Larry Bird
Inducted:
1998
Player Stats
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
220 lb (100 kg)
Born
December 7, 1956
West Baden Springs, Indiana, U.S.
Position:
Small forward/Power forward
College:
Indiana State (1976–1979)
Larry "Larry Legend" Bird is the ultimate personification of basketball IQ, grit, and clinical execution. Hailing from French Lick, Indiana, the 6'9" forward entered the league in 1979 and immediately revitalized the Boston Celtics and the NBA at large. Bird was a "three-level" threat before the term existed, combining lethal outside shooting with visionary passing and a relentless rebounding motor.
He is the only person in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. Despite debilitating back injuries that shortened his prime, his reign in the 1980s—including three consecutive MVPs—remains one of the most dominant stretches in sports history. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.
Bird's Awards and Records
- Olympic Gold Medal (1992 "Dream Team")
- Only player besides Russell and Wilt to win 3 NBA MVP in a row
- 33 retired by Boston Celtics
- 2× First-team All-MVC (1978, 1979)
- NBA Coach of the Year (1998) & Executive of the Year (2012)
NBA Records
- 3x NBA Champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
- 3x NBA MVP (1984–1986)
- 2x NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986)
- 12x NBA All-Star (1980–1988, 1990–1992)
- 9x All-NBA First Team (1980–1988)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
NBA Team
Boston Celtics (1979–1992)
NBA Draft
1978: 1st round, 6th overall pick
Boston Celtics
Number Worn
33
NBA Stats
Season:
13 (1979-1992)
Games Played:
897
Game Started:
870
Points:
21,791 (24.3 ppg)
Rebounds:
8,974 (10.0 rpg)
Assists:
5,695 (6.3 apg)
Field Goal %:
49.6%
Free Throw %:
88.6%
Point Per Game:
24.3
NBA Championships:
3 (1981, 1984, 1986)
NBA MVP:
3 (1984-1986)