There’s a reason why you still hear the name Larry Bird in every serious basketball conversation - because no one played quite like him. He’s truly one of a kind because of his unique play style, as he didn’t rely on flashy dunks or highlight reels. He played the smartest basketball. He was ruthless. He was the kind of player that you genuinely fear when he plays against you. He had the confidence that either made you love him or hate him.
Born in a small town in Indiana, Bird comes from a working-class family, which is another reason he was loved by many. He rose to fame with the Celtics, where he became a three-time NBA champion, three-time MVP, and a club legend, and best roulette strategy with small bankroll he is a contender for the top 5 all-time GOATs list. But Bird was much more than his stats. His basketball IQ, ability to read the court, and cold-blooded competitiveness are traits that no other player possesses. Today, we’ll talk about how Larry Bird, a reluctant superstar, rewrote basketball and saved the league.
Humble Beginnings in French Lick Built His Tough Personality
He started his high-school career in Springs Valley and later had a brief stint at Indiana University before transferring to Indiana State University. With the Sycamores, he played in the 1979 NCAA Championship game against Michigan State, which was led by none other than Magic Johnson.
This kickstarted one of the most iconic NBA rivalries of all time, especially after Bird was drafted as a 6th overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. He joined the team for the 1979-1980 season.
Rivalries and Respect
You can’t mention Larry Bird without mentioning Magic Johnson. This iconic rivalry marked the 1980s and early 1990s NBA. In fact, every single NBA Finals between 1980s and 1989 had either Bird or Johnson playing in it. The two faced off in the Finals three times, with Bird’s Celtics winning in 1984, while Magic’s Lakers were the better team in 1985 and 1987.
Despite the heated duels between the Celtics and the Lakers, and other teams, both have said that they made each other better. Without Bird, there’s no Magic, and vice versa.
Other notable rivalries include:
- Isaiah Thomas
- Julius Erving
- Michael Jordan (in his early years)
What Made Bird So Good?
If you’re a modern-day NBA fan, you might be wondering why people put Bird in the top-5 all-time list. He wasn't the fastest player, nor the strongest. But he was one of the smartest out there.
He had an unreal court vision, and many say that he was able to ‘see plays before they happened.’ Whether it was a no-look pass, a quick steal, or a dish to an open teammate, he’s widely considered to be among the players with the highest basketball IQ of all time.
Another strong weapon in his arsenal was his deadly shooting. He could shoot from anywhere - and he often did. He was one of the early adopters of the three-point shot at a time when the majority of NBA teams didn’t have a single three-point shot per game. He even won the first three NBA Three-Point Contests.
But his strongest weapon was probably his trash-talking mastery. He didn’t just trash-talk - he baked it up. He was the type of player to call his shot before hitting - and actually making it.
And while known for his offense, he was a great defender as well, especially when it mattered. He was a tough rebounder and a very solid team defender who didn’t shy away from contact.
Let’s Talk Numbers
Bird retired in 1992 due to chronic back issues, but his influence never left the game. He was a successful coach and executive with the Indiana Pacers and won the NBA Executive of the Year award in 2012. Check out the table below for some of the key numbers of Larry Bird’s legendary career.
|
Category |
Stat |
|
NBA Seasons |
13 (1979–1992) |
|
Points per game |
24.3 |
|
Rebounds per game |
10.0 |
|
Assists per game |
6.3 |
|
Career Points |
21,791 |
|
MVP Awards |
3 (1984, 1985, 1986) |
|
NBA Championships |
3 (1981, 1984, 1986) |
|
All-Star Appearances |
12 |
|
Shooting Percentages |
FG: 49.6% / 3PT: 37.6% / FT: 88.6% |
Bird’s legacy goes well beyond numbers, however. He wasn’t just a player. He helped save the NBA.
In the late 1970s, the league was struggling with viewership and reputation, and Bird and Magic’s rivalry brought drama and attention that ultimately saved the league.
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