Larry Birds ULTIMATE mixtape is insane he was a BUCKET

[@iambecomepaul]

I would have you note: after the steal against Detroit, LB makes sure DJ finished the chippie THEN sprints down court to protect against a Hail Mary lob. Was he celebrating? Was he puffing out his chest? Nope. Man was protecting the lead they just got. And he didn’t even HAVE to. That’s just Bird. His brain was focused on destroying his enemy. Basketball IQ off the charts. Winner. Savage. Legend.

[@YouKnowG]

Definitely a legend

[@andrewbaroch2141]

I DID NOT KNOW THAT. GREAT ADDED INFORMATION. THANK YOU.

[@wingman4356]

as a Pistons fan, I would like to point out that Bill Laimbeer back peddled when Isiah inbounded the ball. All Laimbeer had to do was step forward or just stand there and Bird couldn't have done that. Zeke was willing to take the heat for his teammates.

[@johangambleputty7658]

@@wingman4356 To me, that's what makes it sooo sweet. Laimbeer is such a dirty player, and having Legend scoop him like that just makes it all the sweeter!

[@wingman4356]

@@johangambleputty7658 I agree that there was nobody in the league who it would be more satisfying to outsmart in that huge moment. It's not cool though that Thomas has taken all the blame for making one of the dumbest decisions in NBA history, when it would have been fine if his BFF BL did what he'd do 99% of the time. It is pretty cool though that IT has been willing to take all that embarrassing heat and never--as far as I know--sold out his boy by pointing out who really made the mental error. That was one positive aspect of IT's personality that made his teammates love him. Dennis Rodman was in tears talking about how IT told him to go and hide out and he'd take all the heat for him when DR said Larry Bird would only be a considered very good if he wasn't white. IT knew the young, sensitive and naïve DR couldn't handle the red hot national heat, but IT knew his skin was thick enough.. DR said "he saved me" and it brought the team closer than ever, knowing that IT had his back for a teammate like that.

[@MrSchmaaz]

87-89, I was stationed in Germany with a guy from French Lick, he was all about Bird. At that point, I didn't give a crap...wish I would have paid more attention back then. BIRD IS THE WORD.

[@bobriegel1084]

Being from Rhode Island I had the absolute pleasure of watching Larry and the Celtics on a regular basis. The championship series with the Lakers will always be the best ever!!

[@aaronz9410]

The biggest thing with Larry is that you did not know what he was going to do. He could shoot with the best but could also pass with the best. As soon as someone thought that he was going to shoot he would pass, or as soon as someone thought he was going to pass he would shoot. Also the mental trash talking game, he simply got in other players heads. I've heard it said Larry played the game as a chess match, and truly that is what he did, he was always planning ahead. That is another thing that gave him a huge advantage, he mental thought process of the game. It is why he went from a great player, to a great coach, to a great GM.

[@dondee5439]

LARRY BIRD'S teammates were asked, "What was it like to play with Larry Bird?" They replied, "You always had to be ready for the pass or the ball would hit you in the face."

[@eggsmann594]

😂

[@Jondsmusic]

He was one of if not the greatest players of all time, period! He could do everything, slay you and still be s selfless team player with genius pinpoint precision!

[@paulazzar8936]

Bird was the best of all time becacause he was the most complete, most relied on, and most team player . He excelled in EVERY single category. No one matches that.

[@budgetoutdoors853]

That era was the elite. Jordan came in and took the reins. After mj retired the nba has never been the same as for competition and drive. Magic bird and mj will always be the best players in history

[@machocomacho9312]

"Larry Bird is the best passer of all time." You just got real.

[@TheKelinrose]

I was a child of the 80s and happily was a Celtic fan.. Bird was amazing, Magic was amazing too. the playoffs were ALWAYS Lit!

[@adamr6794]

Bird had a degenerative back condition but the first time he "injured" his back was shoveling gravel to construct a driveway for his Mother, I believe in the summer of 1985. People on the Brookline-Newton town line used to watch him mow his lawn with a 22" push mower. Bird was probably the hardest worker the League has ever known

[@aaronz9410]

His work ethic came from his father. There is something on YT about it. Truly a tragic ending to the story.

[@adamr6794]

@@aaronz9410 His Father was a Korean War veteran with severe PTSD. Bird was blown away by the fact that his father would head off to work with a foot so swollen Larry could barely force the boot onto his foot. Ultimately when behind in his child support payments he committed suicide so the family could have life insurance money. Tragic

[@ervsavord4985]

Magic and the Legend saved the NBA. They made BB EXCITING!!!

[@shirleybuffington6420]

The night of Larry’s retirement celebration there was no game that night and the place was packed that is how much he was loved .

[@dansgroi1472]

You couldn't even get a ticket from a scalper.

[@josemarcosegurajaubert8108]

@@dansgroi1472 Even the scalper was inside of the arena.

[@eugenehechler8608]

larry was the best.

[@theborg]

I was there. My older brother had season tickets.

[@mikehunt368]

my grandma was his neighbor when he was a kid. i went to the high school he went to and we had 49 kids in my grade.. crazy to think of how big he got from such a small place.

[@bcbrave21]

He hurt his back before the 86 offseason helping his mother around the house. He went on to win the mvp in the following season.

[@drewtakacs2356]

Can't watch this enough. He is one of best ever to do it. Watch some games from the early 80's even better highligts.

[@bryanselva8799]

Larry Bird's back injury started when carried the Boston Franchise all by himself.

[@jasonjohnson1551]

He was the best all around player I've ever seen. He was so court smart and unselfish and such a pure shooter. He could truly back up what he said

[@michaelmiller2397]

Who in history played all facets of the game like Larry Bird. Maybe Bill Russel. Rebounding, steals, blocked shots, assists, points, foul shooting, I really have not seen anyone else do all that as good as Larry Bird. Who can you say equals Bird in all categories? There were better scorers - when it wasn't crunch time. There were better rebounders - who never had the assists Bird had, or the steals. Better passers - who never had the points Bird had, or the rebounds. Come on...WHO can match Larry Bird in all facets of the game? I honestly can't think of anyone other than maybe Rick Barry.

[@jhamler1]

@@michaelmiller2397 Well, Magic Johnson obviously. Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain and Lebron James were ALL better than Larry Bird. No shame on Larry's legend, though. It's just facts.

[@michaelmiller2397]

@Ken D wow never heard that story about Wilt beating Brown in the 40. gonna find that! ty I heard about Muhammad Ali telling Jimmy Brown to hit him...and he couldn't do it !!!

[@irishgrl]

@@jhamler1 BWAHAHAHAHAAAA

[@knightxd4]

@@jhamler1 LeFlop is nowhere near the level of Wilt, MJ, and Legend... It's not even the same conversation.

[@emilysartworkk]

Larry was awesome. I love his passes, too. He played the game well,such a beautiful example.

[@mrho4speed]

Many people forget about Bird's passing = he had the court vision of a point guard and could thread the needle through traffic and sometimes threw passes between the opponents legs! There is a compilation of passes titled "greatest passer ever" and you will love the video. Bird in his rookie year was the main reason Boston went from a 29 win team to a 61 win team. Bird won ROY and finished 4th in MVP that year. In the next 8 years in the MVP Bird was 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 3rd and then 2nd again = He was that good! In his first 9 years ( before the 2 heel surgeries and the back issues) in games Bird played in = Boston won 534 games and lost 177 of the 711 games for a win % of 75.1% This was even higher than Magic's win % over the same 9 years ( 475 wins and 164 lost = 74.3%) and LA played in a weaker conference. Bird was the first player ever to put up a 50-40-90 season and did it 2 seasons in a row. One of the best players ever and arguably the best all around player ever.

[@nanook8721]

Great reaction! I love to see some of the younger generation reacting to the NBA of the 80s. Almost a totally different game! Larry Bird was part machine…he had to be. He was programmed to win and he became that machine every time he stepped on the court. He was not intimidated by any opponent…in fact, I think the more difficult the challenge the better he performed. He willed himself to win. But he was not someone who sought attention; he didn’t need to be the star…he played TEAM basketball; something that seems to be missing in today’s NBA. Everyone acknowledges that there was something special about him. I truly feel blessed that I was able to watch him in real time back in the 80s. He is a once in a lifetime gift given to us from the Basketball Gods. He will always be my GOAT as the greatest all-around basketball player. 🍀🐐. Comparing Bird/Magic/Jordan are legitimate conversations. IMO comparing Bird/LeBron is not.

[@adampenley1107]

Larry bird is greatest all around player period .

[@adampenley1107]

@Ken D I agree. People have to understand team basketball is more than scoring . A healthy Larry Bird someone to feared on the court. Larry could beat your team with basketball in his hand

[@irishgrl]

Yes. Larry Legend is a Unicorn.

[@clifflawrence7479]

You are 100% correct when you talk about Birds passing. There are a few I would put right with him but he had better court vision than anyone I ever seen play the game which led to many many outstanding passes

[@paulazzar8936]

I appreciate your straight up commentary, especially when you say Larry was the best passer. I agree with you totally. He did not make easy passes look fancy, he made incredible passes from nothing, no one could see, not even the spectators! Absolutely amazing!

[@johnhebert3855]

I've always been amazed at how the receivers of those passes were always ready, as if they were simple bounce passes in the gym.

[@dutchray8880]

Credit to his teammates too...the ball could come flying at you any time and you had to be ready for it.

[@rons3634]

You also might want to check out Pistol Pete Maravich highlights. You'll see an awful lot of Larry Bird stuff before Larry got into the league. Especially the passing.

[@danh966]

Thanks for the great reaction. I see you were impressed with his passes, you probably would enjoy another video I believe is entitled "Larry Bird 50 Amazing Assists".

[@YouKnowG]

Thank you

[@bobbyslason585]

Here in Boston long before anyone ever heard of "Brady" There was a true legend. He didn't have a glitzy wife, nor was he handsome. This man played for 1 team his whole career. He was better at "B-ball than the aforementioned was at football and Brady was great. Bird was the greatest.

[@bobbyslason585]

This guy knows his shit... you better listen to him

[@sapphonymph8204]

You did Larry justice. Thanks.

[@davidmortland1274]

You are watching what greatness is all about.

[@charlesking4780]

I love the respect you show for Larry Legend. ❤

[@YouKnowG]

One of the best

[@brianjones6465]

The one when he caught the long outlet from Ainge, caught it midair, and shot the 3 before landing is insane, and look at the damn pass from Ainge. LEFT HANDED, side arm, 3qtr court. Danny was the only 3 sport all American in HS.

[@YouKnowG]

Yeah that was absolutely crazy

[@irishgrl]

Danny was a BEAST. VERY UNDERAPPRECIATED

[@fezzik7619]

Danny played for the Toronto Blue Jays but gave up baseball for basketball. He made the right choice.

[@NightcruiserMA]

I was so fortunate to grow up in the 80's and see the Celtics every season. Bird was in rarified air. And his team was perfect for him - Parish, McHale, DJ, Ainge - it was just incredible. But to address what you said at the end, yes - I've always looked at sports as the great unitor. You're rooting for a team. And the greatest coach in the history of the NBA, Red Auerbach (I don't care what people say about Phil Jackson - he went where the talent was,) who's at 7:07 in the video, had a great line when he was questioned about appointing the first black coach in the NBA (Bill Russell - someone needs to watch a mix tape of him! One of the GOATs!) Red said, "There is only one color on this team. Green."

[@the1andonlyknudsen]

Can't tell you how many times I have watched this video, and the end never fails to get me with Magic presenting the jersey to Bird. Great friends.

[@dogfleetgallifrey5455]

Good to see that you enjoyed those highlights. It was a blessing for me to grow up and see him during his career. I understand that all of the pro sports have changed over time, but the objectives never have - basketball is all about scoring and defending. The greatest basketball scorer is Kareem, but the greatest overall basketball player (shooting, rebounding, passing) is none other than Larry Joe Bird. He didn't have to improve in any area because he could already do it all.

[@alcoholfree6381]

I loved to watch basketball when Larry Bird and Magic with their teams played! I have not watched it for the past 5 years; it’s a different game, populated by a bunch of ultra-wealthy narcissists. Thanks for sharing this wonderful video. Well done!

[@crispusattacks9526]

love your commentary on how hoops bring different cultures together. very true.

[@shirleybuffington6420]

When he returned in the game where he hit his face he had a fracture of the right check and was seeing double and still sunk all of his shots in that game he was one bad man

[@kevinswihart6867]

Most players would have not came back in to play because of the intense pain, but Larry had been battle tested all of his basketball life and was ready to put some pain on the Pacers ! Which he did when he came back in !

[@ikonix360]

I bet the pacers team was thinking what the hell is Pearson doing provoking the Celtics fans like that.

[@bdub7172]

The smoothness of his passing game... Crazy.

[@YouKnowG]

Absolutely is

[@Amick44]

Best touch, redirect passer ever.

[@meminustherandomgooglenumbers]

"He hit the same shot back to back?" Not exactly. The video edits it to make it seem a better trashtalk story, but the full version is a better clutch-shooting story. The first shot was actually at the end of regulation, and the one-footer was at the end of overtime. But he also hit a different three to tie the game in regulation after the timeout. So he actually hit three end-of-game buzzer beating 3s in the same game.

[@georgehummel3526]

I never got to see him in person, but I saw him live on TV. I'm glad I stumbled upon this Your reactions were Genuine to say the least, thank you fellow fan

[@YouKnowG]

Glad you enjoyed the video thank you

[@IamNuideas2001]

Larry injured his arm in high school. He said he could never handle the basketball as well he did before the injury. Can you imagine how great that man would have been without that injury? Without having injured his back? He learned his work ethic from his father who went to work even after severely injuring his foot and never complained about it.

[@ronnelljohnson9908]

Man was a beast real talk.

[@YouKnowG]

Made it look to easy

[@briantneary2248]

I was born in boston in 1980. Larry Bird was a God in boston and outside of MJ and Kobe, no one had the killer instinct like Bird. NO ONE. I was at his retirement ceremony and no one was more loved than him, for what he gave. Believe me when I say, if his body didn't fail him countless times, it would be just between him and MJ for the GOAT talk. LeBron isn't better than Bird, never mind MJ I have a story about how he actually hurt his hand, that wasn't in the media. He got into a bar fight and that's how his shooting hand got messed up and that was early on in his career. He literally did all of that with no back, no knees and his shooting hand compromised. LARRY LEGEND. #33☘

[@bus6292]

1:50 He just sat down Dominique

[@alecvip7562]

Top 3 imo. He has a strong case at being the goat out of every goat. You should react to his game against mj in 1991. Combined 71 points. Larry, at the end of his career with insane back pains, put up similar numbers to mj and pippen in their prime 😳😳

[@jfk64kennedy95]

Jordan's Bulls didn't start taking home championships, until Bird's Celtics had ended

[@chrispaschal7955]

@@jfk64kennedy95 And if Len Bias plays with Larry, there are no rings in Detroit or Chicago. P.S. The world forever changed that day in Dallas '63, America has never been the same.

[@robertrohde4579]

I was there!

[@chrispaschal7955]

@@robertrohde4579 How terrible to have witnessed such a horrible sight.

[@chrispaschal7955]

My bad, misread.

[@emenem6131]

He was amazing. And Magic was like Pistol with the ball in his hands. Like it was part of his body. Nostalgia

[@rmcfete]

No one was like The Pistol

[@loydjenkins2241]

I remember Larry Legend playing. But I didn't realize how phenomenal his passing was until watching videos like this.

[@sthor5326]

@8:49 that's Michael Cooper, the Lakers' best defender, on Bird.

[@YouKnowG]

You are completely right my bad thanks for the correction

[@edwardrichard2561]

Bird played I believe 3 games seeing double and killed it.

[@mikeritchie3978]

The greatest era of basketball ever, blessed to have been here to watch it.

[@Jetz316]

All time team: PG: John Stockton SG: MJ SF: Bird C. Wilt Chamberlain Tim Duncan at the power forward

[@crispusattacks9526]

I like it, but I would have Magic at the point not Stockton

[@NathanWind99]

The thing is, these highlights aren’t solely his greatest plays. He did this stuff night in and night out, and so much more. I was blessed to watch his entire career and I’m telling you he routinely did these passes, these jumpers, the high IQ plays. There’s so much that’s not even in this video. I don’t know if you can say any one player was the best of all time but I’ve never seen anyone quite like Larry Bird.

[@chazchaz4262]

I've seen most of the Bird hi-lite tapes and this is the best, thanks.

[@martinl8574]

Best small forward EVER. Larry's prime in today's game would be a 35, 15, 12 average easily. Prime LeBron playing in The 80s Would be 2nd team all star. I'm in my 60s, a life long NBA fan, no heart LeBron would fold under the style of play back then. Ow ow ow my pinky! Lmao

[@rgreen1107]

Those numbers for Larry Seem about right …. In this Soft ass league were Watching today !

[@alcoholfree6381]

I agree 💯 %! I stopped watching the nba because it has become a game played by overpaid, narcissistic whiners and blabbers! None of Bird’s contemporaries blabbered like that.

[@j20tower]

Larry is in my top 5 all time. The greatest small forward. Hers my take. Imo he’s above Lebron James. You take them at the same age and Bird has him in every category. He’s a better rebounder and free throw shooter. LeBron is a far better athlete. Bird is a better shooter. The fact that Birds injuries curtailed his career. He’s a better team leader. Rounding out The top 5 is MJ at the top but I think is closer than one might think. Then The Big O, Oscar Robertson the guy who averaged a triple double for a season. Averaged 30 points in his rookie year. Kareem and it’s obvious on that and I’d pick Olajuwon as my other player. Another great video is is Making The Case Larry Bird greatest all time. Thx

[@36ELGALAN]

Funny a lot of people forget about Hakeem Olajuwon he's definitely one of the greats

[@bus6292]

+1 All the making the case videos are great

[@bus6292]

@Ken D Wilt is my pick for GOAT as an individual player because he still has 72 all-time records 50 years after he left the league.

[@FantasySportsZen]

@@36ELGALAN the Dream was insane. So good. And unique. He's in my top 10, we could discuss top 5 honestly.

[@mikebeasley9793]

@@bus6292 INDIVIDUAL PLAYER WILT MIGHT VERY WELL BE THE BEST PLAYER EVER WITH MJ IN THE RUNNING. HAVING BEEN A NBA FAN FOR RIGHT AT 60 YEARS I FEEL LIKE I'VE WITNESSED VIRTUALLY EVERY NBA GREAT OF ALL TIME PERIOD. THERE ARE ARGUMENTS FOR REALLY JUST A FEW!!!!!!!!!!! A VERY FEW......... BUT I CHOOSE WILT AS THE MOST DOMINANT NBA PLAYER BUT MJ AS THE BEST INDIVIDUAL PLAYER, BILL RUSSELL AS THE BEST TEAM PLAYER TO WIN THE MOST CHAMPIONSHIPS & LARRY "LEGEND" AS THE BEST ALL-TIME ALL AROUND NBA PLAYER. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!! I COULD GIVE OUT MORE ACCOLADES BUT I DIGRESS THIS MORNING. CHECK WITH ME LATER. LOL. EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION NO MATTER HOW CRAZY OR WHAT YOU MAY THINK OR EVEN IF YOU AGREE SOMEWHAT OR WHOLEHEARTEDLY. THAT'S THE BEAUTY OF EXPRESSING YOUR OWN OPINION IN A PUBLIC QUORUM. RIGHT?

[@tinapenix1025]

There's a video you can react to called Larry bird greatest passer of all time video re-edit. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

[@YouKnowG]

Thank you

[@cindyknudson2715]

Yes, PLEASE 🙂

[@eugenehechler8608]

my all time team is bill russell ,mike jordon , larry bird ,magic johnson , kevin durant .

[@dt2745]

Larry was be all around best player have ever seen when it came to winning a big game I had season tickets to the Celtics from 1980 to 1995 and I never seen a better player

[@dianedarby442]

You'll have to watch the passing highlights video - truly astounding!! My now-husband and I used to try to get to one game every time the Celtics came to the Garden (the real one, MSG lol) and, to this day, my husband hates that I love Bird so much - hated him when he played against us, but you have to be amazed by this guy's game. Loved the reaction!!

[@charlesking4780]

Bird is top 5. In his prime Bird was as good as anybody who ever played the game. 🏀

[@irishgrl]

He was BETTER. Being as good isn’t much to brag about.

[@Colstonewall]

Enjoyed the video! Especially your reactions. I had meant to say this before but forgot. . .I wanted to point out #30 Washington, Bernard King (4:36) who may have gone done was one of the greats had he not had the knee injuries. I think and I could be wrong, but King was the 1st Athlete to come back from an ACL tear. He came back, and if I remember right he tore the other knee up and came back again. He was never the same after that. PS: Thanks for the awesome video!

[@YouKnowG]

wow i never knew Bernard had them type of injuries

[@Amick44]

I always felt Bernard was the next best forward to Larry in the 80s. Still do.

[@Colstonewall]

@@Amick44 Yep. King was tearing the NBA up until the knee injury. I remember when he came back after the injury. The reason I remember was cause it was so rare for an athlete to recover from that type of knee injury and play again.

[@lLadyAszneth]

Born in 1970, I grew up watching his entire career from his rookie season right through until the end, at which point I cried like a baby during his retirement ceremony; and the "Hick from French Lick," is the nickname he gave himself. None of the commentators/ media gave that to him unlike with Magic. But anyway, because of all I witnessed and how the game is now? Yeah, he has been and will ALWAYS be MY GOAT! He was a truly complete player even in light of all his accolades. The greatest passer (and severely underrated!), yup he was! He was doing those CRAZY passes in college where he developed his DEADLY mid- range game not too long before the 3-pt line was added to the courts the season he and Magic entered the league. Also, when in this video, they showed the insane over -the- head pass to Kevin, passed those 3 defenders in the blue uniforms, right before that pass, Larry had just retrieved an equally crazy rebound that I wished they showed as well... Like the shot of his that he followed to get his own board and up with his left. That was either his rookie or second season. (SIGH- We will never see one like him again in the game!) Thank you for showing my Larry some love! 🥰💘💋💋💋 (Extra love for Larry!) Rock on, Aszneth (Florida) PS: OH! And the behind -the-back half - court pass to Reggie Lewis? That was him saying "goodbye" to Magic as his own personal tribute and a game he said he had no "heart" for that night. 😢

[@jackastor5265]

Larry was a true King of the Court.

[@YouKnowG]

Amazing

[@Indy1831]

Larry is the greatest small forward to ever play……that would put him in the top 5

[@Prozak63]

Being 59 years old and having watched the game, rules and so forth evolve, I love having the discussion with someone claiming their man is the GOAT. Truth is that there will never be a greatest of "all" time. Each generation has and always will have a select few that are the greats. As physical conditioning, medicines, rules and other things change, the athletes also change. A perfect example is when I hear LJ fans clain he is "THE GOAT" is that as physical as the game was back in the early days he wouldn't survive. Bird could most likely play better during this era than LeBron in Birds era.

[@aramhamparian9641]

Do his 50 greatest passes re-edit version.

[@thisguy8916]

In addition to his fractured cheek, Bird himself says he was seeing double vision during the rest of the game.

[@YouKnowG]

That’s crazy how he was still able to play

[@thisguy8916]

@@YouKnowG Yeah, Bird was what a tough guy would call tough. If you watch a youtube video like "A Courtship of Rivals" You'll learn why he was so tough, why he talked trash, & his relationship with Earvin Johnson, & how those two literally saved the NBA. Those 2 dudes should be on the Mt. Rushmore of basketball; & any time you hear someone dismiss Bird's Legendary abilities, they're either ignorant, or haters. I'd say my top 5 (biased, of course) would be, in no particular order: Kareem, Magic, Russell, Bird, Jordan. By the way, Jordan never managed to defeat Bird in the post-season: 0-6.

[@rgreen1107]

Larry over everybody…….

[@amberburris5674]

I LOVE that you caught that look in his eye!!!!! Got a new sub just for that!

[@Nimbus1701]

Great reaction to a great player. I was lucky enough to be alive to watch all thise old school games on TV. Coverage was difficult as the league didn't get alot of attention really until Dr. J. BUT.... It definitely started to get more coverage when Bird and Magic came in. They played against each other for a college championship as well, so it started before the NBA. I love the game of basketball and don't really like GOAT debates much.... but I'll say this from someone that has watch basketball from the 1970s. All the young folks today take your favorite 10 players from the LeBron era and let us old head take our best 10 fro that era and I like our chances to win any series, including with the way the rules favor offense today. Not being able to hand check or physically body a player like Bird, Wilt, Shaq, Olajuwan, or Mike.... yeah, you'd be looking at a 190 point total score game. Old folks could more easily adjust to the new rules because it favors offense, whereas I don't think the new gen players could as easily adjust to the physical defense because you get beat up on both ends of the floor. No disrespect to anybody's opinion because who knows what happen if you take a 96-98 Jordan and drop him prime in a 2010-2015 era league. I've got a good idea what would happen but it isn't probable. I think there are more players with a general higher level of playing as there were back in the old game. Such as you several guys that might match up tough for a Duncan, Malone, Barkley, Rodman, etc, which also creates a compelling argument. The talent level is more available to more teams is what I'm saying I guess, but overall it isn't as elite and the league is drawing from worldwide players that (thanks to Magic, Bird, Wilt, Dr. J., Kareem, and MJ) b3gan to see the wonders of basketball that I saw growing up. I don't like.GOAT debates for thise reasons because you honestly can't tangibly and accurately calculate the impact on the game these greats have had..... and continue to have. Don't believe me...... next time you're watching Inside The NBA on TNT and they have analysts breaking down those games..... WHO are the analysts? Well, you've got some hall of famers, and not just hall of famers, but at least 2 out of the 3 offering talking points that are in the top 50 basketball players of all time. That right there is the mike drop. Seriously, it is..... just like it is when occasionally they get the perspective or special guest of Allen Iverson..... another mike drop moment. No joke.... thise old heads were bad men and some God damn tough bastards. Didn't see many missed games for sprained fingers and toes, or headlines about taking a few games of for "quad soreness." Who cares..... it is what it is, and I love watching basketball; but there is no sin or no crime asking for real.substance to a debate about any GOAT in any sport.

[@billyray6913]

Larry bird is top 3 dead or alive. Great reaction Bro. If you want views react to Larry Bird videos. Lol

[@YouKnowG]

I appreciate it 😂

[@lizhasbrouck1376]

I was living in Boston when Bird joined the Celtics. the town, and the entire basketball world was energized by his presence and the rivalry with the Lakers .And when you added to that the "MIRACLE ON ICE" at the Olympics (led by Boston-born Mike Erunizone), Boston was elated with pride.

[@genebeamon4898]

In my book, he IS THE TOP 5, before his rookie season the Celtics had only won like 28 or 29 games. In his rookie season they won 60 + AND made the playoffs, no one else made an impact LIKE that!!!!!!!!!!

[@donalddemo]

The 3:00 mark - yes the Bench guys - all got fined for falling off bench like that - he was insane always and that game went all Alien shit

[@stonemansteveiii3135]

If Larry Bird and Magic had no ailments, and played a full career, Larry would have over 30,000 points and Magic would be 1 of 2 players with over 15,000 assists!!! And Larry would probably be #2 all-time!!

[@brockgeorge777]

It was my great privilege to start watching the NBA during the mid 80’s. What a great era with stars that truly were legends. Larry and Magic could make plays with passing that were just *wrong* sometimes. And they both could do almost anything they put their mind to.

[@brianbrooks1285]

He's the best small forward ever! He is Mr. Basketball

[@Amick44]

If not for Larry's and Elgin's injuries, LeBron takes a back seat. But .... It is as it is.

[@redlaur]

Best Team Player and Leader!!

[@ervsavord4985]

Passer - three touches in one second - no look, behind the back- full court leading the runner I'm still amazed. Shoot from anywhere and you have to go for the fake because he would make it and make you feel stupid. Better rebounding skills because he knows where the ball is going and he will already be there. Double digit average. Play head games with you, telling where he was going to shoot and dare you to stop him. I saw him head fake 4 players around him and they all jumped at the same time on his fake and when they came down he made the basket. Play a regular game with his left hand to make things interesting. Larry is the Legend. Give Larry a SECOND to shoot and you will loose the game. He is more than the captain, he is an architect of destruction for the whole other team. LARRY THE LEGEND LIVES ON!!!

[@donalddemo]

62 yr old life long Knicks fan. Larry 3rd biggest Knick killer behind MJ and Reggie. Only Tom Brady has made me cry more tears then these 3. I think Magic was better passer and Bird was better shooter - those were best days of NBA Both on my top 10 list!

[@georgelynch6139]

That retirement ceremony was on a off night at the Boston Garden, no game. It was standing room only sold out. Respect

[@SGTJDerek]

It's so much focus put on the Larry/Magic Rivalry but when they got the chance to get away from the Court, they became the greatest of friends. Wish there were more vids of them playing together on the All Stars and Dream Team.

[@rtj7836]

One of the 🐐🐐🐐🐐 Complete package maybe best passer ever!

[@seankennedy18]

Larry Bird is in my opinion top five all time and during his prime 3 years before he broke his back... I'm not sure there was ever a better all-round basketball player ever! He was absolutely dominant in those three years. In a lot of ways his career was only 7 years long. He had such bad injuries over the last 5 years of his career. He was still a bucket even while broken. I wish he would have had the surgeries that you could have today on his lower back. More than that, I wish he played today so people could really see him score. He'd be putting up Klay Thompson Steph Curry type numbers and at the same time get 8 or 10 rebounds a game and six assists. LeBron James says it all the time. Ask MJ how many times he beat Larry in the playoffs. He never even won a game.

[@beacqua8183]

Larry didn't lack Talent but having basketball IQ can make up for lack of Talent. He had Both! He didn't even take his warm-up jacket off while in the Three-Point Contest! That's GANG!

[@marinemike1559]

Larry Legend is the GOAT in opinion, and I'm a Knicks fan.

[@clifflawrence7479]

To me top three with the best case for goat are Bird Kareem and MJ. If I was going to build a team around a single player it would be Bird or Bill Russell. I think these two players are the smartest to ever play the game. One on one Wilt is the man. He holds so many single records and at age 50 a championship lakers team couldn’t score on him because he was blocking everything! Wilt was a beast.

[@kenmahoney5255]

I was at the left handed game in Portland, I was at the Olympic qualifying games in Portland for the dream team. I watched two of the greatest save the NBA when they came into the league. To magic and Bird, thank you for all of the great memories. Great vid bro 👍

[@YouKnowG]

Glad you enjoyed the video

[@bigkw1568]

Can you imagine Larry Legend playing in today's soft ass cupcake league

[@thegamersgalaxy2855]

That would be really ugly! LOL...Larry would KILL todays league. UGLY!

[@80sweregr8]

From LA...was a Lakers fan for 40 years...hated the Celtics...but the greatness that was Larry Bird cannot be denied. Regardless of where he ranks in terms of number of assists his highlight reel of best passes is arguably second to none.

[@MGower4465]

Bird and Magic played in a different era, different rules, and with refs that were willing to allow a lot of...bumps. By the time Jordan came up and started to define his game, the old guard was at retirement, so we didn't really see Jordan in his prime against Bird or Johnson. The game today isn't the same, its more set-piece movement and if you even breathe on one of the Anointed Ones too hard you get a T. Players seem unwilling or unable to improvise on the fly.

[@ianmeets6606]

"Youre a wizard Larry"

[@timelesscoaching]

I'm at the point that I can't stand hearing the GOAT talk anymore, especially when it's between MJ and Lebron. Please, Larry is better than Lebron on a bad day. Can't imagine how much more he and the Celts could have done if his body didn't break down. Any other player would've hardly played half the games that Larry gutted out. What I'm starting to see more when people are ask to give there top 5 is the thinking of it like a draft. I've watched a lot of basketball dating back to the late seventies and if there is anyone worthy of being the first pick it's Larry Legend. Thank you!

[@akpilot9468]

Part of what makes him in the game for the greatest is the fact he played hurt. Broken bones, broken back, he played. Guys today are going out of the game with cramps…

[@trumpnation623]

Best highlight tape on Bird yet. Great work!

[@YouKnowG]

Thank you

[@dansgroi1472]

Yes there's flashier. But skills wise. It ends this way. You eek one out. Or get eked out. Picking any player against LB and his skill set.

[@shivasirons6159]

I played on the playgrounds in the 70,s\80,s. Basketball was brutal back then!

[@danwesley5826]

GOAT....SIMPLE.

[@juniorjohnson9509]

Larry not only had a fractured cheekbone in that game against Indiana, but also had double vision - and he came back out and won the game.