Why John Salley Would Take Prime Larry Bird Over Prime LeBron James | 5/31/24

Four-time NBA Champion John Salley joins the Dan Patrick Show and explains why he'd take prime Larry Bird over prime LeBron James

[@tomgribbin9531]

James Worthy said, " Micheal Jordan made you look slow , Larry Bird Made you look stupid ."

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

Yup. Whereas James mostly makes you look powerless because he is so much bigger at his position. A little bit like Shaq, although Lebron is obviously far more skilled.

[@jameschan9634]

@@JohnSmith-oe5kx Never been a big man with footwork like Shaq. When motivated and in shape, clearly the most dominant ever.

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

@@jameschan9634 Nah. Hakeem made Shaq look like he was wearing ski boots 😂 Shaq was always about power, but even more dominant when he was in shape and had a quick first step. Where Timmy had better footwork, it was less about the power.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

​@@jameschan9634Hakeem>Shaq in terms of footwork

[@jameschan9634]

@@JamaicanMeCrazyTrue, but I said BIG men. Olajuwon was a small center. NEVER been someone as big as Shaq that could move and pivot so gracefully.

[@apflor323]

Larry makes grown men cry...... LeBron makes himself cry from complaining

[@comradeyellow6781]

Anyone who watched Bird play would take him over LeBron.

[@mark.8949]

truest statement ever

[@cjkoh8227]

True

[@Timewave-Zer0]

I’d take Larry Legend all day 🤞

[@TheReal704Champ]

I watched him play and I would've taken him over Lebron 10 years ago, but LeBron has passed him. It's ok to change your opinion when presented with new information.

[@comradeyellow6781]

@@TheReal704Champ This new information must be good, cause I don't know what LeBron is better than Bird at except maybe passing, and it's a big maybe.

[@choward5430]

My answer is quick too! Larry Bird! PERIOD!

[@johnsantillan3755]

😂😂😂😂

[@thsu8]

Why would anyone take LeFraud James?

[@jonjonharreld7602]

​@@thsu8🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@leerob7738]

@@jonjonharreld7602- You poor people look for any angle to tear someone down. Y’all are broke but you will talk down on people you do not know.

[@jonjonharreld7602]

@leerob7738 All I Did Was Laugh And That's Your Response ? I'm On Google Are U ?

[@bringndaruckus6956]

Magic and Bird saved the NBA!

[@df6148]

How? Honest question

[@scottdavidson9963]

Naw, Julius Erving.

[@leodrosia4369]

​@@scottdavidson9963nba was in toilet in 79 even with Dr J but that was not his fault....Dr j also helped rejuvenate league

[@hashmoncrief6965]

​@@df6148in the early eighties the NBA was falling out, no one was watching it, it was boring to them, and then the Rivalry between Magic and bird picked the whole NBA backup in the United States , if it wasn't for magic and bird, Jordan wouldn't mean nothing right now

[@df6148]

@@hashmoncrief6965 Wow interesting Thanks! Sort of reminds me of the WNBA and how Clark and Reese’s college Rivalry brought attention to the sport.

[@user-gz2ob9rp6r]

Anyone that watched both careers would agree with Salley. Larry would just will his team to victory. Clutch game winning shots , passing , key steals , rebounding both hands eyes in the back of his head. Just incredible.

[@samknox1]

One time a reporter asked one of Bird’s teammates if he thought Bird was “lucky”. His response: “Yeah, he’s lucky alright, and the more he practices, the luckier he gets.”

[@tchai91]

Stolen from Gary Player, but that's fine.

[@aks957]

Gary Player says Hey

[@IronMikeSharpe-st2mn]

@@aks957 Both wrong...Ben Hogan.

[@skydust1269]

Why's it gotta be luck when a white man shoots. Bird won a 3 point contest. He can shoot. What kind of question is that. It's insulting. No one makes everything and is 100% and no one misses all the time. Bird was accurate, had hustle and had a high basketball IQ. He was cold. Bird in his prime is probably better than everyone in the NBA at this very moment in time.

[@9Ballr]

Taking Bird over LeBron is a no-brainer.

[@zigwil153]

I don't think LJ would survive playin in Bird's era

[@SupermanHopkins]

For those who have no brains, that's true.

[@gregoryphillips3969]

Thank you so much!

[@sheehancf9]

As in, if you take Bird over LeBron you have no brain

[@latortugapicante719]

@@zigwil153what the fuck does that even mean?

[@drinkmesilly]

Why would you even try to compare the two. Bird and Magic saved the NBA. The Dream Team. There's a reason Bird is called Larry Legend.

[@apartmenta4439]

I hate lebron, and love Larry, but thats not really an argument winner. It's not like Lebron was also there and unable to do those things when given the chance.

[@DrewHop325]

@@apartmenta4439 Everyone who played with Larry Thanked him for being so Great and loving the game while showing them what greatness was. Lebron thanked everyone who ever helped him win and showed him what a great player was...

[@michaelcarey5981]

That's a no brainer, Bird was the ultimate teammate. Not just shooter, great passer and play maker

[@TheReal704Champ]

He was, but so is LeBron

[@shandaman7243]

​@TheReal704Champ no. Lebron stalls the clock and then throws his teammates a grenade WAY too often. I'll take bird all day

[@TheReal704Champ]

@@shandaman7243 pretty impressive to be top 5 all time in assists if he's such a bad facilitator according to you

[@shandaman7243]

@@TheReal704Champ your words casual. Figure it out

[@TheReal704Champ]

@@shandaman7243 I acknowledge that Bird and LeBron are/were both great passers. You are the one letting your personal feelingd about a player prevent you from having an intelligent perspective on basketball. Casual. Try not to let your emotions dictate your ability to think, sweetie.

[@ehrenthompson7891]

No load management for Bird. Just grit, heart, and game.

[@adamjones4935]

He played with a bad back so bad he was red

[@kdonovan221]

Wilt one year averaged over yes over 48 minutes per game. I loved watching Larry as long as he weren’t playing the Knicks

[@codyaucoin3412]

@@adamjones4935 He waited until the doctors left the room, threw on his warm up jacket and went back out, and the coach looked at him and Larry said "Good to go." and when everyone found out they were pissed as hell, and Larry just said, we won didn't we?

[@speedy0]

They played hurt and aggressive. It’s a different era nowadays; players sit out with hurt pinky.

[@chrisbera7952]

John Salley, what a gentleman. Thanks for the great basketball memories

[@votingcitizen]

Salley doesn't explain why he'd take Bird at all. He just says it immediately, with no hesitation. I presume he assumes everyone is familiar with The Legend.

[@TruthHurts58]

He sort of explained it when he said Bird would be icing every part of his body because he was playing injured and then show up the next day and play as if nothing was wrong. Lebron has never done that. He is the King of load management.

[@allenboyer2207]

"The way Larry would shoot the ball and it would find the rim every time"

[@scandelez]

He actually did explain it, he said he was a huge Boston Celtics fan growing up so he’ll probably never look at anyone being better than his hero. It’s like how AI will never say anyone is better than Jordan. It’s a biased opinion lol

[@votingcitizen]

@@scandelez When Salley was growing up, he was not a fan and Bird was not his hero. Bird was a contemporary to Salley. They played against each other for years.

[@user-pt8df9su8y]

@@greglbennettyep and Larry was better than him !!! Even with all those accolades

[@Calidastas]

Bird instilled an attitude of winning and doing whatever it takes. Lebron instills an attitude of entitlement and excuses.

[@billmorrison9068]

Well said.

[@misinfluence]

That’s weird considering Lebron won more

[@Hydraxon1980]

@@misinfluence Not really since to win he hoped from team to team to link up with superstars. He couldn't create a single dynasty during his 20+ years in the league. MJ at 40 could have went to fucking lakers and get 3 more championships if he wanted to win more but that would be pathethic af...

[@seymourbutts4654]

Trump has the same attitude and sense of entitlement as Lebron.

[@Timewave-Zer0]

@@misinfluenceso basically you’re saying Sam Jones is better than MJ and Kobe because he had 10 rings with that logic 😂😂😂

[@myfrestuff3453]

Loves me some Sal! Hilarity follows and ensues wherever he is! 😂🤣

[@franz289]

Notice there was no blank space or hesitation when Sal said Bird. I was there too and the players Bird had to beat down to keep the Celtics on top are now hall of famers.

[@latortugapicante719]

That’s how it works in every generation hall of famers play hall of famers. It ain’t hard to make the hall of fame either r

[@KeaKeith]

I have been saying this for years. Thanks for stating the obvious John. Prime Larry>Prime Lebron. Full stop.

[@cut1986]

Bird would have talked him off the court. Feelings..

[@user-zc3qs7qs8e]

Keep saying it…… you can be wrong for the years to come

[@celtsfan13]

Prime LeBron was unguardable in. You'd have to double him. But his outside shooting was suspect. Bird was much better passer and rebounder and could shoot outside . More polished offensively

[@invisalats841]

​@celtsfan13 Yeah, but all you gotta do is keep it close. Just wait for Prime Bron to disappear in the 4th. Unstoppable for all 3 quarters of his game...

[@razkable]

Imagine loving a guy who beat you...

[@jalesbarjo4740]

that's the real respect.

[@jeffandsherriefranzwa8970]

Larry has always been underestimated because of his lack of physical skills. His basketball skills and ability to anticipate gave him the edge.

[@MrSmitty1074]

His fundamentals were great.

[@rtd9153]

Who ever underestimated Bird? Because it was nobody who ever watched him or competed against him. He was considered the best and few people argued that in his prime.

[@jeffandsherriefranzwa8970]

@@rtd9153 How old are you?

[@rtd9153]

@@jeffandsherriefranzwa8970 I'm pushing 60 and I used to love to watch basketball going back to the 70's but especially in the 80's, with Boston being my favorite team. Yes, everybody noted he seemed slow and couldn't jump (etc) but nobody "underestimated" Bird. At least not the one's who competed against him. Otherwise, produce the footage because I watched it live. The only ones' who underestimated him were the one's who didn't know anything about him. Patrick Ewing came in the league with some of those notions but he quickly found out how great Larry was. There is a interview of Ewing describing just that.

[@rtd9153]

@@jeffandsherriefranzwa8970 I'm pushing 60 and I used to love watching basketball going back to the 70's but especially in the 80's being a Celtic fan. Yes, Bird was considered slow and couldn't jump but nobody who competed against him or who watched the league "underestimated" him. The guy competed in 5 championships winning three, was league MVP 3 years in a row, and everybody considered him the greatest clutch player. The only ones who "underestimated" him didn't know anything about him. Patrick Ewing came in the league with some of those notions but he immediately found out just how great Larry was. There is a good interview of him describing just this.

[@CharlesMacro]

I'm surprised and proud he actually told the truth! LeBron is paying so many people to lie about his false greatness or bullying people, I can't believe Sally told the truth. Kudos to him! 👏🏾💪🏾

[@HamptonGuitars]

ESPN seems like a 24/7 Lebron PR operation.

[@ethangildone865]

Everyone that knows Lebron has said he’s the cheapest person they know. He still had the ads on his pandora account. There is literally no chance he pays anyone for positive coverage lol.

[@alaskaguyd963]

Oh c'mon. I'm a Bird guy through and through but to imply Lebron isn't in the conversation as GOAT is just silly.

[@rustinpeace9303]

Prime Bird would destroy anyone in the last 3 decades. This is a no brainer

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Can't argue with that.

[@bainer3052]

I remember prime Bird calling someone god in the last 3 decades.

[@Brasshound480]

​@@bainer3052He also never lost a playoff game to that guy and won more regular season games against him. Bird was giving MJ praise because he appreciates his killer instinct and all out play.

[@unnaturalselection8330]

​@@Brasshound480I love me some Larry, but it'd be disingenuous to not recognize that he was playing MJ in those 80s years with a fully realized lethal team around him ...against MJ and some guys no one remembers for a reason. ....But if you gave me Bird, Jordan, Barkley and Magic my team would smoke every team in every era

[@braviafeed]

@@Brasshound480 well Magic beat Bird in College and the Pros. How’s that work for you?

[@jeffelkins1905]

No one in their right mind would even consider taking lebron over Bird.

[@bigkw1568]

I will take a broke back Larry Legend over ANYBODY in today's Cupcake NBA

[@TheReal704Champ]

that sounds pretty zesty

[@adammetz7063]

You might want to edit that to "a broken back Larry Legend," lol......broke back Larry Legend can be interpreted with some innuendo that I don't think Larry would appreciate......😂

[@josemanuelcaballero1162]

@@TheReal704Champ Well Pippen and Jordan could not double team a broken back Bird (there s video evidence around) , so not very far fetched, considering they are two of the all time great defensive players.

[@3rdstreetreactions]

Lmao John’s background is hilarious

[@dcbarrku4882]

The three best primes in NBA history: Wilt, MJ, and Bird.

[@jameschan9634]

sure can't argue that!! although I would add Magic. and I would choose Magic before anyone, period.

[@dcbarrku4882]

@@jameschan9634 You can never go wrong with Magic. He’s on my Mt. Rushmore of greats.

[@deryckcumberbatch3629]

Magic better then bird

[@chrisdell5679]

And I'd take Magic over Lebron.

[@bleedingcrystal4722]

There’s a strong argument for all three to beat the top. I’d put Magic at fourth but there’s a gap.

[@timelesscoaching]

I'll admit I'm a huge Celtics fan and Bird was my hero. Transport LeBron back to the 80s and he would not be the same player. Transport Larry into the current nba, with current medical technology and he would easily be the best player on the court and lead his team to God knows how many championships. Is trash talking alone would make today's players cry. They would look to their coach and say please take me out this man is picking on me.

[@SecureCrow]

Larry Legend! He'd have the same career even in today's league.

[@mark.8949]

probably even better

[@philipmccarthy6175]

Probably even more successful, especially with modern medicine, strength & conditioning & diet.

[@elbrataz]

I don’t think LameBron is tough enough to have played in that era of NBA….

[@4everyoung869]

Lebron can play in any era. Dude body is a freak of nature

[@elbrataz]

@@4everyoung869 Great athlete. Softer than a fresh dog turn on a hot summer day. 80’s NBA was a way more physical game than today and they actually believed in playing defense.

[@4everyoung869]

@@elbrataz 80s nba was only more physical because they let them be more physical then they do today. You would get suspended the whole year if you played like the 80s.

[@rockroad4505]

80’s NBA was no defense and flagrant fouls.

[@martinscalf114]

@razkable. Multiple NBA hall of famers say Larry Bird was one of the greatest players of alltime. Don't discount their opinion. When the game was on the line Larry Bird was the last you wanted see with the ball in his hands if you were his opponent.

[@je5406]

I never saw him play but I'll take the hall of famers word.

[@maxacorn]

@@je5406 there are plenty of vids to watch. bird was something else. dude would tell the other team what he was gonna do and then dared them to stop him. and they couldn't.

[@MrMuchachos75]

Easily bird. Lebron never made anyone better

[@scandelez]

lmaooo

[@viewfinder1030]

@@scandelez😂 is right!! 2007 Cavs anyone?

[@thomaslee2558]

@@viewfinder1030you celebrating that sweep like a chip huh you do realize how weak the east run was Wallace also left for bulls

[@each1teach1academy43]

This has to be a joke. Bird played on a stacked team.

[@rap3208]

@@each1teach1academy43 In college, he went to a small college with no basketball program to speak of and their team with no-name players with just him added went all the way to the ncaa championship where they lost to a stacked team with Magic johnson and the best high school playres they could recruit. In the pros, with just him added to the cellar dwelling celtics team that had only 22 wins the previous year, he turned it to the league leading winner of 67 wins, they even made it to the eastern conference finals but lost to Dr. J's much more talented team in 6 six games. His second year, they won the championship.

[@user-ku7qq2sc2z]

Leclown to scared during clutch 😂😂

[@nicholasbrowning4558]

Not scared. But he was never a great finisher

[@krashg992]

​@@nicholasbrowning4558scared

[@skiiboskiyaboi]

lol people forget lebron has had so many clutch shots it’s crazy

[@novelaego2404]

@skiiboskiyaboi not really

[@skiiboskiyaboi]

@@novelaego2404 you should look up lebron clutch highlights

[@silvypetrisor6979]

LeBron James is on steroids and no one says anything

[@manimal9871]

Yep, been abusing gear for years too well over a decade.

[@tudorm6838]

Chael Sonnen? He said something about Lebron but about other PEDs.

[@daviddietsch]

True but I think most athletes are.

[@steveguse4481]

​@@manimal9871Probably since high school

[@TheReal704Champ]

Jordan went bald in his 20s, it was because of roids. Look, I can say shit with zero evidence too!

[@joeborromeo8693]

Larry Bird has more guts and heart in his pinkie than Lebron has in his whole body

[@jameschan9634]

I don't think you can ever equate LeEGO with guts and heart. Has any True Superstar QUIT like LeEGO does? And we're not talking just one instance, he does it again and again and again.

[@patricksmith6796]

This is without question, Larry Bird with Magic turned the NBA into show time and became must see TV, Larry dished it and took it and kept on making players look silly.

[@LongBeach.]

John is at the top of my list of Athletes I'd like to hang out with. Just because he seems so genuine and laud back!

[@7080nik]

Larry and Magic saved basketball, Lebron is tanking it.

[@josemanuelcaballero1162]

To me Lebron is irrelevant in basketball terms. He s added nothing and just makes sure he prolongs his career making stats that do not help his rosters make anything significant,just for self susteinance of his already over inflated ego. kevin Durant may be worse in that aspect, and the extreme case is James Harden. They are totally irrelevant. In 25 years no one will speak of them. What this sport needs to be saved are folks like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Domantas Sabonis ,and that guy from the NY Knicks, Jalen Brunson. He s got them balls.

[@mr.e347]

Id take Bird over Kobe too. Bird was clutcher and was a winner since day 1.

[@overratedgm5713]

I'd take Ainge over Kobe

[@jameschan9634]

@@overratedgm5713 you're not very knowledgeable.

[@overratedgm5713]

@@jameschan9634 Kobe is dead lol

[@stolensentience]

@@jameschan9634Kobe didn’t make his teammates better. There’s a good argument for ainge if you already have a solid core. No one gonna build around ainge obviously but he would be a much better final piece since Kobe’s ego is even bigger than his talent

[@jameschan9634]

@@stolensentience you confuse ego with Mamba Mentality: an all consuming drive to WIN. Kobe identified the teammates that could perform under his pressure to win, and those that were basically worthless, he blasted. Once again, posted Ignorance.

[@chrisbrooks6756]

Anybody that would take LeBron over Bird, never saw Bird play. I dont blame younger fans, if they do, they just dont know any better. The LeBron overhype is insane. Greatest of his generation, maybe, but not greatest all time.

[@derekilopan]

Well said. I watched 80s basketball as a kid and teen. People forget about the defense played in Bird's era - it was physical as hell. They also don't remember the fact traveling and carrying and palming violations were called, as was the 3 seconds in the paint. The game was different. The game was harder and the game was better. LeBron and many of the "stars' of today's game would struggle - not because they lack talent and size and shooting capabilities, but because they lack the ability to play basketball as it was meant to be played. It would be like tennis players going back to the wooden racquet with the smaller hitting area. I don't know how many of today's tennis stars could play a game that isn't primarily baseline power and 130+ mph serves. Again, sports evolve, but Larry could dominate in today's game. I don't think LBJ could. Now, if he had ever developed a post game, that would be a different story. Oh, and they didn't shout out "AND 1" after every drive and they didn't throw their hands up in the air looking and crying when fouls were not called - because they weren't fouls. Anyway, ranted enough. The original Spider is right.

[@chrisbrooks6756]

@@derekilopan I agree with absolutely everything you said. I've attempted to have this discussion with younger fans, with no success. Evolution and change doesn't mean "better", it just means different. Gus didn't use to give each other emotional support between each free throw, if you got knocked down, you didn't ask for help getting up, trash talk was between 2 guys, quietly with a smile, now it's a show to get attention. Way different mindset, now.

[@johnnythekid4601]

Its because Bird is white and today's generation its NO WAY WOULD A WHITE BOY BE BETTER THAN ANY BROTHA AT HOOPS like the scallange when you have LA fitness tatted rec league superstars say they could beat scal.... Im, too quick and athletic for him.

[@IScoreUnderPressure4]

Then why did bird himself say that lebron is arguably the GOAT?

[@chrisbrooks6756]

@@IScoreUnderPressure4 He's the most humble guy on the planet. He goes out of his way to praise today's game, either out of being diplomatic, or maybe he really believes it, hard to say, but there is a reason that Bird is overwhelmingly picked over LeBron, by a majority. It's all opinion, so there is no right or wrong, but look at Bird 84-86, and compare that to ANYBODY, and Bird has a good case.

[@timokk3]

Sweet commentary by Sal...Thanks!

[@robertmarking817]

Great interview!

[@savage1632]

Magic Jordan Bird Wilt Shaq my starting 5

[@scottdavidson9963]

Will not make the playoffs.

[@savage1632]

@@scottdavidson9963 🤣🤣🤣🤣 quiet you

[@adriansellers7168]

Magic Jordan Bird Wilt Russell

[@hashmoncrief6965]

Kareem, Magic, Kobe, Larry bird, Dennis Rodman.

[@sima2164]

Jordan, Kareem, Bird, Magic, Hakeem. Top five of all time I can't find a spot for Lefraud anywhere near my top 10

[@SuperGuitarDude7]

I don't think this is a big diss. I don't like LeBron for offcourt stuff but I know he's a great player. I just would pick prime Larry Bird over him. I watched both of them in a ton of games and that's just my opinion.

[@poocrayon4588]

It’s not. Bird was the best player on a massive hot streak in the mid 80’s until he hurt his back (still good after though). Those 4 or 5 seasons where some of the best consecutive years played by any player.

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

Always enjoy John Salley interviews. He’s the coolest NBA player of all time.

[@surewhynot6040]

Every single person who is even slightly familiar with the NBA would agree with him.

[@jc0257]

I would take prime bird over anyone

[@ryant3600]

FACTS!

[@soramirez5473]

me too.. i used to say Jordan 1 and Bird 1a.. but im starting to prefer Birds all around game to Jordan's two way dominance.

[@jalesbarjo4740]

@@soramirez5473 damn i thought i was alone thinking that!

[@jameschan9634]

Magic. Even Bird has said so.

[@soramirez5473]

@@jalesbarjo4740 yea I saw Mike as a teen, and Bird as a child so I was more intelligent during the 90s, more aware, so Jordan was that guy for me (especially as a knicks fan), but as i re watch bird and understand MORE NOW, i feel like Bird was actually better.

[@yoe91]

"Larry Bird, in today's game, would score 55ppg. Easy. On 95%FG. That's during the regular season. In the playoffs, he wouldn't even play because his mere presence alone would make the entire NBA implode and turn into a single piece of chocolate cheesecake".

[@daegueric]

I've been in Korea for years, and as a baseball fan I've seen Salley's comment again and again. When a Korean reaches The show, sports channels flood with their day's highlights. It's natural.

[@lazlojenkins4160]

Imagine Bird with Lebrons body

[@c99kfm]

Oh god. Pretty darn sure that would kill the first three-peat for MJ. Isiah may miss out on one or two rings as well. Magic certainly loses one or two rings. Hakeem could possibly keep his, as the rest of the Celtics would be old by then, but without his first three-peat (which he isn't getting) Jordan might not retire to play baseball. LeBron's physique with Bird's skills, hustle, grit, sense, trash talk and sheer will? Yeah, that's league-destroying. No way he'd end up with "only" three rings and three consecutive MVPs, especially if Boston still gets McHale, Parish and Johnson. To be frank, I have a hard time seeing anything other than the 80s being a repeat of the 60s, a Celtics dynasty with (possibly) one or two championships going somewhere else. They might even bring home the 1980 championship, with an "enhanced Bird" being able to do even more with Maxwell, Cowens and Archibald than he actually did. That might have crushed the idea of Magic and Bird being rivals, made the league a one-man show and ended up not raising the viewing numbers to what they originally were for the 90s, and the international explosion may not happen or be significantly delayed. Maybe it was for the best Larry and Magic were the lights that burned twice as bright, even if they only lasted half as long.

[@riffsthatkill2180]

He probably wouldn't have learned to play the way he did because he would've beaten people with athleticism and strength, and that changes how his game would develop. But give LeBron Larry's shooting, rebounding, anticipation, and killer instinct and you'd have no debate over who the greatest ever was.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Imagine Larry Bird healthy

[@cj2times955]

@@riffsthatkill2180 how to me how Lebron ain't a killer? LOL

[@davidboucher6450]

Bron is more athletic but Bird is taller, that's also a physical advantage. Of course, Bird can't jump but at his height, you don't need to. Look at Jokic, he's even less athletic than Bird but his height and size gives him big physical advantage over almost anyone in the league.

[@The-Shane]

Larry was the OG vanilla ice

[@christinadacruz420]

Great interview

[@erictalbert4633]

I swear Dan Patrick loves Larry Bird stories more than anyone. He almost baits the interviewee into telling them

[@ricsarmiento661]

"He's slow and couldn't jump", the skeptics said. BIRD is an ELITE SHARPSHOOTER, a BRILLIANT ALL AROUND PLAYER, a GREAT FASCILITATOR/PASSER, the BEST CLUTCH PLAYER, made his TEAMMATES BETTER, the GREATEST TRASH TALKER, and have SUPERIOR BASKETBALL IQ. LARRY BIRD is NBA'S GOAT of the 80's 🐐

[@poocrayon4588]

He wasn’t really slow until he hurt his back. He wasn’t a super athlete by NBA standards before but he was much faster than Luka and Jokic who he is compared to today.

[@HawkingRegime13]

This shouldn't be controversial, the media just loves LeBron so much it's blinded people.

[@razkable]

Are you stuck in mid 2010...did you watch lebron from 2010 to 2021...bird isn't going to 9 finals in 10 years with those cavs teams

[@cortomaltese7171]

@@razkable Lol clown

[@Vic-Vega]

​@@razkableSez who???

[@suiken3149]

@@razkable How many times Lebron won with those Cavs team? Bird took a 29-win team without even major rehaul on the roster to 61-win turn around within a year. And Lebron with his Cavs wouldn't survive the 80s east as almost all the contenders there have 50-60 wins. East back in the 80s was like West nowadays

[@peterkoroma7876]

just say you don't like how great he is lmao

[@Romans219]

Being from Terre Haute, Indiana it's so simple why Larry Bird will always be my favorite basketball player especially the way he made his teammates better including playing with the Indiana State Sycamores who were undefeated going into the championship against Michigan State who had 2 NBA caliber players in Earvin Johnson and Greg Kelser.

[@janyshendrickson3833]

It took Salley just a nanosecond to respond with "Bird" 😅 Always loved watching John Salley, great player in his day.

[@billbarnes590]

That’s a good interview. I’m gonna have to try to find the whole thing, but Larry Bird did get back at Isaiah. He waited till what the day before the season and he fired him and brought his own coach and I thought that was hilarious and we all knew that that was payback.

[@lukelucky1311]

Bird is infinitely better then Bron

[@stolensentience]

definitely

[@josephsimontacchi2285]

Sally is great. I remember how much telling a few stories when he was a young man.

[@cuts240]

People do NOT realize the greatness - the elite nature of Larry (“Larry Legend”

[@stephenmauriellomortgage]

Yes, anyone who is an adult, knows basketball, and has an IQ north of 80, knows Larry Bird was a superior player to LBJ. This goat discussion is embarrassingly stupid, as are 99% of LBJ fan boys.

[@shawnshell5961]

I can’t believe how badly the LeBron hate is. The man came out of high school and was immediately a grown man in the NBA. Neither Larry nor Magic could have done that!

[@danhantheman]

None of these losers would take bird over Lebron if their lives depended on winning

[@melvinhhcp3615]

What are you talking about Magic won in 80. Larry won in 81. Lbj didn't make it to the playoffs until year 3 of his career.

[@melvinhhcp3615]

​@@danhanthemanlbj has 3x more Finals losses than Bird. Your logic is terrible.

[@shawnshell5961]

@@melvinhhcp3615 Are you serious? If LeBron came in the league with Kareem as his center, he might be Wilt ring status!

[@marykuettner752]

​@@danhanthemanunless you actually watched them both. Love Bron but Bird's bb IQ is just better. I take mind over matter everytime. Bron seems determined to ruin his legacy by pushing Bronny into the NBA way before he is ready and J.J. Reddick as coach. It is a shame.

[@mikehiggins946]

Dan loves hearing other NBA players tell stories about how great Larry Legend was. He giggles like a proud papa as he hears the stories.

[@DallasZed-it7zk]

Bird was unanimously considered the best player in the world before Prime MJ. Before the 3rd bulls chip, if you had a discussion on who was the best all time, you'd have Bird as the standard. MJ cleared himself from the rest by his 2nd 3peat championship. Bron barely clears himself even after 4, media has to look at 20 yrs of accumulated stats to confidently put Bron over bird. Luka and jokic today is showing you that bird would also dominate today's game with his play style

[@user-qj9cd3yr1z]

And have Kevin McHale guard LeBron

[@chrisjohnson3851]

The hate and focus on one man is amazing i never seen so much hate for a player whos supposedly is this or that seems like a lot of attention for somebody whos not good

[@mdro434]

Larry LEGEND I’m taking any day

[@jonjhon8491]

Ole Johnny boy has always had a vendetta against MJ. 🙄

[@Wyndamn]

Probably because the pistons beat Chicago in the playoffs???

[@theStacyJames]

Imagine how long Larry's prime would have been with today's Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Physical Training & Recovery techniques, money & pampering. Larry would have played 20 years at least, maybe more, and with at least 4 to 6 more years of "Peak" performance. Incredible player.

[@doddy_bj_miko]

Larry's career ending back injury came from helping his mom to a housework.. never wrong for helping momma.. but the greatness stays.. Larry the man

[@sipoway]

They all feared Bird, as great as Lebron is does anyone in the NBA fear him? They admire him but they don't fear him...Larry Legend they feared playing against.

[@SealofPerfection]

He's right. Bird in his prime was better than Lebron, and was an ice-cold assassin on top of that. Lebron could jump higher, I guess, but Larry was a better basketball player.

[@MrSmitty1074]

Birdman was a beast.

[@ironykills7101]

I love sally he has always been very honest and seems like a pure hearted person 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Buzzzzz-22]

That was sup Sally. You a genius

[@finsfan90]

Bird >>> LeFlop

[@cyrex6519]

I would take larry bird to over bron.

[@stevenkloepping2953]

If it is possible Larry Bird might be better if he was playing today. More open space on the floor making great passes and he could always shoot the 3 even back then.

[@btspyglass4077]

Larry saved Isiahs career and became totally loved by black,players beyond the game

[@murphtahoe1]

Dude, Salley is just the coolest guy out there.

[@greywolf4784]

most of those commonly included in the top 10 greatest players are real men. then there's lebron who's a freak of nature who behaves like a spoiled brat.

[@kevinflick61]

John Salley could recognize greatness.

[@nachohernandez9491]

Finally someone who knows real basketball saying Bird was way better People don't know how awsome was bird and never had a weak mindset like bron and had that mentality

[@ryant3600]

Anyone that got to see Bird play in the day.. Would too in a heartbeat.. Bird would have Lebron in the fetal position sucking his thumb crying for his momma.. Fact!

[@BasketballJones48021]

Career wise it’s LeBron.. but as far as peak/prime? Larry Bird…

[@3cardick]

2nd year in Miami LeBron "Peak" was the best single year player in the history of the league and its not even close. His jumper was wet, nobody dared get in front of him during a fast break, he could jump out of the building and was guarding everybody on the court (1-5)with ease, even during the playoffs. He also dismantled the first REAL big 3 single-handedly in game 6 of the ECF. Nobody, not Jordan, not Bird, nobody has ever played at that level.

[@thediseaseisthecure]

@@3cardick Best seasons all time 1) MJ 1995-1996 2) Wilt 1966-1967 3) LeBalco 2012-2013 (better luck next time)

[@sideshowbobsaget8876]

​​​@@3cardickLMAO no he wasn't. LeBron cant guard 1-5. The Celtics were old when Miami beat them. LeBron has never had a consistent jumper. 86 Bird, 91-Jordan clear LeBron

[@3cardick]

@sideshowbobsaget8876 Bird and Michael never had games like that. System players with hall of fame coaching, against inferior teams. Sorry, that will never change. Bird was nasty, no question... but vs prime LeBron? That's laughable. And yes, LeBron was guarding the entire court. Go watch some playoff and regular season film from that year. He was robbed of DPOY.

[@sideshowbobsaget8876]

@3cardick Stop it. LeBron couldn't even guard J.Terry. Al Horford Hawks won 60 games. That's not happening in the 80s-90s. LeBron "GOAT" case is built on propaganda.

[@blackprix]

Larry Bird is the consummate top-notch NBA player. He did it all and more for his team! He was a leader, he was a score,, he was a rebounder, he was an assist maker, he played defense, and he made everyone around him better… It’s Larry legend and nobody else end of the story.😊

[@ahmadfaisal6267]

The smartest thing Salley has ever said 🎯

[@RLebeauXXXIII]

Yeah, it’s really not close…. Obviously LeBron is a freak of nature. It’s very interesting though, I don’t think LeBron wins with those Celtics teams and I don’t think Larry wins with those Heat teams. LeBron and Larry are such different players. LeBron’s famous block is one of my favourite plays in NBA history. Even if you were cheering for the Warriors, you jumped and cheered. Larry, you just didn’t know what you were seeing. It was like watching an alien play basketball. He shouldn’t be good. Gangly white guy from the sticks. It was no surprise when his Pacers teams overperformed. I would say LeBron is an extremely intelligent basketball player was a basketball Mozart.

[@jameschan9634]

did that happen when the NBA GAVE LeEGO the title when they suspended Draymond?

[@rtd9153]

I never knew that John Salley was so personable and funny. Very entertaining to listen to him. You hated those opponents during the day (Boston fan) and now you miss them all, with possible exception of Lambeer. Lambeer did his job though and never backed down, so you have to give him that.

[@tufelhunden5795]

Id forgotten about that Rodman comment. Good times, good times 😂

[@chrisholloway374]

You gotta love Salley, there’s no bs with him

[@michaelleonardo881]

“ I was there covering the Celtics (Dan Patrick) in the 80s, and you (John Sally) were there trying to cover the Celtics. “🤣🤣🤣 Cold double entendre 🥶

[@anime.breakfast]

Did I miss the part where he says bird over Lebron or was it not in the video at all?

[@jogendron6320]

First second.

[@vernonhurley1300]

Dumb question. One gives you everything on every play the other quits on his team on half the plays.

[@user-xe7vg7zg2v]

Mr Salley the way you played that should be a picture of you on that shirt

[@dougmiyamoto3109]

The only thing Lebron has over Bird is that his body didn't give out on him. Bird is one of the 2 greatest dogs to ever play the game. Along with MJ. (apologies to Kobe whom I put 3rd) And one of the 2 greatest basketball IQ's ever- along with Magic. And one of the greatest shooters ever. The only thing that even keeps Lebron in this discussion is his athleticism/work ethic - which are to be commended.

[@augustwest3118]

And a lifetime prescription from Balco don't hurt, or does it?

[@tudorm6838]

Bird is the closest GOAT candidate who seems to not be taking PEDs. Lebron ...

[@robertmoran]

JS, a funny and wise person. :)

[@glockensig]

John seems like a class act!!

[@HonoluluBlue81]

I think most people who’ve seen them both play in their prime would take Bird.

[@GardenMack]

I just had to see the title of this and knew what it was without watching the vid... no lies detected in the title itself! (still watched it tho, of course!) -N

[@steveswanson4496]

Larry was the better shooter. Better passer. Better ball handler. Better rebounder. In his prime even the better defender. But the biggest difference is that Bird hit more big shots and made more big plays at the end of games in one season than LeBron has made in a twenty year career.

[@me3184]

Larry was a 100% cold blooded assassin.. No flopping, straight up brawls and NEVER was Larry ever passing the ball on a last shot

[@maxacorn]

yep. they youngin' don't know. larry had them hands and he wasn't afraid to use them. ask anyone and they will say that larry will throw hands.