Vintage NBA: LARRY BIRD

Larry Bird is an American professional basketball executive, former coach and former player, most recently serving as president of the Indiana Pacers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Since retiring as a player for the Boston Celtics, he was a mainstay in the Indiana Pacers organization, but stepped down from the position of president following the first-round of the 2017 Eastern Conference playoffs.
Drafted into the NBA sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird started at small forward and power forward for thirteen seasons, spearheading one of the NBA's most formidable frontcourts that included center Robert Parish and power forward Kevin McHale. Bird was a 12-time NBA All-Star and was named the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) three consecutive times (1984-1986). He played his entire professional career for Boston, winning three NBA championships and two NBA Finals MVP awards.
He was a member of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team ("The Dream Team") that won the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Bird was voted to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team[1] in 1996 and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998 (and was inducted again in 2010 as a member of the "Dream Team").
He served as head coach of the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000. In 2003, he assumed the role of President of Basketball Operations for the Pacers, holding the position until retiring in 2012. After a year away from the position, he announced he would return to the Pacers as president of basketball operations in 2013. In addition to being part of the 50-40-90 club, he is the only person in NBA history to be named Most Valuable Player, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.

[@johndardi1334]

People say Bird wasn’t athletic. Yet he may have had the best hand eye coordination of any player ever.

[@lallyoisin]

To all Bostonians alive in the 80s...you lucky bastards! Peace!

[@ronniejenkins4056]

Fucking funny

[@maxbrazil3712]

Larry is The Terminator of basketball. No human could touch him.

[@davidringle7]

Bird - McHale were such a good duo

[@pentashift4759]

There's a reason people compare every rising star to Jordan. There could be another Jordan, but there will NEVER be another Larry Bird.

[@danielhughes3677]

Larry Legend he's the best....

[@stevejordan6724]

Bill Russell saying “ you make me proud to be a Celtic” is like Shakespeare saying you make me proud to be a writer. Ultimate respect.

[@newerafrican]

Yeah, that's really all anyone could ask for. Russell didn't pass out complements lightly. Just like Larry.

[@AJ........]

I'm trying to explain to my younger brother how good Bird was...these young kids don't get how good Bird and basketball in general was in the 80s...truly basketballs golden age

[@kdonovan221]

Steve Jordan Amen

[@newerafrican]

@@AJ........ I think so... Passing and team play was emphasized. I don't watch NBA today. I'm sure the talent is incredible but shooting 3's all night long doesn't appeal to me.

[@billyshupe702]

Well put my friend 👍💪

[@oscarhamtig9785]

Yes for me LARRY BIRD IS THE GREATEST MAN TO PLAY THE GAME OF BASKETBALL AND NO OTHER!!! And HE became Coach Of The Year after retirement!!!

[@SHYANN99]

And then Executive of the Year after that.

[@odisbrown6590]

Watching Larry bird is as good as it gets....

[@linjean]

Being from St. Lucia (in the Caribbean) where, (during that period, cricket was king), I was introduced to basketball. The first time I saw Larry Bird and the Celtics I was drawn. Larry was and still is my favourite basketball player. After he retired, my interest in basketball waned. The contest against Magic is the stuff of legends and he (to me) is the greatest legend of all.

[@ericklardie4808]

There's 10 players that are arguably the best ever and Larry bird is one them after that the goat is whoevers your favorite one is out of the top in his time Larry Bird though did something none of the others ever did Larry beat everyone including Michael Jordan I shouldnt have to name them all because it would take too long but this should cover all the big names cause he beat all the big superstars of his time and every one of them acknowledge it Michael Jordan was happy when bird retired because he would finally get to win some playoff games against the Celtics

[@capitanfuturo594]

LARRY BIRD IS THE BEST PLAYER IN BASKETBALL HISTORY. *Larry Bird was the best all-around player in all times.*

[@larry45044]

if Bill Russell says that -thats a high compliment as you can get!!!!

[@ronniejenkins4056]

And BILL was bad ass

[@MrNaturalSez]

"Kevin, I like you. You're a good friend and a good teammate. That's why I'm going to let you enjoy the record for a few days before I break it." --Larry Bird

[@derekirons2615]

Larry Bird is the GOAT! Believe it!! Period!!

[@davidhollingsworth864]

Derek Irons I believe it....

[@texasboy2619]

Larry bird was a badass

[@paulazzar8936]

Bird was by far the most complete and best player ever. No one did everything Larry did, no one!

[@73Trident]

You are correct.

[@uprite88]

He always Punked, Mike!

[@G41251]

No one had his basketball intelligence… he was always way ahead of the game.

[@texan996]

@@G41251 Bird played "Chess" on the basketball court without a doubt.

[@chyoli6220]

"One way or another Bird kills you." - said by the commentator Very, very true.

[@genefaelnar7830]

My favorite player of all time.

[@mmaemserna9696]

Oh my Gosh I am so In AWE of The Bird. He is awesome

[@michaelknapp8961]

If he’s not the greatest of all time than he’s fricken close!! He didn’t just come to play every night, he came to win every night.

[@FleagleSangria]

Intensity, intelligence and sheer hard work. Yep.

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

There will never be another Larry Bird Magic Johnson

[@jaycompany4886]

No, the competitive play and the intensity was mind blowing

[@-in-the-meantime...]

This man holds the patent on "clutch".

[@jkidthunder1990]

Larry bird 🐦 simply the best small forward all around player ever 👏

[@MrFiumefreddo]

I am frm Milw, WI. But became a Celtic fan whn Larry Bird came to the NBA. After he retired, I quit paying attention to the NBA.

[@jaycompany4886]

Same here as soon Larry Bird came to the celtics n nba.....loved b-ball again, i am a knicks fan but Knicks have been a embarrassing team in N.Y. for a while now so i instantly became a Celtics fan because of Larry Bird

[@generalzod7959]

Bird was simply the goat!

[@brianmayfield770]

General Zod DEFINITELY IN HIS ERA ! And probably 2nd or 3rd in ALL TIME !

[@abhraneelghosh3646]

@@brianmayfield770 it's MJ,MJ,LB in top 3 all time.

[@ireneduke5022]

When Larry was on the court, he was graceful as a 'bird', plus he had eyes like a spider - 360° vision. I still miss the good ole days when Bird and Johnson awakened the NBA. I was fortunate to have lived during the era to see basketball being played like basketball, and not a 'dunk-in' contest.

[@hyrumbliss5811]

Same...we had it 👍 good

[@karenjones1848]

Same

[@janislohman8125]

AMEN me too! Love thoses days,i was 16 at the time.

[@andybilakshow260]

ahhhhh back when each play was strategized, orchestrated then executed. Those were the days.

[@jonquist7089]

There are many greats. But only one legend

[@jaycompany4886]

Larry Bird is the Eminem of the nba....ahem.

[@homoerectus744]

On another tip, Jabaar would play 5 more yrs.In '84 he had already played 15.

[@chas6817]

I wasn't into basketball but my respect for Bird and Johnson was about Bird stayed with Boston and Johnson stayed with LA and they didn't seek other teams for the money when so many players in the big three sports were traded because players seeking more money.

[@UnleashTheGreen]

Bird was truly something to behold

[@coreyzimmerman9782]

If Larry Bird played in today's NBA with the way that no one plays any defense he would score 40 points a game he get at least 8 to 11 3-pointers every single game he was that great of a shooter

[@scottcarlson2651]

I just wish today's NBA was the team game I grew up watching. Graduated in '84 in southern NH. My dad talked to me about Russell and Cooz. I talk to my son about Bird and DJ. Great times and the best small forward ever.

[@RC-te4mt]

I liked the Bird/Magic connection,2 great players that made each other better! With so much respect for each other!

[@mdb831]

RIP Dennis Johnson.

[@markfcoble]

Great attitude guy, very smart.

[@danacarter4793]

Loved him n 🐦, glad I witnessed all of it ,best players ever ,bball was fun to watch back then ,my number 1 was bird ,but dj,chief,McHale, ML, all of them ❤

[@billyshupe702]

To put up the numbers he did surrounded by hall of famers on the same starting roster.. is ridiculous!! All heart all hustle IQ UNMATCHED.. I can go on and on!!! Dude had more confidence in his off hand.. man you know what "NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE HIM"!!! Struck fear and Struck "L's" to every team every opponent he ever faced 💪🏀👌 "LARRY LEGEND" ENUFF SAID

[@florantecabana1100]

Bird and Magic saved the NBA

[@gsxrman6319]

With the woke state of cry baby super rich ads holes , maybe it is to bad .

[@JohnSmith-wv4ix]

RIP DJ. Sonics and Celtics great. Most underrated player on Boston’s Championships.

[@tonyhostetter497]

Loved DJ

[@toddhensley2204]

I totally agree

[@jamesdesch3201]

"When I played, Larry Bird was the only one I feared. A lot of black guys always ask me, 'Did Larry Bird really play that good?' I said, "Larry Bird is so good it's frightening."says Magic Johnson about Larry Bird

[@cevest_blirobo7308]

Stephen Forfer Devin Booker scored 70 (w/ 3 point line)

[@eleetse6701]

Stephen Forfer I scored 75 once in a game in Texas. I was a junior in high school and hung 75 on my 8 yr old sister. I don't recall her scoring.

[@irishgrl]

@Stephen Forfer Oh God you are annoying as hell. You’re as bad as that idiot @ManUTD who posts about Soccer every chance he gets...troll.

[@irishgrl]

@MAN UTD You do know I report you every time I see your posts right? You are a spammer, a troll, and a carbuncle on the ass of humanity.

[@25newrush]

@M Soccer is the future sport of the US and always will be the future sport.

[@michaelharper4425]

Bird was the greatest to ever play the game ...

[@coltonkrum6491]

I love bird, but he said that mj was better than him multiple times. Mj as in Michael Jordan. Definitely top 3 or 5 tho

[@ruthiematteson6827]

My husband Kurt says... "taking all parts of the game into account... you are 100% correct... and only John Stockton had his total game mastery... if Stockton were only 5 inches taller..." Those 2 guys had the highest basketball IQ in the sport's history.

[@ruthiematteson6827]

@@coltonkrum6491 he said Jordan was "more athletic"... but let's not forget that Jordan couldn't win until Bird retired.

[@thaddaeusb7025]

If we're talking about 5 on 5 basketball, yes, Bird was the best ever, not really a contest there.

[@ruthiematteson6827]

@@thaddaeusb7025 well said. As for straight up athleticism and offensive dominance... I have to say Wilt. He was insanely athletic for a 7 footer. Jordan and Lebron are both insanely athletic but Jordan had that killer instinct in spades over Lebron in my opinion. Might sound crazy, but my all time unbeatable team would be Stockton at point, Magic at small forward/point, Jordan at guard, Bird at forward and Wilt at center.... gave serious consideration to both Kareem and Shaq though. I think we could put together another 5 man team from that era who would be near unbeatable too. Kobe, Iverson,Garnett, Curry and Lebron would be sick too... could go on and on. So much crazy good talent to choose from.

[@stevenconroy5586]

I enjoyed watching these games so much I'm watching them 35 years after the final whistle. D.J. Dennis Johnson was looking good during this game. R.I.P. Dennis Johnson you made us proud to be Celtics fan.

[@homoerectus744]

I liked him in Seattle,as a SIXER fan I was mixed and torn when he played for Boston.yes, rip, Mr. Johnson.

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

“There will never be another Larry Bird; he’s the only man I feared that can beat me” Magic Johnson LA Lakers guard

[@tompaulcampbell]

Not everyone in LA hated Bird, I loved that guy!

[@dwightlove3704]

Tom Campbell You were a very lonely person in the '80s.

[@yackfou2412]

But your aren't loved by your mum

[@roberttullos9334]

Even Magic loved him. What Magic said about tgere will never be another Larry Bird. These two had one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports, but were vlose friends off the court. I always wondered if they played a lot of one on one in the offseason. As if it may help the entertainment factor. You miight miss a Celtics or Lakers game, but when its Lakers vs Celtics, you turn it on even though your favorite show is on.

[@mikedineen7857]

@@yackfou2412 leave mom out of it.😂

[@Glenn-em3hv]

That steal bird made was definitely the greatest basketball play of all time and the pass after it was just incredible!!!

[@c.e.anderson558]

1st or 2nd in MVP voting for 8 years. 1st place 3 years in a row

[@justa335]

Rookie of the Year, League MVP, Finals MVP, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year.

[@jonsayers7926]

best basketball player ever

[@johnmcnally5307]

Ok.

[@spooge33]

Could get a nice job with that resume.

[@alextownsend3264]

GOAT

[@paulengels6926]

That's why they call him larry legend.

[@lempweiroiie7377]

Highest praise for Vintage NBA and of course for my superstar Larry Bird... I'm a Celtic fan since the 70s while in college in New England.. till today 2020, one day away from New Year 2021,,,

[@richarddoran4217]

If Bird was playing now he'd still be the smartest guy on the floor his dedication and all he did would still be and playing against players today he would still trash talk anyone if needed he could get in LeBrons head

[@fransiscoscaramanga674]

he was simply put, the best small forward to ever play the game.........!!

[@vCLOWNSHOESv]

Watching how slow Larry was running down the floor makes me love him even more. No great man ever started with less in life to become such an all time great. Larry was dirt poor growing up with little athletic ability yet his brilliant mind made him one of the greatest professional sports athletes of all time. Amazing story.

[@merlball8520]

Bird was among the fastest 10% of the league in his early years. He slowed after injuries - ankles, foot, knees, back, elbow, achilles... In his first 3 years in the NBA there were few forwards faster than Bird. From '87 on he was among the slowest in the league.

[@phillipduffy9883]

How about the greatest athlete? The best athlete to come to America? Michael couldn't guard him to save his life..there is no question...Magic even knows the truth...Larry Bird was and will always be the best...

[@bradsimmons9533]

@@merlball8520 Well was he the best shooter? Nobody wanted to play him. Fast is slow. He showed it alot man.

[@tjk9263]

Larry credits the black players that let him play with them as his reason for getting better. Larry Bird didn't see race or color. He knew the black players were the best and Larry wanted to play against the best to better his game...#33 Larry Bird is top 5 players in NBA history PERIOD!!

[@peterhuston9971]

He could pass the length of the court better than anyone ever, so let the shorter guys run!

[@thet0nzz]

The aspect of Larry's game that truly sets him apart is, not only was he a great leader, but he was also a great teammate who gladly would sacrifice his own game to get others started and the whole team involved. Compare his team first approach to today's prima donnas always preening and mugging for the camera and obsessing about their stats. "Who's the greatest of all time" would never have crossed his lips. As he told a reporter one time, ' I don't care what you guys write about me, I never read any of it anyhow ." Find me just one player who wouldn't have wanted to play with Larry... just one. Then try that same question on the other self proclaimed GOATS. Larry was the ultimate total package the likes of which I seriously doubt will ever be seen again.

[@patrickreilly2338]

Will never ever be another like him

[@michaeltg2922]

Larry legend.....

[@kermitefrog64]

He did play the game like a chess match and he observed the weakness of his opponents and took advantage.

[@JohnMurphyabc]

Thank you Magic and Lakers for renewing the greatest rivalry in basketball.. Magic might have feared Bird. But as a Celt fan, we feared the Magic and the Lakers.. Continuing the 60's rivalry.. Thanx for the memories..

[@ContrarianCorner]

God, it was just the best! My vantage was from the Laker side, as an L.A. kid, but I felt exactly the way you did. I sat down earlier wondering why I have absolutely no interest in the current NBA playoffs. Then I saw this and I know exactly why. Call me nostalgic but I just don't think today's game is as enjoyable to watch. Lebron is about the only player in the league that I would give half a chance to against Bird in his prime... and that's a generous half. And Magic just completely revolutionized the point-guard position. After a 2-3 years of them entering the league, both those teams were just so stacked with talent too. You had to go 8 or 9 deep to find any hint of a drop off. Miss those times -- and that NBA.

[@MichaelMitchell-eo6cb]

When Showtime came to town it was fun to watch even as a Celtic fan! When they got on a run thank god for timeouts!

[@michaelknapp8961]

Magic is soooooo nice and respectful of bird. He class act that magic Johnson!!!!!

[@Polarcutter]

Magic was just that! Magic ...

[@richardfolkman]

Makes me want to respect Johnson so much more for that. I can see and hear that admiration and that fills the gaps of my doubts. Friendship for sure. Rare; but, really worthy of respect. We gotta have it people.

[@Gaderelli]

Because he always wanted to be on the same level of the one he knew was the best ever. Even though Johnson wasn't close to Bird he was hu8mble enough to admit it !!!

[@tgen2012]

I wanna like this comment but its at 33 right now. I just can't

[@BENJIR2D2]

Yep, Magic is all heart.

[@roderickbowman6046]

Blessed to grow up watching him play.

[@darrenmeservia5578]

@Roderick Bowman Indeed! You and me both! :-)

[@aristotle736]

And this blessed feeling grows greater overtime as we realize that Magic was right by saying: there will never ever be another Larry Bird .

[@aristotle736]

We may say a player has a great sense or understanding of the game. But who but Larry Bird could claim that as a player and a coach, especybthat great players hardly ever translate into great coaches .

[@rickgould334]

Just imagine if Bird's career lasted 20 years. What he accomplished in 13, with the physical ailments that ultimately forced him to retire, is still insane. During the 1987-1988 season with bone spurs in both feet, that would require surgery in the off-season. Bird's regular season numbers looked like this; 29.9 ppg, 52% FG, 92% FT, 9 rpg, 6 apg. That's something only a legend could do.

[@garyengelhardt4396]

GOAT W ITH OUT ANY DOUBT

[@noelcayat8864]

If he played longer,there will be no jordan dynasty😂...

[@williammalloy5314]

Bird hit a bunch of shots in that game that not many could ever hit. Leaners, off balance jumpers. That was an insane display.

[@acousticshadow4032]

We were so lucky to have him in Boston. So GD lucky. Thank you, Red!

[@aristotle736]

And to think 5 teams passed on him. Unbelievable.

[@eclecticx]

There will never be another Larry Bird. Loved watching him play. Miss watching him play.

[@bradbeazley9998]

As Magic Johnson said....."Larry Bird was so good it was frightening)

[@jamiethomas5782]

If every NBA player that ever played the game could come back as a 22 yr old kid in the league and there was a fantasy draft tomorrow, I'd take Bird with the first pick

[@chrisserong4966]

My starting 5: Stockton, Jordan, Bird, Duncan, Russell

[@joeytuggle2090]

Absolutely

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

Bird all day long!!!

[@aaeonkarma3717]

I see Bill Russell, I read the name Larry Bird, here I am.

[@johnwhitaker2552]

Impressive accolades from the greatest NBA players of his time!

[@carson21211]

Here WE are brother

[@ronniejenkins4056]

Word up

[@dusk6159]

So good and iconic that it's still almost impossible to truly decide who is the greatest Celtic of all time between the two!

[@jimbrunett5025]

A Larry bird only comes around once in your lifetime. It’s not about black and white. Just feel blessed you were able to watch him. Just as much as any other player we have been so fortunate to have seen.

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

Exactly!

[@contributor2024]

For Larry an assist was just as good as a bucket, because he understood how to motivate teammates. How many current players do that?

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

Just one of the things that made Bird so different! 😁

[@user-wo7dl6tb2q]

CONVERSE kicks were & STILL THE BOMB 😎🙌🏽✨

[@joewellindowd5664]

Larry was making 600k a year in his prime. I pray to god he is getting paid in the back end even til today. Guys today make 30-40 million a year thanks to Larry and magic. KEEP PAYING THIS MAN FOREVER.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

600 grand in 1988 is roughly the equivalent of 1.3 million today. That's basically the league minimum nowadays.

[@dansgroi1472]

He's worth about 55 million. No worries

[@spooge33]

The year Larry retired, his contract stated that if he laced up for one game the following season, the Celtics would owe him 7mil, guaranteed. That's how bad he was hurt, and how much of a man he was.

[@jaycompany4886]

Bird and Magic made the NBA fun to watch again, the league desperately needed it

[@michaelburke5907]

Yeah, the league was rife with players who cared more about stats, image , cocaine and white pussy. Tell me I'm wrong. Magic and Larry saved the NBA.

[@bennugent7206]

Michael Burke well one could argue magic cares just a tad about that last one

[@MrThumbs63]

@@bennugent7206 haha

[@eclecticx]

No less than needing them now. As someone who came of age in the 80s and started watching then and went on to enjoy the 90s, I can't watch the NBA as it exists today.

[@jaycompany4886]

@@michaelburke5907 no you're not, 💯

[@robertswift6101]

Bird--just a flat out winner in the game of basketball against some of the best hall of famers in his era and some of the best ever

[@iDuckman]

So much missed here. During the filming of the Magic Goes to French Lick commercial, Magic was apprehensive of his reception. During a break, Larry invited him in for lunch. The warmth of the reception by Larry's mom and Larry himself started a life-long friendship between the two. But of course, antagonism makes better film...

[@joeyguy1952]

Larry and I were both born December 7 and we both were Joes! Bird was the greatest 6’9 guy I have ever seen ! Truly a Legend

[@billyshupe702]

It took me a long time to realize just how good Bird was.. he is now my 2nd greatest player ever!!! Unbelievable he was CLUTH AND INTELLIGENCE!!!💪👍🏀

[@TheArtien]

Larry was lethal. In my top 3

[@billyshupe702]

Yessir as lethal as it gets.. had no fear either!!! LARRY LETHAL 🤔😏

[@irishgrl]

rl184 Disagree that longevity & championships = greatness. Larry’s back & heels KO’d his longevity, therefor his chance at more championships. That doesn’t make him any less of a GOAT. Greatness is a combination of skill & drive & leadership & impact on the team & on the game in general. Larry had far more of those attributes than other players who get put above him based only on number of rings or stats! His b-ball IQ can’t be measured but it helped him dominate every other great player of his era, and he was CONSISTENTLY a clutch player. He came thru time after time, with a broken body and an unbowed spirit. In my mind he is the GOAT.

[@ITxManster]

Loved this time in the NBA. I was a fan of the league back then. Like all sports the play has dropped off and there’s no player loyalty to anything but a dollar. Bird and Magic. Those were the days.

[@jaycompany4886]

You right, and it ain't coming back....never.

[@byrongammonbyrongammon9937]

INCORRECT. Loyalty my eye, players were tied to their teams forever.

[@brianjones7660]

Those two were the reason the NBA became what it is. It was on the ropes at the time. Bird, Magic…Magic, Bird. Never better.

[@lloydkline1518]

1980s NBA basketball

[@mugabi9502]

@@lloydkline1518 the golden era. Today's NBA is a joke.

[@petermeylink8923]

Larry Joe Bird is really quite a colossal 6 foot 9 inch tall Midwestern man himself and he is the leader of NBA history. He is also a very wealthy man himself.

[@nesnejls]

Pulling Indiana State to the NCAA Final was arguably the most impressive thing I've seen in college from an individual player. He did it all for them. The Sycamores were never seen before and never seen since Bird.

[@ronniejenkins4056]

I live in Terre Haute, Indiana, where BIRD went to college. And hate to say it. But yeah that's, about right.

[@matthewbudzinski8320]

He executed Hall of Fame coach Ray Meyer in the Final 4 and nearly single-handedly beat 3 future NBA stalwarts on Michigan State's roster in the Final.

[@stanjanusas2885]

Bird improves his entire team by leaps and bounds. If there was a draft...I would pick Bird over ANYBODY. Including Jordan who is the best one on one player ever IMHO. Jordan had average passing skills and didn't see five moves ahead like Bird did. Bird as a rookie turned his 79-80 Celtics around from 27-55 to 61-21. Jordan as a rookie improved his Bull team by 2 wins. It's a team sport, and Larry is leaps and bounds a better basketball player on a team level than Jordan. Magic is also like Bird improving TEAMS.

[@chyoli6220]

@@stanjanusas2885 I'm a huge Larry Bird fan, and never thought I would be "defending" Michael Jordan, but to say that Michael's passing skills were only average is probably a stretch. Towards the latter part of 1989-90 season the Bulls moved Michael Jordan to point guard, and the results were astonishing. Jordan averaged 32.2 points, 9.4 assists and 8.3 rebounds in 41 regular-season and playoff games as the Bulls' point guard, and that stretch included a streak of seven consecutive triple-doubles. I don't think anybody with just "average" passing skills would have had a 9.4 APG like Jordan had as a point guard. However, I still do agree that Magic and Bird were better passers than Jordan, who simply isn't at the same level as Magic and Bird when it comes to passing. Would have been fun to see Larry as a point guard. Fantastic shooter and amazing passer. Wonder what he could have done at that position 🤔.

[@irishgrl]

@@chyoli6220 Simple. He would have annihilated

[@susanbloodgood3572]

Magic was so beautiful to watch, incredible talent , passing and court vision , Bird could pass from any angle anywhere on court, No one in History had the instant release passes that He had, He could shoot from all kinds of crazy angles as well, Sure, He couldn’t block shots like Wilt, but who could, He was the most complete player, can never be Overrated !!

[@4orrcountry]

Bill Russell block MANY MORE SHOTS than Wilt. Russell was the King of Defense. Wilt was the King of Offense.

[@kihmjones2176]

He was a fing ballet dancer

[@harrymills2770]

@@4orrcountry Wilt was king of whatever category he wished. One year scoring. The next year assists, and so on. Wilt wasn't as driven to win as Larry or Bill. He was on a different level, mentally, playing for fun and to show his dominance.

[@joemarshall4226]

@@4orrcountry Not true. They didn't count blocked shots back then, but the people at the time, and the video evidence we have says Wilt blocked more. The difference was HOW they blocked them. Young Wilt would swat them out of bounds, which doesn't help your team much, But Bill would steer them to his teammates, like an outlet pass, or tip them straight up in the air and then grab control of the ball. That kind block can be worth four points!

[@charliekline3975]

I am glade that I am old enough to remember watching Larry, Magic play because today’s players personally don’t have heart

[@bacjak4637]

Glad I got to watch him play, seems like some of the greatest years of the NBA

[@jaycompany4886]

They were

[@kevsorb123]

I agree!!

[@titletownakaboston3909]

My husband had season tickets.

[@caseypearce8722]

It was the greatest years of the NBA

[@GrislyAtoms12]

I was a Laker fan during the Bird-Magic rivalry years. I liked "showtime" and the fast-break style of LA. I never realized what I was missing out on, until after Bird retired. Well, at least I can thank the internet for something!

[@sharonbird2921]

I loved Larry Legend 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐

[@TheMimetolithman]

Larry Joe Bird is Thee MosT CompleTe Player to Ever lace up sneaker's in theNBA'

[@christipton7588]

#1 Draft pick for the greatest of all time team. Just the way he played the game naturally made any team mate a better player.

[@duskdaddy]

Best small forward ever! Mr. Clutch. Top 5 player of all-time

[@madjester6088]

Most Clutch player of all-time IMO. I actually have Bird as the greatest PF ever! Bird would be even better in today's game as a Stretch 4 than he was in the 80s. Plus Bird originally play PF and moved to SF so McHale could start.

[@florantecabana1100]

Top 3 to me

[@carlwilson5339]

Small forward with the strength of a center and ability of a guard

[@abhraneelghosh3646]

@@carlwilson5339 ahh yes.

[@bradbeazley9998]

I agree

[@tomparshall2450]

Larry Bird and the Celtics came to my city for a exhibition game against the NY Knicks Larry 's rookie year . I had been a Celtics fan since the early 70,s . After John Havlicek retired Celtics were going through some tough times and the league was in worse shape , they didn't even have the games live on tv .tape delay . Bird and Magic turned it all around Celtics went from a 20 win season to a 60 win season Birds Rookie year . The rest is history ,brought to you by the Legend Larry Bird !

[@depaola63]

AIN'T NO COLOR TO GREATNESS !!

[@bowsershark]

Yes, it is and it is called the color GREEN.(greenbacks)

[@Polarcutter]

Well said 👍

[@claudequant5159]

@@Polarcutter 0q

[@user-ft2vf9lk7v]

Larry Bird from French Lick, Indiana was and will forever be Larry Legend.

[@CoachJonBerry]

"I don't care who they compare me with. I'm still Larry Bird." Aweseome... G.O.A.T.

[@flyingdutchman913]

And you're the BillieGoat. AWESOME

[@CoachJonBerry]

Very cool, thanks! You must wanna be my NannyGoat... AWESOME! ;)

[@iheartbong]

@@CoachJonBerry Vanilla Godzilla was caught underneath the stands sniffing dudes' thongs. He got kicked out for it but they said he could come back next year if he promised not to be so outlandish.

[@paulhawk8277]

Man...i loved that era of the NBA....although,i became a fan in 67 as a 10 yr old kid....getting my basketball magazines every month...started as a celtic fan,base on my proximity,....i would get a fuzzy game with my Rabbit ears on TV once in a while unless u caught them on the weekends if they were televising nationally....great times,great players.....

[@flyaway7636]

Still reading my Boston Celtic Pride magazines from the 80s.

[@garymorris7472]

Those Bird shoes are dope.

[@denniscassley2569]

Reggie Miller talks about, "You remember where you were when 'BIRD STOLE THE BALL'"!! It was my BIRTHDAY!! I was in college in Detroit; friends & I were cheering when the Pistons were going to have possession. When we looked at the TV only 10 SECONDS LATER, the Pistons had LOST!!!! And we had NOT even seen the steal & score. Incredible...

[@OzzyTunesIII]

Bird didn't have to take 3-4 steps for a lay-up, didn't whine to the ref's after every call, and didn't wear an Amish beard in an attempt to be cool. He was simply "The Legend"!

[@epic103]

Bird was so good it was scary. Larry Legend is my all time favorite player. Cheers

[@noirsaba]

He was white and could play.....the racist society and its media promotes these "white" assigned qualities that are not bestowed upon Magic though the legitimacy of bird depends on the comparison to Magic. Inorder for Magic to be legit enough for the comparison he has to have had a comparable skill set yet he's characterized as a talented "showman". I remeber the blacks talented, whites cerebral narrative that gave whites time to adjust to the fact that black athletes were storming the shores of white supremacy and would not be denied! This narrative is pathetic. Larry could play his flat white ass off and that's undeniable but Magic was better and Jordan was the best by leaps and bounds! Facts!1

[@christianjenkins7991]

Please, what was magic better than bird at ? And Larry owned Jordan in the playoffs. (of course that was before Jackson and pippen turned him into the "unquestioned GOAT")

[@junsandiego3703]

I don't get the WHITE SUPREMACY argument. If anything I'd say there's reverse racism in the NBA especially during Bird's era.

[@philipclock]

AND he didn't carry the ball!

[@jeffreydolinsky6058]

Greatest forward to ever play the game, period. Imagine what he’d have done in today’s game with traveling and palming the ball allowed on virtually every possession. Not to mention the bigger emphasis on 3-pt shooting. He could have averaged the same scoring average as Jordan but he chose to make all of his teammates better instead and sacrifice the points (as did Magic). Let’s not forget the tragic death of Len Bias in 1986. I think it’s fair to say, if that tragedy did not occur, Larry and Magic probably have four titles apiece or maybe five to three Larry’s way. Bias would have extended Larry’s career by gobbling up plenty of minutes. Let’s just say Pat Riley said it best, if my game is on the line, I want Jordan taking the last shot....if my life’s on the line, I want Bird.

[@darrenmeservia5578]

Poor bastard that Lenny Bias... Not many people talk about that. Imagine the impact he would have made on the Celtics? On Bird's Career... on other Celtics' Careers... But all the wishin' in the World ain't gonna make it so! AT LEAST, 1 more Ring! Peace! from Alberta, Canada.

[@oldmanballer5088]

I’ve seen a couple of interviews where Bird said if Bias had not passed away he would have retired sooner. He felt Celtics would’ve been in great shape for I’m to leave with Bias playing. I think that shows just how much pain he put up with his last few years.

[@davidlipman8093]

Dont forget Reggie Lewis.

[@mastercarpenter9798]

Larry your the Legend, thank,you for all the great times.

[@mustang6729]

1984 finals was the best nba series i've ever watched..the pressure and intensity brings out players true skills..todays game is so lousy compare to the 80's.

[@AJ........]

Like Magic said...."mannnn......that was basketball "

[@jaycompany4886]

80's n90's were the best decades in the nba ever

[@billyboblillybob344]

And there was a Swen Nater sighting during that series...stunner!

[@savannahdockins7022]

Larry Bird is the GOAT.

[@LeFraudHasChokedInSIXFinals]

Players and fans today can't fathom the determination and force of will of a Larry Bird. If there wasn't a big moment, he made one. Like the time against Portland where he intentionally took every shot left handed just to amp up the challenge - and still scored 42. Or like in the 3-point shootout where he, according to Danny Ainge, intentionally missed enough shots so he'd have to make every ball on the last rack to win - then walked off with his finger raised while the last ball was still in the air.

[@welder30gillenwater2]

He played that game left handed get ready for Lakers. He was bad ass!goat in my opinion.

[@hyrumbliss5811]

That was the coolest 3 point contest EVER !!! 😎

[@michaelterry4394]

@@welder30gillenwater2 Oh Yeah he was

[@BD-uw1kq]

Love the channel name!

[@georgealdridge9453]

Those were great games to watch.

[@patrickreilly2338]

His game speaks for himself

[@marcusstewart4444]

I agree. He is one of my all time favorite players. He was an intelligient self controlled pace player of deception.

[@michaelgreen1495]

I got to say thank you so very much for all these really cool videos about my favorite player the goat Larry Bird.