"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan; If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life...I'd take Larry Bird." - Pat Riley
Young bucks HAVE NO FUC&ING clue........ how bad this man was.... you let him know a teammate slept with LBJ's mom..... with his LEGENDARY shit talking....yea ok...LBJ would be ejected from the game within 30 seconds....or he would be mentally destroyed with what Bird would say to him hitting in his eye each and every time. He played when you could physically intimidate..... anyone 25 and under have 0 clue. He played in a era where the TEAM shot 10 3's a game today a good shooter will shoot 8 to 10 3s BY himself......
Bird is the best all around player I've ever seen. He was voted to 3 all defensive 2nd teams and finished as high as 4th in DPOY voting. He also finished 1st or 2nd in MVP voting over a span of 8 seasons. That's a pretty good peak.
I'd argue that Bird stealing that inbounds pass is the greatest play in NBA history. If you watch replays of it, he walks away from Thomas looking like he is going back on defense. He covers 8-9 feet to get to that pass. And then has the smarts to kick it for the layup. Just next level basketball intelligence.
@@damonfrancisco5928 To be fair, it's strange angle in this video. Same with return on field story from mixtape video, a lot of people missed it, but it's' bad ass like Die Hard moment.
Bird did this stuff not knowing if he'd end up in a wheelchair after any given game. He played through injuries that would have ended most careers. All that, shooting, rebounding, passing...but when Bird didn't have the ball he was a terror. Such a complete player.
One thing that stands out to me is when Bird had a triple double WHILE wearing a back brace......how many players from any era have we seen do that? Not just play injured, but play at that level while injured.....Bird was a freak of nature.
Larry Bird was just a tough S.O.B. he played through injuries that would put current players out for months. He said if u get paid to do a job you go to work. Real man.
That is something that should have been included because he definitely would beat out the likes of Lebron James who seems to have to sit out many games if he even stubs his toe. Most impressive was coming back into the game and saving it for the Celtics when he had a fractured orbital bone (I believe was the bone) - that would have been very painful and that level of activity would have had most people seeing double.
@@mortimerbrewster3671 … there’s a difference ! One is opinion and one is just fact ! What don’t you get … ? Six players have a legit argument for GOAT … Bird , Jordan , Magic , Wilt , Russell and Kareem ! There is absolutely no argument for best around , that’s Larry Legend Bird ! Bird is better in two out of three categories over any other Player you name , Shooting , passing and rebounding ! He is better than Jordan in all three ! That’s makes him best all around ! I have Larry Bird the GOAT but I can respect anyone who has one of these Six players as their GOAT !
@@markw7297 I agree 💯% he's the player that would do the best in today's game out of all the stars in that era. My step dad used to hate him when he played the Knicks. Everytime he shot he was like oh no 😂.
When it mattered most...Most game-winners (last minute) of All-Time: #1) Kobe = 26 (in 1346 games) #2) Jordan = 25 (in 1072 games) #3) Bird. = 24 (in 897 games) #4) LeBron = 19 (in 1366 games) ... However, when it came to overall game-winners ratio, here are the best of All-Time: #1) Bird = 2.67 #2) Jordan = 2.33 #3) Kobe 1.93 #4) LeBron = 1.39
Larry hurt his back building a driveway for his mom in 1985. Fractured two vertebrae and ruptured a disc between L4 and L5 and he didn't tell anyone. Played through the pain for years until he couldn't "ignore" it any more. Had operations on his feet, but not on his back until June of 1991, six years AFTER injuring it. Only marginally helped. Retired in August of 1992. HE PLAYED HIS LAST SIX YEARS WITH A SEVERELY DAMAGED BACK that his doctors didn't know how he did it. That's why, when not out on the floor, he could be seen lying on his back. . . . .
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have seen people start reacting to Larry Bird, and learning about him. They start off saying how slow he was, and that he was non-athletic, but most of the time they just can’t get enough of Larry Bird. I always say, he was a once in a lifetime gift from the basketball gods!
One thing to remember about Larry Bird. He played the MAJORITY of his legendary career with a bad back. It got so bad in his last few years that he had to stretch and wear a brace for up to 4 HOURS before each game just so it would stay stable enough for him to play for the night. Bird was undoubtedly one of the toughest players to ever live. Even with a bad back he was putting up legendary numbers and never took his foot off the gas. Bro had the heart of a lion. That's from Dominique Wilkins. Larry Legend.
You guys need to see videos about how *tough* Larry Legend is… “5 times Larry Bird was injured but refused to quit” and “4 crazy stories that prove Larry Bird is the toughest player in NBA history “ Larry’s superhuman pain tolerance while still able to put up All-Star worthy stats year after year is absolutely insane !
All-Star worthy stats year after year is absolutely insane ! All-Star worthy stats year after year is absolutely insane ! All-Star worthy stats year after year is absolutely insane ! All-Star worthy stats year after year is absolutely insane !
When it mattered most...Most game-winners (last minute) of All-Time: #1) Kobe = 26 (in 1346 games) #2) Jordan = 25 (in 1072 games) #3) Bird. = 24 (in 897 games) #4) LeBron = 19 (in 1366 games) ... However, when it came to overall game-winners ratio, here are the best of All-Time: #1) Bird = 2.67 #2) Jordan = 2.33 #3) Kobe 1.93 #4) LeBron = 1.39
I had the privilege of watching Larry Bird , Magic in the 80s. He was one of those special players that you will always remember watching. As far as your conversation about longevity. Larry played through bad back where he couldn't sit on the bench. He had to lay down when he was out of the game. If he had todays medical tech he would have played at least 20 years.
Pick Bird or pick Magic. It doesn't matter. The reason you are watching basketball today is due to their rivalry that transcended team loyalties. When those two played each other, you became for that game a Celtic or Laker fan rooting for your favorite player. Magic Johnson showed up at his retirement proclaiming Larry Bird the greatest ever and his friend. That should tell you something.
Being voted all defensive in the eighties when defense was dominant and being voted all defensive in Lebron's era when defense almost is nonexistent are two totally different scales!
Bill Russel won 11 rings in 13 seasons. Nobody ever talks about him. It's interesting to not that MJ never got past the Celtics until Bird couldn't paly anymore.
Bill is getting some flowers now. His jersey is retired league wide. The finals MVP is named after him. He was an amazing human being who happened to play basketball very, very well.
Pat Riley said it: "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird."
Here's the proof: When it mattered most...Most game-winners (last minute) of All-Time: #1) Kobe = 26 (in 1346 games) #2) Jordan = 25 (in 1072 games) #3) Bird. = 24 (in 897 games) #4) LeBron = 19 (in 1366 games) ... However, when it came to overall game-winners ratio, here are the best of All-Time: #1) Bird = 2.67 #2) Jordan = 2.33 #3) Kobe 1.93 #4) LeBron = 1.39
Bird was a two-time all defensive player. Bird was easily the GOAT because he could do it ALL! Ex-Lakers coach Pat Riley said: "If I needed a player to take a shot to win a game, I'd pick Michael Jordan. But if I needed a player to take a shot to save my life, I'd pick Larry Bird!" Now what you gotta say boys? And as far as your argument about making a case for applying for a job, you can't compare the two. Why? Because when you go for a job, you're going in there just telling the man what your gonna do. But he don't know, because he's never met you before. Making the case for Larry Bird is totally different because he's already done it and proved it to y'all! Ok now, you wanna talk longevity? Fine, let's do it. Right, Bird played 13 seasons. Most of them he was injured and still put up those numbers. So your saying by someone playing longer it makes them better? Good, glad you brought it up guys. Because I guess that means if Bird wasn't injured all those years he'd have played about another 7 maybe? So that comes out to about 6 Championships, close to 30 ppg. 12 rpg. and 8 asst. pg. And don't forget he took home 3 straight League MVP's. Only the 3rd player to ever do it, and the only forward to ever do it. And don't forget that Bird came in 2nd in MVP voting 4 times too!
Bird was named to the NBA All-Defensive 2nd team three times before injuries slowed him towards the end of his career. His underrated athleticism combined with otherworldly instincts is what made him a strong defender in his first years in the league. These were the years he made all three of his All Defensive teams: 1982, 1983 & 1984. Bird led the league in defensive win shares four times. His 3 appearances on the All NBA Defensive 2nd team make this case most strongly.
@@arthurnelson I was raised with Lakers fans. I was 21 when Larry retired. You could always tell when the Lakers were playing the Celtics. There was this weird vibe of anger and awe. Because of Larry. I seen him play(on tv). He was phenomenal. His full court passes are my favorite. Under, over, left or right handed.......poetry in motion.
BIrd was a much better defender than people realise. He averaged 1.7 steals per game for his career which for a small forward is a very good average, he was in the NBA all defense 2nd team 3x in his career which is more than Lebron believe it or not. Finally In 1983 he was 3rd in the voting for defensive player of the year. So he was close one year to not only winning NBA MVP but also NBA defensive player of the year in the same season. He was truly a remarkably gifted and skilled player.
Larry Bird is my most favorite player of all time, he talked so much trash but see he could back it up. Watch those videos and see the respect he had from the other players.
Bird played his entire career with some sort of injury and he's still in the talk as being the GOAT. He had to retire mainly due to his back, which he hurt not playing basketball.
Bird led the NBA in Defensive Win Shares four times, and three additional times in the playoffs. Author and multiple member of 50-40-90 Club. Best passer ever. Video evidence of this is all over YT.
What younger people don't understand is that if any player went into the paint back then, they got knock on their ass hard and had to shoot free throws. It was super physical. I watched Lebron get real upset at Carlos Boozer when Boozer was bodying him up hard. One of the few times Lebron got a tech in his career. Boozer was nowhere near as physical as almost all of the forwards and centers were back then. Steph Curry was injury prone early in his career, in the 1980s he may have never had a career, he would have been picked up with a full court double team and elbowed, shoved and thrown to the ground. Hitting the floor over and over again would have shortened his career. Basketball back then was like football now without the pads.
I'm a longtime laker fan and he was something else his IQ alone is top 3 his game is top 5 he was an assassin and loved being outnumbered in a game where you try to find the weak spot he wanted you to know where he'd be and no matter how you slice it that's just cold hearted
You guys gotta react to one of Bird's trash talking videos. It puts a whole lot of context into who Bird was. As a 50 year Knicks fan (god have mercy on me,) who watched the games on TV and a couple live at MSG, he was the basketball equivalent of The Grim Reaper. If he had been around during this time of surgery, rehab, etc., he would have played at least four more years. And if he played in this era of the spread out floor, shooting threes as a priority, and handcheck-free defense, you could put five more points and two more assists on his career totals, IMHO.
Something to consider... Bird averaged 10 rebounds per game over his career, but keep in mind he gave up rebounds to Parrish, McHale, Walton (for 1 year) and Cedric Maxwell. If he needed to average 15 boards per game in order for his team to win, he'd have averaged 15 boards per game. And as already pointed out, Bird was all-defense 3x (second team) Enjoyed the video guys!
Also Larry made 3 straight all NBA defensive teams. 82, 83 and 84... second team each time... which means even though his main focus was offense he was still one of the two best small forward defenders in the league in the voters eyes.
And it's not because he out jumped the competition, NOoo, he just knew to be in the right place at the right time. For real, he knew where everyone was going to be like right before the play. I swear he mapped it all out in his head as he moves from one end of the court to the other.
Larry is definitely top 5. Larry is a way better defender than people think. The leagues player defensive average is 110. Larry was 105. So he was above average for his career. If you could have seen him play every night you would understand. Three times he made all defensive second team. He was a borderline great defender in his prime before his injuries caught up with him.
"Jackie McMullan, in The Ringer’s Icons Club, pulled up a classic of what Michael Jordan thought of his rival: “I get so many questions about Larry Bird. The thing is, ‘Was he really that good?’ I say, ‘Yeah! He was really that good. White, black, green or yellow, he was really that good! When you see a player like Luka when you see a player like Dirk, they’re great players, but they’re not Larry Bird [laughs], by no means." He added: "You have to have a great appreciation to play against a guy who athletically, every single night, is at a disadvantage. But yet mentally and in the way his work ethic was, he was way above the game, he was way above everybody else.”"
In man to man defense you can only double team the guy with the ball. Can't double team him before he gets the ball. And with Bird, if he gets doubled he can pass off to the teammate who is free.
I see these reviewers say "why are they not guarding him?" Well Dah, get too close, Larry's libel to shoot or pass, stay too far, he'll shoot, double team, he'll either pass or shoot. To the defense on Larry was a crap shoot. We tried this, didn't work. We tried that, didn't work. Nothing works.
Yeah, they started off pretty good but then when there is some pretty important information being discussed, they missed it. Otherwise, I thought they did a good job.
Have these guys reacted to a Larry bird trash talk video? If not that’s what they need to do after the mixtape video they done did. I like their reactions tbh, would love to hear them react to how cold he really was
Two things about Bird and his injuries. First, he hurt his back putting in a driveway for his mom, instead of just spending his money to have someone else do it. Secondly, He didn't have the same feel for the ball in the pros, as he did in college. He was playing a softball game and hand his finger, on his shooting hand, bend backwards on a play where the ball hopped wrong as he was going for it. Imagine if he hadn't had those two injuries. P.S. LeBron wouldn't have made it back then as far as Bird would make it now.
I would tend to agree with you there. LeBron is just not tough enough… He’s a great strong player, but he doesn’t have that fortitude. And Larry didn’t go from team to team looking to get himself a ring… He was a Celtic his whole career. LeBron puts Larry in his top three.
You couldn't double team back then unless the player had the ball. You couldn't play zone either, it had to be man to man. 2 illegal defenses and they start shooting technical free throws. They lifted all of this around 2000 or so, I think.
Pat Riley said If I need a player to make a last 2nd bucket I'm going with MJ if, I need a player to hit a shot to save my life I'm going with Larry Bird.😁
"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan; If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life... I'd take Larry Bird." - Pat Riley.
Birds senior year at ISU ..I was luckily stationed at Grissom AFB.Ind..the local cable company carried every game on TV that year..so I got to watch every game..didn't miss one..what a treasure I can look back on knowing now what I was witnessing..MJ..Magic..Kareem..Larry....All are the best...thanks guys for looking at this..
Bird was tenacious on the boards and consider not only his opponents like Olajuwon, Moses, Rodman, K Malone, Ewing, Kareem, etc. but also remember he shared the court with 10+ rebounds/ game players in McHale, Parish, and Walton. Young Bird was SO physical on the offensive glass, his 1st finals he averaged 18 rebounds/ game (and was robbed of the finals MVP by Maxwell)
The greatest ever. More end of time, game winning shots than anyone. Dropped 47 on Portland left handed! When asked by reporters why he used only his left hand, he said, I'm saving my right hand for LA, we play them tomorrow night! Won 3 MVPs during the greatest era of players. 3 3 point contest in a row , one while wearing his warm up stuff! Played the last 6 years with a broken back and blown Achilles tendon! Because of his back, they took a stationary bike to all games. Larry had to ride it, 1-2 hours before each game, to loosen his back, up!! Was the first 50/40/90 guy. When playing the bulls in conference finals, swept them! As a rookie, on third day of camp, came out and told reporters, this league is nothing, I will dominate this league! Worthy said, he would rather guard Jordan than Bird! Made 2 shots on purpose from behind the backboard! Got the whole Atlanta bench in trouble, for his shooting display against them. When the rockets had the Twin Towers, they should have won 2 titles. Bird and the Celtics, stopped them! He's the goat. Maybe the only better player was pistol Pete, but he just burnt out too soon, plus born with a unusually small heart pump side. He once told an opposing player who has a good first half against him, " are ur parents here, cuz ur not gonna want them to see, what I'm about to do to you!" So Bird drops 27 on him in the second half, and also shut him down. He tells the guy after the game, " that was for ur mom!" Ice cold! He played during an era, when there was no hack a Shaq foul, no finger hand elbow or body check fouls. And when centers and power forwards would break ur bones and punish you, if you went inside!
I want to watch basketball and just be around you guys. Your reactions are so much fun to watch and listen to. I watched Bird play and it's hard to express how much better he was than everyone else on the court except Jordan. His defense was excellent even though he was slow; he passed better and shot better than anyone else. But the reason why he might be the best, who knows, is that he simply made his team which wasn't the best on the court...the best on the court. Jordan didn't do that, he carried his teams to victory. It's easy to say he wasn't a Steph or LeBron or Jordan because he doesn't look like them...not quick. But ask MJ which player brought his team to victory with him which is the mark of a great player, not just a selfish one. The others have played on dominant teams, Bird did not. Happy New Year.
Every generation has its all time great, for those of us who grew up in the 80s it was Bird or Magic depending if you lived in the east or west primarily. From 1979-1989 either Magics Lakers or Bird's Celtics played in the NBA finals every year with the Lakers winning 5, Celtics 3 with the two outlining teams being the 76ers in 1983 beating the Lakers and the Pistons in 1989 beating the Lakers. All subjective, kind of had to be there at the time to witness it all but nice to see a new generation taking notice
Bird was NBA all defense 3 times and led the NBA in defensive win shares 4 times. He ranks shockingly high in every advanced defensive analytic there is and ranks very high in steals considering his short career
Oh yes. There is more to defense than man-to-man. Bird had great court vision and his running partner Dennis Johnson was a lockdown defender. They played like 2 halves of the same brain. It would have been a waste for him to duplicate what DJ was doing.
I was playing YMCA league ball at the same time Bird was playing. I got one of his basketball "how to" videos. One of the tips was the "Pass by the Ear" on an inbound pass. The idea being a fast pass near the defender's head while his arms are extended. I couldn't wait to try it out. I had a perfect opportunity and heaved that basketball right into the defender's face. It busted his nose and lip. LMAO I almost got into a fight. Trust me, saying you were trying to "pass by his ear" is very convincing. What's really bad is that the ball bounced back on me. A turnover. OOPS!
Larry played hurt his entire career. He said he hurt his finger before he played his 1st NBA game and never had the same feel for the ball and still played like that
Great quote If I had to pick any player to make a shot to win a game, it would be Michael Jordan If I had to pick any player to make a shot to save my life, it would be Larry Bird.
You guys should check out the game referred to as ‘The Miracle On Ice’ 1980 Olympic men’s ice hockey team.. DEFINITELY considered the most memorable moment in American sports history.. some people would argue that it’s the best moment in sports.. ever.. period.
5 players for the last second shot...I'm going Bird, MJ, Kobe, Dame, Robert Horry lol 5 confident men who let their nuts hang and don't fear the moment.
And just for good measure, Larry Legend was also the best free throw shooter in the NBA every year he played with a 95 percent free throw shooting percentage.
Bird is in Jordan's top 5 and he's in LeBron's top 3. You'll be hard pressed to find anyone who played against him who didn't think he was one of the toughest opponents they ever faced. He might not be the goat, but he's earned his place in the discussion.
Larry was a better shooter, rebounder, and had more assists than Jordan. As you read these career stats, just keep in mind, that Jordan played 2 more seasons than Bird did (175 games). Not only that, Bird played his last 4 years with debilitating injuries, and missed all but 6 games of the 88-89 season. Field goal percentage: Jordan: 49.7 Bird: 49.6 3 pointers made/attempted: Jordan: 581/1778....32.7% Bird: 649/1727....37.6% 2 pointers made/attempted: Jordan: 11,611/22,759....51% Bird: 7,942/15,607....50.9% Effective field goal percentage: Jordan: 50.9% Bird: 51.4% Free throw percentage: Jordan: 83.5% Bird: 88.6% Offensive rebounds: Jordan: 1668 Bird: 1757 Defensive rebounds: Jordan: 5004 Bird: 7217 Minutes per game: Jordan: 38.3 Bird: 38.4 Assists per game: Jordan: 5.3 Bird: 6.3 Rebounds per game: Jordan: 6.2 Bird: 10 Points per 36 minutes: Jordan: 28.3 Bird: 22.8 Rebounds per 36 minutes: Jordan:5.9 Bird: 9.4 Assists per 36 minutes: Jordan: 4.9 Bird: 6.0 Points per game: Jordan: 30.1 Bird; 24.3 Personal fouls: Jordan: 2783 Bird: 2279 Turnovers: Jordan: 2924 Bird: 2816 Blocks: Jordan: 893 Bird: 755 Steals: Jordan: 2514 Bird: 1556 Career points: Jordan: 32,292 Bird: 21,791 Again....Jordan played 15 basically healthy seasons, compared to 13 seasons for Bird, with 4 of those seasons played with a seriously bad back, leaving 9 truly healthy seasons. And those 4 injury riddled seasons, included the 88-89 season, in which he only played 6 games. He had back surgery, plus surgery on both Achilles tendons. Between 1981-1988, Larry won the League MVP 3 times in a row, and never finished below 3rd in the voting....2,2,1,1,1,3,2. In that same time period, Larry received 67% of all MVP votes cast. And like Jordan, he was in the stronger league, in the most talent rich era in NBA history. He is the only player besides Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, to win 3 in a row (and the only one that's not a Center)....and the only player in history, to win a championship, MVP, coach of the year, and executive of the year (and an Olympic gold medal). He is also the ONLY PLAYER IN NBA HISTORY, to retire with career averages of at least 20/10/5 (Bird had 24.3/10/6.3). Bird was never the center of any drama or pettiness, and played his entire career with the Celtics, winning championships with whoever the management brought on. Bird's 1986 Celtics team, is widely considered the greatest team ever....they went 50-1 at home that year, 10-0 in the playoffs, on their way to the title. Jordan was a career 11-34 against Bird. Jordan's Bulls never won a playoff game against Bird's Celtics. They swept Jordan's Bulls out of the playoffs TWICE. All things equal, and if Bird would have been healthy those other 4 years, he would have a legitimate claim as the best player ever. If I was building a team and had to pick between either player in their prime, I would pick Bird.
When he runs thru all the competition Bird had to contend with, and then you remember that Larry got 3 CONSECUTIVE MVPs over ALL those players, THEN you get an idea of just how GREAT Larry really was. If he hadn’t hurt his back, he’d have been the EASY GOAT. EASY.
@@irishgrl....People that didn't grow up watching that era, have no clue how good Bird really was. He was unbelievable. I grew up in that era, and watched ALL of those players and games. Bird was crazy good. The Jordan vs. Bird comparison, to me, is no contest as far as which player I would build a team around. Look closely at the stats. Bird played 2 less seasons than Jordan (13 seasons to Jordan's 15), and out of those 13, four of those years were played with debilitating injuries. And out of those 4 years, one of those years he only played 6 games. That leaves only NINE truly healthy years. Now....of course Jordan scored more total points. He had WAY more time. But look at the rebounds, and how many more Bird has, even counting his shortened time. LOOK AT THE ASSISTS. Jordan was a GUARD. Bird was a 6'9 FORWARD. He put up more CAREER assists than Jordan, even playing several years less. THAT is crazy. Their shooting percentages were the same. If Bird would have stayed healthy, he would have easily eclipsed Jordan's stats.
Nah guy in the middle is wrong, you know how people in this era can post up? They dont call this a big man post up type era do they? It's the same thing... the 80s and 90s were the big man era, not a shooting era, the game was played from the inside out, feed the post and if they get doubled they kick out. This era is outside in, spacing, high pick and roll, all time three point attempts etc etc... just because there is a few players that can post up in this era no one who knows basketball would call this a big man post up era... that's why they never called the 80s and 90s a shooting era. Context.
good points guys and if I were you I would feel the same way but it was way better seeing it live than watching on video tape...also he played part of 1 season at Indiana dropped out transferred to ISU ..not sure if he had to sit out a year but then 3 full seasons with the Sycamores before playing in the NBA...which I think that he did because he was eligible for the draft and was drafted by the Celtics after his junior year ..so that would be a combined 18 years after high school .. thanks good stuff
Defenses were only allowed to play man-to-man at that time and it made double teams much more difficult. You could switch and double the guy with the ball but you had to get back to your man or illegal defense would be called.
It was a sticky rule and often overlooked. Much like physical contact. How many times do you remember 2 or more guys laying on the floor under the basket as the ball is heading down the court. No fouls called.
Here's why he's the goat. 3 MVPs during the greatest 15 years of all time players. Dropped 45 left handed against Portland, when they had all starts. The first 50/40/90 guy, ever. Won a 3 point contest in his warmup jacket! Played last 6 years with a blown tendon, and a broken back, that took over an hour on a stationary bike before each game, to warm up! Played in an era, that if u went inside on offense or defense, the center and power forwards were so big, u were likely to get broken or bruised bones, every game. He also played during elbow,body,hand, finger check, was still allowed! 3rd day of rookie camp, he comes out and tells reporters," this league is nothing, I will dominate this league!". Swept the Bulls, in the playoffs.
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
Why Bird to me is the goat: whatever he said he was going to do on the court, and he told players exactly, 2 dribbles left, pump fake, bucket. Then did it and could not be stopped. Cooper, who was the best defender then, said MJ is dangerous when he has the ball, but once he passes he stands around pulling on his shorts. LB is more dangerous when he passes the ball. Bird made everyone better, not just his team mates, but the opposing team as well, cause if u didnt step up yer game, u got embarrassed. LB was ahead of his time. He passed at times when he could have taken the shot or his stats would be higher. He cared about getting his team involved and in winning. MJ talked trash after scoring, LB gave the exact play, then did what he said and couldnt be stopped. Who predicts rainbow in the trainers lap and gets knocked by a defender into the trainers lap? LB. MJ ever do that? Dont get me wrong MJ was awesome, a goat in his own right as an athletic player. Who has the IQ of LB? LB was athletic when younger or he wouldnt be at pro level, but no where near MJ, which is more of a testament to LB's game, a white guy dominating the league. Players had nightmares about LB. Magic said LB is the only player he feared. His dominate shooting hand had a permanently broken crooked finger from a softball injury, LB stated he never had the same feel for the ball, this is before the Celtics! Do more research on LB. You cant go by just stats, the league is different now, tailored to a player like LB, but Bird played ball when it was rougher, the modern medical advancements and much better gear to play in ... Imagine playing in Chuck Taylors against Laimbeer, who tried to hurt players all the time. I'll shut up and step off my soap box. 1 more thing: Bird is the G.O.A.T. !!!
Did you hear that statistic near the end, Bird has the second highest point percentage in the history of the NBA, behind Magic by less than half of one percent, about ten games?? Crazy how their game was so parallel.
24-10-6 career numbers . The only player in NBA history who averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds who averaged over 5 assists a game. When you are the only person in a statistical category you are the GOAT . To put it in perspective. There have only been 4 Quadruple doubles in NBA history , Birds career stat line is less rare than a Quadruple double .
LeBron from Akron Ohio, great player ! At 62 I've seen many great players 👏 ! Many ! To class any #1 in my life, has to be Jordan ! There's so many GREATS 👍 Bird was my hero as a kid ! Love sports, keeping me out of trouble growing up !
"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan; If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life...I'd take Larry Bird." - Pat Riley
Young bucks HAVE NO FUC&ING clue........ how bad this man was.... you let him know a teammate slept with LBJ's mom..... with his LEGENDARY shit talking....yea ok...LBJ would be ejected from the game within 30 seconds....or he would be mentally destroyed with what Bird would say to him hitting in his eye each and every time. He played when you could physically intimidate..... anyone 25 and under have 0 clue. He played in a era where the TEAM shot 10 3's a game today a good shooter will shoot 8 to 10 3s BY himself......
@Beyond the Other Side Larry made shots when he was tripled,
I still stand by MJ being the goat........ but, Larry? I watched him and Magic play......... Larry was a monster. He's top 5 all day long
@@xtop23 MJ was definitely the most physically gifted, but Bird was a way smarter player, which is why Jordan never never beat Bird in the playoffs.
@xtop23 It's a team game but when you're talking individual nobody was close to Wilt Chamberlain
Bird is the best all around player I've ever seen. He was voted to 3 all defensive 2nd teams and finished as high as 4th in DPOY voting. He also finished 1st or 2nd in MVP voting over a span of 8 seasons. That's a pretty good peak.
And ROTY his first season.
I'd argue that Bird stealing that inbounds pass is the greatest play in NBA history. If you watch replays of it, he walks away from Thomas looking like he is going back on defense. He covers 8-9 feet to get to that pass. And then has the smarts to kick it for the layup. Just next level basketball intelligence.
He also had unwavering confidence on Dennis Johnson, a often forgotten Hall of Famer!
I think it’s the greatest play of all time.
And these dudes missed it by talking over it.
@@joshuasussman4020" Havlicek stole the ball" at least as good or better.
@@damonfrancisco5928 To be fair, it's strange angle in this video. Same with return on field story from mixtape video, a lot of people missed it, but it's' bad ass like Die Hard moment.
Bird did this stuff not knowing if he'd end up in a wheelchair after any given game. He played through injuries that would have ended most careers.
All that, shooting, rebounding, passing...but when Bird didn't have the ball he was a terror. Such a complete player.
One thing that stands out to me is when Bird had a triple double WHILE wearing a back brace......how many players from any era have we seen do that? Not just play injured, but play at that level while injured.....Bird was a freak of nature.
Larry Bird was just a tough S.O.B. he played through injuries that would put current players out for months. He said if u get paid to do a job you go to work. Real man.
@@jeffrichards1537 yes a REAL man.
That is something that should have been included because he definitely would beat out the likes of Lebron James who seems to have to sit out many games if he even stubs his toe. Most impressive was coming back into the game and saving it for the Celtics when he had a fractured orbital bone (I believe was the bone) - that would have been very painful and that level of activity would have had most people seeing double.
@@mortimerbrewster3671 Bird WAS seeing double!
Larry Bird became a Goat, and he did it all within 2/3 of the time of everyone else while playing hurt a big part of his career!
only those in denial can't see facts! Egypt's population just quadrupled🤣
Naming someone the GOAT is
subjective ! Saying Larry Bird
is the greatest all-around player
in NBA history is just facts !!!!
Isn't the best all around player the definition of the GOAT? So it's either a fact or subjective?
@@mortimerbrewster3671
… there’s a difference !
One is opinion and one
is just fact ! What don’t
you get … ? Six players
have a legit argument
for GOAT … Bird , Jordan ,
Magic , Wilt , Russell and
Kareem ! There is absolutely
no argument for best around ,
that’s Larry Legend Bird !
Bird is better in two out of
three categories over any
other Player you name ,
Shooting , passing and
rebounding ! He is better
than Jordan in all three !
That’s makes him best all
around ! I have Larry Bird
the GOAT but I can respect
anyone who has one of these
Six players as their GOAT !
Cannot argue that. I would also say that if he played today, he would've practiced the three pointers more and would hold every record.
@@markw7297 I agree 💯% he's the player that would do the best in today's game out of all the stars in that era. My step dad used to hate him when he played the Knicks. Everytime he shot he was like oh no 😂.
When it mattered most...Most game-winners (last minute) of All-Time:
#1) Kobe = 26 (in 1346 games)
#2) Jordan = 25 (in 1072 games)
#3) Bird. = 24 (in 897 games)
#4) LeBron = 19 (in 1366 games)
...
However, when it came to overall game-winners ratio, here are the best of All-Time:
#1) Bird = 2.67
#2) Jordan = 2.33
#3) Kobe 1.93
#4) LeBron = 1.39
Bird made the defensive 2nd team 3 times I believe. LeBron isn't on the same planet as far as clutch is concerned to Bird.
Somebody asked Michael Jordan who he wanted to take the last shot and he said Larry Bird.
No hole in his game doesn´t mean he has to win an award for every aspect of the game. It means he had no weaknesses. Not that hard to comprehend.
LARRY LEGEND IS A UNICORN & THE TRUE GOAT 🐐 ☘️
Larry hurt his back building a driveway for his mom in 1985. Fractured two vertebrae and ruptured a disc between L4 and L5 and he didn't tell anyone. Played through the pain for years until he couldn't "ignore" it any more. Had operations on his feet, but not on his back until June of 1991, six years AFTER injuring it. Only marginally helped. Retired in August of 1992. HE PLAYED HIS LAST SIX YEARS WITH A SEVERELY DAMAGED BACK that his doctors didn't know how he did it. That's why, when not out on the floor, he could be seen lying on his back. . . . .
It was the competition that drove Larry. He couldn't stand not controlling the floor. Especially if his team was down.
The craziest part of that story might be a guy that rich still getting down and dirty to do his mother's driveway.
In his prime Bird was as good or better than anyone who ever played the game. 🏀
Keep educating yourself, gentlemen. The more you find out, the more your mind will change.
Hopefully
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have seen people start reacting to Larry Bird, and learning about him. They start off saying how slow he was, and that he was non-athletic, but most of the time they just can’t get enough of Larry Bird. I always say, he was a once in a lifetime gift from the basketball gods!
One thing to remember about Larry Bird. He played the MAJORITY of his legendary career with a bad back. It got so bad in his last few years that he had to stretch and wear a brace for up to 4 HOURS before each game just so it would stay stable enough for him to play for the night. Bird was undoubtedly one of the toughest players to ever live. Even with a bad back he was putting up legendary numbers and never took his foot off the gas. Bro had the heart of a lion. That's from Dominique Wilkins. Larry Legend.
Bird the most complete team player I ever saw
You guys need to see videos about how *tough* Larry Legend is… “5 times Larry Bird was injured but refused to quit” and “4 crazy stories that prove Larry Bird is the toughest player in NBA history “
Larry’s superhuman pain tolerance while still able to put up All-Star worthy stats year after year is absolutely insane !
All-Star worthy stats year after year is absolutely insane !
All-Star worthy stats year after year is absolutely insane !
All-Star worthy stats year after year is absolutely insane !
All-Star worthy stats year after year is absolutely insane !
When it mattered most...Most game-winners (last minute) of All-Time:
#1) Kobe = 26 (in 1346 games)
#2) Jordan = 25 (in 1072 games)
#3) Bird. = 24 (in 897 games)
#4) LeBron = 19 (in 1366 games)
...
However, when it came to overall game-winners ratio, here are the best of All-Time:
#1) Bird = 2.67
#2) Jordan = 2.33
#3) Kobe 1.93
#4) LeBron = 1.39
I had the privilege of watching Larry Bird , Magic in the 80s. He was one of those special players that you will always remember watching. As far as your conversation about longevity. Larry played through bad back where he couldn't sit on the bench. He had to lay down when he was out of the game. If he had todays medical tech he would have played at least 20 years.
Luka is not Larry birds level I'm tired people comparing the 2 ...not you guys tho y'all cool 😎... great video
Bird in my top three all time.
Pick Bird or pick Magic. It doesn't matter. The reason you are watching basketball today is due to their rivalry that transcended team loyalties. When those two played each other, you became for that game a Celtic or Laker fan rooting for your favorite player. Magic Johnson showed up at his retirement proclaiming Larry Bird the greatest ever and his friend. That should tell you something.
Nicely said 👍
They are both my GOATS only behind Jordan.
The more I study Birds career and skills, the more I’m convinced he’s the best SF ever
Being voted all defensive in the eighties when defense was dominant and being voted all defensive in Lebron's era when defense almost is nonexistent are two totally different scales!
Good point!
No one comes close to Larry Bird. The greatest of all time.
Bill Russel won 11 rings in 13 seasons. Nobody ever talks about him. It's interesting to not that MJ never got past the Celtics until Bird couldn't paly anymore.
Bill is getting some flowers now. His jersey is retired league wide. The finals MVP is named after him. He was an amazing human being who happened to play basketball very, very well.
Bird absolutely humbled Jordan Jordan's rookie year. Without that experience Jordan would've never been as great as he was.
that same person that made this video made the same “Making the Case” for Russel lol
Pat Riley said it: "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird."
Here's the proof:
When it mattered most...Most game-winners (last minute) of All-Time:
#1) Kobe = 26 (in 1346 games)
#2) Jordan = 25 (in 1072 games)
#3) Bird. = 24 (in 897 games)
#4) LeBron = 19 (in 1366 games)
...
However, when it came to overall game-winners ratio, here are the best of All-Time:
#1) Bird = 2.67
#2) Jordan = 2.33
#3) Kobe 1.93
#4) LeBron = 1.39
Todays Defense is nothing compared to what it was in the 80's
Heh what defense. The game is so soft now that a wheelchair bound Larry Bird could average 30 points a game on a slow day.
This is just a bad take for example you were not allowed to play zone until 2001 it’s slightly more nuanced than “defense was harder”
Larry was the best all-around player ever. I will never concede this, until someone better comes along. Kobe was damn close.
You lose all credibility when you mention kobe
@@Norel_Nieves I"m going to go with you on this one. Not even in the same park.
Agreed!
Really? Kobe would break top 10, but not even close to bird's all around play
Bird was a two-time all defensive player. Bird was easily the GOAT because he could do it ALL! Ex-Lakers coach Pat Riley said: "If I needed a player to take a shot to win a game, I'd pick Michael Jordan. But if I needed a player to take a shot to save my life, I'd pick Larry Bird!"
Now what you gotta say boys?
And as far as your argument about making a case for applying for a job, you can't compare the two. Why? Because when you go for a job, you're going in there just telling the man what your gonna do. But he don't know, because he's never met you before. Making the case for Larry Bird is totally different because he's already done it and proved it to y'all! Ok now, you wanna talk longevity? Fine, let's do it. Right, Bird played 13 seasons. Most of them he was injured and still put up those numbers. So your saying by someone playing longer it makes them better? Good, glad you brought it up guys. Because I guess that means if Bird wasn't injured all those years he'd have played about another 7 maybe? So that comes out to about 6 Championships, close to 30 ppg. 12 rpg. and 8 asst. pg. And don't forget he took home 3 straight League MVP's. Only the 3rd player to ever do it, and the only forward to ever do it. And don't forget that Bird came in 2nd in MVP voting 4 times too!
Bird was named to the NBA All-Defensive 2nd team three times before injuries slowed him towards the end of his career. His underrated athleticism combined with otherworldly instincts is what made him a strong defender in his first years in the league. These were the years he made all three of his All Defensive teams: 1982, 1983 & 1984. Bird led the league in defensive win shares four times. His 3 appearances on the All NBA Defensive 2nd team make this case most strongly.
Bird was good at defence. Take a look at his defensive stats or video about Larry being underrated.
@@arthurnelson I was raised with Lakers fans. I was 21 when Larry retired. You could always tell when the Lakers were playing the Celtics. There was this weird vibe of anger and awe. Because of Larry. I seen him play(on tv). He was phenomenal. His full court passes are my favorite. Under, over, left or right handed.......poetry in motion.
@@ldybozzlol that's funny similar but I'm from the northeast and am a Celtics fan. I dont pick a favorite, it's Larry and Magic. MJ was best imho
BIrd was a much better defender than people realise. He averaged 1.7 steals per game for his career which for a small forward is a very good average, he was in the NBA all defense 2nd team 3x in his career which is more than Lebron believe it or not. Finally In 1983 he was 3rd in the voting for defensive player of the year. So he was close one year to not only winning NBA MVP but also NBA defensive player of the year in the same season. He was truly a remarkably gifted and skilled player.
I think it was Pat Riley that said he would take Jordan to make a shot to win a game but he would take Bird to make a shot to save his life.
You think correctly
Actually, Bird was all NBA defensive team 3 Times. One of those was as an alternate though
Larry Bird is my most favorite player of all time, he talked so much trash but see he could back it up. Watch those videos and see the respect he had from the other players.
Bird played his entire career with some sort of injury and he's still in the talk as being the GOAT. He had to retire mainly due to his back, which he hurt not playing basketball.
Bird led the NBA in Defensive Win Shares four times, and three additional times in the playoffs.
Author and multiple member of 50-40-90 Club.
Best passer ever. Video evidence of this is all over YT.
What's not down is how he would tell the opposing team what he was going to do before doing it, including game winning shots.
What younger people don't understand is that if any player went into the paint back then, they got knock on their ass hard and had to shoot free throws. It was super physical. I watched Lebron get real upset at Carlos Boozer when Boozer was bodying him up hard. One of the few times Lebron got a tech in his career. Boozer was nowhere near as physical as almost all of the forwards and centers were back then. Steph Curry was injury prone early in his career, in the 1980s he may have never had a career, he would have been picked up with a full court double team and elbowed, shoved and thrown to the ground. Hitting the floor over and over again would have shortened his career. Basketball back then was like football now without the pads.
Great points!
I'm a longtime laker fan and he was something else his IQ alone is top 3 his game is top 5 he was an assassin and loved being outnumbered in a game where you try to find the weak spot he wanted you to know where he'd be and no matter how you slice it that's just cold hearted
You guys gotta react to one of Bird's trash talking videos. It puts a whole lot of context into who Bird was. As a 50 year Knicks fan (god have mercy on me,) who watched the games on TV and a couple live at MSG, he was the basketball equivalent of The Grim Reaper. If he had been around during this time of surgery, rehab, etc., he would have played at least four more years. And if he played in this era of the spread out floor, shooting threes as a priority, and handcheck-free defense, you could put five more points and two more assists on his career totals, IMHO.
The Grim Reaper. 🤣
Something to consider... Bird averaged 10 rebounds per game over his career, but keep in mind he gave up rebounds to Parrish, McHale, Walton (for 1 year) and Cedric Maxwell.
If he needed to average 15 boards per game in order for his team to win, he'd have averaged 15 boards per game.
And as already pointed out, Bird was all-defense 3x (second team)
Enjoyed the video guys!
Incredible point!
Also Larry made 3 straight all NBA defensive teams. 82, 83 and 84... second team each time... which means even though his main focus was offense he was still one of the two best small forward defenders in the league in the voters eyes.
And it's not because he out jumped the competition, NOoo, he just knew to be in the right place at the right time.
For real, he knew where everyone was going to be like right before the play.
I swear he mapped it all out in his head as he moves from one end of the court to the other.
Larry is definitely top 5. Larry is a way better defender than people think. The leagues player defensive average is 110. Larry was 105. So he was above average for his career. If you could have seen him play every night you would understand. Three times he made all defensive second team. He was a borderline great defender in his prime before his injuries caught up with him.
"Jackie McMullan, in The Ringer’s Icons Club, pulled up a classic of what Michael Jordan thought of his rival:
“I get so many questions about Larry Bird. The thing is, ‘Was he really that good?’ I say, ‘Yeah! He was really that good. White, black, green or yellow, he was really that good! When you see a player like Luka when you see a player like Dirk, they’re great players, but they’re not Larry Bird [laughs], by no means."
He added:
"You have to have a great appreciation to play against a guy who athletically, every single night, is at a disadvantage. But yet mentally and in the way his work ethic was, he was way above the game, he was way above everybody else.”"
In man to man defense you can only double team the guy with the ball. Can't double team him before he gets the ball. And with Bird, if he gets doubled he can pass off to the teammate who is free.
I see these reviewers say "why are they not guarding him?" Well Dah, get too close, Larry's libel to shoot or pass, stay too far, he'll shoot, double team, he'll either pass or shoot. To the defense on Larry was a crap shoot. We tried this, didn't work. We tried that, didn't work. Nothing works.
I'm pretty sure I've seen Larry guarded by three men and shooting successfully over their heads.
Reaction is good, but not pausing while you discuss what you just heard cause you to miss the next bit of important information...
Truth
Yeah, they started off pretty good but then when there is some pretty important information being discussed, they missed it. Otherwise, I thought they did a good job.
You can pick many players to shoot the last shot to win the game. But if my life was on the line, I would pick Larry Bird over everyone else!
Have these guys reacted to a Larry bird trash talk video? If not that’s what they need to do after the mixtape video they done did. I like their reactions tbh, would love to hear them react to how cold he really was
Bring your scarf & mittens fellas.
Two things about Bird and his injuries. First, he hurt his back putting in a driveway for his mom, instead of just spending his money to have someone else do it. Secondly, He didn't have the same feel for the ball in the pros, as he did in college. He was playing a softball game and hand his finger, on his shooting hand, bend backwards on a play where the ball hopped wrong as he was going for it. Imagine if he hadn't had those two injuries. P.S. LeBron wouldn't have made it back then as far as Bird would make it now.
I would tend to agree with you there. LeBron is just not tough enough… He’s a great strong player, but he doesn’t have that fortitude. And Larry didn’t go from team to team looking to get himself a ring… He was a Celtic his whole career. LeBron puts Larry in his top three.
You couldn't double team back then unless the player had the ball. You couldn't play zone either, it had to be man to man. 2 illegal defenses and they start shooting technical free throws. They lifted all of this around 2000 or so, I think.
I love that the guy in the middle cleaned his glasses on his shirt, like I do....and said 45-15-15.
Yes sir!
You know you're great when the opposing team cheered you
What you need to know is Bird took a team that only won 29 games to 61 wins his rookie season when he was the only new player.
Imagine how many games AD woulda missed if he played in converse or chucks. That’s a big piece people forget when comparing eras too.
As far as I'm concerned, it's the only shoe for me. Only since 40 plus years.
Pat Riley said If I need a player to make a last 2nd bucket I'm going with MJ if, I need a player to hit a shot to save my life I'm going with Larry Bird.😁
And Magic & Bird literally saved the league
"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan; If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life... I'd take Larry Bird." - Pat Riley.
Birds senior year at ISU ..I was luckily stationed at Grissom AFB.Ind..the local cable company carried every game on TV that year..so I got to watch every game..didn't miss one..what a treasure I can look back on knowing now what I was witnessing..MJ..Magic..Kareem..Larry....All are the best...thanks guys for looking at this..
Bird was tenacious on the boards and consider not only his opponents like Olajuwon, Moses, Rodman, K Malone, Ewing, Kareem, etc. but also remember he shared the court with 10+ rebounds/ game players in McHale, Parish, and Walton. Young Bird was SO physical on the offensive glass, his 1st finals he averaged 18 rebounds/ game (and was robbed of the finals MVP by Maxwell)
LUKA ain’t LARRY !
The greatest ever. More end of time, game winning shots than anyone. Dropped 47 on Portland left handed! When asked by reporters why he used only his left hand, he said, I'm saving my right hand for LA, we play them tomorrow night! Won 3 MVPs during the greatest era of players. 3 3 point contest in a row , one while wearing his warm up stuff! Played the last 6 years with a broken back and blown Achilles tendon! Because of his back, they took a stationary bike to all games. Larry had to ride it, 1-2 hours before each game, to loosen his back, up!! Was the first 50/40/90 guy. When playing the bulls in conference finals, swept them! As a rookie, on third day of camp, came out and told reporters, this league is nothing, I will dominate this league! Worthy said, he would rather guard Jordan than Bird! Made 2 shots on purpose from behind the backboard! Got the whole Atlanta bench in trouble, for his shooting display against them. When the rockets had the Twin Towers, they should have won 2 titles. Bird and the Celtics, stopped them! He's the goat. Maybe the only better player was pistol Pete, but he just burnt out too soon, plus born with a unusually small heart pump side. He once told an opposing player who has a good first half against him, " are ur parents here, cuz ur not gonna want them to see, what I'm about to do to you!" So Bird drops 27 on him in the second half, and also shut him down. He tells the guy after the game, " that was for ur mom!" Ice cold! He played during an era, when there was no hack a Shaq foul, no finger hand elbow or body check fouls. And when centers and power forwards would break ur bones and punish you, if you went inside!
I want to watch basketball and just be around you guys. Your reactions are so much fun to watch and listen to. I watched Bird play and it's hard to express how much better he was than everyone else on the court except Jordan. His defense was excellent even though he was slow; he passed better and shot better than anyone else. But the reason why he might be the best, who knows, is that he simply made his team which wasn't the best on the court...the best on the court. Jordan didn't do that, he carried his teams to victory. It's easy to say he wasn't a Steph or LeBron or Jordan because he doesn't look like them...not quick. But ask MJ which player brought his team to victory with him which is the mark of a great player, not just a selfish one. The others have played on dominant teams, Bird did not. Happy New Year.
Larry's numbers would be even higher if he was selfish but he got everyone involved and made sure they all ate.
That is very true. Every one of his teammates has said that he made them better players. He didn’t need to be the star… He just needed to win.
It also made sure Larry's teams were consistently good.
Ungodly good in some seasons.
bird was 3x all defensive. I know it's surprising but he was a surprisingly good defender
I got to watch him in the mid to late 80s and he was insane. He literally could do it all.
Every generation has its all time great, for those of us who grew up in the 80s it was Bird or Magic depending if you lived in the east or west primarily. From 1979-1989 either Magics Lakers or Bird's Celtics played in the NBA finals every year with the Lakers winning 5, Celtics 3 with the two outlining teams being the 76ers in 1983 beating the Lakers and the Pistons in 1989 beating the Lakers. All subjective, kind of had to be there at the time to witness it all but nice to see a new generation taking notice
If someone thinks Bird isnt a top 5 ALL TIME great they know nothing about basketball. Dude played like he invented the game.
Bird was NBA all defense 3 times and led the NBA in defensive win shares 4 times. He ranks shockingly high in every advanced defensive analytic there is and ranks very high in steals considering his short career
Oh yes. There is more to defense than man-to-man. Bird had great court vision and his running partner Dennis Johnson was a lockdown defender. They played like 2 halves of the same brain. It would have been a waste for him to duplicate what DJ was doing.
Three players to take the final shot? Bird, Reggie Miller, John Stockton
I was playing YMCA league ball at the same time Bird was playing. I got one of his basketball "how to" videos. One of the tips was the "Pass by the Ear" on an inbound pass. The idea being a fast pass near the defender's head while his arms are extended. I couldn't wait to try it out. I had a perfect opportunity and heaved that basketball right into the defender's face. It busted his nose and lip. LMAO I almost got into a fight. Trust me, saying you were trying to "pass by his ear" is very convincing. What's really bad is that the ball bounced back on me. A turnover. OOPS!
Larry played hurt his entire career. He said he hurt his finger before he played his 1st NBA game and never had the same feel for the ball and still played like that
Great quote
If I had to pick any player to make a shot to win a game, it would be Michael Jordan
If I had to pick any player to make a shot to save my life, it would be Larry Bird.
"Jordan made you look slow. Bird made you look stupid." so said James Worthy who surely played with some great ones.
Glad you guys are doing this! But I have to ask you about those chairs that you got!
You guys should check out the game referred to as ‘The Miracle On Ice’ 1980 Olympic men’s ice hockey team.. DEFINITELY considered the most memorable moment in American sports history.. some people would argue that it’s the best moment in sports.. ever.. period.
5 players for the last second shot...I'm going Bird, MJ, Kobe, Dame, Robert Horry lol 5 confident men who let their nuts hang and don't fear the moment.
And just for good measure, Larry Legend was also the best free throw shooter in the NBA every year he played with a 95 percent free throw shooting percentage.
Larry Bird is the greatest small forward that has ever played the game.
Bird is in Jordan's top 5 and he's in LeBron's top 3. You'll be hard pressed to find anyone who played against him who didn't think he was one of the toughest opponents they ever faced. He might not be the goat, but he's earned his place in the discussion.
Larry was a better shooter, rebounder, and had more assists than Jordan. As you read these career stats, just keep in mind, that Jordan played 2 more seasons than Bird did (175 games). Not only that, Bird played his last 4 years with debilitating injuries, and missed all but 6 games of the 88-89 season.
Field goal percentage:
Jordan: 49.7
Bird: 49.6
3 pointers made/attempted:
Jordan: 581/1778....32.7%
Bird: 649/1727....37.6%
2 pointers made/attempted:
Jordan: 11,611/22,759....51%
Bird: 7,942/15,607....50.9%
Effective field goal percentage:
Jordan: 50.9%
Bird: 51.4%
Free throw percentage:
Jordan: 83.5%
Bird: 88.6%
Offensive rebounds:
Jordan: 1668
Bird: 1757
Defensive rebounds:
Jordan: 5004
Bird: 7217
Minutes per game:
Jordan: 38.3
Bird: 38.4
Assists per game:
Jordan: 5.3
Bird: 6.3
Rebounds per game:
Jordan: 6.2
Bird: 10
Points per 36 minutes:
Jordan: 28.3
Bird: 22.8
Rebounds per 36 minutes:
Jordan:5.9
Bird: 9.4
Assists per 36 minutes:
Jordan: 4.9
Bird: 6.0
Points per game:
Jordan: 30.1
Bird; 24.3
Personal fouls:
Jordan: 2783
Bird: 2279
Turnovers:
Jordan: 2924
Bird: 2816
Blocks:
Jordan: 893
Bird: 755
Steals:
Jordan: 2514
Bird: 1556
Career points:
Jordan: 32,292
Bird: 21,791
Again....Jordan played 15 basically healthy seasons, compared to 13 seasons for Bird, with 4 of those seasons played with a seriously bad back, leaving 9 truly healthy seasons. And those 4 injury riddled seasons, included the 88-89 season, in which he only played 6 games. He had back surgery, plus surgery on both Achilles tendons.
Between 1981-1988, Larry won the League MVP 3 times in a row, and never finished below 3rd in the voting....2,2,1,1,1,3,2. In that same time period, Larry received 67% of all MVP votes cast. And like Jordan, he was in the stronger league, in the most talent rich era in NBA history. He is the only player besides Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, to win 3 in a row (and the only one that's not a Center)....and the only player in history, to win a championship, MVP, coach of the year, and executive of the year (and an Olympic gold medal). He is also the ONLY PLAYER IN NBA HISTORY, to retire with career averages of at least 20/10/5 (Bird had 24.3/10/6.3). Bird was never the center of any drama or pettiness, and played his entire career with the Celtics, winning championships with whoever the management brought on. Bird's 1986 Celtics team, is widely considered the greatest team ever....they went 50-1 at home that year, 10-0 in the playoffs, on their way to the title.
Jordan was a career 11-34 against Bird. Jordan's Bulls never won a playoff game against Bird's Celtics. They swept Jordan's Bulls out of the playoffs TWICE.
All things equal, and if Bird would have been healthy those other 4 years, he would have a legitimate claim as the best player ever. If I was building a team and had to pick between either player in their prime, I would pick Bird.
This should be pinned.
When he runs thru all the competition Bird had to contend with, and then you remember that Larry got 3 CONSECUTIVE MVPs over ALL those players, THEN you get an idea of just how GREAT Larry really was. If he hadn’t hurt his back, he’d have been the EASY GOAT. EASY.
@@irishgrl....People that didn't grow up watching that era, have no clue how good Bird really was. He was unbelievable. I grew up in that era, and watched ALL of those players and games. Bird was crazy good. The Jordan vs. Bird comparison, to me, is no contest as far as which player I would build a team around. Look closely at the stats. Bird played 2 less seasons than Jordan (13 seasons to Jordan's 15), and out of those 13, four of those years were played with debilitating injuries. And out of those 4 years, one of those years he only played 6 games. That leaves only NINE truly healthy years. Now....of course Jordan scored more total points. He had WAY more time. But look at the rebounds, and how many more Bird has, even counting his shortened time. LOOK AT THE ASSISTS. Jordan was a GUARD. Bird was a 6'9 FORWARD. He put up more CAREER assists than Jordan, even playing several years less. THAT is crazy. Their shooting percentages were the same. If Bird would have stayed healthy, he would have easily eclipsed Jordan's stats.
Thank you for your excellent research. And I agree with Irish girl… Those stats should be pinned.
Bird did make the all-D team a couple of years.
Larry Bird, Kareem, Russell
Remember when Bird shot a three pointer blind to win a match while saying to one of his opponents merry bloody Christmas?
Look at Pete Maravich in college. 44.2 ppg no 3 point line and only played 3 years.
Helps when you dont talk over 75% of the video.....
I was gonna give the Pat Riley quote that says everything you need to know. Nathan Ward below took care of it for me. 👍
They totally missed the huge point of,,,The NBA FINALS were being shown on tape delay,,,because the ratings were so low,,,,
Nah guy in the middle is wrong, you know how people in this era can post up? They dont call this a big man post up type era do they? It's the same thing... the 80s and 90s were the big man era, not a shooting era, the game was played from the inside out, feed the post and if they get doubled they kick out. This era is outside in, spacing, high pick and roll, all time three point attempts etc etc... just because there is a few players that can post up in this era no one who knows basketball would call this a big man post up era... that's why they never called the 80s and 90s a shooting era. Context.
good points guys and if I were you I would feel the same way but it was way better seeing it live than watching on video tape...also he played part of 1 season at Indiana dropped out transferred to ISU ..not sure if he had to sit out a year but then 3 full seasons with the Sycamores before playing in the NBA...which I think that he did because he was eligible for the draft and was drafted by the Celtics after his junior year ..so that would be a combined 18 years after high school .. thanks good stuff
You are right that Bird was never named to the NBA All First Team Defense. However, he WAS named to three All-NBA Second Defensive Teams (1982-1984).
Great video my friends ❤
Pat Riley (?) said that if he needed a basket to win the game? Michael Jordan. If he needed a basket to save his life? Larry Bird, all day long.
Defenses were only allowed to play man-to-man at that time and it made double teams much more difficult. You could switch and double the guy with the ball but you had to get back to your man or illegal defense would be called.
It was a sticky rule and often overlooked. Much like physical contact. How many times do you remember 2 or more guys laying on the floor under the basket as the ball is heading down the court. No fouls called.
Bird's passing was a virus, he made his team the most unselfish team in the history of the NBA.
Here's why he's the goat. 3 MVPs during the greatest 15 years of all time players. Dropped 45 left handed against Portland, when they had all starts. The first 50/40/90 guy, ever. Won a 3 point contest in his warmup jacket! Played last 6 years with a blown tendon, and a broken back, that took over an hour on a stationary bike before each game, to warm up! Played in an era, that if u went inside on offense or defense, the center and power forwards were so big, u were likely to get broken or bruised bones, every game. He also played during elbow,body,hand, finger check, was still allowed! 3rd day of rookie camp, he comes out and tells reporters," this league is nothing, I will dominate this league!". Swept the Bulls, in the playoffs.
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
Why Bird to me is the goat: whatever he said he was going to do on the court, and he told players exactly, 2 dribbles left, pump fake, bucket. Then did it and could not be stopped. Cooper, who was the best defender then, said MJ is dangerous when he has the ball, but once he passes he stands around pulling on his shorts. LB is more dangerous when he passes the ball. Bird made everyone better, not just his team mates, but the opposing team as well, cause if u didnt step up yer game, u got embarrassed. LB was ahead of his time. He passed at times when he could have taken the shot or his stats would be higher. He cared about getting his team involved and in winning. MJ talked trash after scoring, LB gave the exact play, then did what he said and couldnt be stopped. Who predicts rainbow in the trainers lap and gets knocked by a defender into the trainers lap? LB.
MJ ever do that? Dont get me wrong MJ was awesome, a goat in his own right as an athletic player. Who has the IQ of LB? LB was athletic when younger or he wouldnt be at pro level, but no where near MJ, which is more of a testament to LB's game, a white guy dominating the league. Players had nightmares about LB. Magic said LB is the only player he feared. His dominate shooting hand had a permanently broken crooked finger from a softball injury, LB stated he never had the same feel for the ball, this is before the Celtics! Do more research on LB. You cant go by just stats, the league is different now, tailored to a player like LB, but Bird played ball when it was rougher, the modern medical advancements and much better gear to play in ... Imagine playing in Chuck Taylors against Laimbeer, who tried to hurt players all the time.
I'll shut up and step off my soap box.
1 more thing:
Bird is the G.O.A.T. !!!
Did you hear that statistic near the end, Bird has the second highest point percentage in the history of the NBA, behind Magic by less than half of one percent, about ten games?? Crazy how their game was so parallel.
Bird was second all defensive team several times. Bird's team defense was outstanding
24-10-6 career numbers . The only player in NBA history who averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds who averaged over 5 assists a game. When you are the only person in a statistical category you are the GOAT . To put it in perspective. There have only been 4 Quadruple doubles in NBA history , Birds career stat line is less rare than a Quadruple double .
LeBron from Akron Ohio, great player ! At 62 I've seen many great players 👏 ! Many ! To class any #1 in my life, has to be Jordan ! There's so many GREATS 👍 Bird was my hero as a kid ! Love sports, keeping me out of trouble growing up !