Larry J. Bird's Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

Larry J. Bird delivers his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 1998. To learn more about Larry J. Bird take a look at his official Hall of Fame bio at www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famer...

[@ed2kou1]

Larry Bird only mvp, finals mvp, coach of the year and executive of the year... Whatever he touched turned to gold..

[@jsharma09]

That's why we call him Larry Legend

[@Kyng704]

Very underrated comment

[@vallaturusubhash8313]

Rookie of the year, All star mvp

[@edwardbrito4010]

It just shows he truly mastered basketball as a player few do most good coaches were mediocre players. Good Players rarely make good coaches can’t motivate bad ones or teach. Only Jerry & Bird seem master all aspects.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

I wish bird, Irving and Jordan wuz on da same team fo one season.

[@barrylew1]

This was my one bad white dude. Respected and loved his game, I'm from Chicago a watched Jordan's entire career. As a black kid we model our game after the black flashy athletes but Larry was the first player I've ever tried to be like. There will never be another Larry Legend

[@RonaldMcPaul]

barrylew1 "Hey Dr J, *36-6.* _I'm going to take the next shot right here, why don't you try and stop me?_"

[@dm9146]

barrylew1 excellent comment. Respect.

[@nicolaszyx3120]

barrylew1 so racist... “I am black but I respect larry joe”...🤦‍♂️ R A C I S T

[@cheezlayer]

@@nicolaszyx3120 what so racist about that?

[@cheezlayer]

I respect larry one of the greatest incredible player! A genius

[@jamesmichaelbaritone8084]

It all changed when Larry, Magic and Michael left. Never the same. I miss those players.

[@a-ddaigrepont3375]

me 2

[@SimbaLabrador]

✌🏻

[@deerock1302]

And now Kobe 🙏🏽

[@bwaters735]

Matt Beeman i ve heard that from alot of ppl

[@wornoutshoes11]

I stopped watching the nba when MJ retired... IM A LARRY BIRD FANATIC. ✌️

[@rubbersole79]

"If the game is on the line, I want Jordan to take the last shot. If my life is on the line, I want Bird." - Pat Riley

[@daviddavis1351]

Didnt Bird miss a game winning shot against the Lakers in the championship? That miss was the series. Some of what people say is just them running their mouth.

[@mackbenton215]

That's an amazing thing that Pat Riley said about Larry The Legend Bird.

[@jaydendavis7365]

David Davis you do realize that Jordan has missed many game winners. And that shot was contested and it rolled out of the rim

[@larrysullivan8890]

@@daviddavis1351 Good point. Altough the problem with your logic(?) is that Larry has exactly 3 more championship rings than YOU do !

[@daviddavis1351]

@@larrysullivan8890 Bill Russell has eleven more. Robert Horry seven more. Bob Cousy, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan all have six more. Even Adam Morrison has one more. Your point is?

[@GunterJPN]

You know, for a kid that took an F in a class because he was too shy to get up in front of the class to give a speech, he became a great public speaker. I love hearing him at these things.

[@usnate1]

+GunterJPN He's actually pretty funny; according to all of his nba colleagues..

[@Miatacrosser]

GunterJPN wow I share something with Larry Bird. Junior year public speaking class. Gave one speech at the very beginning of the year and never got up to speak again. Got an F in the class.

[@jaded9234]

@@usnate1 His trash-talk is a testament to his excellent humor.

[@MrDodger3222]

He's an awesome public speaker!! I love Larry Bird!!

[@gregoryc3934]

the 231 dislikes must be people who had to guard him! Thank you for the memories Larry Legend!!

[@mtee555]

The 231 r small minded losers...Larry Bird is the finest man I've ever seen...I absolutely love his smile & his laugh...a fine human being

[@bigmike2464]

Bill Lamebeer and Dennis Rodman and their Ghost accounts

[@AzogBolg]

As Cornbread said : When you see a white dude picture in a barbershop , you know he is legit !!

[@dans2125]

As if black guys own basketball

[@juancabrera1607]

@@dans2125 last time I check they do.. So quit hating

[@nolookpass7079]

@@dans2125 they do lol 7/10 of them always start in the all star game teams sometimes all 10 are black so stop acting dumb idiot. the game wouldn't be what it is without the great black talents

[@dans2125]

@@nolookpass7079 idiot? Think you missed the point.

[@ThomasFromTN]

@@dans2125 Then I miss the point, also. Why do I feel like I know you would have no problem proclaiming that White guys own this, White guys own that...but seem to have a problem with the suggestion that Black players are by wide consensus considered the embodiment of what the prototypical basketball player would be. Give me an all-White starting 5 of the absolute greatest White players in basketball history - and that includes Larry Bird, who I actually regard as one of simply the rarest of talents in basketball history...absolutely love the guy - and I can promise you I could assemble more than 1 or 2 or 3 or more different (no recycles) all-Black player lineups that could beat them, and pretty regularly. It is what it is...what Maxwell said about Larry Bird was on the money. One of the baddest dudes ever on a basketball court...and it takes some doing for that to be acknowledged as legit in the Black community. Want to talk hockey? - then you got me. Basketball, though? Nah. [Admit it - when someone says "Black Lives Matter"...your comeback is "All Lives Matter." Am I right, or am I right?]

[@scottneilson3292]

In his prime (1984-1988), Larry Bird was the greatest basketball player in the world.

[@toddsands6000]

No argument here. I've mentioned that to a lot of my fellow basketball fans.

[@SimbaLabrador]

Yes sir!

[@iwishtv7907]

He always says Magic Johnson is the best

[@dennisjr77]

iwish TV.... and magic says he’s better.

[@hanschouwman4536]

@@iwishtv7907 he is a modest guy.

[@kombuchasmellsnice]

larry bird, when :thank you" means "shut up"

[@newerafrican]

spot on!!

[@greysonG10]

Haha, I was thinking the same thing.

[@RICHBLACKCOCK]

they cant help it. its LARRY!!! Im from the midwest ILLINOIS to be precise,like LARRY INDIANA,and MAGIC MICHIGAN. Blue collar states,so when someone do something GREAT,and make people enjoy themselves in life,were blessed,cause their gonna retire from the game. So LARRY gets the THANK YOU,standing O!!!!!!

[@detomasopantera1966]

James O 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@user-sb1vz9pv5y]

Thats fine in a game but when someone is trying to give a speech it makes you look like a selfish prick. People are there to hear the inductee speak. Its not about you enjoying yourself. Its about the inductee.

[@jamessutherland5107]

That's how you make a HOF speech. You thank all the people who got you there. After the 3 minute standing ovation. Incredible

[@recreationprofilestv8849]

The longest standing ovation in Hall of Fame induction history .

[@dusk6159]

And the most respect too. And what a speech too.

[@luisvelasquez7702]

If he was a black player, Bird, would just be another good guy. I wish Ewing would have been playing alongside Bird, because I know he would have won with the Knicks! No Doubt about it, NBA Championships. Black or White Bird was one of the finest team player. I still wish he was a NY Knickerbocker Amen

[@geo4343henderson]

Because he was and still is the baddest white man ever, play this game of basketball

[@charlescarter9597]

@@geo4343henderson he was just bad...white or black

[@geo4343henderson]

@charlescarter9597 It was black lingo 😉

[@lake_cooper]

Almost THREE MINUTES in, and Larry still can't begin his speech because the cheers still roar. The "Legend". He's among the best of the best!

[@Kyng704]

Wow this is the most applauded Enshrinement of all, I have seen. I know Larry Is the legend but wow. They love him

[@CrisEX420]

Yeah the Hall of Fame is in Massachusetts .

[@joeymungoi9290]

haha, whites all over the place :P But then again Larry deserves it! He was a great player!

[@Kyng704]

Larry deserves it for real

[@joeymungoi9290]

I love me some Larry bird!

[@Kyng704]

Larry deserves it

[@whatthehellimbored]

Larry's like let's get this shit over with so I can go drink a beer

[@greysonG10]

Haha, forreal he looked like he was getting frustrating when they wouldn't stop changing when he first got to the podium...

[@dcfan1107]

Yeah, Todd, I remember my first beer, too.

[@G-FORTY7]

dcfan1107 What's that supposed to mean chump? Meet me in the alley at 12 noon, sharp.

[@UnitTheory]

@@G-FORTY7 hahaha for a beer?

[@jerrodp9867]

I can guarantee you that thought went through his head.

[@peters6119]

Probably the longest ovation ever given to a player at their HOF introduction. The fans and others who were there knew that Larry was one of a kind. We won't ever see the like of him again.

[@lewisallen3232]

Not only a great basketball player but an unbelievable trash talker, the man was a complete warrior on court.

[@nahte-]

no he was a celtic, haha get it? alr nvm

[@dijuenharvey3593]

As a Lakers fan, there is probably no non-Laker I have more respect for.

[@havrisen6620]

Same coming from a Sixer fan.

[@carlosdcpcg]

Kevin Garnett is up there for me

[@carlosdcpcg]

Fuck Paul "TheShits" Pierce

[@jjs777fzr]

Same for me as a Celtics fan and my respect for Erving the man and Magic. Erving the man is a class act.

[@shuawar4335]

That's a big statement magic was the same for us here man.

[@dandylishious]

Larry is a humble act. Nothing against MJ but if you compare the two HOF speechs, jordan's one was all about him and taking sneeky shots at others. Bird was all about his coaches. Classy dude

[@Fakename70]

Speaking of coaches, I bet Bob Knight will go to his grave regretting the day Larry left his programme at IU.

[@jameswallen9219]

If he had had Bird, there would be another championship banner hanging in Assembly Hall at Indiana University.

[@Mistervapor]

Marc-André Dandenault didnt you here what jordan said? He said what others dont know about him. Its not sneeky shot.. he’s story telling.. and he acknowledged pippen thats its not all about him.. He have this desire to compete in anything.. that makes him different from others.. arrogance, asshole, killer, basketball iq, mental toughness, athleticism, skills, etc., into one..

[@cheezlayer]

@@Mistervapor to sum it up the Ultimate Competitor the Goat!

[@Fakename70]

Matt Beeman Did I assess any blame? Or, did I just say that coach Knight likely regrets losing him to State?

[@cassiemulkey5987]

The ovation he got is out of this world

[@chuckephrem5635]

An absolute legend of the game.... there will NEVER be another Larry Bird ....

[@DoubleVisionandco]

The HOF crowd never went that insane over another player. But what Larry Legend got from the crowd was well deserved. And any way you slice it, it had to make him feel like a million bucks to have a crowd go that crazy over him. Larry Legend was not only the best player. But he's also a damn good man. Larry is one of the few who lived up to the moniker Larry Legend. He was one of the few to become a Legend in his own time.

[@TipToe67]

In Springfield, Mass!

[@mileschorro]

well fucking said

[@stanlawler6574]

It's all true except, why didn't he let his oldest daughter go to the HOF enshrinement? I don't like him slighting her that way. Could be some old animosities we don't know about but here in Indiana we'r bear stories from people who know the family. He's never treated har well.

[@aaronwalker1678]

4browsing he has a daughter from a previous relationship

[@LADYDIVAful]

First off the HOF venue for Larry was larger and the tickets were much cheaper $200 for noise bleed seats. More of his fans could attend which explains the longer CHEER. MJ. HOF venue was smaller, his fans weren't able to attend due to the cost, the noise bleed seats started at $1000. Neither player had anything to do with their HOF ARRANGEMENTS. Larry was an exceptional HUMBLE player, but nowhere near GOAT status!

[@9Ballr]

You can't measure heart, but you can sure recognize it when you see it. No one had more heart out on the basketball court than Bird.

[@rikupv]

He dove for every single ball, dead or not.

[@rotgreen8102]

True

[@dusk6159]

@@rikupv And with that proven body too. And his injuries. Such intensity.

[@blackprix]

Best all-around basketball player in history! He came with offense, Defense, assist, rebounds! And the cherry on top of the cake being the leader that made everybody else around him better😊. I’ve been a Celtic fan since 1960, born and brought up in New England. I saw the greats of the greats… And it was wonderful seeing Larry, Kevin McHale, Robert parish on that front line and they dominated. That rest of that group was not shabby at all.

[@tonywalker4575]

I was in Seattle in 1991 to finally watch Larry Bird play and 2 to 3 hours before the game the Celtics bus pulled up and a good 1000 people were there chanting his name. Not in Boston but 3000 miles away. Unbelievable.

[@ronnydee34]

Larry Legend.

[@thekappa6529]

Magic, Jordan and Bird. If these 3 were on the same team, there is no chance of them losing. None. At. All.

[@OnEPuNcHFinaTIk022]

***** agreed. 1992 USA dream team

[@ualrdyknowaitiz]

+TheKappa Those 3 would never play together...they wanted to compete and beat each other....

[@Jays_dead_cat]

+TheKappa 3 clutchers on one team. no chance of defeat

[@A7OldRscplayer]

+TheKappa Keepo

[@mikes3827]

+Harri v'Jah True. Back then players were organic, and they didn't do a LeBron or Durant and try to create an all-star team on one team via free agency. Magic and Larry had immediate success (1-2 yrs to win it all) with the Lakers and Celtics, but it took Jordan 7 years to finally taste the ultimate success. I respect that old-school style much more, because through the highs and lows, they stick it out with one team.

[@adamfitzgerald911]

The last player to win the NBA MVP award three consecutive years.

[@michaelbabbin3977]

That was the longest applause ever lmao well deserved tho" larry Legend"

[@elevatedmind5365]

Best white boy to ever step foot on a basketball court...hell, better than a whole heap of brothas too. Bird was the man, no question.

[@200mphz06]

White man. Boys play little league and high school.

[@KPPvideos]

I learned about him by reading a book in third grade lmao

[@200mphz06]

***** I watched him from the moment he was in the NCAA finals to the end of his NBA career. His teams beat Jordan's teams in 16 straight games. Also 6-0 in the playoffs, Bird killed MJ and idiots think MJ was the GOAT. Scoring isn't everything. Bird had more assists, more rebounds, more triple doubles and played against the Lakers who dominated the 80's with Kareem and Magic. If it wasn't for the Lakers Bird would have had 4 or 5 more rings.

[@toscodav]

Best white Boy? Best ever white or black ever. He schooled Jordan and Dr J. on the court.

[@cartersteinmann8430]

+Kamaal Bartley are u kidding u are so stupid bird is top 5 and Jordan is #1

[@SleeeshooveEyy]

The most longest ovation of an introduction of a player... larry legend the true 🐐

[@barrybarrygoldsmith7849]

I wasn't a Boston fan until Larry came there I live and die with them until his retirement. One of the greatest of all time.

[@RamsonOpoku]

Man Larry got so much love, gave me the chills.. well deserve

[@deequi6189]

One of the greatest clutch player ever played the game...

[@shavparv3977]

Dee Qui 7

[@phade2blaq]

Hold on don't forget Jerry West. Afterall he is nicknamed Mr Clutch.

[@davidhodges1707]

The purest

[@broken75.20]

@@phade2blaq do you've seen a lot of clutch moment of Jerry West? Jerry it's 60's we've doesn't got a lot of pictures to prove if he was really Mr. Clutch. But I know that he make a game winner in a all-star game.

[@omarl8195]

Ice water in his veins. Guy was a sniper

[@unfreeze18]

before Michael Jordan came on the scene, Larry bird was arguably the best player EVER. He wasn't too cozy with the media, he resented the fact that so many were fans because he was a white stand out in a predominately black sport. He wanted recognition for his greatness not his skin color

[@ChevyVertsX3]

He was a good player but not the best ever even without mentioning Jordan! Wilt Chambelin, Kareem Bill Russel just to name a few!

[@TheoDinu]

ChevyVertsX3 In no way are Wilt, Bill Russell and Kareem better than Bird.

[@alexkwok9530]

Theodor Dinu Well considering none of them played Bird's position, I wouldn't even want to compare them. Let's just recognize greatness at any position

[@bobthabuilda1525]

ChevyVertsX3 Kareem maybe, but no way was Wilt or Bill Russell better than Bird. Wilt was awesome, but he had no real competition besides Bill Russell. Put someone like Dwight Howard in that time period, and I think they would equal what Wilt did. Bill Russell on the other hand is over rated. Sure, he won a lot of championships, but no 7 footer who shoots 44% from the floor and scores only 15 ppg for his career should be considered as the greatest. He won championships because he was surrounded by great, highly underrated players like Bob Cousy and Frank Ramsey.

[@Amick44]

Agree, Ma. M.L. Carr said the same. "Until Michael came along, Larry was the best I'd ever seen."

[@Shemzinho]

Greatest player of all time.

[@phade2blaq]

Nope but he's certainly one of the best to ever do it. Can't compare because players played in different era's with different rules.

[@cdubsell]

I agree.

[@terryaddison2851]

Larry was great but not greatest of all-time.

[@mehrajk786]

So true same

[@a-ddaigrepont3375]

amen

[@johnchesteryu4728]

He is the only player I saw well respected and being cheered by his opponents during the game. And look at this crowd. They cannot help but show respect to Larry. 😌🙏

[@tommiller5809]

I WATCHED LARRY BIRD IN THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WHEN HE PLAYED FOR LITTLE INDIANA ST. HE WAS UP AGAINST MAGIC JOHNSON AND HIS OTHER STAR PLAYERS. MAGICS TEAM JUST OUTCLASSED LARRY'S TEAM OF IND ST. FROM THAT GAME ON I WAS ROOTING FOR LARRY BIRD AND NEVER GOT DISAPPOINTED. I SAW HIM DO THINGS ON A BASKETBALL COURT THAT WILL MAKE YOUR HEAD SPIN. HE DID IT ALL TO SAY THE LEAST, NOW I CALL HIM A MAN AMONGST BOYS. LOL. LARRY LEGEND AND THEN COME ALONG THE REST. SO TO SPEAK. AMAZING PLAYER WHO LOVED THE GAME. GO LARRY BIRD 👍🙌👌🏀🙏🙌❤️

[@arrimine]

As a Lakers fan in the 80's, Larry Bird was the only player I ever feared.

[@penispumpmandonahue7902]

Arrimine Venyalla that's cuz I was not born yet

[@christinapalazzolo9514]

Ok magic j

[@cheezlayer]

Everybody does in the lakers his a killer down the court!

[@bean7039]

@@penispumpmandonahue7902 sexy dude you are, let's mate?

[@tomhearns143]

Sure thing buddy. ' Sincerely, The Detroit Pistons

[@calvinchu3750]

That's a crazy crowd. You know how loved he was by his fans.

[@DavidHolcomb1776]

The greatest small forward who ever breathed..LARRY LEGEND.

[@jaypee9585]

NO FUCKING DOUBT

[@bellavia5]

He was 6 foot 10.

[@brgreg8725]

Yep!!

[@donisenberg3032]

@@bellavia5 6’8”. And small forward is the position he played, not his height.

[@bellavia5]

@@donisenberg3032 OK

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

Greatest All-Around Forward in NBA history

[@robc7064]

I still say he was the best player I ever saw.

[@phade2blaq]

How many players did you see lol

[@robc7064]

I saw a lot. I’m 54 years old. When he was healthy before his back went out, there was nobody better. Larry would beat you with his brain.thought the game out. Swept Jordan twice in the playoffs. Jordan’s bulls only won after bird and magic got older. Again, just my opinion. Everyone has their “best” ever.

[@robc7064]

Michael Alexander many. Including Jordan. Who only won after Larry and magic got old. Bulls were swept twice by the Celtics. I grew up in New York too. Not a Celtics fan.

[@robc7064]

Brian Neary I’ll wager you’re a little kid who lives with mommy, and doesn’t know basketball.

[@kristalmacleod3215]

@@phade2blaq who WAS BETTER ?

[@cuteynurse6185]

My FAVORITE basketball player of ALL TIME!!!!

[@marypulley1591]

Such a standing ovation, what a testament to a great athlete

[@jeromekiley]

I watched Larry Bird all through the 80's, he inspired me, not just in basketball, but in life. Until recently, I forgot that on top of winning 3 MVPs in a row, he was also runner-up 4 other times from 80-88. His MVP position during those years: 4,2,2,2,1,1,1,3,2. It really was incredible - it's hard for people who weren't around then to understand how special Bird really was in the 80s.

[@crackbabyjr]

Larry Bird wasn't better than Magic Johnson and Magic Johnson wasn't better than Larry Bird. #Legends

[@paintballgun10]

magic would suggest bird was better haha

[@broaddusmarines]

paintballgun10 as a matter of fact Magic DID say that Bird was the better player. You could tell Magic was/is in awe of him.

[@paintballgun10]

Anthony Broaddus i know i watched a video about bird and a ton of people were talking him up saying how dominant he was… if he didn't get back injuries he would've probably been much better and broke more records.. backs are the worst

[@mjt11860]

Anthony Broaddus they were both in awe of each other. bird even said that magic was the greatest. personally, i couldn't say which 1 was better.

[@MrZackavelli]

Anthony Broaddus paintballgun10 mjt11860 jaree patton They were both in awe of each other. It's another aspect of romanticism in their rivalry; Larry thinks Magic was better, Magic thinks Larry was better.

[@Aih1616]

Everyone likes to debate who's better than who, but I don't give a damn. Bird was great and loved him play.

[@padraiglocke8844]

Greatest player ever

[@davidhollingsworth864]

I just think about Larry and I can't help but smile in abject admiration because of how great he was. One of the best basketball players, if not THE best, to ever live.

[@Breeder333]

Odd as it might sound to some, Bird had a HUGE impact on the man I became. His work ethic and heroics set the tone for what i aspired to be in my life. It was such a fun ride to watch him play the game and any where i have ever put on a uniform I always wore the 33.

[@rodneygammad]

greatest passer. greatest shooter. greatest all around player of all time in my eyes. hes my basketball God. the ultimate man. simple and down to earth. what a player. once in a lifetime talent. and i was lucky enough to see him in his prime. LEGEND.

[@detomasopantera1966]

There will never be another Larry Bird...ever☘️☘️☘️💚💚💚

[@jbart4183]

The best Small Forward to ever played the game.. its not even close... Larry Legend!

[@lloydkline1518]

Lebrin james ; john havlivichek ; kobe bryant erc etc

[@steveo3831]

Small forward. At 6’10”?

[@sjb2202]

just from looking at the comments i dont think yall understand. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson saved basketball. Larry and Magic will get love till there long gone.

[@73Trident]

Ditto

[@phade2blaq]

They did because the NBA was in the eyes of many becoming too Black in the 1970s so they did.

[@daviddavis1351]

That's not true no matter how many times its repeated. Look at the NBA final ratings three years before Bird and Magic and the seven years after. You will notice something that would suprise you. And these guys came on at the onset of satellite/cable tv. Often repeated but never verified myth.

[@kristalmacleod3215]

WRONG IS WAS Larry that SAVED THEnba.

[@deadarmd]

They saved the league and Jordan globalised it. Without those three LeBron is playing tight end in the cfl

[@YesMyTatsAreReal]

The reaction from the crowd before Larry actually said a word from his speech spoke volumes about the man.

[@LucidDream]

What a legend. Larry, you'll always be my favorite.

[@jaketanner20001]

Mone too!

[@epocketlsaml]

This man has an army of fans behind him. Legend.

[@larrybird3348]

Thank you for all the nice comments. I did my best, and I dedicated my life to the Boston Celtics. It was an honor to play against titans like Magic, Jordan, Malone and Stockton.

[@quietplace7600]

As a kid from Kentucky, I wanted to be like you on the court!

[@QuangTran_MQStudio8]

One of the greatest assasins ever to play the game. And he'd tell it to your face as well. Former NBA players would remember how he'd tell them he'd beat them, and then backed it up like a true pro! Thank you for your love of the game Mr. Larry Bird!

[@user-pw8ow7tz9t]

I lived in Boston 1986 to 1991. Watching Larry play were some of the most exciting and cherished memories! Chicago had Jordon, LA had Magic but Boston had the Legend!

[@11bfollowme19]

I’ve had three heroes in my life, My father my grandfather and Larry Bird

[@heyman5911]

Now its 2019 watching the humble man Larry Bird NBA Hall of Fame. Old NBA season are fantastic. I don't think this kind of standing ovation will be heard again

[@mattwatts33]

Even his standing O’s are the best of all time

[@keithshowell6688]

Yes, there is humility and gratitude in GREATNESS! Although "Pistol" Pete Maravich was my basketball hero (who I had the great opportunity to meet and perform with in Germany with his Dad) I am glad he and Larry made Red smile while playing on the same Celtic team before he closed his eyes one last time. Larry Bird, You were amazing in ways most players could never have dreamed of. Thanks!

[@michellelaugie5345]

I love watching Pistol Pete videos

[@emmabullerpowell7693]

He's humble kind an amazing team player and gave everything to the sport he Love's so deeply. Basketball has brought so many people together from black white brown and this guy showed the world that no matter the color of your skin that we all belonged. There will never be another man like him I have so much respect for him.

[@celticbird2398]

I don't see the ovation as annoying or over exaggerated, I see it as there is a lot of people in that building that was clearly effected by Larry's career and they wanted to show the appreciation for it. There's probably a lot of people in that building that wouldn't even have been a fan of basketball if it wasn't for Larry. I think of a lot of basketball fans of today should thank guys like Magic and Bird for saving the NBA, just watch the "Magic & Bird" documentary, they made basketball cool again. This ovation is not only warranted but deserved Larry and Magic changed the game, there will never be any one quite that same as those guys.

[@monk3070]

Yeah but they interrupting him you could tell he was getting agitated.

[@TheMimetolithman]

Larry saved theleague not Magic'

[@joselagyapjr2226]

Wow....

[@Miatacrosser]

Better yet, read the book, When the Game Was Ours.

[@cindyknudson2715]

@@monk3070 He seems to get embarrassed when he's praised. Bird turned about 5 shades of red when Oscar Schmidt called him the Greatest during his HOF speech.

[@danielhansen3982]

Magic said it best, There will never EVER be another Larry Bird

[@Lasse3]

I have never heard a more enthusiastic crowd, well- earned! True 🐐

[@ethancain8558]

Thanks for the memories, Larry Legend!

[@petep5207]

Speech: 10 minutes Raucous standing ovation: forever

[@RESTEBAN1903]

THE BEST BASKETBALL PLAYER IN THE NBA HISTORY !

[@amazinmets8439]

Tippersnore Bird was better than Bill Russell, sorry my friend.

[@Fanatikk9]

Tippersnore You have to admit the league was a bit tilted then. The Celtics did have all the talent. Not taking anything away from Bill. He's an all time great but how many rings do you truly think he would have won if he played for someone else.

[@Italianoboy1gmail]

When were right!!! We're right!!! Be good kid!!

[@dcfan1107]

Wrong. Bird had just as good of vision/court awareness as Magic. Their in-game instincts were off the charts. You just never watched Bird play. The only reason people say Magic had better vision was due to the fact he played point. Find a video of Bird's passing highlights and then come back and say his vision wasn't up to Magic's.

[@toscodav]

Asshole. Bird way better than Magic. Not even close Stevie wonder. Get some glasses and study up homey..

[@geo8367]

This is one of the best speeches about how to become great at something

[@stockvaluedotcom]

The best fundamental basketball player I've ever seen.

[@jjs777fzr]

Bird and Magic on Letterman was simply awesome to see how the two get along. Funny as all heck.

[@theStacyJames]

I've watched all the HOF acceptance speeches, Larry's is the only 3 minute standing ovation. . .

[@louiebrilliantes9680]

Larry Bird is once in a generation player. Great shooter,terrific rebounder, tough as nails, and most of all, a heart of a champion.

[@davecourt2037]

If you made the mistake of judging him based on his complexion - you were about to get torched by Larry Legend!

[@stanjanusas2885]

It didn't matter if you judged him by complexion. He torched the best defensive players in the league anyway.

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

He beats Jordan 2x in the playoffs He outplays Julius Erving in the Conference Finals He beats Magic Johnson in the 1984 Finals One of three players to win three straight MVP awards 🏆 1979/80 Rookie of the year 1st round pick by Boston in 1978 out of Indiana State 3x champion 10x All Star 🌟 1982 all star ⭐️ MVP One of the 50 greatest players in NBA history ⛹️ 1992 Dream Team 🇺🇸 gold medal 🥇 Played his entire career with Boston 🍀 from 1979-1992 NCAA basketball player of the year 1998 basketball 🏀 hall of fame Greatest small forward of all time

[@owensunuwar697]

Jordan was Unknown Until Larry Retired

[@ed2kou1]

Dumisa Tony Johnson left out coach of the year and executive of the year... Bird had the touch of gold..

[@dennisjr77]

Dumisa Tony Johnson.... to be fair, those Celtics team.... PRE SCOTTIE PIPPEN were STACKED! Bird, Mchale, Parrish, DJohnson......

[@plur2179]

@@owensunuwar697 Larry Bird said God disguised as Michael Jordan” quote after that game, after Jordan carried a Bulls team to double overtime before finally yielding 135-131. Let be real Larry not going to just give you respect unless you earn it and beat him a couple times.

[@ramonestamour]

best coach, best gm

[@braxtonthomas6194]

LARRY JOE BIRD!!!! THANK YOU

[@swoesteban5570]

Magic and Larry brought excitement to the whole country. Magic and Larry were born and raised in the Midwest. Then they went to opposite coasts, bringing each of the 3 regions pride.

[@jsong21]

Watched this guy since i was 6 yrs old. He was my favorite player. I have so much respect for him.

[@TheJMSESQ]

he really came a long way as a public speaker and we're now getting to see that sense of humor that his teammates talked about that he never showed the public. i watched the letterman interview w/him and magic and he was hilarious.

[@4aidiotfreeworld]

wow...20% of the speech was ...listening to standing ovations

[@SPenny-my4we]

I grew up watching Larry Byrd play basketball, I'm from Indiana too, we didn't get to watch Larry play much college ball, but we did get to see Indiana State in the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP when they won, and everyone was going crazy when we watched it! Phenomenal year for Indiana State! It was a Great Day for Indiana that's for sure! One of the Greatest players to ever Grace any Professional Basketball Teams Floor, and that's a FACT ! I Love this Guy, and I always will ! God bless Him and His Family! ALWAYS !

[@tracyh6463]

My all time favorite NBA player since I was little!!!!!

[@J88246mac]

When I was growing up in the 80's, there were just two greats, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Larrry Bird was the greatest baskeball player I have ever seen, but few know how much he practiced... He practiced and shot hours before games.... There was a reason for his perfection, Larry Bird worked hard and practiced....

[@NortonsNestMonthly]

That was a great speech Larry gave. He, Magic and Michael represented how great the NBA could be. Bird never made excuses. He just went out there and beat you. He was the greatest pure shooter of them all, with the possible exception of Pete Maravich.

[@bustos1959]

I know I'm late.. but Jerry West was the greatest pure shooter also. He isn't the NBA logo man for nothing.

[@dwainsellers6453]

@@bustos1959 facts #44

[@twinwankel]

Sorry but Maravich was a terrible shooter. i was a big fan of his too but to put Bird and Maravich in same shooting category means you dont know much about basketball. All i can say is that Pete was big volume shooting with low shooting percentage. A bit like Kobe. His Jazz teams never got out of the first round.

[@dwainsellers6453]

@@twinwankel lol his college scoring record will never ever be broken even with the 3 point shot that wasn't in the game when he was in college. Bird was one of the best for sure. You can research what NBA stars including Bird thought about Pistol Pete.

[@demerjr8097]

"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan; If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life...I'd take Larry Bird."

[@kujukaja2049]

One of the best players ever

[@NeonKC]

Damn and this is why he is one of the best look at that ovation. Crazy

[@vickyshan6302]

I VIEW THIS SPEECH AT LEAST 2 - 3 TIMES A YEAR TO HEAR HIS SPEECH AND THE PRICELESS CHEER FROM THE FANS.

[@jamesmilligan9062]

Magic and Bird are the opposite sides of the same coin...Both men have served the cutures of Black and White in America and the world through competition, showed me and many others that we are more similar than different. Most important, both men served the opposite culture he was born into as profoundly as their own, if not more. As a 76 rs fan growing up i wanted Magic to win because the Celtics usually beat my Team to get to the finals and Magic only left me down once going head 2 head with Celtics and hated Bird for that. That was huge for me because i was raised by parents who were victims of their time culture and prejudice. I was fortunate to live long enough to see the impact Magic and Bird had on others like myself, for that Im very grateful. I like it when i read positive comments posted by African American men and women about Larry Bird. Because it can not be easy for many reasons to express that given the history of horrible treatment demonstrated towards melaninated peoples that seems to have gotten worse since President Obama first election. It shows we can break the cycle of ignorance and racism we have seen for way to long. We need change now and we must take this seriously, because hatred of any kind, especially physical differences like color is IGNORANT and we don't have any more road to kick the can down. The Caitlyn Jenner issue can wait but the racism needs to be addressed yesterday. LISTEN TO EACH OTHER. We will do this together or we will suffer the consequences.

[@boston2lalaland]

James Milligan Sir, I thank you for this. I hope you still feel strongly of uniting not dividing, especially in present day US. I came here as was so happy to see Larry Bird with Ervin Johnson’s video at Game 5 World Series. They were my favorite NBA players & in truth, still are. Greatest thrill was to get to see Bird & Magic play. I think I’ve been looking for reminders of shared joy between folks. The World Series a diversion from pain, shame, anger & utter disbelief of our nations leadership. Their joint video dusted off happy memories. Your words give me real hope. I know there’s more of us than those of hate. We have to vote. Have to. I wish you well.

[@jamesmilligan4592]

@@boston2lalaland Thank you Brother and Yes I still do and always will!

[@boston2lalaland]

James Milligan Hey there. ‘erm, I’m sister not brother, but don’t worry, we’re cool. Keep the spirit

[@bobrunge7594]

Saw him play. He'd come in....kick ass...go to the bench...lay on the floor face down...come back in and kisk ass. NOBODY ever did that...The BEST

[@lejoe48]

By far, the best ever..

[@accadoza]

There's a lot of love for Larry,that says it all

[@ansias77]

I feel lucky i grew up watching 80's 'til mid 90's NBA tirelessly, to me that was the greatest era. The Celtics weren't my favorite team..but that really doesn't matter. Honestly Larry Bird had the greatest, coldest and most determined mind to play basketball ever ..even above Jordan. Awesome shooter, scorer, rebounder, passer, ball handler, team player...and a unique brain to read the rival, the play and the game. He was the purest basketball player i ever saw.

[@clifftanton8385]

The greatest passing forward and greatest shooting forward and greatest rebounding forward of all time

[@charlesmarshall2697]

I was blessed to be in Boston for the world seafood exposition in 1988. I got tickets and watched him beat the Nicks. He exuded confidence with every move he made.

[@adamdorgant9454]

You mean the Knicks!!!!!

[@raypetree9372]

The greatest basketball mind any of us have ever seen. Outside of maybe Red himself. Go Boston!

[@williegriggs9238]

Legends never Die!!!!🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

[@ConsultingMetroAtlanta]

I’m 47 and rooted for LAL in the 80’s. I still remember the feeling I got in my stomach when Larry Bird pulled up from 20 ft. It was the same feeling as when the teacher called home. Fear.