How Good Was Larry Bird Actually?

A look back at the career of one of the best to ever do it, Larry Bird.
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Larry Bird was one of the best players to ever touch a basketball, and together with Magic Johnson - the biggest NBA star of the 80s.
What made him so successful considering he was quite unathletic, and how would he fare in today’s NBA? Did he win just because his teams were loaded, and where does he stand among the best shooters of all-time?
How Good Was Larry Bird Actually?

[@tybrustornt]

He won three straight MVPs in a league with Jordan, magic, Hakeem, and Karl Malone. Enough said

[@kristalmacleod3215]

and 1 he was robbed of 1' he had 3 runner up's

[@Bravo-Too-Much]

Kareem left out for Hakeem? Odd choice but okay.

[@Ah-ws9nm]

@@Bravo-Too-Much you mean Kareem left out for Karl. Hakeem has every right to be named with those guys

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Not enough, John Stockton too

[@riteousrighthand6144]

and was runner up in several others

[@cinemaster9012]

Larry Bird was one of the greatest passers as well, the only reason he didn’t average 10 assists is because the Celtics as a whole were a great passing team, particularly the 86’ team which is considered the best passing team of all time

[@localneo-graphic4647]

Steals and assists are the most misleading stats in the entire game. Some awful defenders rack up steals by trying to swipe and reach every possession, getting 2 steals a game and blown by the rest. For assists, it favors certain types of passes, like lobs, hitting the roller, or skip passes. A great pass can ultimately lead to a bucket without being counted as an assist. It was even worse back in the 60's and early 70's, when it was ONLY counted as an assist if the person you passed to didn't dribble. Wilt literally led the league in assists because he would literally only pass to spot up shooters, and would intentionally ignore his all-star guard because he would take a dribble for better position before shooting. That's why he's the most OVERRATED player in history, because stats don't win rings.

[@starblitz_999]

@@localneo-graphic4647I wouldn't say he's the most overrated player in the entire history of basketball, he was all around dominant in the era he played in and crushed most of his opponents in every category. He was insanely strong and athletic even for today, also didn't he win two rings during his career?

[@user-ch3ul9vu6o]

Kevin McHale was a widely-known dark hole due to his effectiveness in the paint, but no passing from him hahaha

[@ayo_ocho8861]

When your so good the other team cheers for you that a legend

[@LtDansLegs69]

Facts that shit he pulled on the hawks qhen their entire bench was cheering was insane

[@BillMcGirr]

Lol... They caught team fines for that. Apparently their bosses were not amused.🤣👍

[@mj23goat3]

People always say they were cheering though when really they weren't. It was more like they were expressing incredulity at the ridiculous shots Larry was hitting.

[@nodus7853]

you’re*

[@jacklike2526]

@@nodus7853exactly

[@eduardoquintero8363]

One of the highest basketball IQ's ever.

[@PretentiousFish]

IMO the highest.

[@unknownlegend6598]

Larry Told "Rainbow" on the trainers lap in the game where the Hawks bench cheered for him. Larry Also won MVP with an Injury

[@j34xalphaking87]

Highest

[@WyWid]

Not just iq ever. One of The most skilled player. If he and freaky genetics just imagine

[@vernpascal1531]

@@WyWid Yes bird was one of the greatest,but let's not go overboard and say something stupid like he's better than Magic,LBJ,Wilt or MJ.

[@Top-Kek]

Bird took the Celtics from the 2nd worst record in the league to the best record and to the conference finals, IN HIS ROOKIE SEASON!!! He's in my top 5 all day long

[@user-ej9ub6wl5l]

Yeah I think this is the most baffling achievement of all. Nobody did that like...ever. Duncan's Spurs improved drastically, but they also had Robinson coming back, and Lebron's Cavs took 6 years to break the 60-win mark. Bird joined the 29 win team, and they won 61 games. Interesting fact: In 90-91 season, Bird missed 22 games due to back pains. Celtics went 46-14 with him in the lineup, 10-12 without him. And that was 34 yr old Bird!! In short, Celtics went from a pushover to title-contenders, and then back to irrelevance as Bird's career winded down. They went from 57 wins in 88 to 42 in 89, when Bird was sidelined by injuries. That was the only time in Larry's career that Boston won less than 50 games.

[@ayyyayay]

"larry grew up as a shy introverted kid" your telling me this is the same dude who was also known for his trash talking?

[@williamkoscielniak820]

Introverts can be very expressive when they are performing. There are introverted musicians, actors, etc but when they are on stage all of the sudden they are not introverted any more. Larry probably felt more comfortable on the basketball court than anywhere else.

[@DonnaRDodge]

I love how whenever they were talking about how bird was the greatest shooter, they kept saying: at the time

[@carloganz]

@Matthew Rendenm no. Work ethic can erase fear but not an introvert's anxiety. Hence his uncomfortabiliy outside of the court.

[@MohammedFeet]

@Matthew Rendenm So you mean to tell me that he just overcame his personality for other people to like him? Thats very un-Bird like my guy

[@carloganz]

@Matthew Rendenm Hahaha! Seems you can't handle facts my guy. That's called a you problem

[@shrek_uwu_baddie]

True story: Kevin McHale had just broken the record of most points by a Celtic in a single game, 56 points. After the game, Bird told McHale that he should've gone for 60 points. Next week Larry Bird got 60 points exactly against the hawks.

[@polemopoleno7104]

That was one for the ages❤

[@MuddyPoppins]

Bird hurt his back installing a driveway at his mother’s house because he thought that the paving companies bid was too high, so he did it himself and blew out his back. True story.

[@robertmiller5425]

Thats legendary

[@MuddyPoppins]

@@robertmiller5425 😂 lol Yep he had to pay the penance of a career in pain because he was cheap. He couldn’t retire because it was an un-sanctioned off season non-basketball injury that would have nulled his contract, so he was basically screwed to play to collect his money.

[@robertmiller5425]

@@MuddyPoppins lol

[@markgrossmann336]

@@MuddyPoppins he had plenty money by then lol. He was born poor and worked manual labor growing up. Driveway work to him was just something you did on the weekends.

[@SamtheBravesFan]

@@markgrossmann336 That's right. He was this close to dropping basketball entirely in college and just going home to earn a living.

[@rolodwayne5841]

Larry would completely dominate in this era.

[@jackwyatt3854]

No

[@djdavidortueta6923]

@@jackwyatt3854, yes kid. If nobody can guard Giannis, Larry Bird would easily dominate

[@djdavidortueta6923]

@@jackwyatt3854, he would have better IQ than everyone in this ERA, he would be one of the best shooters in this ERa behind Curry, and would be able to catch and shoot and drive

[@itznoobler7783]

@@djdavidortueta6923 LeBron would be a close second.

[@itznoobler7783]

I just want to say this to put it out there, the defense back then was bad. Like really bad. Now it’s a whole lot better, and quit sleeping on Giannis come on man.

[@TheriotProductions]

How good was Larry Bird? The answer is: LEGENDary

[@FRodriguez_]

LegendARRY

[@NoHuddleHawkeyes]

L3G3NDARY

[@albertogrigolini6093]

👍 You're fucking right, friend (bird's trash-talking-mode on...)

[@antisocialantihero3464]

Legen............wait for it ...........DARY

[@kannonsisk99]

legendLARRY

[@davidherdman9798]

One of Bird's greatest strengths was to get his teammates involved in the game. He could have scored on just about every trip down the court, but would make incredible passes to all of his teammates so that the other team had to guard everyone all the time. During one stretch in the 1986 season all 5 starters scored in double figures 29 games in a row. Look at teams today and you may see 2 or 3 players like that, but not all 5. It is safe to say that several of the Celtics starters would not have been considered for the Hall of Fame if they played on other teams. Bird also did not grow up with a 3 point line. It was instituted in the NBA his second year, and then in the college game. So his ability to consistently make the 3 point shot was a testament to his shooting practice where he would shoot from all points in the floor, not just traditional forward spots like his contemporaries. We see Curry and others consistently making 3 point shots now, but in Bird's day if you tried shots from that far out in high school or college the coach took you out of the game and helped you to understand that this was NOT an acceptable shooting spot. Bird's 3 MVP awards came at a time when we saw some of the NBA's finest players. Every team had 2 or 3 or more really great players. The witness to that statement is the 1992 Dream Team. 11 of those players were vastly experienced, hall of fame NBA players from the 80's with only 1 collegiate player. Interesting note, during the Dream Team Olympic games the coach never called a time out. Not once. The recent success of the Warriors is a throwback to the Celtics and Bird. Their consistent winning record is not simply based on Steph Curry, but on all of the players on the floor contributing. Curry virtually always has an open man to pass to when he brings the ball up. Again, this means the other team has to guard all 5 opponents, not just Curry. Curry can pass, he can shoot from any place on the floor, and he can score around the basket. Bird was the same, while playing a different position. It is like watching the '86 Celtics all over again, even though the game is a lot different. Teams win, but teams with 'stars' don't many times. Thanks for the video.

[@lancesingleton3700]

Imagine if len bias didnt die when he got drafted to the Celtics

[@craigallmond1872]

If not for injuries I think he’d be in the GOAT debate for sure.

[@MindfulAttraction2.0]

5:14 nasty pass yet so simple. This is a testament to his genius as a basketball player. He was constantly taking mental pictures of the court

[@josemota19]

@Was gut lol doubt it, no 11 old is playing in the nba

[@breakbad9753]

@Beetlejuice did he hurt your feelings

[@joshuasnell7942]

You mean simple pass yet so nasty

[@mr.billthrower7392]

@RoyalOP What you’re not understanding is the context of the pass itself. Before he even begins to pass the ball he recognizes Kevin Michale opening up and rolling towards the basket and a few feet away is one of the premier shot blockers in NBA history, notice his slight glance towards the basket before he’s even in reach of the ball. If you study Larry enough you’ll notice his uncanny ability to have supreme court awareness at all times. In most of these situations most guys are thinking of simply securing the loose ball but not Larry. He knows that all eyes are on the ball so for him to grab the ball and pass it would give Kareem enough time to react to it, he also knows that a no look pass is not fast enough either because to get some kind of a grip on the ball with his fingers and use a more whipping like motion to pass the ball would also give Kareem enough time to react and maybe tip it with his abnormal wingspan. So he does the only correct thing for that point in time to ensure that the ball gets put where it needs to be, a no look tap pass. In reality, it’s not that simple. Kobe once said that Larry’s ability to make the game look almost child-like simple was a true testament of his greatness.

[@eternalboss1046]

Elite scorer, elite passer, elite rebounder, above average defender, elite closer. I'd say he was pretty good.

[@joecollins3494]

Pistons might say he was a elite defender

[@coldskoolbeatz]

elite trash talker

[@ousmanediagne8774]

I love how whenever they were talking about how bird was the greatest shooter, they kept saying: at the time

[@ousmanediagne8774]

@@williamgitonga7589 facs

[@brrr3301]

@Doug Bevins why u hating on Bird when no one here even talks about Bron dude, why so pressed?

[@brrr3301]

@Doug Bevins and who are u even trying to say that to? Did anyone here even mentioned Bron? Ur so obsessed with Bird so just stfu, this isn't even a video about Bron stupid

[@brrr3301]

@Doug Bevins just the fact that ur even commenting Lebron's comparison to Bird on a Bird video when no one even compared him here to Bron to Bird or even mention Bron at all is disrespectful like if u really want to talk about Bron then go to his vids not here when no one even mentioned him, not everything revolves around Bron dude P.S MJ is the 🐐

[@ftruers2544]

Doug Bevins yeah bird played like 13 seasons bro

[@juanio7036]

If dirk doncic and Jokic can dominate Larry bird would annihilate in today’s game.

[@brettrobbins2707]

I mean joe ingles does pretty good and he's nowhere near an allstar/superstar caliber of dirk and luka ect. You could even put Duncan in there imo, just master the fundamentals. Look at all these guys who fall out of the league after 5 years once they can't just dunk every time they touch the ball, your already seeing it with Blake Griffen as an example. Athleticism only goes so far if you don't actually learn how to play or have any skill set other than I can run fast and jump high

[@Krayzkidd1308]

How good? He literally changed the way we look at white NBA players.

[@loganwarner3820]

Cut the crap but also have a blessed day and night

[@peoplehatealex3xten550]

@Doody Perfect Your dad must not know about Tyler Herro, Luka, Jerry West, Bob Cousy, Kristaps, etc... Your color doesn't depict your talent it's your heart(coming from a black guy btw)

[@dominicmitchell4014]

One of

[@23dayslater95]

Jerry west?

[@dontesewhite]

Stockton?

[@victorsarkis2177]

Bird is the best small forward ever, top 5 player lock

[@karingtonrobinson3046]

Better than lebron????

[@jscott1712]

@Jits Pg????at 6'8"????

[@madmexican1002]

@@karingtonrobinson3046 lebron isnt a true small forward

[@dirknowitzki2778]

@@jscott1712 magic was a 6’9 pg do anything can be possible lmao

[@jscott1712]

@@dirknowitzki2778 you're right but I thought it was coomon knowledge that LeBron was a sf

[@ofermashiach4519]

You know you are the GOAT when Michael Jordan is relieved when you retire.

[@ReD-jr8oz]

My grandpa played against Larry, and to this day he still has the most points scored in a game at my school

[@Askapur]

That’s cool

[@theliltfamily5372]

What is his name

[@theliltfamily5372]

What is his name?

[@lorenfarris6325]

I liked Pat Rileys quote when asked who do you want when game is on the line.He said,If its for the game,I will take Jordan.If its for my life,I will take Larry

[@Dragracer612]

I truly feel that I grew up watching the Golden Era of the NBA. So many legends.

[@dioquinosean5783]

Fun fact: Larry Bird is one of the Greatest passers of all time He can average 12 apg if he wanted to.

[@edwardlomeli5657]

Is he one of the best passers or was it that his team was stacked with HOFs and top 50 players of all time? Put any decent passer on that team and they are going to be amazing. Not saying bird is crap but he benefited a lot from having a amazing team . Having two top defenders help hide his defensive weaknesses.

[@A_Nick]

@@edwardlomeli5657 Bird had made into all defense 2nd team 3 times. How was he a bad defender?

[@edwardlomeli5657]

阿力 him guarding the 3rd or 4th best scorer most nights is how.

[@edwardlomeli5657]

6 languages and 4 degrees it’s people like you which is why I mention this. Larry birds teammates were HOF caliber while on his team. He had two of the best defenders in the league while he played .

[@edwardlomeli5657]

Doug Bevins Larry birds short career hurts his status for me a tad bit. IMO he gets away with that versus other players. Larry was a great player but people done play all the help he had

[@HoopsRegion]

How good was Larry Bird? The Answer is: Really Good.

[@devmanboy8316]

Nah he was great

[@Cantwait4Jay]

@@devmanboy8316 nah he was better than great

[@ahmedsaifullah96]

What about Scottie bro

[@devmanboy8316]

@@Cantwait4Jay as a celtics fan I agree. Excellent

[@generull6552]

@@vinny121vinny2 so what if he’s white?

[@paolomagni]

This guy litteraly OWNED the NBA! In his 1st 7 years he was: rookie of the year + 3⃣ times in a row 2nd in MVP + 3 3⃣ times in a row MVP. Founder and 2 time member of the 50-40-90 club! Do you get that?! Who else can say that? 3 times in a row All Stars Game 3 point contest winner (the 1st time he entered the locker room and said "I'm going to see who's gonna finish 2nd! And he won. The 3rd time, in warm up suite, he did ☝️ while the last shot was still on air, and won). Once he was 1 steal from a quadruple double (!!!!) and the coach asked him if he wanted to return on court from the bench to get it: "No, I did already enough damage tonight!". During the 60 points night vs Atlanta Hawks he was so hot and displaying such a shooting performance that 3 of the Hawks' bench were fined for cheering at his shots. Most of his no look or behind the back passes are still today inexplicable and unmatched. Any time guarded by a white player he was just going nuts and this fired him up: "This is disrespectful for my game!" 😂 And we could go on and on and on. Just THE LEGEEND!

[@GHOSTY.__]

Larry was like a stretch big back then some people forget how tall bird actually was he was like 6’9-6’10

[@Ryan-gw1ob]

I'm 50 and have been watching NBA since 1980 and Larry Legend is the most complete player l have ever seen!! Just an amazing athlete .. He would have been even better if he wasnt so cheap in the mid 80's and did his Mom's driveway on his own and hurt his back for the 1st time!! Miss watching him play!!

[@ok-ki9ml]

Larry Told "Rainbow" on the trainers lap in the game where the Hawks bench cheered for him. Larry Also won MVP with an Injury

[@jafquist27]

It may be corny, or even misplaced, but Larry makes me proud to have been raised in Massachusetts.

[@Pezzonovante916]

If one has to ask the question of how good Larry Bird actually was, one does not understand how great Larry Bird really was.

[@levisguy53]

perhaps but today's generation, needs a history lesson. i, myself, was too young to watch Larry. I didn't start watching the NBA until the 96-97 season when the C's had one of their worst records at 15-67.

[@leaffinite3828]

Yes. This is how questions work

[@Dr.John1975]

Larry Bird was colder than Antarctica. I grew up a Lakers fan cheering Kareem and Magic while my brother was a Bird Celtics fan. Man those rivalries will never happen again because of their greatness and talent

[@benaiah1960]

That 47-11-14 game (shooting left-handed) was the biggest flex I have ever seen; add to that Legend's humility - and an unparalleled trash talk game - and you have a GOAT

[@ShadowBanned904]

Larry Legend is my favorite player, ever!

[@slanderman3296]

Keeps saying "at the time".....he should be saying "of ALL time" bc Larry is one of the best of all time damnit.

[@RickDanner]

im with ya - top 5 to me with Jordan magic Kareem and Wilt - thats my opinion

[@punxlixx]

@@RickDanner thank u for actually putting wilt in ur list

[@ALV5252]

That Left Hand game was the greatest flex in NBA history

[@nehemiahjacinto8439]

25 minutes ago this was uploaded. I was there to know

[@ibjnsygbbf9352]

Nah he broke his back from carrying his team

[@satevo462]

Saying Bird was unathletic is like saying Iverson was to short.

[@bobobandy9382]

The channel is clearly garbage, the narrator with the bad voice is just reading something an intern wrote for him.

[@kingliam8714]

How about he meets Draymond Green and the Curry brothers and see what happens when he passes off Draymond and see how bad his ass gets hurt

[@RedsWin]

Greatest SF ever. "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." -Pat Riley

[@kingliam8714]

I 2ould say say the warriors would kick his ass 5 v 1

[@Basketball_god619]

The greatest small forward ever is lebron James

[@mattglenn29]

He changed the way small and power forwards play the game. For about 8 years he was as good if not better than anyone

[@JAMES45229]

Larry Birds brother used to be my boss. A guy named Mike bird. Definite uncanny resemblance.

[@assan-_-_L]

How old r u

[@blakespadaro2313]

Top 3-4 Shooter Alltime and Top 7-8 Passer of Alltime Top 10 player Alltime 2nd best SF Ever

[@salvatoreperez5113]

How's that disability money going for you Blake? If you're a Millennial Do some homework Bird Jordan Kareem Magic Kobe

[@iennws]

can I ask sth,does Larry bird thumb flick?or does he push his left hand/guide hand to shoot?

[@iennws]

@@lejacko222 agree wif u except he's top 8 player ever and prob second or third best SF

[@iennws]

@@lejacko222 I respect your opinion but I forgot to say top 2 shooter hmmmmm top 3/4 cus of Steph curry Ray Allen...im not sure if Reggie miller or Larry bird was better In shotting but Reggie miller had the second highest three point shots so I think Reggie miller

[@iennws]

@@lejacko222 ik Larry bird is a very good shooter cus he is my fav player of all time but I'm just saying he is like top 4 in shooting at most

[@kenshawpga]

30+ years later and I still get goosebumps watching this guy play. He is still the pinnacle of talent in the NBA. Others were way more athletic but he is still the best "player" ever. He would dominate today's lazy D league.

[@oriondragos5876]

He’s in my top 3 All time

[@debbiebrantley61]

Love Larry,I’ll never forget the first time I got see him play in person

[@mastod0n1]

0:52 he never played for Bobby Knight and dropped out of IU because he wasn't used to the "city" life of Bloomington. He enrolled at a community college near his hometown before ultimately transferring to Indiana State. Bird left IU before the team had even started practicing. But could you imagine Bird on that 75-76 IU team? That team is arguably the best college team of all time already. Fun to think about.

[@jerryblair2339]

Larry Bird one of the great players of his area . Great court sense, great fundamentals.LEGEND!!

[@rykimcruz26]

He is the true legend, and his lethal weapon is his mind and fundamentals to the point that he doesn’t need to have monstrous athleticism.

[@andrefane5499]

Yep Larry Bird is the best small forward ever like if you agree 10 million

[@elliottmercer2739]

Yeah lebron just doesnt exist🙄

[@andrefane5499]

@@elliottmercer2739 LeBron does exist he's my best player

[@elliottmercer2739]

@@andrefane5499 he plays small forward

[@blakeok952]

2nd small forward, 1st lebron

[@andrefane5499]

let's show this hater LeBron is one of the best

[@rockedthecrapout]

idk how good he was, but he's one of the very few players Mike Praises and if Larry is good for Mike he's good for me.

[@allanpattison329]

Larry, at his prime, would be the best player in the game if he played now! I guaronteee it!!

[@angelcuevas8114]

Can’t spell

[@allanpattison329]

@@angelcuevas8114 That's my cajun spelling!

[@montikore]

Imagine being so good you just switch to your non-dominant hand for shits n grins

[@lawrenceestabillo1754]

Stephen A. Smith has said Bird's game was not unique and did not change the game. For me he was unique. He could post-up, finish with either hand around the rim and shoot lights out from the perimeter and 3's. He was the first player to make the 3 point shot as regular scoring option. Most players of the 80's would only shoot the 3 if they were wide open. Bird shot 3's even with a hand in his face. He was the first true 3-level-scorer.

[@irishgrl]

Stephen A. Smith flip flops on Bird. Stephen A. Smith can also kiss an ass.

[@ChrisClaybern]

Heathen A Smith is an idiot.

[@adiduzz7881]

This guy is like Rock Lee (Naruto). He wasn’t that athletic, doesn’t jump too high, not that quick compared to other players in his time but with hardwork and determination he persevered. Even in the bad back Bird era he dominated against Bulls in Jordan’s prime. Now that’s a legend.

[@funz6491]

Nice comparison

[@netLG]

Rock Lee and not that athletic??? What?

[@HarveyMeadowlark]

Agree with the comparison, but at this point, I’d say might guy instead of rock lee. Rock lee hasn’t achieved that might guy level yet. Maybe he will at some point in Boruto ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@j34xalphaking87]

Larry Legend!! The Greatest small forward of all time and possibly the greatest player I ever seen next to Jordan

[@irishgrl]

@Doug Bevins Bullshit! Larry over LeBron !

[@jasonwaznak5825]

@@irishgrl this old man is with you on this one!! Larry Legend for the win!! Only someone who is 25 and under or a complete ignoramus would think otherwise!!

[@williamkoscielniak820]

@Doug Bevins Listening all time stats without context doesn't mean a whole lot. It mostly means that someone has played a long career. Averages tell a better story.

[@dougbrown6534]

@@irishgrl yes Larry over Lebron

[@RickDanner]

@@dougbrown6534 totally on his shooting alone - my top 5 t with Jordan magic Kareem and Wilt - thats my opinion

[@matrixphijr]

Hardly anybody ever mentions how the death of Len Bias affected Bird's legacy, but had Bias actually made it to the NBA and been able to play, he would've formed a dynamic duo with Bird, but also allowed Bird to rest and heal from injuries as his career began to wane. In effect, Bird would've been able to stay around longer and be healthier, which would have given him a chance at more titles and cemented his legacy as one of the best to ever play.

[@triciacallahan1680]

Totally agree... and then the death of Reggie Lewis. So darn sad.

[@williamfrawley1175]

He didn't hurt his back chopping wood, he injured his back putting in his driveway.

[@joeg9810]

My favorite player of all time!

[@soccerkingfenich347]

This man was probably the best NBA player in history

[@natisasleep]

MJ? Oh I don't read, u said one of the best. Yeah he is..

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

You could argue it. Best small forward for sure.

[@soccerkingfenich347]

@@natisasleep yeah I meant one of the best but for some reason I didn’t write that

[@heavylobster4339]

I wouldn't say best overall, but he might be the most skilled player in history, either him or Kobe.

[@mj23goat3]

Soccerking Fenich Dial it back brutha.

[@jpmtlhead39]

The "Blond God". On the Top 5 Greatest players Ever. Until this day. A Real Legend. PS: who remembers the game against Portland ( well probably almost 75 % of the viewers weren't even born,but they have KZbin to "refresh")14/02/1986, where he delivered a 47points triple-double while playing mostly with his left hand. A Glorious and Unforgetable moment in Basketball History.

[@blacksrfm]

The real king of basketball, one that doesn’t cry when he doesn’t get a call

[@deanrobbins7823]

Love to see these kids play in the 80s or 90s, flopping doesn't work and hand checks were awesome!

[@carmen-andreeascuriu8872]

He beat Jordan , who they like to call the greatest of all time 6 times . That's how good he was .

[@bradwatson8647]

He was 22-11 all time Vs Jordan,but 6-0 in the playoffs,Jordan said upon his retirement I’m glad you are leaving as I’m tired of seeing your face

[@user-ys5ki6gi7b]

Not disrespecting Larry, but Bird had a lotta help... Jordan didn't have any. Of course that doesn't take away anything from him. Still a great player

[@user-ys5ki6gi7b]

@John obviously.... I think that was evident in his rookie season where he made his team a 60 win team

[@downwithputinsaveukraine1313]

@@user-ys5ki6gi7b Pippen, Rodman, Kerr, Paxton etc might disagree.

[@user-ys5ki6gi7b]

@@downwithputinsaveukraine1313 yea I'm talking about his early years

[@peacefulgardens6521]

Top 5 player all time no questions asked, part of one of the greatest team and rivalry of all time

[@salvatoreperez5113]

Hahah You must be a millennial, Bird is the Greatest Player to touch a Basketball

[@aaronnarsavage3640]

@@salvatoreperez5113 I’m a huge Bird fan, but also a realist. There is only one player in the history of basketball who never lost a NBA finals series or Olympic basketball game. His name is Michael Jordan. Before you start researching this fact, I’ll save you some time by crossing the following names off your list - Larry Bird Magic Johnson Kareem Kobe Bryant Wilt Chamberlin Bill Russell Tim Duncan Lebron James Patrick Ewing David Robinson

[@salvatoreperez5113]

@@aaronnarsavage3640 Now I know you're a Millennial Olajuwon n Stockton aren't on your list

[@aaronnarsavage3640]

@@salvatoreperez5113 Nope, Gen X here. Plus, I had been drinking heavily. 😄

[@isaacrivera1536]

First person to shoot a 40-50-90 and did it back to back (only 2 players) and this was after he won 3 consecutive MVPs (bird, Russell, and wilt only players). Led the best regular season/playoff campaign ever (before bulls) and went 50-1 at home that season (only team). One a steal away from a quadruple double but when told at end of third quarter said it didn’t matter that “ive done enough damage already”. Commentators referred to him as the great innovator cause it was always something different game by game. Oh and he led his team from a 29 win to a 61 win his first year. Never scared to put his body on the line.

[@isaacrivera1536]

Just a lil some some. He’s my favorite player ever just a Legend.

[@Sammyzuko]

"He was quite unathletic" That's a bit of a stretch. Maybe he didn't have an athletic advantage relative to most NBA players, but he certainly wasn't unathletic. It's not like he was Bill Gates out there

[@bobobandy9382]

That's how you know this channel is nonsense.

[@GapingClam]

Why the would anyone be comparing him to non athlete's..... Bird is quite unathletic compared to his peers, just a fact. Makes his career even more impressive tho, had to be highly skill and have heart.

[@bobobandy9382]

@@GapingClam It takes a really special kinda stupid to call a legendary athlete "unathletic."

[@GapingClam]

@@bobobandy9382 How was he a great athlete compared to other nba players? U think he was great because he was faster, stronger, quicker, or could out jump people????

[@bobobandy9382]

@@GapingClam Well, he was better than all of them. What more are you asking for?

[@JJ-bh6sk]

How good was he? Even the Hawks bench cheered for him 😂

[@gabrielkawa3477]

Really?

[@kamay7021]

@@gabrielkawa3477 yeah, because his trashtalk. he called his play, even said he was gonna fall into the bench after the play. and it happened exactly how he said it.

[@gabrielkawa3477]

@@kamay7021 Hahaha. Yeah that's just awesome. Has that ever not worked? Him saying something then doing it?

[@kamay7021]

@@gabrielkawa3477 im sure it's possible but when legends talk about playing bird they say that's how he'd piss u off, by saying it and doing it. every time. funny as hell to think about but seem superhuman to me

[@gabrielkawa3477]

@@kamay7021 I think it's awesome and badass

[@TheLeadSled]

Was lucky to see Lenny Bias play at U of Md, and I'll never forget the news coming over the radio that summer while working a summer job, I still remember exactly where I was at when they said he passed away. RIP Len Bias

[@timbuckthe2nd642]

It’s not even about the stats. It was his trash talk, toughness, competitive drive, and not to mention his clutch ability. This man was a perfect basketball player. Not the fastest, but certainly the most intelligent.

[@dontredonmi1776]

Only legends chop wood in the off-season.

[@MrNaturalSez]

"Steph, you're my son and I love you... but it's Larry Bird! There's no shame in that!" --Dell Curry

[@stephensperr1379]

Bird is the embodiment of “how to play basketball.”

[@zervier6860]

Being as tall and as unathletic as he was and still being able to shoot like he did is completely mindblowing! Legend!

[@toddcrickmore7196]

Bird was more athletic than he was credited for being. He had around a 30” vertical leap and good straight line speed. He just didn’t possess the unworldly, over-the-top athletic ability that players like Jordan and Wilkins did. He didn’t need it though. His shot fake and quick release on his jumper more than elevated him over the rest of the league.

[@Jkayski22]

GOAT

[@cjordan620]

THE GOAT!!

[@astro10]

Larry Bird grew up playing street ball with all-black hotel workers who taught him the fundamentals and the 'trash-talk' that Bird was also well known for. Bird credited the men with toughening him up and to ignore race because the basketball doesn't know the color of anyone's skin. Bird is - by far - the smartest and greatest basketball player who ever touched a basketball. I saw him play live against my Philadelphia 76ers many times in heated rivalry games and Bird was the most intelligent, hard-nosed player on the court. You could see the respect coming from all the players when Bird stepped on the court. He was fearless and one of the best shooters and passers I ever saw. Without doubt, Larry Bird is the G.O.A.T.

[@23TDJ]

When I talk basketball, I always tell people if you can shoot, pass, and dribble (i.e. get to any spot on the floor you want) you will be a superstar in the league. That's pretty much what all great players can do. If they can't shoot then they replace shooting with finishing and athleticism.

[@thomasaquinas5262]

Sometimes numbers tell it all, sometimes they don't. The power of the Celtics was really the depth of the quality (in the classic days). John Havlicek and Larry Bird were both the type of guys in sandlot you'd pick 1st. They just knew how to win. Larry Bird could do it all, and this is high praise. I never rooted for Boston and never rooted for Bird. But giving the Devil his due, Bird was 'that guy', always around the basketball and always there for the crucial shot or rebound...

[@fasteddie5105]

TRULY ONE OF THE ALL TIME GREATS

[@travelingmanAdam]

Larry Bird dominated the league during his great basketball career and he along with Magic Johnson helped save/revive the NBA. A young Larry Bird would most definitely dominate the NBA TODAY.

[@h.j.victory6103]

One of the greatest 🙌 Not a very athletic basketball player, but he was one of the most clutch players in NBA history, high basketball IQ, and he backed up his thrash talk

[@1ronin907]

Kind of messed up, but props to the Hawks bench recognizing greatness.

[@jacobriddoch7275]

This is the man that gave me a come back every time someone said I was white and couldn't play. Guys pretty good

[@broccolifan6971]

Bird went from little shy boy to bully monster (on the court). He's decent funny down-to-earth guy keeping everything low profile. RESPECT 🙏

[@mitchellclarke4392]

Your channel is so friggen good man.

[@ocfjavier8145]

Wore number 33 and had a 33 win streak in college... hmmmm

[@wildwildwest9409]

When larry played good the entire team played good

[@RussellMills1877]

This man will always be a legend in basketball and their will never be another player like him again. And on a side note I have a you tube channel type in Russell Mills May 22, 2017 to find me.

[@wingman-1977]

One thing that’s very underrated about Larry is how strongly he was fundamentally.

[@petr79]

I remember an interview with a Yugoslav coach years ago (Vlade Durovic) about a basketball player (Boban Jankovic, rip) . I don't remember if he said he went to the USA to be tested or if he talked with American coaches. He said that when Jankovic was young (pre-college age) he was much better than Larry Bird ("Bird could not even jump over a newspaper"). But Bird improved later with hard work, while Jankovic stayed in Europe and had that tragic career ending injury. . He meant to say that it all depends how you use your skill and talent and that European players were not as bad as the press tended you to believe. .

[@odhrangordon8129]

How good was Larry bird. Quick answer: very

[@essekmeighan319]

Great video keep it up👍

[@OGTwist]

I think what makes him such a great player, is because he always had back problems yet still was the best. Thats what made him GOAT level

[@hannahgutierrez6158]

best ever

[@gannonmullins3019]

Naw

[@hannahgutierrez6158]

@@gannonmullins3019 I mean nonstop sports

[@irishgrl]

@@gannonmullins3019 Yes. Go cry a River.

[@grant8490]

Only player that Jordan has a losing record in the playoffs with. Literally the ONLY player.

[@fabfrenchies1974]

Not just the best player during some of those years but also tough as nails, nobody since has impressed me with there toughness! I was a Houston fan and hated his team because of rivalry in the finals however looking back I respect the hell out of him, and all those players in that era for making the NBA what it is!

[@Larsgman]

I’m not a huge basketball fan but from my understanding of the sport, it’s an intensive team oriented game, and the power of 3 point shot accuracy should not be underestimated or ignored. Larry Bird epitomized that belief.

[@lukeatstuff6462]

Best lineup in nba history: PG: Magic Johnson SG: Michael Jordan SF: Lebron James PF: Larry Bird C: Wilt Chamberlain

[@victorsarkis2177]

PG: Magic SG: Jordan SF: Bird PF: Duncan C: Hakeem

[@victorsarkis2177]

@Ayuub Nur 😂😂

[@montreljones3260]

@@victorsarkis2177 Having better players don't mean you are gonna win.

[@jasonwaznak5825]

Replace LeBron with bill Russell and then you got the best line up!!!

[@luke7277]

I would take kareem over wilt, imo

[@OmniKing939383848]

Imagine Larry Bird in the 2000's.

[@kingliam8714]

No way in hell he can top Stephen Curry

[@marcos-pm7oh]

this video really undermines magic’s importance and accolades, a problem that was present at that time as well

[@saucetheracer7251]

Even as a sixers fan, he is a great player. Top 5 players of all time