your statement works in that sense. He had average speed, jumping and great coordination, he wasn't a below average athlete by any means. Rebounding he always boxed out and knows where the ball was going to go, so he showed rebounding is not about a pure vertical. I'm not disrespecting him, he's in my top 3. I'm just saying the "You'll never see stuff" is over the top.

[@freespeechisdead1565]

@@rashb3994 You like to argue so much, you argued with yourself while you were typing. I do agree that 'all or nothing' blanket statements often turn an otherwise truthful statement into a falsehood. You can find videos of any NBA athlete trailing on a fast break, ANYBODY, even Jordan. This is basically true. So, yes, you would find videos of Bird being behind on the fast break and not closing the distance. But in my many years of pouring through NBA games what I see more often than not is Larry Bird breaking away on the fast break. He doesn't seem slow. He's not being outrun. Same on jumping. After years of watching thousands of hours of basketball videos. I see Larry Bird outjumping people for rebounds. I admit if I use the word ALWAYS then it would make my statements seem untruthful. But the narrative I hear is always Larry is slow and can't jump so he has to make up for it in other ways. No, Larry is not slow, and he can jump, AND he has the advantage of insanely high basketball IQ and awareness and instincts. But I think you knew what I was saying, you just wanted to argue, as evident by your reply in which you agree with me, then argue with me, then agree with yourself, then argue with yourself. I simply don't like the narrative that Larry Bird was slow and could not jump. There is plenty of tape of him on the fast break, out jumping for rebounds, and even putting up some pretty good dunks (not flashy at all, but solid dunks). But you're right, I should avoid 'always, never, all, never' types of words. I do wonder if you're going to find a way to argue about this tho.

[@rashb3994]

@@freespeechisdead1565 LMFAO, you called me out to a T and it was fair good sir! I was kind of thinking out loud too. I can't argue the second time around because you took ownership of the "never" thing which triggered me and obviously I agree with pretty much all you're saying. I think the not athletic Bird myth comes from two things. 1) There is a lot of clips past his prime with a bad back where he's still dominating or controlling the game but looks slow as molasses and moves like an old man. People see this without the context, or catching his Rookie to prime years yet. Especially youngins who are looking for early 90's clips not 80's unless it involves Jordan. 2) Probably comes from like a reverse racist view in terms of society and I'm talking both black and white. It's ingrained in all of us and there are racial biases. So just as I feel some people overrate John Stockton because he's white going a bit too far calling him the greatest PG of all time, I also feel they underrate Larry Bird and add these stereotypes about his overall athleticism for the same reason without actually taking a look at his pre bad back self. They see Lebron at the SF who is a one of a kind of freak athlete and say well how could Larry Bird ahead of him? They'll call Bird slow, but they mean compared to Lebron. But mentally LBJ is not on the level of Bird or Jordan. Even fundamentally skill wise they're far superior if you really break it down. Haha I'm thinking out loud again. Anyways sorry for going overboard the first time. Thanks for being reasonable. Feel free to end this with any bball thoughts, or rants if you feel like it. I appreciate that you're a student of the game. Thx!

[@freespeechisdead1565]

@@rashb3994 Have you ever been on the internet? This is not how this works. You're supposed to say, "Nuh-uh, you're stupid and you smell funny." But seriously, thank you for the civil conversation. I admit my reply was probably far more defensive than it needed to be, but the internet has taught me to have fangs out. Because in my first comment, of course, I didn't mean Larry Bird would never be outrun or outjump, but I did technically say that. But really, I'm sure you've watched plenty of tape of Bird playing and you see that he is jumping as high as anyone else, he breaks out faster than most people, and gets down the court really well for supposedly being a 'slow unathletic fellow'. And yes, I absolutely agree that Bird staying in the league after he hurt his back has probably skewed the view of him. Those years in the mid to late 80s going into the 90s Bird was probably much slower and surely not at 100 percent. It is hard to perform when you have mind-numbing pain, but because of his basketball intelligence, he always found ways to produce and then would go lay spread out next to the bench like an old woman to rest his back. You should look up The Legend of Young Larry Bird by Kroll show. If you haven't seen it, you will absolutely die laughing. Sincerely, sir, thanks for sharing some love of basketball.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Kobe in a widely "PARTLY" quoted clip from an interview, talking about discussions with NBA Greats about other players. "Bird hard to guard? How, he sure looks slow to me. WHAT AM I MISSING?" The FULL interview, he then goes on to explain why Larry was worthy of respect and a great player.

[@scottstewart5784]

Bird is a top X player - the X is up to you. YMMV. But if you are asked to create not the top 5 players, but the best team of 5, where winning is the goal, Bird is in the starting 5.

[@dxavier3787]

LARRY LEGEND

[@Mr.St.Nicholas]

Larry legend 🐐

[@dsauce223]

Don't worry Gary, he did it to everyone. Lol

[@dclayton777]

Too tall for The Glove. Bird whipped asses in the NBA.

[@donaldpriola1807]

When one of the best defenders in NBA history says that, you know why they called him Larry Legend.

[@yeltsin6817]

It must have been so unreal for these guys having a guy tell you what he’s gonna do and then do it. They probably thought he was baiting them with fake plays so they probably were thinking that the whole time. Talk about being so mentally strong like Bird

[@tahlularose9267]

Larry Bird, the OG, GOAT!

[@davemartino5997]

Nobody called their shots like Larry legend

[@robertk2007]

No such things as a bad Bird story

[@DanielMoreno-jj1gi]

Larry Bird Was A bad Man. Props To Gary Payton. He Was A True Hard Nose Defender . He Can D Up Anybody Including Jordan. Larry Bird Over LeBron James And All of Today's Players All Day

[@MrJayt0625]

Larry over LeBron anyday!!!

[@1001nancymcmillan]

All day... EV-erry-DAY !!!

[@mikes9637]

F lebron. Anyday everyday. Hes a joke

[@paulpetersen7041]

💯

[@ralphfurley123]

Yes Sir! Larry Bird is my starting Small Forward for the All-Time Starting 5!!! ☮️🖖🏽

[@1966425]

Absolutely! It's not even a discussion. LeBron might as well stay in the locker room picking up jock straps.

[@bogmalites76]

Seeing how the defenders almost rip his shirt off. It proves how good he is offensively.

[@alvingoodwin5730]

I watched the 80s basketball .The best athletic players was Jordon .The best and smartest player was bird.Bird was a game killer .The best player period

[@dbsti3006]

Bird didn't really need much space. Notice in the thumbnail how Bird shoots. He never brought the ball in front of himself to lift up and release in front of his face. He started a shot above and behind his head, then released using all elbow. That's an extra 1.5 to 2 or so feet above defenders. He did that in really tight spaces. No need to create room for yourself to shoot when your shooting mechanics are unorthodox.

[@davidoltmans2725]

A different NBA than today’s track meets with zero defense. It just like watching a boring relay race, only on a bb court so someone can slam dunk and pose.on the other end. Nobody can dis Larry Bird. He had a complete game and then some. Who else have we heard who was capable of backing up everything he said he’d do and then do it?

[@gambler213]

Bird was 6 foot 9. There were times when his shots were blocked on the inside, but his outside shots were impossible to block.

[@written12]

Bird definitely had the gift of height and knew how to use it. And, of course, he had the kind of outside range that allowed him to forgo the inside game when it wasn’t available.

[@gambler213]

@@written12 Many times he was so hot his outside shots were as reliable as layups.

[@michaelshultz1590]

He’s actually 6’10”. He was still growing when he entered the league. Back then, the NBA used your rookie measurements for your entire career. When he was drafted he was 6’9” and 230 pounds. At his peek, he was 6’10” and 245-250 pounds.

[@gambler213]

@@michaelshultz1590 He was a big small forward with long arms. I doubt there will ever be another like him.

[@eddiehaskell1957]

@@michaelshultz1590 You are correct..

[@danielburke1990]

When he says and his back was bad at this time at the beat change, sounds like he’s on beat haha

[@jurassic5912]

1 Magic 2 MJ 3 Bird 4 Wilt 5 kareem Several others very close inc lebron Russell, Duncan, Shaq, Baylor, Oscar, Kobe etc etc

[@serbonkers4130]

Larry Bird. What a legend. Took kemp, rodman, nique and mj, some of the most athletic guys who ever played the game. So stop with th bs he cant hang with today's athletic nba players. He can easily school lebron if he wanted to!

[@jamesmyers7142]

I wouldn't doubt in a one on one game If Bird wouldn't beat LeBron today. He would still shoot the lights out.

[@marykuettner752]

@Green Lion I am laughing at you because MJ has a hell of a lot more respect for Bird than you do.

[@marykuettner752]

@Green Lion Well then you know Jordan said "I am not going to say that I am better than Larry or Magic, we never played each other at the prime of our careers." I watched a lot of BB back then. My fiance had season tickets for the Knicks and Celtics both. I lived in NYC but it is a short flight to Boston. Larry brought an energy with him from the beginning that Jordan took a long time to develop. Larry understood team much better than MJ did and it is a team game. MJ is a much better athlete and worked like a maniac to improve. Bird though was amazing in his ability to will his team to win. Bird's rookie year he had such an impact that Magic vs Bird was all anyone talked about. Maybe if MJ had a great rival people would have cared more but in 85 it was still all Celtics and Lakers. Everyone loved MJ but he was a side note until they acquired Pippen. It was more like Trae today. Great young player but not a factor.

[@marykuettner752]

@Green Lion Generally speaking the players know more about their opponents than their fans but you just keep on and enjoy yourself.

[@marykuettner752]

@Green Lion I would never take away from Jordan. Maybe you need to go back and read what I said. I said Jordan has more respect for Bird than you do. Just going to say as someone that watched the games Jordan had his off nights too and I have seen Bird make the game winning shot over MJ and Pippen both. If I could only have one though I am taking Bird everytime. His teammates loved playing with him. MJ's are among his most vocal critics. John Salley makes the point that Stern contributed a lot to the Jordan mystique. Pippen wrote his own rebuttal to The Last Dance.

[@jfk64kennedy95]

If Larry had the Nutrition, Training, Medical Pros. rules protecting the players, around him, like they do today....there would be no arguing who the greatest is, Jordan's Bulls didn't start winning until the Bird era Celtics retired and look at the 1 on 1's, Larry toasted Jordan even with a bad back......had the privaladge to see Larry in person at the "Gahden" a cpl times....you don't get it, until you see it in person. Magic Johnson(another in discussion of 'greatest ever') "The only Man I was ever scared of on the court, was Larry"

[@harrikuusjarvi3795]

I was Lakers fan but was terrified by Bird. For reason. And i was Kareem fan. Then came Bird and Macig. No idea why i was Kareem fun but i was and still am.

[@retrocomixverse]

@@harrikuusjarvi3795 Maybe you’re a Kareem fan because he might be the best player ever and he seems like a really good guy?

[@fezzik7619]

Privilege* and yeah I saw him play live too. Even when Jordan won what “great teams” did he really beat? Seattle, Phoenix, Utah? They weren’t anything compared to Larry having to go against the prime Lakers teams the Celts faced every year. Even Jordan’s first trophy came against an older, slower version of Showtime.

[@retrocomixverse]

@@fezzik7619 That’s not exactly fair. They weren’t Bird’s Celtics, but all three of teams you mentioned could have been championship teams in different eras. Jordan was the reason three great franchises didn’t get over the hump. Utah had arguably the best PG (if you divide his stats in half, you get two Hall of Famers/unbreakable all time assists and steals records) and the second leading scorer of all time. And those Seattle teams were tough as hell in the 90’s. I think they won 64 games the year Jordan beat them. And the Suns were solid. Jordan changed the game from a dump it into the post game to a guard oriented game. And he did it during a very physical era. He went through some very tough Knicks teams to get to the finals. Who did Bird beat in the Finals? The Lakers once. Two overachieving Rockets teams that stumbled into the finals by the skin of their teeth both times. Jordan has six against much stiffer competition. Ignorant post.

[@deihorus7927]

@@retrocomixverse If you think the 90's Bulls had a more difficult time than the 80's Celtics...you probably never see neither.

[@googoo-gjoob]

master of the 1/2"

[@MotU91775]

Two high IQ players playing each other is basketball gold.

[@atomaalatonal]

birds trick was to go into an opponents mind, taking a look around whats goin on, then he went out and did the right play :D.

[@aking2330]

People need to look at Bird numbers from his rookie year til he retired. He match bron without athletic ability

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Larry Bird.....king of the KMA club......

[@cediep0tp0t32]

For me. Larry bird is the greatest small forward

[@JeremySeanA]

The Glove showing respect to Larry Legend over a Biggie beat. Nice

[@Fjjfuffnr244]

The Glove! Had a love/hate thing going since he was an Oakland boy who regularly thrashed the Dubs on those great Sonics teams.

[@frankfromoklahoma2142]

Kareem at center. Wilt at power forward. Bird at small forward. Michael Jordon and Steph Curry at guard. Magic and Stockton subs for guards with Tim Duncan and Karl Malone at power forward Draymond Green and Dennis Rodman at small forward and bill walton and Hakeem at center. LeBron does not make the team.

[@JET1970]

Curry is not even in the same class as those greats

[@gavingist4538]

Bill Russell @ center lol 11 titles

[@JET1970]

@@gavingist4538 or put him at pf and Kareem at center

[@frankfromoklahoma2142]

titles are a team issue. Put Rodman with the Utah jazz and Jordan would have had only 3 titles. All I picked are level headed and team oriented. I forgot to add oscar robertson to make up my 15 players. Oscar to replace Jordan as starter. Replace draymond green with John Havlicek. Kobe not there as well as bill russell and Shaquille O’Neal. Jerry west not there either. Cannot have everyone.

[@daveshaw1721]

@@JET1970 well....he had no Lebron & Draymond Green on the team...

[@vegaed56]

The bird!!!!

[@golds04]

Imo anyone who does not think Bird was one of the greatest sports players- ever- is basing it on race. Such a shame. Its like music- two of the most influential jazz musicians- Bix and Trambauer were white. And they influenced the two greatest ever- miles and lester young. Hopefully people evolve. Bird was- and remains a special athlete. Ask Magic.

[@juanaboynkin1196]

Aretha Franklin, "The Queen of Soul", had an all-white backing band when she recorded all of her hit songs.

[@franklinterrell9392]

IMO anyone that thinks Bird was a better player than MJ is basing it on race....such a shame!!!

[@golds04]

@@franklinterrell9392 comment says more about you than the issue. It is a non sequitur as nobody mentioned that in this thread, nor in my comment. They were both great ball players.

[@franklinterrell9392]

@@golds04 You brought up race, so I thought I'd have a little fun. My comment says nothing about me, because I was only making fun of your stupid ass comment, "Imo anyone who does not think Bird was one of the greatest sports players- ever- is basing it on race."

[@golds04]

@@franklinterrell9392 at lest you are consistent. Both your comments are comments about yourself. As they say- we see the world not as it is- but as we are.

[@straightchad8059]

' Pacman ' Peyton - the legend , pity his ream wasn't up to his playing standard .

[@mama_4u671]

0:56 Chhhhukkkkk 🤣

[@michaeln.2383]

It was easy to get over on Payton until he got wiser.

[@EstebanDVO]

"you supposed to be a great defender right?" is what the caption should say

[@metsrus]

larry's basketball iq is elite.

[@thomasbridges7323]

Ha ha love old head ball great stuff

[@williamhoward1268]

Larry was a G

[@andymullarx6365]

When they asked Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain to pick the five best all time excluding themselves they both had Bird on their lists. Neither mentioned Kareem which was interesting.

[@Bigmike55626]

Lebrick will not have stories like Jordan, bird or Kobe or any of the greats

[@steve4158]

Larry's step back jumper was indefensible. Plus, almost every shot he took was nothing but nylon. Watch Larry shoot that step back jumper against Magic in the finals.

[@hanschouwman4536]

I reckon, Larry Bird did like to be underestimated.

[@AnthonyAnalog]

World needs far fewer Trumps and way more Larry Birds

[@yambo59]

I read somewhere Larry was 6'7" and I thought that for the longest time, checked Wiki and others found out I was WRONG-! LOL

[@written12]

Yeah, those 2 extra inches really meant a lot for Bird. It made him hard to guard as a shooter and a force rebounding and defensively. Of course, his court instincts were so sharp, so quick. He made his moves, and his counter-moves on defense, before his opponents knew what was happening.

[@fredmar6436]

@@written12 Kinda like #99.

[@Mearyeaurng]

Last I heard, Larry could fly because his last name is Bird.

[@almadeunrebel]

larry better than everybody but like 4 people tops

[@martinhanley9524]

Larry was smart - had to compensate against more athletically gifted players . From 1984-1986 he was better than anybody in the NBA that includes Magic, Michael , Isiah . Like a prize fighter that was Birds reign. After that Magic , Isiah and Jordan were reigning Suoreme than Duncan, Shaq , Kobe ( r.I.p) Lebron

[@someparts]

Isiah not in the discussion as an individual player with those names.

[@martinhanley9524]

He won 2 world championships - he was as good as Chris Mullins who won no world championships as others on the Dream team that he should have been on -

[@Nagy50Magyar]

Bird had faster hands and better reflexes than aby of them. He also had better body control. None of them could shoot left handed like he did.

[@tobingallawa3322]

@@someparts Isaiah was one hell of a point guard and tough as nails. I hated him, but he could play

[@lelouchvibritannia809]

1985 Bird is the best. Full healthy before the back injury.

[@justrelax9501]

I love GP

[@barrymorgan5104]

Bird would eat LeChina doll's lunch and make him cry. Not even a contest. Bird does EVERYTHING better than leflop except jump.

[@AsukasButler]

I'm laughing my ass off at the thumbnail of this video. The grammar is absurd.

[@bookovza3925]

When the glove is just too small.

[@oldmanofcotati]

Loved Gary's game. His boy doing good with the Dub's until some fool did him wrong.

[@daveton9033]

You let him fool you once, figure it out and beat him! That is why as good as Gary, he is only 1 late time companion ! This is a game of competition, you play to win not a praising game!

[@301gobluehailmich1]

Bird a baaad man!

[@jonathankelly7914]

THEAM THE GOAT

[@davidberry777]

My all time starting 5 is built around Larry Bird. Throw in a 6'9" point guard, a 6'5" shooting guard, a 6'4" freakish and funny power forward and a 7'1" center who is faster than Jim Brown and you've got my starting 5.

[@tobingallawa3322]

Close to mine. Kareem at center, Wilt at power forward, Larry at small forward, Jordan and Magic in the back court.

[@901pics]

@@tobingallawa3322 finnaly someone with sense...and the only position you might change is wilt's

[@lelouchvibritannia809]

I go with PG: Curry, SG: Klay, SF: Bird, PF: Dirk, C: Hakeem. All time shooting team

[@JET1970]

@@lelouchvibritannia809 only 2 people on your team know how to play defense and are unselfish in team play

[@lelouchvibritannia809]

@@JET1970 what is your all time team?

[@ikingbeasti]

Thought this was pac for a min

[@johngibson4399]

Magic and Larry Legend saved the NBA...Jordan revolutionized the game...we had Ewing, the Dr ...Kareem...Dominique...Sir Charles. .Stockton to Malone...Reggie Millet and the choke sign to spike Lee....David Robinson. Tim Duncan...now it's LeBron and load minutes...what a disappointment

[@chrismagsmags]

Isn't this an Xavier McDaniel story? Is this another one?

[@morrisphillips2526]

Comparing different era's and players is not always accurate. However, I'd say Larry Bird was America's greatest sports trash talker, sorry Ali.

[@mobetta2092]

Trash talking against the most skilled and strongest heavyweight men fighters on the planet and backing it up while facing the consequences of getting KO'd is far more pressure and impressive than talking trash in a basketball game when the consequences are simply missing a basket or having someone score on you.

[@morrisphillips2526]

@@mobetta2092 thank you for your response and I respect and appreciate your passion, however, when a white basketball player acts like Larry Birrd did around black players it's unique. We might see another Ali but America will never produce another Larry Bird. European players don't count.

[@mobetta2092]

@@morrisphillips2526 still not as impressive as talking smack and backing it up in boxing. Edit: you're welcome btw

[@morrisphillips2526]

@@mobetta2092 check out the Larry Bird stories on KZbin, I didn't know anything about his trash talking until recently, listen to the NBA players, the guy was one of a kind. Ali, was more than an athlete, to many of us, he was God.

[@mobetta2092]

@@morrisphillips2526 no need for me to check out the stories...I've heard about the stories since the 1980s.

[@Neilxtc]

Count it.

[@joeymanny]

Bird is not on his prime and he still sharp

[@stanrock2225]

Larry is top 3 easy. He had no weakness. Power forward who won 3 point contests and played Defense like a beast. Bron can't say that at all.

[@쿄노]

Larry the best white player ever!!!! Mj never beat bird