IS LARRY BIRD ONE OF GREATEST PASSERS OF ALL TIME?

[@fidge54]

Nobody was more SKILLED than Larry Bird

[@joshuamattingly1782]

Defense was definitely tougher in Bird's era. Larry is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.

[@Cvvgrr.]

Larry give up a lot shot to his team mates .so they are part game .

[@gregshirley-jeffersonboule6258]

He was also NCAA player of the year.

[@mikes3827]

Larry Bird is the ONLY HUMAN IN PRO SPORTS HISTORY to have ever won League MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year in the highest-level league of ANY respective sport.

[@robertrohde4579]

Not just Most Valuable Player as he was voted the Most Valuable Player three straight seasons!

[@PillzBerry27]

Facts

[@kentgrady9226]

Larry played during the most talent-rich era in the history of the game, period. The list of players he bested during his career reads like a Hall of Fame who's who. Here's a partial list off the top of my head: Julius Erving Moses Malone Sidney Moncrief Michael Jordan Hakeem Olajuwon Ralph Samson Isaiah Thomas Bill Laimbeer Dennis Rodman Joe Dumars Chuck Person Charles Barkley Magic Kareem James Worthy Dominique Wilkins Karl Malone John Stockton His career was shortened by chronic injury, some of which plagued him since before he played his first professional game. His era was also exceptionally physical. There were no touch fouls. In today's game, which is designed to favor shooters, he would destroy. If he had had access to today's medical advancements during his career, he would have played until he was nearly 40 - and accumulated far more statistics than he did. But even more than statistics, he simply did everything necessary to win... off ball movement, taking fouls, NOT turning the ball over, intangible leadership, vastly underrated as a defender, hustling for loose balls, playing hurt, etc, etc, etc. He didn't care about his "brand". He didn't care about endorsement deals (although he had more than a few). He didn't care how he looked, or how big his house was, or what kind of car he drove. He was, in a nutshell, nearly as perfect and complete as a basketball player can possibly be.

[@cindyknudson2715]

So true.

[@LordHoth_90]

Couldn’t have said it better

[@JusCuz410]

Add Bob McAdoo & Adrian Dantley to the HOF list that Larry faced.

[@kentgrady9226]

@@JusCuz410 I'm sure we're both missing a few more.

[@cindyknudson2715]

@@JusCuz410 Did you know Adrian Dantley broke Bird's nose in an All-Star game?

[@faith.s_mom]

Larry's court vision was phenomenal~ we used to say he had eyes in the back of his head AND could see into the future!! ❤

[@jadentrez]

"Larry Bird was the foxiest guy I ever played against. I always learned something from him." -- Michael Jordan

[@johndombroski9067]

Dude on the right picking at his shorts thinks Jerry didn’t do what Reek did this year.

[@taylorcronin955]

Your welcome

[@Robert-un7br]

I’ve heard Jordan saying that he learned a lot his trash talking from Bird as well. You could say Jordan added Bird’s mind game. Jordan became the ultimate by observing and learning from Bird.

[@15scottie]

Kevin Durant couldn't hold Larry's jock. If it wasn't for Jordan, Larry Legend would be sitting on the NBA throne.

[@paulapakenham8211]

Have guess ever thought that the young bucks who today have walked the shoulders of the older generation. Much respect guys. Please don't be judgey mcjudgies. Thank you. I love you guys. Just sayin'.

[@patriciafournier7462]

Hands down..Magic and Larry Legend brought the NBA back to life in the 80's..Those games involving the Celtics , Pistons and Lakers were waaaay more physical and required immense stamina and acuity..Audience was riveted on the entertainment these athletes provided..Larry Bird's skillset was the template for absolutely great basketball..Hands down , the GOAT..🏀🙌👏

[@gailshepard-cook6350]

You Mean In The 80's. Bird & Magic First Year Was, 1979-1980.

[@patriciafournier7462]

@@gailshepard-cook6350 Yup...my bad.. I started watching them in the late 1970's after I got married..I'll correct the decade..Thanks !!

[@gailshepard-cook6350]

@@patriciafournier7462 🤣😆🤣 Wow that quick, It took Me a 11-months to notice it🤣😆🤣. But Thank You For The Fix. And I'm With You On Larry. To Me I Haven't Seen Sense Him, And For Sure All The Way Up To Today Players, Have The High BB IQ With Skills Like Bird Did. They Really Need To Get Back To Playing Like In The 80's. Larry Once Said: Yea I Can See That They Needed To Clean It Up Some BUT They Have Taken It To Far Also. Also To Me He was The Best All Around Player.

[@crackazack510]

You need to watch the "making the case" Larry bird. It explains how he single handedly saved and resurrected the NBA when the viewership was at an all time low. The GOATS don't call Larry the GOAT for no reason. Plus, he played hurt or injured for alot of his career... something today's stars wouldn't even fathom.

[@FreedomFighter2112]

Total Stat Points (Career Avg PTS + REB + AST + STL + BLK) Bird: 24.3 PPG / 10.0 RPG / 6.3 APG / 1.7 SPG / 0.8 BPG = 43.1 Durant: 27.2 PPG / 7.1 RPG / 4.3 APG / 1.1 SPG / 1.1 BPG = 40.8

[@FreedomFighter2112]

In the past 50 years, here are the highest Total Career Avg Stat Points (PTS + REB + AST + STL + BLK) #1) Jordan = 44.7 #2) LeBron = 44.4 #3) Bird = 43.1 Curry is #31 with 37.5 That's just to put things into to perspective

[@StoicManJustin]

I wouldn't say single-handedly. Magic played a huge part in it, too.

[@crackazack510]

@@StoicManJustin true, true. I would actually say 50/50 actually... might have over stepped with "single handedly" Their rivalry sparked the revival of the NBA 💯

[@metadeth578]

Magic and larry saved basketball!

[@Rick-bi9fw]

@14:33 he jumps out of bounds saving it with his left, jumps back inbounds and tip passes with his right behind his head and the ball never touches the floor. Thats what made larry great.

[@dannysantiago1646]

Larry would’ve averaged a triple double in this stat padding era

[@konohagakurejonin4461]

And will sometimes easily make a quadruple-double.

[@jdawg9137]

Yep, can't hand check an grab like they did back then.

[@cindyknudson2715]

Without actually stat _padding_ himself. Bird didn't chase stats.

[@jefffawcett]

33-10-10 easy

[@hookedonreactions7649]

@@konohagakurejonin4461 he was one steal away after 3 quarters in Portland one game. He checked himself out of the game. KC Jones offered to put him back in to try for the quad but he declined. Said he’d done enough damage.

[@JRY17]

His court awareness is wild. It's like he knew where everyone was every second of the game.

[@preston4871]

That's what I like to called, court vision 🧠👀

[@maryintx4409]

It was like he could see three seconds into the future

[@dekudude8888]

@@maryintx4409No matter what the sport is, I love watching a player who can just KNOW where an opponent is and outplay them with pure mentality

[@faith.s_mom]

Yes, he did~ people would always say "he had eyes on the back of his head". In reality he had a preternatural ability to always know exactly where every other player was at all times, and where they'd be on the court several seconds ahead of time to get the ball to a teammate. He was definitely a team player and trusted his teammates to a degree not seen in today's game. He elevated the game to an art form.

[@emanuelmartinez7267]

The answer to any question that starts with: "is Larry Bird the greatest......" is yes. Yes he is

[@cindyknudson2715]

Yes.

[@sgardner4313]

@KenD67 After one literal bar brawl Larry had injured his right hand and had it taped. A reporter asked him if he was going to play the following night like that. Larry responded, "If I had my entire hand taped up I'd still shoot better than you". So they made a bet on 100 free throws. The reporter would shoot, and Larry would have his trainer tape up his entire hand into a balled fist to shoot. Larry won the bet by hitting 86 of the free throws. 80... fucking... six. He had an 86% free throw percentage while basically fisting the ball into the hoop. So... yeah, best bar brawler too.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

I always come back to these passing clinics for pure enjoyment and amazement. The guy had an instinct for dishing the ball.

[@ryant3600]

There is a reason why all the greats call him Legend...

[@lifeitsnotthathard]

Michael Jordan said in a playoff game that "no one man can stop Larry Bird"...Jordan tried, but he never beat Bird. Bird brought cohesion and excellence out of ALL his teammates on the court. He enhanced them to another level. One man can't beat, you need a team.

[@alanela6761]

He said "one man can't beat the celtics"

[@l9ikjam]

Don't forget to add that mj was young, leading a lottery team. Bird was in his prime surrounded by all-stars. Bird didn't make kevin McHale better. MChale was a beast with his post up game

[@charlesking5328]

@@l9ikjam Larry was a team player , that's the way you were taught from an early age growing up in lndiana , plain & simple fact.

[@gwynedd1]

@@l9ikjam I agree. McHale made McHale better. His foot work near the rim was unmatched. Larry was not the only Celtic people were leaning from.

[@Dad44315]

It's pretty simple without Larry Bird the Celtics would have been a good team with Larry Bird they were a great team. Difference between day and night. Take the best Chicago team that Jordan played with and remove Jordan from The Game. Then what kind of team does Chicago have without Michael Jordan. I don't remember them winning any championships without him. The same can be said for bird

[@egoslave7772]

"Bird is the Word" he's the greatest for my money. Its the fact that he brings the team with him and he never quits.

[@FreedomFighter2112]

In the past 50 years, here are the highest Total Career Avg Stat Points (PTS + REB + AST + STL + BLK) #1) Jordan = 44.7 #2) LeBron = 44.4 #3) Bird = 43.1 Curry is #31 with 37.5 That's just to put things into to perspective

[@garyfortenberry5829]

Wilt = 54.4 without steals or blocks stats….

[@markgrove2030]

And he would take that team and FIND a way to beat you. A metric not yet quantified in the League...

[@charlesking4780]

I love the respect you show for Larry Legend. He earned it. 🏀

[@BeerBreath702]

Yes. Yes he is.

[@renruz]

Larry was the first of only a few players to do 50-40-90.....50% field...40% 3 point...90% free throw.

[@3313-c2j]

2 years in a row

[@ddthor]

And just a hair under 30 PPG one of those years.

[@lynnhoffmann247]

Founding member, too

[@RushNZ]

Larry is too goated... he would dominate in todays game... if Luka is doing what he's doing imagine Bird.

[@davidpeters3857]

Facts

[@RAIDERS77FYT]

Thank you ..

[@TheLastGarou]

Larry Legend, man. Dude's kinesthetic sense was off the CHARTS. He knew where everybody on the court was, where they were going, and exactly what kind of spin to put on the ball to get it to his target.

[@lLadyAszneth]

YUP! And not just HIS teammates but the other team members were as well. There was never a dull moment watching Larry play growing up. NEVAH! 😀🤘

[@PooplegPolitics]

Luka is Larry 2.0

[@kristalmacleod3004]

EXACTLY'

[@lLadyAszneth]

@@PooplegPolitics .. Eventually,.. perhaps, but Luka still has a little ways to go. Of he can keep himself healthy and injury free for a good, long while? Yeah, I think he COULD be the first to have a serious run at Larry Legend. For the time being? Not quite there yet. Rock on. 🙂🙂

[@PooplegPolitics]

@@lLadyAszneth true, given that he has a lengthy career. Yup.

[@megsley]

Larry Bird is truly a legend! Elevated his teammates and opponents, he played thru countless injuries, and always challenged himself to be better! LARRY LEGEND FOREVER!

[@StormyPeak]

Nice reaction...hope you all do more Larry Bird clips. Larry could have made so many of those baskets himself...but he was a not a selfish man in that regard. He let others on the team get in on the action, which in turn, boosted the team's bond with each other and gave others on the team better stats as far as points. I think too, in doing this, Larry's opponents were never sure if he would sink an almost guaranteed basket, or hand off the ball and allow a team mate to do it. It kept the opponents guessing and a bit off guard on who to watch...him, or his team-mates. lol. James Worthy once said this when talking about Larry: "When you played Michael Jordan, he makes you looked slow, and when you played Larry Bird, he makes you looked stupid."

[@JoeKnows44]

Instead they took the easy money and started doing alt-right videos. lol

[@iconadams]

Shooting 3s was new back then. The 3-pt line was implemented in Larry's first or second year in the league. As for assists, Lebron handled the ball much more than did Larry.

[@mattstrathis4328]

In the era of "isolation" basketball LeBron was either scoring or passing to the guy who scored. There wasn't much more to it than that. Obviously he's still a great player but the team dynamics were much different.

[@jasonremy1627]

He was a complete package. He could play inside, shoot from outside, pass on a dime, steal the ball off anyone, rebound from anywhere.

[@muddwhistle7833]

Think about this, Larry Bird won 3 NBA MVP awards in a row with the “Dream Team” playing at the same time in the league, 2 NBA finals MVP’s and won the 3 Point contest 3 times once he never took his warm ups off

[@cindyknudson2715]

Good points!

[@randyhuke3773]

This was Bird every game. He never stopped.

[@tarrakieran2057]

Larry should have had crazy points- but he didn't,he retired way earlier than others, and because unlike so many newer players, he was not selfish- He loved sharing that spotlight- Shout out to his team mates, who think he will be scoring and suddenly- caught these insane passes! Larry is still the GOAT to me, for his everything- playing hurt- passing-3-points- points and his love of the game and not of the FAME! BTW, GREAT reaction video- you guys are close to being the GOAT for me on KZbin!

[@cirrustate8674]

He didn't love sharing the spotlight, he loved WINNING, and he knew the way to do that was to make sure his whole team was involved.

[@c.michellesparks2925]

Larry wasn't fast and he wasn't airborne. He wasn't flashy. He was methodical. He studied every player and watches them while playing. Larry played basketball like other people play chess. Arguably the most well rounded player ever. He passed as well or better than he shot.

[@shawnj1966]

Bird's talent was in his brain. He was just smarter than everyone else and had ice water in his veins. He didn't need to run as fast or move as quickly or jump as high, to compensate for anything.

[@iGoOLey]

Larry one of them Goats frfr, the videos of seeing the hall of farmers talk about the bird 🔥

[@mattburk7830]

Lebron has played longer Larry bird did so much in the shorter time that he has played it’s honestly unbelievable

[@akpilot9468]

He would have eaten Lebron for lunch... Just like Jordon, Lebron would have never had a championship with him in the league.

[@lLadyAszneth]

First, Larry was THE first to officially record 50-40-90 .. and recorded that twice. In his prime, '84-'86, he recorded one Triple- double after another. Hell, in '86 alone, he made like 10 of those. You Fellas should watch "Making the Case" by Clayton Crowley who goes into more detail about his career stats, which has 3 rings, 2 Finals MVPs, 12 AS teams, 10 All NBA, 9x 1st Team and three consecutive MVPs and Bird was the 3rd to do that behind Bill Russell and Wilt. 3-pt contest win '86 - '88. Watch Greatest Passer highlights (re edit). WAY more on Larry's passing on that video. OMFG especially his INSANE Outlet passes will be featured in this longer "re edit" video and really Bird could give Brady a run for his money on passing! Also, the 3- pt line was only added to the court the year he and Magic entered the league which resulted in the game being more of a low post play which is why these old games are so crowded down in the paint. The 3-pt line .. well, let's just say it took those fellas a little while to figure out how to add this new element and use it to full advantage. Also, it made upping one's college ball averages more difficult simply because there was NO 3-point line and jacking up the score took lots more effort. In his senior year of HIGHSCHOOL, he averaged like 30 pts and 13 boards per game. I grew up watching him play his entire career from his rookie season right through until the end and it was AWESOME! When those two came in, nobody had seen THEIR style of play! 😀🤘

[@alanela6761]

Actually. I think 30/13 were college numbers, too. If not, they were very similar

[@yoinkhaha]

Taking Bird over LeBron as well because of his drive and his heart. LeBron quits on his teammates when things get tough. Also, Larry was MVP THREE years in a ROW. Only Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain ever did that. (Though admittedly, Jordan got robbed in 97.) Celtics were 660-237 (!!!) all time with Larry Bird and 91-78 without him. 99-65 with Bird and 5-7 without him in the playoffs. If people knew you could seriously exploit the three point line back then, you don’t think Larry would be capitalizing on it?? He was the best shooter in the league.

[@FreedomFighter2112]

Total Stat Points (Career Avg PTS + REB + AST + STL + BLK) Bird: 24.3 PPG / 10.0 RPG / 6.3 APG / 1.7 SPG / 0.8 BPG = 43.1 Durant: 27.2 PPG / 7.1 RPG / 4.3 APG / 1.1 SPG / 1.1 BPG = 40.8

[@FreedomFighter2112]

In the past 50 years, here are the highest Total Career Avg Stat Points (PTS + REB + AST + STL + BLK) #1) Jordan = 44.7 #2) LeBron = 44.4 #3) Bird = 43.1 Curry is #31 with 37.5 That's just to put things into to perspective

[@metadeth578]

the only stat Larry cared about was the W that's it!

[@Darth_Lunas]

I'll take Bird over Bron any day.

[@ShaolinDoluhmite]

@@FreedomFighter2112 comparing stats from different eras is casual fan stuff. The game changes and evolves.

[@lisaharrod8386]

Larry Bird had such tough, competitive mind. He was so smart...such a cagey player. Look at his defensive stats. He was a composite of BB skills. I would say this...passing skills mean nothing if the all isn't caught. Respect to Robert Parish. Dude was ALWAYS in the right place at the right time! Even stars play on a team. I love y'alls Larry Bird stuff. Love the debate between the game then and now. Thanks Cartiers!

[@901pics]

It was the most talented per team, most brutal era and he dominated as a rookie...came in 4th in MVP race.

[@Lori0925]

Larry Bird knew where everyone was at all times!! Best basketball IQ

[@scottmitchell1974]

It's like Bird was creating passing wormholes that didn't exist before or after his pass. Amazing.

[@TheMarathonomahos]

He would wipe the floor of anyone playing today. His threes were something special. His passing? Wow.

[@onetruthmediacompany]

Yall Need to check Birds stats if you think he wasn't hitting threes more 3s than KD or LeBron.

[@crackazack510]

With WAY less attempts per game

[@christianjennings4343]

Larry shot 38% on 2 att, LBJ ,,35% on 4.5 att. So numbers don't exactly support that argument. If he shot more it's reasonable to expect his percentage to dip a little. So numbers would suggest Bird as a slightly above average shooter. Numbers can be deceiving

[@alanela6761]

@@christianjennings4343 in the years that Bird shot more 3s, his 3 pt pct went up...

[@iShootFast]

Bird had next level swag and was just a savage. In your face trash talker that could back it up. But for his passing. It’s because he was a savant. The dude just knew where everyone on the court was at all times in his head. So he knew who was where and what lanes were opening. Even behind him.

[@masterofce]

The Greatest of ALL Time PERIOD.!!! In EVERY Aspect of The Game.!!!

[@omerselimucar]

Larry Legend The Great Hall Of Famer Legend 🏀🔥🍀

[@ghfdt368]

You should definitely react to "why Larry Bird is underrated" By Johnny Arnett, I think you all will be really surprised and learn a lot more about Bird and how incredibly he was and some crazy career stats and how good he was in his prime.

[@melisarokala5363]

Larry once bounced the ball OFF A REF to get open! There was no one like him, & he was SO MUCH FUN to watch!

[@davidnoel2977]

Larry Bird won three straight three point competitions and if he wasn't feeding the ball to his teammates to make sure they ate then his numbers would be even higher than they are and his numbers are ridiculous as they stand.

[@richardjames5013]

I wish you could have seen his Indiana State passing highlights. He was doing it back then also. But Larry’s greatest attribute was that he was clutch in the big moments.

[@CumpasFilms]

Bird averaged a double double as a SF. I don't see KD or Lebron doing that.

[@mjg6233]

Don’t ever bring up double doubles and lebron agai.

[@christinaa.9255]

Larry Bird is in the 50-40-90 club (only 11 in that) and he made it twice!

[@donaldpaulson3920]

Need! to watch "making the case" for bird as the goat...breaks all his stats down and everything...I don't have him as my goat but it's beyond educational on his career

[@FreedomFighter2112]

In the past 50 years, here are the highest Total Career Avg Stat Points (PTS + REB + AST + STL + BLK) #1) Jordan = 44.7 #2) LeBron = 44.4 #3) Bird = 43.1 Curry is #31 with 37.5 That's just to put things into to perspective

[@marykuettner752]

Larry made some of his teammates HOF for the most part. McHale and Parish both give Bird credit. Bird did everything well and it was so much fun to be at the games. You knew you were going to see at least a couple of passes where you were going to say "How did the ball end up there?". It was almost more fun when the Celtics were behind because you would see something crazy as Larry took control of the game. Most games though they were just out there having fun torturing the visiting team.

[@e50s65]

Dude was so good he literally backpacked his teammates into the HOF

[@cindyknudson2715]

Great comment! 🙂

[@gregmecham5556]

Not to mention he played in an era when defense was actually happening. Unlike todays game.

[@peterchang0323]

You are absolutely correct. I'm 58 years old and love basketball since the mid 70s. I thought Parish was a very good center before joining the Celtics but no way was he considered a Hall of Famer until he became a Celtics. Mchale was very good as well but on any other team, he would not have been a Hall of Famer either. The great players know that in the game of basketball, it is not about outplaying the guy guarding you but the whole team outplaying the other team. Jordan figured it out in his fourth year that his individual stats are meaningless unless he got the contribution from his teammates as well to win championships. Bird, like Magic, had the vision, skills and ability to elevate their teammates like no two other basketball players I've seen in my life so far.

[@paulazzar8936]

Yes, Larry Bird might have been the greatest passer ever, AND he was a shooting FORWARD. Unheard of!

[@jazzminb]

Lebron said Bird is one of his idols so he's definitely seen all of this. The effortless passing and redirecting of the ball is really cool

[@dauddysdream]

KD is a TRADER. He goes where the other big players are, Larry stayed with The Celtics and took them to the top.

[@jeffstark9121]

Bird could shoot, he could pass but his compete, his confidence and trash talk was put him on a different level. I think when you listen to what the people that played against him say, you start to understand how much you don't understand.

[@glenkrisch4844]

Just imagine how Bird kept his teammates on their toes and focused. You'd never know when the ball would be coming to you.

[@seagk1343]

Bird has some of the best stats per game of making the game winning shot attempt of all time. Ice cold clutch player man.

[@martinvanstein.youtube]

Bird just got heart ... he stayed with the Celtics and gave everything for basketball including his health. When it comes to legends you just feel in every fiber of your being that it is more than just money. I saw a video where someone said that Larry broke his fingers or something , before he even played his first NBA match and that he never got the finesse back he had before. Also at the later stage of his career his body was so messed up (especially his back) that he had to go through all kinds of routines, pain and hassle just to play . I would love to see what a 100% physical fit Larry Bird could do. As to who is the goat , I think it is a silly thing, as each generation has different rulesets, to me it is Michael Jordan ...not because of those silly stats, but simply because he made us white kids play basketball in a country where it's not even part of the culture... Le Bron doesn't have that magic for me and without disrespecting him, I really think his main shtick is his longevity ... yes his stats are better , but that's only because he is able to play twice as long as the rest. From what little I have seen of him, he doesn't deliver when it counts ... I mean taking Larry as an example or even Michael or Magic , they delivered in high pressure moments and had this insatiable drive to win and hated losing ... Kobe had the same thing . Le Bron to me is the "stats king". Sure he has skills, but if we would normalize his stats and refactor them into lets say the average length of an NBA career , he would be slightly above average I think

[@hwyman01]

The old school guys played through way more. Was a tougher time. I don’t see Lebron playing with his cheek literally broke lol

[@GibsonHeavy]

They were hall of famers is because Larry Bird fed them the ball all the time. He assisted hall of famers get there, THAT should be a stat.

[@joehouse3800]

Larry Bird is, and will always be the GOAT!!!

[@jackstrawno11]

Magic and Larry were the best! So fortunate I grew up watching that NBA

[@wesleyb1458]

I was just talking to my Dad about Larry Bird today after reminiscing with you guys on these highlights. I honestly think Larry in his prime winning 3 straight MVPs is a top 5 player of all time. Maybe even top 2 or 3. Larry had some injury issues that shortened his prime and his career which is why he ends up more a top 10 all time player. But man a healthy Bird was different from everybody else

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

Forget it, if Larry played as many years as LeBron Larry would be the all-time-point scorer and if they shot three pointers like they do now.

[@metadeth578]

If Larry played today he would kick all their asses. larry was an all around player

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

@@metadeth578 right on,I couldn't agree with you more. The kids today don't have any comprehension and couldn't possibly fathom how great basketball was in the 80s and 90s. You literally could assault an opposing player before the referee called a foul. Guys like Bill Laimbeer would pulverise people under the net. And today's game if you breathe on the player they call a foul. If Larry Bird played in today's three-point happy basketball style, he would have average 40 points a game or more. The players from the 80s and 90s would dominate. Anyone that doesn't believe that Bird, McHale, Wilkins, Magic, Thomas or Dr. J. couldn't compete in today's game are insane!!!! Also Wilt Chamberlain, who gets very few votes in the top 10 from the younger guys.Wilt was a world-class athlete, he excelled in track and field, could bench press 500 lb , do 150 lb tricep extensions, run the 40-yard 100-yard dash in record time, he also averaged 46 minutes a game in his career. Not to mention when he was criticized for scoring too much, he decided to pass a lot more and led the league in assists I believe 3 years in a row. Chamberlain was stronger, faster, had more agility, endurance and athletic ability than Shaq. He is the greatest center of all time, with Kareem a close second. Chamberlain would eat Shaq for lunch. People think because he played in the sixties and early 70s that his competition were plumbers and garbage men. Chamberlain was such a physical specimen that he was built to play in today's League. That man can play in any decade and be one of the best players in the league, no doubt about it!!!The Golden age of basketball was without a doubt the 80's and 90's. If it weren't for Magic and Bird the NBA would have folded. Those guys saved the the league. Period !!!!End of the story!!! A Lakers /Celtics game even during the preseason was like a playoff game! There was and hasn't been anything like it since in the NBA!! I know cuz I was there I saw both those guys play live and I'm not even a basketball fan but I watched those guys any time it was on TV and went to the Boston Garden specifically to watch a Celtics/Lakers game. I lived in New York at the time and made the trip. It was like being at a Beatles concert there was so much electricity in the air!!!!

[@metadeth578]

@Edward Capobianco even if you didn't follow basketball in the 80s, you knew larry and magic was.

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

@@metadeth578 absolutely one-hundred-percent. Magic and Larry were like the Beatles of the NBA! Everyone knew who they were. My friends that were basketball fans always wanted to go home early to watch a Celtics/ Laker game. I grew up in New York and they were all DieHard Knicks fans !!; Every Celtics Lakers game was like a playoff game, even the preseason games!!! back then opposing players didn't go out for beers together afterwards, the rivalries were that intense. They respected each other for their skills but they hated each other and nobody would give an inch. When Magic and Larry hit the scene it changed everything, NBA TV ratings were in the toilet. The arena's were half-full, playoff games were on tape delay at 11 at night, no one gave a shit. The NBA commissioner decided to put the league's life and future in Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's hands!!! They made it an East Coast/ West Coast thing, Celtics/ Lakers thing, a black/white thing and a hard-working blue collar, regular guy thing versus a high-profile, flashy, White collar, flamboyant style guy. It became like a cultural thing probably one of the greatest rivalries in sports like the New York Yankees versus the Brooklyn Dodgers . I've never seen anything like it before or since in the NBA.

[@80slady7]

Honestly if it wasn't for Larry Bird basketball would have died. He and Magic saved it, full stop!

[@rustygarnett4393]

I'd bet you anything that Larry Bird has more 'assists while laying on the floor' than anyone else... ever! =)

[@saintrichardl8]

Young people will never understand. Bird was just different. He was 10 moves ahead of everyone else. If he was playing in this era, he'd average 40. That's of course if he wanted to.

[@robinmcintyre2027]

To average 6 assists as a small forward in an era when the point guard was the dominant ball handler? Think about that. A 24 second shot clock, and he’s mostly catching the ball from the point guard. His court vision/awareness was so much better than others. A legend that should be in anyones starting 5.

[@Crazson34]

Lebron once got a splinter. The doctors removed the cast 8 weeks later. Bird played with a broken face to win the game.

[@patriciacrosson2209]

LARRY BIRD ALWAYS SHARED THE SPOT LIGHT ALL THE PLAYERS LOVED HIM

[@steveburtonomaha]

So many things that can be said about Larry Bird. But about the shooting%…. It is extraordinary considering the types of shots he took. Truly the goat of shooting.

[@chrismascher8667]

Y'all can talk about today's players all day long. Larry was a ++ paint player, outside shooter, passer, free-throw shooter, defensive player and teamate. Nobody today could wash his jockstrap. In today's all offensive/ 0 D. game Larry would be perennial MVP.

[@gubbylee]

!!Bird 🦅 is the Goat 🐐!!

[@detsportsfan18]

About Lebron, you forget this is in an era with no flagrant fouls and a lot more physicality. There's a reason the likes of Jordan in the 80's was finishing 3rd & 4th in the Division and/or 1 and done in the playoffs vs teams back then. Just picture Lebron vs the Bad Boy Pistons driving the lane and getting knocked down every time and being told "now go shoot your free throws" for 60 minutes. It was a different game.

[@chrischar9428]

Bird could play today. Lebron wouldn't last in 1980s

[@cherylgrimm8486]

You should watch a courtship of rivals with Larry and magic. So good

[@jameshelm2847]

I had to laugh when they were talking about the three-point shooting. The three-point line came into the league at the same time Larry Bird did. It can be argued that if Larry Bird hadn't made the three-point shooting exciting and a possible winning shot, the three-point line would have left the league as an experiment that didn't work. Steph grew up with the three-point line existing and was able to practice that shot his whole life. So Larry's record and ability to shoot three-pointers without years of practice show his natural talent. Larry is the original 90-50-40 member. Players were so afraid to guard Larry. If he didn't kill you with his shot or passing, he would kill you at the free-throw line. Over 90% at the line, over 50% in the field, and over 40% three-pointers. But the biggest thing is Larry played hurt! LeBron has Larry in his top 3 players, and he did watch Larry's highlights.

[@sststr]

With Bird on the court, not only do the opponents have to watch him like a hawk, his own teammates have to watch him like a hawk! LOL!

[@okccuster]

Larry would push KD to the ground, and make him cry.

[@RJB117]

McHale had a 55.4 lifetime FG%. But Larry's degree of difficulty was higher. He is the first member 50-40-90 club and he is the only one to do it more than once (4 times) and keep in mind he played the last half of a short career (less opportunity) with chronic injuries (playing less than 100%). If comparing peaks, Bird should be battling for top spot.

[@alfredoramos9782]

Before parish and McHale came to Boston, the legend made the Celtics on top from last place in his rookie year

[@quintondees4501]

As a sixer fan I hated Larry bird, but I Always feared and respected the hell out of him when he went against my sixers, he is a bad man

[@johntarnowski9086]

Bird is the GOAT

[@LeePrice-r9u]

One thing to remember is Larry didn't grow up with a 3 point shot. 1st year, he played with the 3p was his Rookie NBA season.

[@aramhamparian9641]

Bird more complete player than KD or Lebron. As far as passing? Easy in the top 3 all time.

[@michellejackson6679]

One thing I know for sure.. you can't mess with my Kicker.. Justin Tucker.. the GOAT. And Larry Legend.. don't ever say he wasn't a team player.. the man could make bucket after bucket on his own.. but he would pass like nobody's business.. for the TEAM. The Hick from French Lick and Magic.. made basketball what it is today. And y'all can talk about LeBron all you want.. He never went up against Larry, Kareem, Dr.J, Magic, Sir Charles, Michael. so many others from back in the day when it was no holds barred.. they played with so much heart.. for a lot less money. Just my opinion.. don't hate me pls

[@LisaD-1969]

There is a documentary. It’s called Magic Johnson and Larry Bird A Courtship of Rivals. Best documentary out there.

[@4.0cre8r5]

Best part of watching these reaction videos is reading all the fantastic remarks from other die-hard Larry Bird fans!

[@cindyknudson2715]

Please react to that re-edit passing video. I'd love to see/hear you all watching that. Did you notice how often Bird gave up a shot for himself to feed a teammate who was in a higher percentage position on the floor? Or just to keep them completely involved in the offense? He studied game film to know where to get it to them to facilitate their success with the shot they would take. And his passing kept defenders guessing as to what he would do next. Bird didn't chase stats.

[@alexanderschmalfuss9427]

All I have to say is Jordan didn't beat Larry until he hurt his back. Real GOAT

[@joehunter8638]

Let’s give some love to all the players being aware enough to get these passes.

[@lauriep2018]

💯

[@NC-Mama-Bear]

Larry told them, "You get open, I'll hit you."

[@lesspaul9082]

Watch this game and you will see why Larry is the GOAT. 1991 East 1st Round - Game 5: Celtics Vs Pacers Larry Bird makes a dramatic return from injury in a winner-take-all versus Indiana, leading Boston to victory in one of the last great, heroic acts of his storied career. Keep your powder dry. Crazy times ahead.

[@GoEqBro]

Larry made his teammates hall of famers.

[@lesliesylvan]

You're in serious territory, here, fellas . . . Bird and Maravich Fan here/ even Bob Coursey, of the Bill Russell Celtic early era ~

[@muddwhistle7833]

He told the Portland Trailblazers he was going to beat them using only his left hand for 3 quarters and he did scoring 47 points 14 rebounds and 11 assists, after the game he said “you guys are so bad I decided to save my right and for the Los Angeles Lakers

[@robgelfand2414]

Loved hearing you talk about Larry Fitzgerald - who was not only a great wide receiver but and even better person. We need more Larry Fitzgerald's in the world

[@willgaines5651]

Bird & Magic…best rivalry in sports history.

[@kentmilbrandt3989]

Larry Bird was 6’ 10 inches and still able to shoot over around any one in the league. In the league back then they used to hold, knock down grab whatever .

[@SeanDaNerd]

I think if a guy can still hold his own and be very good 20 years after he retired, then he’s gotta be respected. Larry’s game would translate very well today.

[@sharonbird2921]

MJ never beat Larry Legend, check out Larry Bird verses MJ the best story ever told 🐐🐐

[@Murfdog]

Your videos just make my day! Thank you for the amazing content. It truly helps me get through my otherwise mundane day.