“If I had to pick a player to make a shot that saves a game, I’d pick Jordan. If I had to pick a player to make a shot that saves my life, I’d pick Larry Bird”. Pat Riley.😎
Ask Michael Jordan if he ever beat Larry Legend. It's 1.Larry Bird 2.Michael Jordan 3. Majic Johnson. As the goats. Ask the players Larry played again.
@@brianboynton4678of all time. I am a New York Knicks fan, and I got to watch Larry Bird completely own the Eastern Conference when it was the most dominant conference in the NBA
@@debrakron9049 Facts! If they tried to double team him he'd just knock down a jumper in their face or drop off sick dimes to his teammates. He was literally unstoppable and that's facts!
Yep. Loved watching the Celtics n Bulls play. I'm old now n I can't watch any sporting event Well maybe some Formula One or some outdoor Motocross or desert dirt bike racing
Seeing those Boston 33 / L.A. 32 jerseys meant the world to me growing up. Although I loved Jordan aswell, the 90s were different, felt like the path was open for him. By the mid of it I was honestly cheering for the Sonics and Kemp - the greatest showman ever.
@@natamyer1500 Elgin Baylor & then later Magic & Bird Saved the NBA ... There would be no Jordan if not for them ... he benefited from that and helped spread the game globally ...
Something to note is the fact that at Larry’s retirement ceremony, Magic was wearing a Celtic jersey under his jacket. He flashed it to Larry prior to giving his signed jersey. The reason Magic signed it "A Friend Forever" is because Larry stood by him when others didn’t. The two even played golf together.
Magic was wearing a Celtics jersey because earlier something had been spilled on to his shirt. Bird had a little fun with him about wearing the shirt during the ceremony.
Larry is the GOAT! The stories of his trash talking and the way he backed it up combined with the respect great players give him and his rival called him the best.
Larry Legend .. Celts won 40 of 41 home games one year & 39 of 41 the next season. This is 79 Ws versus 2 Ls >> a 97% WINNING RECORD IN HOME GAMES… MJ SET A PLAYOFF RECORD OF SCORING 63 POUNTS IN ONE GAME IN THE PLAYOFFS VS BIRD’S CELTICS -> & got not just beat, MJ & the Bulls GOT SWEPT in the Playoffs EVERY TIME vs Bird’s Celtics. Michael Jordan’s Bulls. Jordan is a GOAT OF ATHLETICISM & PERSONAL SCORING. SLOW NON ATHLETIC LARRY LEGEND ELEVATED A DECENT GROUP TEAMMATES INTO A DYNASTY. SAD HE WAS INJURED TOO BADLY TO HAVE A LONGER CAREER AS A PLAYER. HE WON 3 MVPS AS A PLAYER, 1 MVP AS A COACH & 1 MVP AS AN NBA TEAM PRESIDENT. LARRY BIRD IS THE ALL NBA GOAT AT EVERY LEVEL !!! 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵💥💥💥💥💥
As a chubby short Hispanic kid growing up in a Arizona border town, my pops and I watched bball every Saturday afternoon after he got off from work at noon. He was a tough old man and not into the huggy squeezy thing, but when it came to the bird magic games along with Celtics and or his fave Lakers we connected in ways that made me feel his love. Half time we go out and shoot shots for 15 minutes. Haha he might have only stood 5'4" or so but he stood tall with me. It was our time
You are someone who gets it. Ultimately, basketball is a game. It is a thing that can bring a team of people together, a city and even a son and father.
I grew up in the sixties, watched Chamberlin, Robertson and Havlicek. The era of Bird,Johnson and Jordan who came a little later. The rivalry and respect Bird and Johnson had for each other was out of this world. Their era was the golden age of Basketball. What Bird and Johnson had in common was that they made their teammates better. The GOAT for me is Larry.
I'm an old man that watched these games live on tv back in the 80's and 90's. Choosing my GOAT has not been an easy process for me because I'm more of a player fan than a team fan. It's true that the NBA was failing. They couldn't put butts in the seats, so teams were bleeding money. They didn't have television sponsorships on the major networks, which there were only three at the time. The NBA was hurting bad, and about to go bankrupt. Then came Magic and Bird to, quite literally, save the League. Then there's Jordon. Jordon's first Championship Three-Peat was historic, but I didn't even consider him for GOAT status until after his second run, following his father's murder. Mike had to go make peace with himself before he could play basketball again. He had to find a way to deal with his anger and turn it into a motivation he could express and let go of. You could see it in his eyes. They were different. There's only one player I know of that was motivated in much the same way, and that was Larry Bird after his father committed suicide. You could see it in his eyes too. Magic, Bird, and Michael are my three-headed hydra of a GOAT because I can never decide between the three. Some people might think that's a cheap way out, but I don't care. Ties are part of sports too. Mine's a three-way tie.
My top 3 has been the same for many years. I grew up watching and playing basketball in the 80s and at that time Magic was my #1 player. As a Magic and Lakers fan I had to hate Bird and the Celtics, but Larry, Magic, and Jordan are my top 3 all time. I would maybe round out the top 5 with Olajuwon and (I'm going for a hot take here) Jokic. That may be a premature take but he's pretty consistent with his high output numbers ,and it doesn't matter who you face him against. That could change, of course, but right now I'm imagining that top 5 playing, with either Olajuwon or Jokic as power forward and the other as center. Or if not Jokic then give me Kobe. And with either team I'm winning everything.
I have to agree but the edge has to go to Jordan. These kids now days say lebron his not top 10. I’ll take someone showing up for work everyday and heart and love for the game over lebron anyday.
I'm honestly not sure Jordon ever surpassed Larry since Larry's win/loss record over the course of his career was better against Jordon. Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. Jordon is great and worthy of the GOAT mantle, but so is Larry. Even when Jordon was in his prime and had Pippen, Jordon still struggled against Bird when Bird was old and even slower than in his prime. That speaks to Larry's intellect. He was the smartest player I ever saw. Jordon was more athletic, and Bird was smarter. their skill levels were comparable, so it just comes down to what you would rather have. An edge in athleticism or an edge in intellect. On any given night each could beat the other, but Larry proved he could do it more.
The near quadruple double? He was one steal short of that milestone after just THREE quarters then checked himself out of the game because they were destroying the other team. When his coach asked if he wanted to go back in to get the last steal he said "Nah, I've already done enough damage." He didn't care about stats or his legacy. He just wanted his team to win.
If quadruple doubles are the measure of a GOAT, then Hakeem Olajuwon is HIM. Out of the 5 all-time quadruple doubles in NBA history, Hakeem has two of them.
@@rockyroad7345, Amen. Larry Bird played against Michael Jordan before he was even in the NBA and Michael Jordan beat him in the first game. Larry Bird decided that Michael Jordan would never beat him again and succeeded in his goal. Mind you Michael Jordan won a game while in the NBA against Larry Bird, but in that set he lost three games to Larry Bird and so Larry Bird with a hurt back and legs while still in the NBA. I agree that in the NBA Jordan never beat Bird despite all the messed up body even for Bird on his way out he still kicked his ass every time.
@@MichaelHenkleC, I didn't say Larry was GOAT. M.J. is probably second to LeBron James, but the fact remains Larry Bird is often left out of many top ten player lists and I think that is wrong.
His greatest asset was how well he understood the game. He knew he couldn't "do it all", so he made sure everyone on the floor was involved. He got his points, but he also distributed the ball to whoever had the best advantage. When it got close, he would step up and go clutch, and NOBODY did that better. I think one of the most compelling statements on the subject came from LeBron and Magic. Add to that, Kareem called him probably the smartest, toughest player he ever played against. You only need to watch the scores of players who's eagerly attested to "The time Larry scorched me...", and look at the smiles on their faces as they tell you.
Larry was the absolute smartest player and clutch ever!Skill wise it would have to be Pistol Pete unbelievable talent! Goat I don't think it fair to all the great players Bird Magic Kareem Jordan Pistol Pete They were all Freaky Great!
With all due respect to the legends of basketball during Larry Bird's time, every one of them was afraid of Larry but Larry feared no one. He will always be the GOAT.
The 80's were the best ever! What fun it was to watch the Larry Legend Celtics battle Kareem Magic, Jordan, Julius, Charles, Dominique, Stockton, and Isaih. The Best ever!!!
You must be young you picked like four awful players. good for their time but …. Julius was garbage by them. Charles has always been mid tier … maybe phoenix Charles. Kareem was garbage after 85-86 maybe 87. Wilkins always sucked. Dominique Wilkins is the most overrated player to ever play in the NBA … Close second to Shawn Kemp.
@@jonhansen5124Stockton is my Point Guard in my starting 5. John could have averaged 35 a game if he played to score. John wasn't designed like that. He was a pain to every one that had to Guard him. He never stopped moving and he was like Bird in that sense making screens and stealing the ball. He was fantastic!
Here’s something to remember. The night of Larry Bird’s retirement at the Garden was sold out with people waiting outside the arena…and there wasn’t even a game scheduled. That’s how much he was loved in Boston and all of New England.😎😁
Yeah it was nuts but you don't call Boston a sports town for nothing. New England is definitely known for its gritty and working toughness along with the High Intellectual side. And Larry "Legend" Bird had that in spades. Even to today he is still spoken about with respect.
Larry Bird: College Player of the Year, NBA Rookie of the Year, 3X NBA MVP, 2X Finals MVP, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year. "There will never be another Larry Bird." - Magic Johnson
#33 Kareem Abdul Jabbar won three(3) straight high school championships and three(3) straight college championships within eight(8) years, while setting records that 'will never’ be broken. Afterwards, Kareem won Rookie of the Year, six(6) NBA championships, six(6) MVPs, two(2) time NBA Finals MVP, nineteen(19) time All-Star, two(2) scoring championship while at the 'center’ position, and won a NBA Championship as a coach. Kareem is a member of the NBA 35th and 50th Anniversary All Time Team. Kareem owned eight(8) playoff records and seven(7) All-Star records. Most of all, Kareem held the scoring title for thirty nine(39) years before being broken by Lebron James. Who had a four(4) year ‘head start,’ coming straight out of high school. Not one high school or college or NBA player has achieved as much 'individual and team success' as #33 Kareem Abdul Jabbar aka 'Skyhook,' virtually an unstoppable shot. Alongside, players ten(10) years his junior who 'couldn't keep up' with Kareem. I do admire Wilt, Russell, Oscar, West, Havlicek, Maravich, Magic, Bird, Jordan, Hakeem, Shaq, Duncan, Kobe, LeBron, and the likes. Despite of, #33 Kareem Abdul Jabbar aka 'Skyhook' IS the Greatest Basketball 🏀 Player 🏃🏾♂️Ever. Whether it be over-all, pound-for-pound, or all-round. Edit: My top five starters: PG - Magic, SG - Jordan, SF - Bird, PF - Rodman, and C - Kareem.
@@IAMUNUAMI Kareem is a true legend. Not my best but he has an incredible resume. Bird had similar success to Jabbar in his playing career and far more success after the end of his basketball playing career. Being a HC and President of Basketball are completely different than being an assistant coach on a championship team. IMO Jabbar is the current elder statesman of basketball since Bill Russell's passing.
@@ThePuttercross Bird is a true legend as well, coupled with an incredible basketball resume. Yet, not my greatest player which is Kareem. On the other hand, there is more to life than basketball. Kareem has also been an actor, a best-selling author, and a martial artist, having trained in Jeet Kune Do under Bruce Lee and appeared in his film Game of Death in 1972. In addition to writing, Kareem serves as the chairman of his Skyhook Foundation, whose mission is to bring educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities. In 2016, Kareem was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama. Furthermore, during the 1968 Olympics who went on to win the gold medal, Kareem decided not to play. Instead, Kareem stayed home to fight against injustice. Kareem's life accomplishments and basketball accomplishments is perhaps the most awesome amongst any athlete. Once again, my top five(5) basketball players are PG - Magic, SG - Jordan, SF - Bird, PF - Rodman, and C - Kareem.
@@ThePuttercross Bird is a true legend as well, coupled with an incredible basketball resume. Yet, not my greatest player which is Kareem. On the other hand, there is more to life than basketball. Kareem has also been an actor, a best-selling author, and a martial artist, having trained in Jeet Kune Do under Bruce Lee and appeared in his film Game of Death in 1972. In addition to writing, Kareem serves as the chairman of his Skyhook Foundation, whose mission is to bring educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities. In 2016, Kareem was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama. Furthermore, during the 1968 Olympics who went on to win the gold medal, Kareem decided not to play. Instead, Kareem stayed home to fight against injustice. Kareem's life accomplishments and basketball accomplishments is perhaps the most awesome amongst any athlete. Once again, my top five(5) basketball players are PG - Magic, SG - Jordan, SF - Bird, PF - Rodman, and C - Kareem.
Larry Legend: the best all-around player EVER. His court vision, basketball IQ, clutchness, and the ability to carry the team on his back for the win was unmatched. He willed his team to win with sheer determination. And don’t forget the trash talk that HE BACKED UP, used to get into his opponent’s heads, AND made everyone who played with/against him BETTER. And he played better hurt than a lot played perfectly healthy!!
As a young boy hanging out Dr.J invited me and two of my friend in to the practice while they were involved in the eastern conference final..after the sixers finished there practice In walks the Celtics the sixers were down 3 to 2 and I said to Larry Bird " You are wasting your time practicing the sixers are gonna come back and win and go to the championship....L.Bird stopped turned around walk back and put his hand on shoulder leaned down and said..." Son you got a better chance at seeing GOD!" 📣 Yoooo I had to 🤣🤣🤣
Larry Bird is the greatest all-around player of all time. He, practically, single handedly helped push the sport into the popularity that it enjoys today. He excelled in EVERY aspect of the game, and had a mental IQ for basketball that has never been and will never be matched. His only misstep was saying that there will be another Larry Bird. Mr. Bird, Magic was right, there will never ever, ever be another Larry Bird. As a fellow Hoosier, I salute you - the unquestionable G.O.A.T.
@@artemusackerman72That's not what Magic said...or Jordan. Highlight reels of both side to side and there is NO way you can EVER say Irvin was a better player. Didn't have ½ 8:54 the shot nor the basketball IQ Legend had
Bird in the conversation bro as the GOAT. The dude had no holes in his game. Played every game as if it was his last game of his career. Made All defensive teams. His passing was elite. And averaged double digit rebounds for his career. Took a 29 win team into a 61 win team in his rookie year.Great commentary as always my brother. 😎💯
I first saw Larry in college against Wichita State. Didn't think he was all that until I saw the stats. 31 points 10 rebounds couldn't believe it . The guy I went with couldn't either. He was unbelievable. Not flashy or flamboyant, but he always got the job done.
Larry is my GOAT. He is the most complete player...ability, iq, resilience, selfless, determined, toughness, ice water in his veins... And in team leadership, which is why Larry gets the nod over MJ.
Being from the UK. It's certainly the only rivalry I knew of in American sports outside of boxing. I don't think a lot of people could name a lot more than Magic and Jordan though over here. Maybe like 1% of people follow the NBA and that might be a stretch but I would bet most people know those two players.
My favourite sportsman of all time! ROTY and 4th in the MVP that season, 3 MVP's in a row, in the top 2 MVP voting from 1981-1988, Coach of the Year, Exec of the Year, 50-40-90 club x 2. This man did it all. Imagine if he stayed healthy for his career! Larry hurt his finger playing softball prior to joining the NBA. The Celtics nearly didn't pick him up because of that injury. Larry said he never shot the same after that injury. Debilitating back injury doing his mother's drive :( The 80's was the greatest era in basketball.
Bird was the single greatest player of the game. He played every aspect of the game at the highest level. Not the singular highest, someone may be better at one thing or the other but no one was better than him at everything. On the court he lived a full second in the future. He played the mental game better than anyone. No one talked trash like Bird. And worse, he backed it up.
When Bird won his first MVP and after winning the championship when asked what he was going to do in the offseason he instantly replied I’m going to work on my left hand. I need to be better than what I was this year. Now just think about that. The very best player in the league felt like he wasn’t good enough. That what made Bird so great and a legend
I remember watching some of these games. Looking back, It was amazing, but at the time it was just basketball. We had no idea it was historic. Thank you for bringing back some old forgotten memories.
04/03/1992 was lucky enough to see Mr Bird play at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Mr Bird being from my home state was always my favorite player, he could do it all, some how he always managed to get himself in the correct position to do whatever it took to win, I can't imagine today's players back when Mr Bird played every game he could, today players have days off from playing in games just to rest, Mr Bird would feel an obligation to play because he knew people had spent their hard earned money to see him and other players play. Mr Bird was my GOAT.
Please take under advisement. Larry racked up all his records in a short period of time he didn’t play near as long as a lot of other players, who have broken his records, and half that time he was playing with injuries that were so severe he had to lay down because he could not even sit up. . A lot of people say it was his knowledge of the game and his skills but I believe Larry played with his heart. That’s what made him so great.
Bird had a congenital issue with his back Its the narrowing of the spinal cord! Him shoveling the gravel for the driveway just speeded up an issue that usually hits when you get older. That issue on top of him Fracturing a vertebrae in his back! Sped up the severity of this issue & of course caused a great deal of pain!
The other thing to remember is that Bird was incredibly unselfish. He played with other greats and he was really a point forward long before anyone started calling Scottie Pippen a point forward. Bird could easily have racked up 30pt season averages on a regular basis but he spent as much time feeding Parish and McHale as he did scoring himself.
Bird was the ultimate player to do it all, not like today's NBA where we have people that just shot the ball. Bird did it ALL, passed, rebounded, Free throws, scored in the paint and behind the arch. Bird and Magic single handedly saved the NBA.
Absolutely ... After Elgin Baylor & Jerry West Saved it Before ... but that was 'for my time ... I'm nearly 60 and Bird vs Magic was the Greatest thing I've seen in Sports History ... Unmatched. Greatest Rivalry Ever. Saved the NBA. Racial Unity. Still Highest Ranked / Most Watched Game in Basketball History.
When they were saying he was one steal away from a quadruple double, that was after just 3 quarters. Shattered his finger during college years and it was shaped like a boomerang. Played half his career with a broken back and the game against the Pacers when his head hit the floor it fractured his right cheek and he came back in the game when they started falling behind. Crazier still was the night before that game he spent in the hospital in traction.
@pjbeaty4482It is actually more correct to call that particular injury a fracture of the right orbital (eye socket). People have gotten used to saying cheek because it doesn't sound as bad.
Yep, one steal from a quadruple double and he checked himself out for the 4th quarter, saying "I've done enough." Can you imagine any other player, ever, doing that?
Just so you know, the whole left hand game, he's right handed. He told everyone that he was going to shoot all left handed because he was saving his right hand for the Lakers which was his next game. He joked that the blazers couldn't touch him.
Whenever you listen to how ALL the other OG LEGENDS talk that played with or against him, its crazy how much respect he gets and how he is talked about in such a high regard as if they were kids talking about their favorite player. I have seen a ton of players that played in that era, point to Bird as the hardest to play against. I guess it shouldn't be that surprising given how good he was but whenever the legends of a sport talk about a fellow peer like that, I think that carries more weight than anything else.
I watched all through the late 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 00s, There were so many great great players, from Bob Cousey Wilt Chamberlain Jerry West, and Bill Russell Dr J to Clyde the Glide and 100 others who were absolute legends. Until you watch Larry Bird dismantle each of those players, you cannot comprehend his greatness. Magic Johnson ,a superb player, Coby Bryant LeBron James, unbelievable. Jordan wheew eee . Where he differed from most other great players was that he made every other player on his team ,play their best. Someone will always have to be the best but the main thing is that all of the players mentioned , took the game to higher levels than probably anyone thought it could be and made that period of time amazing for the fans.
Besides winning 3 consecutive MVP's, he was also runner up MVP in 4 seasons. He was one of the top two players in the league for over half of his career. GREATNESS!!!
I was born in 77 so when I was little living in southern VA and my mom living in Northern NC I saw Jordan coming up because my family were huge UNC fans. My dad was a different beast, he always preached fundamentals. It never mattered what we were doing, keep it simple and practice with my dad. He always told me when Larry and Magic played it was special. Watch how they move, watch how they react. Of course I didn't understand, I was 7. I go back now and watch and see the magic ( no pun intended) those two showed. That's why I fell in love with the NBA, nowadays I just cant get into it.
Larry Bird will always be the goat as far as I’m concerned. Didn’t just put up points he was consistently getting 10 plus rebounds a night it was crazy. It was like watching something out of a circus to see him pass the ball cross court behind his back while running full speed. For someone so ‘unathletic’ as they say he made everything look so easy. One thing not mentioned in this video that speaks volumes of just how amazing he was, and how much of a difference maker he alone was. His rookie season he took the Celtics from a 26 win team previous to him arriving, to a 63 win team as a rookie, and that’s without any help.. that’s before McHale and Parish showed up the next year.
I Didn't NØ Know "Bird" Had Wons So Many Distinctive Awards. All I Know, Is, I Loved, L❤VED To Watch The Celtics Play During Those Celtic "Bird" Days. The Seamless 3 Pointers, His Playmaking, Assists, The Way He Moves, Shooting, Steals. Clutch Player! His Love For The Game, Those Passes❗️ "Bird" Was Clean. He Was Poetry In Every Motion! Color Was NØT a Factor... "Bird" Came To Play!The Celtics Were In Sync! Give Him His "PROPS"❤🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀👍👍👏👏👏
It was Bird. The NCAA championship game against Magic and Michigan State was the best basketball game I ever saw. It was Magic and the great Spartans against Larry Bird and 4 barely average players. His unequaled incredibly clutch shooting was equaled by his unbelievable passing. He shot, rebounded, passed like the best point guard, and MOST importantly made every teammate better like no one else. All from a white guy who wasn't fast and couldn't jump. The left-handed shot you saw him make was actually because he told someone (I've forgotten who) that he was going to score 30 points against him all left-handed, and that's exactly what he did. Not 1 or 2 baskets, but every basket.
That's not completely accurate. Larry Bird's teammates at Indian State included more like 3 "barely average players", but it also had one other player who was pretty good. Carl Nicks went on to to spend 3 years in the NBA, appearing in 156 games, averaging 6.8 points a game. In general, you are correct, though. Indiana State, other than Bird, was a typical lower tier Division 1 team.
Bird and Magic Johnson were "in the same league". Nicks was "in the same league" as the other four players from Michigan State, probably better than most of them. The other three starters from Indiana State, and their bench, were not of the same caliber as the players from a lower tier Big Ten team, much less the players from Michigan State. Even with those players, Indiana State managed to go 33-0 before losing to Michigan State, which is truly remarkable. Few teams make it all the way to the Championship game undefeated, regardless of how much talent they have, so for a team with one "good" player and one "great" player to do so is amazing. Still, it is just wrong to say that Bird had no competent help at all. Here is Bird, on Nicks. "You want him on your team for sure. If it weren't for Carl, we wouldn't have had the success we did" ruclips.net/video/0BXAic7Vaz8/видео.html
@@Vastspartan How much better than your opposition do you have to be to feel so bored you need to put yourself at a disadvantage just for the challenge of keeping it interesting? In the NBA. Prime Larry was a baller.
I graduated in 78 also. To me Michael jordan is class. Larry Bird had the moves. Like a Globetrotter he had you looking somewhere else for the ball. That is something else to stay on the court a full season. It had to be painfull. At the same time he was always out of sight. You didn't see him in public very much. I didn't realize that he played against so many of the greats teamed up against him. I do remember watching the Olimpics. The Dream team. He stood out then over all them. Even the rest of the world at that time. People would be jumping while he stood there holding the ball like what are you guys doing. I guess they call it juking. Very good at making you commit. Over the back of the board i didn't think was possible. But i seen it. Against Rodman was probably the only time Rodman was beat.
Larry bird was the best basketball player I ever saw in person and otherwise. Just an amazing basketball IQ and you could not measure the size of his heart. He was the most unselfish player I ever saw.
I remember Larry missing THAT shot. WE all thought it was going in. Left STUNNED. . . . and still love our Byrd. Simply reminded US he was mortal, after all; not the demi-god we saw him, as Celtic fans ~
Thanks for the reaction. Larry is my Goat because he not only shot the ball from anywhere while telling them where he was going to do it, he passed when he could have shot. Saying that his passing was so skilled and not only getting points and passes he defended as well with incredible rebounds and defense. Thats why he was so dangerous... he could pass or shoot made them look every time when he faked it because he was so good at passing or shooting they had to.
the 1 steal from a quadruple double was in 3 quarters and he took himself out of the game I believe because he already did enough damage in that game dude is a legend
I am from NJ. Definetly the goat because he won, period. He played everyday and beat you everyday. Jordan scored 63 on him, but lost. Bird put 60 on Atlanta and won. Google on Jordans team W-L when he took over a game and scored 40 or more. Then do the same for Bird. Today players put up stats but do they win BECAUSE they put up the stats or despite them? Its the difference between a guy who hits 40hrs and rarely effects the games outcome and the guy who hits 25, with 20 of them being from the 7th inning on in a tight game
Your the first reactor to say that Larry must have had a hard time because he was a minority in the NBA. People forget about that. The things he had to go thru to get respect was tough. Have you a like for that one.
Larry Bird came into the NBA with an attitude of You can't beat me, You can't guard me, and please don't disrespect me by putting a white player on me. AND he backed it up, so it was not much for the black players to say because he was good.
Someone else you may want to check out is "Pistol" Pete Maravich. He played at LSU in the late '60s when a freshman couldn't play varsity basketball, there was no shot clock and no 3 point line. He still holds the career scoring record with 3,667 points... averaged 43 points per game and had 4 60+ point games in 3 seasons. His NBA career was cut short by multiple knee injuries and he only played 10 seasons with a number of teams. He did score 68 points in a game against the Knicks... again without the 3 point line and probably would have scored more had he not fouled out. He never had the benefit of being on a championship team, so he tends to be overlooked. Unfortunately, after his retirement, he died of a heart attack during a pick up game at the age of 40. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson have both stated that they learned a lot from watching him.
Thanks...I didn't know that you had already done that... I'm old enough to remember seeing him play on TV when he was still at LSU... doing things that were absolutely unheard of in those days, but it's been my experience that most younger people these days have never heard of him.
Someone got a hold of a bunch of the LSU film and with the computer put in a three-point line and they said pistol Pete would’ve averaged something like 53 or 56 points a game
Pete was the best college player ever. Once while playing for the Celtics he told Larry "You don't need to take all those tough shots vs. double-teams." Larry said "If you played better I wouldn't always get double-teamed!" 😂 CLASSIC!!!!
Bird had Bron's passing, KD's midrange shooting touch, Curry's long range and free throw accuracy, Jokers rebounding skills, Kobe and MJ's killer will, and more clutch than any player in history!
And there is absolutely nobody that has his grit (playing with a messed up back his last seasons) or his hustle. There is nobody telling opponents I'm going over here and bust this shot and you can't stop me, then consistently does exactly what he said. Bird makes a game winning three, but KC calls time out. Bird says I'll be right back and does it again shooting off one leg. My favorite is him telling Barkley, why are you all disrespecting me? You're putting a white guy on me, that's disrespectful. Barkley says, I had no come back. Bird not only played the best, he wanted to be guarded by the best. His no look touch passes, come on nobody can even come close.
Larry Bird was so much fun to watch, not just him but the entire team, that when he retired I quit watching Basketball just like I quit watching Football when Joe Gibbs retired… both times. Some people could just make an entire team fun to watch and kept a team in the game no matter how tough the game got. That’s why Bird and Johnson were my 1 and 2 favorites.
I believe Larry is the G.O.A.T. simply because he has beaten EVERY Hall of Famer he had ever played against. The founder of the 50/40/90 club and the last player to win the MVP for 3 consecutive years
@@wreckim Magic was pretty much Bird's equal so that doesn't surprise me. And lesser teams have been known to beat better teams at least once in a while, especially if that lesser team has the supposed GOAT
When Larry Bird first got to the NBA I didn't like him, but after watching him play I couldn't help but fall in love with his game. He's definitely a top 5 player
I'm 56 so I gotta go with the '80s for the greatest hoops era and Bird as the GOAT. MVP as player; Coach of the year; AND Executive of the year is insane.
One steal away from the quadruple double....he sat out the 4th quarter... coach asked if he wanted to go back in and get the steal.... Larry Legend said... I've done enough damage already 🐐💯🏀
Larry Bird was the greatest of all time... highest basketball IQ I ever seen... greatest clutch player in the history of the sport... when the games on the line Birds your guy..He won when it truly mattered the most...
Larry is my GOAT. He came into a team that was losing, elevated each player to another level and made it a championship team. He wasn't a ball hog, his passing was just as phenomenal as his shooting. Don't forget that the 3 point shot didn't come into being until 1979, so he perfected his 3 point shot as a rookie. Add to that his surgeries on both feet for achilles tendon damage and spinal damage in the mid 80's that ultimately caused his early retirement. If Larry had played for 15+ years like the other high ranking players, his stats would have been BEYOND phenomenal. Everyone who is talking GOAT always wants to talk about numbers, but numbers don't tell the whole story.
Before you give all the credit to Bird for perfecting the 3 point shot, you might want to look back at"Pistol" Pete Maravich. If Maravich had stayed healthy enough to have a long career he would be in the running for GOAT
I 100% believe that if it had not been for the back problems there would be ZERO debate. The only real arguments against Larry are his lack of speed and that he wasn't the greatest at dunking. His back had a lot to do with both of those. If he had been in top possible condition, it would have been over. Jordan may have never even gotten the shoe deal. Everyone would be rocking the Nike Bird's rn. That's how one sided the debate would have been. Regardless of any of that speculation, the one undeniable thing is that Larry Bird knew the game better than anyone who ever stepped foot on the court. His basketball IQ has never been matched.
@@longhaul61 loved the pistol. Could do everything also as a guard. Knowone! Will ever break his N.C.A.A!! College. Scoring records. Without! The three point shot,!!! ((( Ever!!))). Could do everything bird could do.ñ except win..championships. n hit..game winning shots..
The best of the best oldschool players said that Larry was not as athletic as the best players but he was so good because he played the game like chess and he was two plays ahead of you at any given point. He talked mad game and he could back it up. Much respect.
The best thing about 80s basketball is that it was before all of the players from opposing teams were buddies. There may have been a few exceptions but the heavy majority truly disliked their opponents. Especially when it was a rivalry. It made the games very intense and fun to watch. It wasn’t until late in their careers that Magic and Larry got a chance to know each other through the Converse commercial and became friends. You still had a good bit of that same feel in the 90s too but now these players meet each other at a young age through AAU tournaments and other national events.
Larry Bird in my opinion is the greatest. I watched his whole career. It was tough being a Celtics fan growing up in Brooklyn. But I wore my Larry Bird Jersey with pride. Larry is Number 1 & Magic is a close second.
Bird, Jordan and Magic are my top 3, mainly because I was able to watch them from their rookie days until retirement, and they brought enthusiasm and excitement to the game. But many say that Bill Russell is the GOAT because he has 11 rings, and that is a very good point that’s hard to disagree with. Unfortunately I never got to see him play on tv, but from what I read, the documentaries and videos I’ve seen, he had a very big impact on the game.
Bill Russel also got 3 consecutive mvps as well as Wilt Chamberlain. But one thing we can say about Larry, is that he played at a time that was the most team competitive and at a time with the most all time greatest players on the opposing teams. And they will all tell you they learned something from Larry.
I watched all of these guys play - live. Spent thousands of hours in basket ball venues all over the country. Can't take a thing away from Bill Russell. When compared to what Larry did for the league, his team and everything else, there is no way I can say he isn't the greatest of all time. Bill's teams didn't have competition. All of Larry's accomplishments came because of the skill of the other teams that he dominated. The other teams got better because Larry set the standards for all that followed. Enjoy the games you watch.
You ever see when a transgender athlete goes and destroys all of the women in a sport, setting records left and right? Well thats what it was like for Bill Russell.
I saw several games in the '80s in person. Saw the Bulls 3 times and the Celtics 4 times. As fabulous as those games were, I'll never forget seeing the Utah Jazz play the Milwaukee Bucks in Milwaukee. We had seats on a low riser behind the backboard and I saw Karl "the mailman" Malone play. I was speechless, he was the most beautiful specimen of a man I'd ever seen. As a woman, those uniforms of the 80's were a lot more fun to watch that the baggy pajamas they've worn the last couple of decades. Just waxing nostalgic.
I was able to watch a lot of games in the 80s. And always will be amazed at the intensity and talent of the era. Larry Bird may be the GOAT! Both by his abilities, and more importantly, the love and respect from the people that he played against, and with him! The comic relief doesn't hurt either!😊!
I was at all the home games and all the big dance games for the 1978-79 season. What a great ride! He never seemed to be fast but he was always where he needed to be at the right time. It was crazy. To me Larry was like the master chess player of basketball. By the way Larry thank you for one of the greatest times of my life. Go Sycamores!
Larry is the GOAT for the simple fact he's a Slow, Unathletic White boy who for 13 years showed up any an all put in front of him. He didn't see colour, he just torched everyone in front of him. It's why all NBA Legends talk so highly of him...
this is the dumbest comment he was white was only description of him you got right. To call him unathletic was just a diss on white players. You never saw him play if you call him that.
@@Tolandruthhahaha, so true! Larry's reflexes were razor sharp and on point... It'd be like saying all those things about Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. Everybody thinks athleticism is only measure in how fast you are and how high you can jump... or how hard you can throw... What's more important is leverage and finesse.
Larry Bird was indeed the GOAT. He had the most complete game of any player in history. Others had and have huge strengths, but Larry did it all: shooting, dunks, passes, defense, and a competitive spirit unrivaled in the this sport in particular and sports in general.
Jordan to become the goat, they had to kick his ass in the entire 80s, and the greatest of em all to do that was Larry Bird, that’s how I look at it. All Jordan’s toughness and competitiveness doesn’t come from his character only, but also from the fact that he survived the toughest deacade with the most elite talent filled periods in the NBA history
Had the good fortune of seeing Bird in all four of his college years (including his freshmen year at Indiana) while a student at Creighton. CU beat Indiana State three times by a total of 7 points in Bird's junior year. In his senior year, Bird was a man possessed. His line from his road game against Creighton: 13-13 from the field, 18-19 from the free throw line and 17 boards. It got so bad, Creighton's coach slipped off his shoes and leaned back to enjoy the game in the second half saying, "Sometimes you know you're watching a moment of greatness and you just have to appreciate it."
I was going to mention this. As a Creighton student myself, I remember being shocked when the Bluejays handed Bird and the Sycamores their only home loss (50-1) while he was at Indiana State, If I recall correctly, Bird was under the weather (flu I believe) and we all figured that was how the upset occurred. You are so right though that he wreaked havoc on us in his senior year. You don't shoot Mongo, it'll just make him mad!
Larry was great, definitely a clutch player. GOAT is such a tough term because of it being all-time. I'm from Boston, obviously biased towards Bird. The thing that amazes me and keeps bird in top 5 is that all those NBA superstars he played against give him so much respect and have the best stories about him. Larry Legend! Great video
Clyde the glide. I met him once. He had done a signing for 4 hours at the library at my college. I showed up too late but ran into him in the parking lot. He was so nice and signed my ball and issue number 1 of ripcity magazine. (Blazers mag which had his face on the cover) After hours of signing he offered to sign everything and was so kind. I know he's not the goat, but he is to me.
great video guy, yeah, I was living in Sioux Falls, SD 1979- 15, followed college basketball big time...Larry Bird was the talk of the nation and world of basketball, even in SD! he took like a division 2 school to undefeated just killin everyone, till they hit Magic and he had a rare off game, was huge...then the NBA, only injuries stopped him, guy was unreal- for Magic to say what he said, he wasn't makin that up, he knew...anyway, wow, what a time to be a basketball fan...btw huge respect for Magic, Jordan, Wilt, Kareem, Dr. J and all those old time greats..
Larry Bird knew basketball like no other player in any era. He played to win, and he did everything he could to put his team on top. He didn’t care about individual achievements. He was perfectly happy dishing the ball as shooting it. He gave his teammates every opportunity to shine, but when the game was on the line, he was the one his team looked to to put them over the top. If I had to set up the greatest basketball team ever, the first name I am calling is Larry Bird. Every other player would be picked by Larry, players HE wanted to play with. I seriously wonder if any of today’s players would make Larry’s team…
BIRD is my GOAT has been since birth... born in 83 and he was our families favorite player... as I got older and went back to watch old footage it solidified it for me...
When he was coach at Indiana, he shocked the team during practice, coming out and shooting 3's, one after another, all net. Left them w/their mouths hanging open. LOL!😆
I am 61 and grew up in Indiana. I watched Larry when I was a kid until he retired. HS, college and pro. I forget more plays of Larry than I have ever seen any other player make. Larry was the goat of smack talk and had the game playing skills to back his brags. I believe he is the GOAT of the game. At least until that next best comes along in the future. ❤ I enjoyed this video and your consideration.
I also was born in Indiana. 1967 and grew up there. What I remember is Bobby Knight and George McGinnis for the Pacers. I was young and all the attention at that time was on I.U. If only Bobby could have retained Bird. Here's a little fun fact. Steve Alford was on the 1987 championship I.U. team and now is HC of University Nevada Reno.
@@unclechipper I graduated HS in 1981 and then went to IU during the Bobby glory years. And yes, I remember my Dad was very sad when Larry left IU. And I recall the ones you mentioned as well.
![NLE Choppa - Or What ft. 41 (Orchestra Mix) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/biOFASEgSOM/mqdefault.jpg)
“If I had to pick a player to make a shot that saves a game, I’d pick Jordan. If I had to pick a player to make a shot that saves my life, I’d pick Larry Bird”. Pat Riley.😎
So True!
Riley has used this quote many times over the years, substituting different names.
@@Boblw56 doesn't change my answer to this quote!
@@Boblw56 your point being……?
Pat Reilly never coached bill Russell 11 rings
No matter who is considered the GOAT Larry Bird left a huge mark on the NBA that will never be forgotten or taken away. Respect.
You don't carry a nickname like Larry Legend that well without being the goods. Larry Bird, as the kids apparently say these days, is That Dude.
*Considered the BEST
Ask Michael Jordan if he ever beat Larry Legend. It's 1.Larry Bird 2.Michael Jordan 3. Majic Johnson. As the goats. Ask the players Larry played again.
If I had to pick a five man all world team Larry would be on it.
He's my GOAT. Nobody had his hustle, heart, fun, and talent- all rolled into one player.
At his time and up until now
@@brianboynton4678of all time. I am a New York Knicks fan, and I got to watch Larry Bird completely own the Eastern Conference when it was the most dominant conference in the NBA
And nobody did more to make sure his whole team was better! He could have a huge impact without scoring a ton of points!
@@debrakron9049 Facts! If they tried to double team him he'd just knock down a jumper in their face or drop off sick dimes to his teammates. He was literally unstoppable and that's facts!
Jordan did Kobe did.
"Hey Larry, why did you play the whole gane left handed?" Larry said "I'm saving my right for the Lakers"
And we took that shii in 87 so pipe down 😂
Larry Bird was my introduction to basketball. Him and Jorden will always be my favorites.
Yep. Loved watching the Celtics n Bulls play. I'm old now n I can't watch any sporting event
Well maybe some Formula One or some outdoor Motocross or desert dirt bike racing
And Magic. To me those are the three players that saved the NBA.
Seeing those Boston 33 / L.A. 32 jerseys meant the world to me growing up. Although I loved Jordan aswell, the 90s were different, felt like the path was open for him. By the mid of it I was honestly cheering for the Sonics and Kemp - the greatest showman ever.
@@natamyer1500 Elgin Baylor & then later Magic & Bird Saved the NBA ... There would be no Jordan if not for them ... he benefited from that and helped spread the game globally ...
Never forget Sir Charles.
Something to note is the fact that at Larry’s retirement ceremony, Magic was wearing a Celtic jersey under his jacket. He flashed it to Larry prior to giving his signed jersey. The reason Magic signed it "A Friend Forever" is because Larry stood by him when others didn’t. The two even played golf together.
They are still great friends today.
Magic was wearing a Celtics jersey because earlier something had been spilled on to his shirt. Bird had a little fun with him about wearing the shirt during the ceremony.
That’s just beautiful
Even better- the Garden was FULL TO CAPACITY and there wasn’t even a game.
Can you not see the Gilded Golden Age of the 80's. 5 all time Bird, Magic, Kareem, Jordan, Akeem in the 80's
80s basketball will never be topped!
You've got that right, Brother.
I also miss as MJ playing
@@craigregan1930 Who said anything about the marketed one. I mean the 5th beast MJ
I cant pick a favorite between the 80s and 90s. They were both perfect in every way.
Haven't watched since, except when OKC made the finals vs Golden State. Then I stopped watching again.
Larry is the GOAT! The stories of his trash talking and the way he backed it up combined with the respect great players give him and his rival called him the best.
Larry Legend .. Celts won 40 of 41 home games one year & 39 of 41 the next season. This is 79 Ws versus 2 Ls >> a 97% WINNING RECORD IN HOME GAMES… MJ SET A PLAYOFF RECORD OF SCORING 63 POUNTS IN ONE GAME IN THE PLAYOFFS VS BIRD’S CELTICS -> & got not just beat, MJ & the Bulls GOT SWEPT in the Playoffs EVERY TIME vs Bird’s Celtics. Michael Jordan’s Bulls. Jordan is a GOAT OF ATHLETICISM & PERSONAL SCORING. SLOW NON ATHLETIC LARRY LEGEND ELEVATED A DECENT GROUP TEAMMATES INTO A DYNASTY.
SAD HE WAS INJURED TOO BADLY TO HAVE A LONGER CAREER AS A PLAYER. HE WON 3 MVPS AS A PLAYER, 1 MVP AS A COACH & 1 MVP AS AN NBA TEAM PRESIDENT. LARRY BIRD IS THE ALL NBA GOAT AT EVERY LEVEL !!! 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵💥💥💥💥💥
As a chubby short Hispanic kid growing up in a Arizona border town, my pops and I watched bball every Saturday afternoon after he got off from work at noon. He was a tough old man and not into the huggy squeezy thing, but when it came to the bird magic games along with Celtics and or his fave Lakers we connected in ways that made me feel his love. Half time we go out and shoot shots for 15 minutes. Haha he might have only stood 5'4" or so but he stood tall with me.
It was our time
Beautiful.
That's cool 👍
Awesome story, thanks for sharing.
You are someone who gets it. Ultimately, basketball is a game. It is a thing that can bring a team of people together, a city and even a son and father.
My dad and me watched Larry and the Celts many many times...it didn't get better. We were both heartbroken when Indiana St. couldn't beat Michigan St.
I grew up in the sixties, watched Chamberlin, Robertson and Havlicek. The era of Bird,Johnson and Jordan who came a little later. The rivalry and respect Bird and Johnson had for each other was out of this world. Their era was the golden age of Basketball. What Bird and Johnson had in common was that they made their teammates better. The GOAT for me is Larry.
I'm an old man that watched these games live on tv back in the 80's and 90's. Choosing my GOAT has not been an easy process for me because I'm more of a player fan than a team fan.
It's true that the NBA was failing. They couldn't put butts in the seats, so teams were bleeding money. They didn't have television sponsorships on the major networks, which there were only three at the time.
The NBA was hurting bad, and about to go bankrupt.
Then came Magic and Bird to, quite literally, save the League.
Then there's Jordon.
Jordon's first Championship Three-Peat was historic, but I didn't even consider him for GOAT status until after his second run, following his father's murder. Mike had to go make peace with himself before he could play basketball again. He had to find a way to deal with his anger and turn it into a motivation he could express and let go of.
You could see it in his eyes.
They were different.
There's only one player I know of that was motivated in much the same way, and that was Larry Bird after his father committed suicide.
You could see it in his eyes too.
Magic, Bird, and Michael are my three-headed hydra of a GOAT because I can never decide between the three.
Some people might think that's a cheap way out, but I don't care.
Ties are part of sports too.
Mine's a three-way tie.
My top 3 has been the same for many years. I grew up watching and playing basketball in the 80s and at that time Magic was my #1 player. As a Magic and Lakers fan I had to hate Bird and the Celtics, but Larry, Magic, and Jordan are my top 3 all time. I would maybe round out the top 5 with Olajuwon and (I'm going for a hot take here) Jokic. That may be a premature take but he's pretty consistent with his high output numbers ,and it doesn't matter who you face him against. That could change, of course, but right now I'm imagining that top 5 playing, with either Olajuwon or Jokic as power forward and the other as center.
Or if not Jokic then give me Kobe.
And with either team I'm winning everything.
Yep, me too, and I grew up during that turn around that Larry and Magic created, as well as watching Jordan.
I have to agree but the edge has to go to Jordan. These kids now days say lebron his not top 10. I’ll take someone showing up for work everyday and heart and love for the game over lebron anyday.
I'm honestly not sure Jordon ever surpassed Larry since Larry's win/loss record over the course of his career was better against Jordon. Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. Jordon is great and worthy of the GOAT mantle, but so is Larry. Even when Jordon was in his prime and had Pippen, Jordon still struggled against Bird when Bird was old and even slower than in his prime.
That speaks to Larry's intellect. He was the smartest player I ever saw. Jordon was more athletic, and Bird was smarter. their skill levels were comparable, so it just comes down to what you would rather have. An edge in athleticism or an edge in intellect.
On any given night each could beat the other, but Larry proved he could do it more.
Well said !!
Larry Bird is definitely one of the greatest of all times. There’s no one greatest. There are the greatest at particular time.
The near quadruple double? He was one steal short of that milestone after just THREE quarters then checked himself out of the game because they were destroying the other team. When his coach asked if he wanted to go back in to get the last steal he said "Nah, I've already done enough damage." He didn't care about stats or his legacy. He just wanted his team to win.
That’s insane and hilarious omg!😂
How many quadruple doubles have there been in NBA history?
@@TheNewAmericanMedia I believe 4 in all of nba history
If quadruple doubles are the measure of a GOAT, then Hakeem Olajuwon is HIM. Out of the 5 all-time quadruple doubles in NBA history, Hakeem has two of them.
@@TheNewAmericanMediathere have been 5, of which Hakeem the Dream has 2 of them.
Magic and Larry saved pro basketball. Watching him live was like watching a basketball God. If Bird was in the league today, he would DOMINATE IT!
Their battles on the court was legendary.
Nah, Larry would be tossed out all the time with could from candy play rules.
Nah, Larry would be tossed out all the time with could from candy play rules.
Nah, Larry would be tossed out all the time with could from candy play rules.
Nah, Larry would be tossed out all the time with could from candy play rules.
Larry Bird Was easily the
greatest all around player
I ever saw play basketball !
He’s got my vote for GOAT !
I like the visual structure.
Bird is not often mentioned in the GOAT question, but all the top players talk about his game. If I needed a 2nd in a game of 2 o 2, I’d pick him..
@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344 He typed it on T9 Nokia or all the letters in his name got in the way.
Goat= Getting Old And Tiresome
@@linjicakonikon7666
Maybe Old to you …
GOAT. Russell. When watching Bird you had to pay attention because you never knew what was about to happen. Bird would definitely be in my Dream Team.
I agree Russell.. I have Wilt at 2. Do you?
@@johnm111 For center position, yes.
"Larry was a F'ing problem" ~ Michael Jordan
And he never beat Bird.
@@rockyroad7345, Amen.
Larry Bird played against Michael Jordan before he was even in the NBA and Michael Jordan beat him in the first game. Larry Bird decided that Michael Jordan would never beat him again and succeeded in his goal. Mind you Michael Jordan won a game while in the NBA against Larry Bird, but in that set he lost three games to Larry Bird and so Larry Bird with a hurt back and legs while still in the NBA.
I agree that in the NBA Jordan never beat Bird despite all the messed up body even for Bird on his way out he still kicked his ass every time.
Him n his team was for you Michael ! You never beat him in a series
@@ReligionOfSacrifice yes leave out that Larry had 4 HOFers on that team and MJ had nobody at that time on his roster.
@@MichaelHenkleC, I didn't say Larry was GOAT. M.J. is probably second to LeBron James, but the fact remains Larry Bird is often left out of many top ten player lists and I think that is wrong.
His greatest asset was how well he understood the game. He knew he couldn't "do it all", so he made sure everyone on the floor was involved. He got his points, but he also distributed the ball to whoever had the best advantage. When it got close, he would step up and go clutch, and NOBODY did that better. I think one of the most compelling statements on the subject came from LeBron and Magic. Add to that, Kareem called him probably the smartest, toughest player he ever played against. You only need to watch the scores of players who's eagerly attested to "The time Larry scorched me...", and look at the smiles on their faces as they tell you.
I’m 70 years old and as far as I am. Co,ncerned. Larry Bird is the best that has ever been and ever will be. Hands down. Bird…
Everyone knows it, but some guys will never admit.....bahahaha
I agree to a certain extent, but he was definitely top 3 in the world. I'd have to go with Jordan Chamberlain. Then bird.
@@Fuxerz Funny, even Jordan picks Bird.
Larry was the absolute smartest player and clutch ever!Skill wise it would have to be Pistol Pete unbelievable talent! Goat I don't think it fair to all the great players Bird Magic Kareem Jordan Pistol Pete They were all Freaky Great!
Truth, Brother.... no grey cells even involved...... No.1
With all due respect to the legends of basketball during Larry Bird's time, every one of them was afraid of Larry but Larry feared no one. He will always be the GOAT.
The 80's were the best ever! What fun it was to watch the Larry Legend Celtics battle Kareem Magic, Jordan, Julius, Charles, Dominique, Stockton, and Isaih. The Best ever!!!
80’s where the eras of Mike.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jackson
Mike Tyson
You must be young you picked like four awful players. good for their time but …. Julius was garbage by them. Charles has always been mid tier … maybe phoenix Charles. Kareem was garbage after 85-86 maybe 87. Wilkins always sucked. Dominique Wilkins is the most overrated player to ever play in the NBA … Close second to Shawn Kemp.
Not many people even mention Stockton.
Don't forget Laimbeer - used to love him & Larry duke it out - such a dirty MOFO, but made for great drama
@@jonhansen5124Stockton is my Point Guard in my starting 5. John could have averaged 35 a game if he played to score. John wasn't designed like that. He was a pain to every one that had to Guard him. He never stopped moving and he was like Bird in that sense making screens and stealing the ball. He was fantastic!
Here’s something to remember. The night of Larry Bird’s retirement at the Garden was sold out with people waiting outside the arena…and there wasn’t even a game scheduled. That’s how much he was loved in Boston and all of New England.😎😁
Watch his Hof induction.. they wouldn't stop cheering for bird. Place was goin insane .
Yeah it was nuts but you don't call Boston a sports town for nothing.
New England is definitely known for its gritty and working toughness along with the High Intellectual side.
And Larry "Legend" Bird had that in spades. Even to today he is still spoken about with respect.
@@VTX00128 I live in Providence, so…yeah.😎
@@WiseGuy5674 Yeah I'm just on the north side of Boston.🤓
Larry Bird: College Player of the Year, NBA Rookie of the Year, 3X NBA MVP, 2X Finals MVP, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year. "There will never be another Larry Bird." - Magic Johnson
#33 Kareem Abdul Jabbar won three(3) straight high school championships and three(3) straight college championships within eight(8) years, while setting records that 'will never’ be broken. Afterwards, Kareem won Rookie of the Year, six(6) NBA championships, six(6) MVPs, two(2) time NBA Finals MVP, nineteen(19) time All-Star, two(2) scoring championship while at the 'center’ position, and won a NBA Championship as a coach. Kareem is a member of the NBA 35th and 50th Anniversary All Time Team. Kareem owned eight(8) playoff records and seven(7) All-Star records. Most of all, Kareem held the scoring title for thirty nine(39) years before being broken by Lebron James. Who had a four(4) year ‘head start,’ coming straight out of high school. Not one high school or college or NBA player has achieved as much 'individual and team success' as #33 Kareem Abdul Jabbar aka 'Skyhook,' virtually an unstoppable shot. Alongside, players ten(10) years his junior who 'couldn't keep up' with Kareem. I do admire Wilt, Russell, Oscar, West, Havlicek, Maravich, Magic, Bird, Jordan, Hakeem, Shaq, Duncan, Kobe, LeBron, and the likes. Despite of, #33 Kareem Abdul Jabbar aka 'Skyhook' IS the Greatest Basketball 🏀 Player 🏃🏾♂️Ever. Whether it be over-all, pound-for-pound, or all-round.
Edit: My top five starters: PG - Magic, SG - Jordan, SF - Bird, PF - Rodman, and C - Kareem.
@@IAMUNUAMI Kareem is a true legend. Not my best but he has an incredible resume. Bird had similar success to Jabbar in his playing career and far more success after the end of his basketball playing career. Being a HC and President of Basketball are completely different than being an assistant coach on a championship team. IMO Jabbar is the current elder statesman of basketball since Bill Russell's passing.
@@ThePuttercross
Bird is a true legend as well, coupled with an incredible basketball resume. Yet, not my greatest player which is Kareem. On the other hand, there is more to life than basketball. Kareem has also been an actor, a best-selling author, and a martial artist, having trained in Jeet Kune Do under Bruce Lee and appeared in his film Game of Death in 1972.
In addition to writing, Kareem serves as the chairman of his Skyhook Foundation, whose mission is to bring educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities. In 2016, Kareem was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama. Furthermore, during the 1968 Olympics who went on to win the gold medal, Kareem decided not to play. Instead, Kareem stayed home to fight against injustice. Kareem's life accomplishments and basketball accomplishments is perhaps the most awesome amongst any athlete. Once again, my top five(5) basketball players are PG - Magic, SG - Jordan, SF - Bird, PF - Rodman, and C - Kareem.
@@ThePuttercross
Bird is a true legend as well, coupled with an incredible basketball resume. Yet, not my greatest player which is Kareem. On the other hand, there is more to life than basketball. Kareem has also been an actor, a best-selling author, and a martial artist, having trained in Jeet Kune Do under Bruce Lee and appeared in his film Game of Death in 1972.
In addition to writing, Kareem serves as the chairman of his Skyhook Foundation, whose mission is to bring educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities. In 2016, Kareem was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama. Furthermore, during the 1968 Olympics who went on to win the gold medal, Kareem decided not to play. Instead, Kareem stayed home to fight against injustice. Kareem's life accomplishments and basketball accomplishments is perhaps the most awesome amongst any athlete. Once again, my top five(5) basketball players are PG - Magic, SG - Jordan, SF - Bird, PF - Rodman, and C - Kareem.
@@IAMUNUAMI Rodmen LMAO that a joke correct... lmao Hakeem The Admiral. Moses, The Joker all much better than that Jabar guy he was so lazy...
Larry Legend: the best all-around player EVER. His court vision, basketball IQ, clutchness, and the ability to carry the team on his back for the win was unmatched. He willed his team to win with sheer determination. And don’t forget the trash talk that HE BACKED UP, used to get into his opponent’s heads, AND made everyone who played with/against him BETTER. And he played better hurt than a lot played perfectly healthy!!
As a young boy hanging out Dr.J invited me and two of my friend in to the practice while they were involved in the eastern conference final..after the sixers finished there practice In walks the Celtics the sixers were down 3 to 2 and I said to Larry Bird " You are wasting your time practicing the sixers are gonna come back and win and go to the championship....L.Bird stopped turned around walk back and put his hand on shoulder leaned down and said..." Son you got a better chance at seeing GOD!" 📣 Yoooo I had to 🤣🤣🤣
That sounds like something Bird would say.
Larry Bird is the greatest all-around player of all time. He, practically, single handedly helped push the sport into the popularity that it enjoys today. He excelled in EVERY aspect of the game, and had a mental IQ for basketball that has never been and will never be matched. His only misstep was saying that there will be another Larry Bird. Mr. Bird, Magic was right, there will never ever, ever be another Larry Bird. As a fellow Hoosier, I salute you - the unquestionable G.O.A.T.
Magic was better. And single handedly?? omg
@@artemusackerman72That's not what Magic said...or Jordan. Highlight reels of both side to side and there is NO way you can EVER say Irvin was a better player. Didn't have ½ 8:54 the shot nor the basketball IQ Legend had
@garrisonic you're a clown. only thing Bird had was a better outside shot.
@@artemusackerman72your a clown. His passing, toughness, IQ, shooting, clutch. All better. Im guessing it's because Byrd is white you can't accept it
@@artemusackerman72 Literally no one, including Magic would agree with you.
Bird in the conversation bro as the GOAT. The dude had no holes in his game. Played every game as if it was his last game of his career. Made All defensive teams. His passing was elite. And averaged double digit rebounds for his career. Took a 29 win team into a 61 win team in his rookie year.Great commentary as always my brother. 😎💯
I first saw Larry in college against Wichita State. Didn't think he was all that until I saw the stats. 31 points 10 rebounds couldn't believe it . The guy I went with couldn't either. He was unbelievable. Not flashy or flamboyant, but he always got the job done.
I'm a Sixer's fan. Gotta Admit, Larry Bird is the GOAT
Larry is my GOAT.
He is the most complete player...ability, iq, resilience, selfless, determined, toughness, ice water in his veins...
And in team leadership, which is why Larry gets the nod over MJ.
Every time I watch that speech Magic made...get a little choked up. The clashes those guys had are epic! Each made the other great.
2 more letters; er. Each man made the other one GREATER..
1980s Celtics-Lakers might just be the very best championship rivalry in any American sport. When giants walked the earth among mortal men.
Being from the UK. It's certainly the only rivalry I knew of in American sports outside of boxing.
I don't think a lot of people could name a lot more than Magic and Jordan though over here. Maybe like 1% of people follow the NBA and that might be a stretch but I would bet most people know those two players.
Exactly!
Same. Larry’s face..
My favourite sportsman of all time! ROTY and 4th in the MVP that season, 3 MVP's in a row, in the top 2 MVP voting from 1981-1988, Coach of the Year, Exec of the Year, 50-40-90 club x 2. This man did it all. Imagine if he stayed healthy for his career! Larry hurt his finger playing softball prior to joining the NBA. The Celtics nearly didn't pick him up because of that injury. Larry said he never shot the same after that injury. Debilitating back injury doing his mother's drive :( The 80's was the greatest era in basketball.
Bird was the single greatest player of the game. He played every aspect of the game at the highest level. Not the singular highest, someone may be better at one thing or the other but no one was better than him at everything. On the court he lived a full second in the future. He played the mental game better than anyone. No one talked trash like Bird. And worse, he backed it up.
I agree - in terms of being a complete player, it really was Larry.
His basketball IQ was completely off the charts ! He was unstoppable
Goat i.q. if you ask me. Clutch too
@@brandondrew4914 absolutely the other team knew at the end of the game in a close game who was getting it and they still couldn’t stop him
Lary LOVED to tell them what he was going to do ! Also, c'mon, his passing was sublime.@@VincentManiscalco
When Bird won his first MVP and after winning the championship when asked what he was going to do in the offseason he instantly replied I’m going to work on my left hand. I need to be better than what I was this year. Now just think about that. The very best player in the league felt like he wasn’t good enough. That what made Bird so great and a legend
I remember watching some of these games. Looking back, It was amazing, but at the time it was just basketball. We had no idea it was historic. Thank you for bringing back some old forgotten memories.
Larry Bird was the complete package. He could do it all ,and did.
Really so he guarded the best forward every night???????
04/03/1992 was lucky enough to see Mr Bird play at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Mr Bird being from my home state was always my favorite player, he could do it all, some how he always managed to get himself in the correct position to do whatever it took to win, I can't imagine today's players back when Mr Bird played every game he could, today players have days off from playing in games just to rest, Mr Bird would feel an obligation to play because he knew people had spent their hard earned money to see him and other players play. Mr Bird was my GOAT.
Please take under advisement. Larry racked up all his records in a short period of time he didn’t play near as long as a lot of other players, who have broken his records, and half that time he was playing with injuries that were so severe he had to lay down because he could not even sit up. . A lot of people say it was his knowledge of the game and his skills but I believe Larry played with his heart. That’s what made him so great.
Retired early due to a back injury paving his mom's driveway.
Bird had a congenital issue with his back Its the narrowing of the spinal cord! Him shoveling the gravel for the driveway just speeded up an issue that usually hits when you get older. That issue on top of him Fracturing a vertebrae in his back! Sped up the severity of this issue & of course caused a great deal of pain!
The other thing to remember is that Bird was incredibly unselfish. He played with other greats and he was really a point forward long before anyone started calling Scottie Pippen a point forward. Bird could easily have racked up 30pt season averages on a regular basis but he spent as much time feeding Parish and McHale as he did scoring himself.
His trash talk was hysterical
Bird was the ultimate player to do it all, not like today's NBA where we have people that just shot the ball. Bird did it ALL, passed, rebounded, Free throws, scored in the paint and behind the arch. Bird and Magic single handedly saved the NBA.
Absolutely ... After Elgin Baylor & Jerry West Saved it Before ... but that was 'for my time ... I'm nearly 60 and Bird vs Magic was the Greatest thing I've seen in Sports History ... Unmatched. Greatest Rivalry Ever. Saved the NBA. Racial Unity. Still Highest Ranked / Most Watched Game in Basketball History.
When they were saying he was one steal away from a quadruple double, that was after just 3 quarters. Shattered his finger during college years and it was shaped like a boomerang. Played half his career with a broken back and the game against the Pacers when his head hit the floor it fractured his right cheek and he came back in the game when they started falling behind. Crazier still was the night before that game he spent in the hospital in traction.
He slipped out of the locker room while the team doc went to grab some stuff. :D
@pjbeaty4482It is actually more correct to call that particular injury a fracture of the right orbital (eye socket). People have gotten used to saying cheek because it doesn't sound as bad.
Yep, one steal from a quadruple double and he checked himself out for the 4th quarter, saying "I've done enough." Can you imagine any other player, ever, doing that?
Just so you know, the whole left hand game, he's right handed. He told everyone that he was going to shoot all left handed because he was saving his right hand for the Lakers which was his next game. He joked that the blazers couldn't touch him.
Ego. But he could back it up.
80’s basketball was a whole different animal than it is now. And Larry Bird was the king of it all 🏀🤙🏼☘️
Ahhhhn NO NO ... Bird can not SKY JUMP 😂
@@fcguam3939 That means nothing... NOTHING....
@@DrewHop325 that means he is NOT COMPLETED ROUNDED BASKETBALL PLAYER ... well that's if you know anything about basketball 🏀
@@fcguam3939 Define sky jump kid, like kenny sky walker the clown that couldn't carry Birds Jock with a dump truck???
Larry Bird, without a doubt, the greatest clutch player, no question.
Whenever you listen to how ALL the other OG LEGENDS talk that played with or against him, its crazy how much respect he gets and how he is talked about in such a high regard as if they were kids talking about their favorite player. I have seen a ton of players that played in that era, point to Bird as the hardest to play against. I guess it shouldn't be that surprising given how good he was but whenever the legends of a sport talk about a fellow peer like that, I think that carries more weight than anything else.
I saw a clip where Red Auerbach said he thought he'd never see a player better than Bill Russell... until Larry Bird came along.
Absolutely 💯
I watched all through the late 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 00s, There were so many great great players, from Bob Cousey Wilt Chamberlain Jerry West, and Bill Russell Dr J to Clyde the Glide and 100 others who were absolute legends. Until you watch Larry Bird dismantle each of those players, you cannot comprehend his greatness. Magic Johnson ,a superb player, Coby Bryant LeBron James, unbelievable. Jordan wheew eee .
Where he differed from most other great players was that he made every other player on his team ,play their best.
Someone will always have to be the best but the main thing is that all of the players mentioned , took the game to higher levels than probably anyone thought it could be and made that period of time amazing for the fans.
John Havlicek.
Besides winning 3 consecutive MVP's, he was also runner up MVP in 4 seasons. He was one of the top two players in the league for over half of his career. GREATNESS!!!
Great point 👍👍
I was born in 77 so when I was little living in southern VA and my mom living in Northern NC I saw Jordan coming up because my family were huge UNC fans. My dad was a different beast, he always preached fundamentals. It never mattered what we were doing, keep it simple and practice with my dad. He always told me when Larry and Magic played it was special. Watch how they move, watch how they react. Of course I didn't understand, I was 7. I go back now and watch and see the magic ( no pun intended) those two showed. That's why I fell in love with the NBA, nowadays I just cant get into it.
That steal of inbounds pass, best play ever! Played with a broken cheekbone. Bird , Bird , Bird
Larry Bird will always be the goat as far as I’m concerned. Didn’t just put up points he was consistently getting 10 plus rebounds a night it was crazy. It was like watching something out of a circus to see him pass the ball cross court behind his back while running full speed. For someone so ‘unathletic’ as they say he made everything look so easy. One thing not mentioned in this video that speaks volumes of just how amazing he was, and how much of a difference maker he alone was. His rookie season he took the Celtics from a 26 win team previous to him arriving, to a 63 win team as a rookie, and that’s without any help.. that’s before McHale and Parish showed up the next year.
I Didn't NØ Know "Bird" Had Wons So Many Distinctive Awards. All I Know, Is, I Loved,
L❤VED To Watch The Celtics Play During Those Celtic "Bird" Days. The Seamless 3 Pointers, His Playmaking, Assists, The Way He Moves, Shooting, Steals. Clutch Player! His Love For The Game, Those Passes❗️ "Bird" Was Clean. He Was Poetry In Every Motion! Color Was NØT a Factor... "Bird" Came To Play!The Celtics Were In Sync!
Give Him His "PROPS"❤🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀👍👍👏👏👏
Bird is the GOAT... ask to Jordan...
It was Bird. The NCAA championship game against Magic and Michigan State was the best basketball game I ever saw. It was Magic and the great Spartans against Larry Bird and 4 barely average players. His unequaled incredibly clutch shooting was equaled by his unbelievable passing. He shot, rebounded, passed like the best point guard, and MOST importantly made every teammate better like no one else. All from a white guy who wasn't fast and couldn't jump. The left-handed shot you saw him make was actually because he told someone (I've forgotten who) that he was going to score 30 points against him all left-handed, and that's exactly what he did. Not 1 or 2 baskets, but every basket.
That's not completely accurate. Larry Bird's teammates at Indian State included more like 3 "barely average players", but it also had one other player who was pretty good. Carl Nicks went on to to spend 3 years in the NBA, appearing in 156 games, averaging 6.8 points a game. In general, you are correct, though. Indiana State, other than Bird, was a typical lower tier Division 1 team.
@@carlr2837Not exactly in the same league even if they were in the literally the same league, were they? Be honest.
Bird and Magic Johnson were "in the same league". Nicks was "in the same league" as the other four players from Michigan State, probably better than most of them. The other three starters from Indiana State, and their bench, were not of the same caliber as the players from a lower tier Big Ten team, much less the players from Michigan State. Even with those players, Indiana State managed to go 33-0 before losing to Michigan State, which is truly remarkable. Few teams make it all the way to the Championship game undefeated, regardless of how much talent they have, so for a team with one "good" player and one "great" player to do so is amazing. Still, it is just wrong to say that Bird had no competent help at all.
Here is Bird, on Nicks. "You want him on your team for sure. If it weren't for Carl, we wouldn't have had the success we did"
ruclips.net/video/0BXAic7Vaz8/видео.html
He shot left handed because of boredom
@@Vastspartan How much better than your opposition do you have to be to feel so bored you need to put yourself at a disadvantage just for the challenge of keeping it interesting? In the NBA. Prime Larry was a baller.
I graduated in 78 also. To me Michael jordan is class. Larry Bird had the moves. Like a Globetrotter he had you looking somewhere else for the ball. That is something else to stay on the court a full season. It had to be painfull. At the same time he was always out of sight. You didn't see him in public very much. I didn't realize that he played against so many of the greats teamed up against him. I do remember watching the Olimpics. The Dream team. He stood out then over all them. Even the rest of the world at that time. People would be jumping while he stood there holding the ball like what are you guys doing. I guess they call it juking. Very good at making you commit. Over the back of the board i didn't think was possible. But i seen it. Against Rodman was probably the only time Rodman was beat.
Larry bird was the best basketball player I ever saw in person and otherwise. Just an amazing basketball IQ and you could not measure the size of his heart. He was the most unselfish player I ever saw.
I remember Larry missing THAT shot.
WE all thought it was going in.
Left STUNNED.
. . . and still love our Byrd. Simply reminded US he was mortal, after all; not the demi-god we saw him, as Celtic fans ~
It was the only buzzer beater I ever saw him miss. It still haunts him!
Best are the Larry Bird Trash Talking videos - hilarious!
Larry played ball day in and day out ,no matter what, he loved the game and respected players with his humor, taunts, and sarcastic play .
Thanks for the reaction. Larry is my Goat because he not only shot the ball from anywhere while telling them where he was going to do it, he passed when he could have shot. Saying that his passing was so skilled and not only getting points and passes he defended as well with incredible rebounds and defense. Thats why he was so dangerous... he could pass or shoot made them look every time when he faked it because he was so good at passing or shooting they had to.
The players of the 80s are what got me hooked on basketball. Larry Bird has to be my favorite. This Texas girl became a Celtic fan
the 1 steal from a quadruple double was in 3 quarters and he took himself out of the game I believe because he already did enough damage in that game dude is a legend
LARRY... could not stop watching him. I wore his jersey slam out, Wish I had another.
Larry Bird is, without a doubt, the GOAT!
No question.
No doubt huh?????
Lol tell me you're from Boston without telling me you're from Boston
I am from NJ.
Definetly the goat because he won, period.
He played everyday and beat you everyday.
Jordan scored 63 on him, but lost.
Bird put 60 on Atlanta and won.
Google on Jordans team W-L when he took over a game and scored 40 or more.
Then do the same for Bird.
Today players put up stats but do they win BECAUSE they put up the stats or despite them?
Its the difference between a guy who hits 40hrs and rarely effects the games outcome and the guy who hits 25, with 20 of them being from the 7th inning on in a tight game
He's not even the best player from his draft class.
Your the first reactor to say that Larry must have had a hard time because he was a minority in the NBA. People forget about that. The things he had to go thru to get respect was tough. Have you a like for that one.
I can agree with that bro and thanks for watching
Larry Bird came into the NBA with an attitude of You can't beat me, You can't guard me, and please don't disrespect me by putting a white player on me. AND he backed it up, so it was not much for the black players to say because he was good.
@@richhousereviews I subscribed because of your review, good job my friend!
Larry Bird was feared and dominated during his time playing, nobody was more clutch and talked smack while doing it
The passing of Larry is just ridiculous. As a 50+ man it's hard to quantify how Larry was a killer on the floor.
Someone else you may want to check out is "Pistol" Pete Maravich. He played at LSU in the late '60s when a freshman couldn't play varsity basketball, there was no shot clock and no 3 point line. He still holds the career scoring record with 3,667 points... averaged 43 points per game and had 4 60+ point games in 3 seasons. His NBA career was cut short by multiple knee injuries and he only played 10 seasons with a number of teams. He did score 68 points in a game against the Knicks... again without the 3 point line and probably would have scored more had he not fouled out. He never had the benefit of being on a championship team, so he tends to be overlooked. Unfortunately, after his retirement, he died of a heart attack during a pick up game at the age of 40. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson have both stated that they learned a lot from watching him.
I DROPPED A PISTOL PET VIDEO CHECK IT OUT WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE AND THANKS FOR WATHING
Thanks...I didn't know that you had already done that... I'm old enough to remember seeing him play on TV when he was still at LSU... doing things that were absolutely unheard of in those days, but it's been my experience that most younger people these days have never heard of him.
Someone got a hold of a bunch of the LSU film and with the computer put in a three-point line and they said pistol Pete would’ve averaged something like 53 or 56 points a game
Pete was the best college player ever. Once while playing for the Celtics he told Larry "You don't need to take all those tough shots vs. double-teams." Larry said "If you played better I wouldn't always get double-teamed!" 😂 CLASSIC!!!!
Bird had Bron's passing, KD's midrange shooting touch, Curry's long range and free throw accuracy, Jokers rebounding skills, Kobe and MJ's killer will, and more clutch than any player in history!
Sorry, you worded your comment wrong, BRON, CURRY, JOKER, KOBE, and MJ all had a touch of the BIRD FLU, yea?................................
And there is absolutely nobody that has his grit (playing with a messed up back his last seasons) or his hustle. There is nobody telling opponents I'm going over here and bust this shot and you can't stop me, then consistently does exactly what he said.
Bird makes a game winning three, but KC calls time out. Bird says I'll be right back and does it again shooting off one leg.
My favorite is him telling Barkley, why are you all disrespecting me? You're putting a white guy on me, that's disrespectful. Barkley says, I had no come back. Bird not only played the best, he wanted to be guarded by the best. His no look touch passes, come on nobody can even come close.
Larry Bird was so much fun to watch, not just him but the entire team, that when he retired I quit watching Basketball just like I quit watching Football when Joe Gibbs retired… both times. Some people could just make an entire team fun to watch and kept a team in the game no matter how tough the game got. That’s why Bird and Johnson were my 1 and 2 favorites.
He was the man the GOAT never beat in the playoffs!
I believe Larry is the G.O.A.T. simply because he has beaten EVERY Hall of Famer he had ever played against. The founder of the 50/40/90 club and the last player to win the MVP for 3 consecutive years
Jordan was 0-6 against Bird in the playoffs
@@kenjohnston1257 Magic was 11-8 against Bird. These things are meaningless at this level. It's a team, not an individual.
@@wreckimyou mean Larry lost to Kareem. Magic didn't win any NBA championships without him.
@@wreckim Magic was pretty much Bird's equal so that doesn't surprise me. And lesser teams have been known to beat better teams at least once in a while, especially if that lesser team has the supposed GOAT
@@hec53 Larry didn't win any NBA Championships without Mchale or Parish.
When Larry Bird first got to the NBA I didn't like him, but after watching him play I couldn't help but fall in love with his game. He's definitely a top 5 player
I'm 56 so I gotta go with the '80s for the greatest hoops era and Bird as the GOAT. MVP as player; Coach of the year; AND Executive of the year is insane.
I was a Jordan fan and my dad loved Larry so I watched them both. As I’ve gotten older I feel lucky to have witnessed basketball back then.
One steal away from the quadruple double....he sat out the 4th quarter... coach asked if he wanted to go back in and get the steal.... Larry Legend said... I've done enough damage already 🐐💯🏀
Larry Bird was the greatest of all time... highest basketball IQ I ever seen... greatest clutch player in the history of the sport... when the games on the line Birds your guy..He won when it truly mattered the most...
There’s no doubt in my mind that Larry “Legend” Bird is the 🐐.
Larry is my GOAT. He came into a team that was losing, elevated each player to another level and made it a championship team. He wasn't a ball hog, his passing was just as phenomenal as his shooting. Don't forget that the 3 point shot didn't come into being until 1979, so he perfected his 3 point shot as a rookie. Add to that his surgeries on both feet for achilles tendon damage and spinal damage in the mid 80's that ultimately caused his early retirement. If Larry had played for 15+ years like the other high ranking players, his stats would have been BEYOND phenomenal. Everyone who is talking GOAT always wants to talk about numbers, but numbers don't tell the whole story.
Before you give all the credit to Bird for perfecting the 3 point shot, you might want to look back at"Pistol" Pete Maravich. If Maravich had stayed healthy enough to have a long career he would be in the running for GOAT
I 100% believe that if it had not been for the back problems there would be ZERO debate. The only real arguments against Larry are his lack of speed and that he wasn't the greatest at dunking. His back had a lot to do with both of those. If he had been in top possible condition, it would have been over. Jordan may have never even gotten the shoe deal. Everyone would be rocking the Nike Bird's rn. That's how one sided the debate would have been.
Regardless of any of that speculation, the one undeniable thing is that Larry Bird knew the game better than anyone who ever stepped foot on the court. His basketball IQ has never been matched.
@@longhaul61 loved the pistol. Could do everything also as a guard. Knowone! Will ever break his N.C.A.A!! College. Scoring records. Without! The three point shot,!!! ((( Ever!!))). Could do everything bird could do.ñ except win..championships. n hit..game winning shots..
@@PApro His basketball IQ has absolutely been matched...just not on the court.
@@davidrosensin7985 Thats what I said/meant ..."better than anyone who ever stepped foot on the court"
Too many goats to determine who was second to Bird😊.
The best of the best oldschool players said that Larry was not as athletic as the best players but he was so good because he played the game like chess and he was two plays ahead of you at any given point. He talked mad game and he could back it up. Much respect.
The best thing about 80s basketball is that it was before all of the players from opposing teams were buddies. There may have been a few exceptions but the heavy majority truly disliked their opponents. Especially when it was a rivalry. It made the games very intense and fun to watch. It wasn’t until late in their careers that Magic and Larry got a chance to know each other through the Converse commercial and became friends. You still had a good bit of that same feel in the 90s too but now these players meet each other at a young age through AAU tournaments and other national events.
100%!! Drives me nuts. So many of the NBA stars today are BFFs and you rarely feel any real edge in games anymore. Even the playoffs.
Bill Lambiere was probably the most hated player of that era. But oh lord, was basketball exciting back then!!!!
Larry Bird in my opinion is the greatest. I watched his whole career. It was tough being a Celtics fan growing up in Brooklyn. But I wore my Larry Bird Jersey with pride. Larry is Number 1 & Magic is a close second.
5-3. You have their positions reversed.
@@rapid13 You can't go wrong with either one. I should have put them even. I miss the Days of Bird & Magic.
Did you step on Bugging Out's sneakers?
Bird, Jordan and Magic are my top 3, mainly because I was able to watch them from their rookie days until retirement, and they brought enthusiasm and excitement to the game. But many say that Bill Russell is the GOAT because he has 11 rings, and that is a very good point that’s hard to disagree with. Unfortunately I never got to see him play on tv, but from what I read, the documentaries and videos I’ve seen, he had a very big impact on the game.
Bill Russel also got 3 consecutive mvps as well as Wilt Chamberlain. But one thing we can say about Larry, is that he played at a time that was the most team competitive and at a time with the most all time greatest players on the opposing teams. And they will all tell you they learned something from Larry.
I watched all of these guys play - live. Spent thousands of hours in basket ball venues all over the country. Can't take a thing away from Bill Russell. When compared to what Larry did for the league, his team and everything else, there is no way I can say he isn't the greatest of all time. Bill's teams didn't have competition. All of Larry's accomplishments came because of the skill of the other teams that he dominated. The other teams got better because Larry set the standards for all that followed. Enjoy the games you watch.
You ever see when a transgender athlete goes and destroys all of the women in a sport, setting records left and right? Well thats what it was like for Bill Russell.
Even Red Auerbach ranked Larry ahead of Russell. I defer to his authority on that particular 1v1 debate
I saw several games in the '80s in person. Saw the Bulls 3 times and the Celtics 4 times. As fabulous as those games were, I'll never forget seeing the Utah Jazz play the Milwaukee Bucks in Milwaukee. We had seats on a low riser behind the backboard and I saw Karl "the mailman" Malone play. I was speechless, he was the most beautiful specimen of a man I'd ever seen. As a woman, those uniforms of the 80's were a lot more fun to watch that the baggy pajamas they've worn the last couple of decades. Just waxing nostalgic.
I was able to watch a lot of games in the 80s. And always will be amazed at the intensity and talent of the era. Larry Bird may be the GOAT! Both by his abilities, and more importantly, the love and respect from the people that he played against, and with him! The comic relief doesn't hurt either!😊!
I was at all the home games and all the big dance games for the 1978-79 season. What a great ride! He never seemed to be fast but he was always where he needed to be at the right time. It was crazy. To me Larry was like the master chess player of basketball. By the way Larry thank you for one of the greatest times of my life. Go Sycamores!
Thanks for watching brother and I appreciate the story ✅
Larry is the GOAT for the simple fact he's a Slow, Unathletic White boy who for 13 years showed up any an all put in front of him. He didn't see colour, he just torched everyone in front of him.
It's why all NBA Legends talk so highly of him...
this is the dumbest comment he was white was only description of him you got right. To call him unathletic was just a diss on white players. You never saw him play if you call him that.
@@Tolandruthhahaha, so true! Larry's reflexes were razor sharp and on point... It'd be like saying all those things about Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. Everybody thinks athleticism is only measure in how fast you are and how high you can jump... or how hard you can throw... What's more important is leverage and finesse.
Bird’s no look, over his head, behind his back passes are legendary. It was so exciting to watch!! Winner for all the reasons. There were no gaps.
Larry Bird was indeed the GOAT. He had the most complete game of any player in history. Others had and have huge strengths, but Larry did it all: shooting, dunks, passes, defense, and a competitive spirit unrivaled in the this sport in particular and sports in general.
Jordan to become the goat, they had to kick his ass in the entire 80s, and the greatest of em all to do that was Larry Bird, that’s how I look at it. All Jordan’s toughness and competitiveness doesn’t come from his character only, but also from the fact that he survived the toughest deacade with the most elite talent filled periods in the NBA history
AGREED
Had the good fortune of seeing Bird in all four of his college years (including his freshmen year at Indiana) while a student at Creighton. CU beat Indiana State three times by a total of 7 points in Bird's junior year. In his senior year, Bird was a man possessed. His line from his road game against Creighton: 13-13 from the field, 18-19 from the free throw line and 17 boards. It got so bad, Creighton's coach slipped off his shoes and leaned back to enjoy the game in the second half saying, "Sometimes you know you're watching a moment of greatness and you just have to appreciate it."
I was going to mention this. As a Creighton student myself, I remember being shocked when the Bluejays handed Bird and the Sycamores their only home loss (50-1) while he was at Indiana State, If I recall correctly, Bird was under the weather (flu I believe) and we all figured that was how the upset occurred. You are so right though that he wreaked havoc on us in his senior year. You don't shoot Mongo, it'll just make him mad!
Larry was great, definitely a clutch player. GOAT is such a tough term because of it being all-time.
I'm from Boston, obviously biased towards Bird. The thing that amazes me and keeps bird in top 5 is that all those NBA superstars he played against give him so much respect and have the best stories about him.
Larry Legend!
Great video
Clyde the glide. I met him once. He had done a signing for 4 hours at the library at my college. I showed up too late but ran into him in the parking lot. He was so nice and signed my ball and issue number 1 of ripcity magazine. (Blazers mag which had his face on the cover) After hours of signing he offered to sign everything and was so kind. I know he's not the goat, but he is to me.
That guy is one of the most underrated players ever. I think it was 92 or 93, he honestly was just as good as Jordan that year. He was a monster
great video guy, yeah, I was living in Sioux Falls, SD 1979- 15, followed college basketball big time...Larry Bird was the talk of the nation and world of basketball, even in SD! he took like a division 2 school to undefeated just killin everyone, till they hit Magic and he had a rare off game, was huge...then the NBA, only injuries stopped him, guy was unreal- for Magic to say what he said, he wasn't makin that up, he knew...anyway, wow, what a time to be a basketball fan...btw huge respect for Magic, Jordan, Wilt, Kareem, Dr. J and all those old time greats..
I have heard Magic's statement at the end hundreds of times and it still gives me goosebumps.
I am so glad to have experienced this era in basketball.
Larry, cause only God could guard him. Larry Bird. Ultimate trash talker of all time. He could back it up.
It was just awesome growing up watching all those greats battling each other.
Larry Bird knew basketball like no other player in any era. He played to win, and he did everything he could to put his team on top. He didn’t care about individual achievements. He was perfectly happy dishing the ball as shooting it. He gave his teammates every opportunity to shine, but when the game was on the line, he was the one his team looked to to put them over the top.
If I had to set up the greatest basketball team ever, the first name I am calling is Larry Bird. Every other player would be picked by Larry, players HE wanted to play with. I seriously wonder if any of today’s players would make Larry’s team…
I think LeBron would, maybe one or two others.
BIRD is my GOAT has been since birth... born in 83 and he was our families favorite player... as I got older and went back to watch old footage it solidified it for me...
When he was coach at Indiana, he shocked the team during practice, coming out and shooting 3's, one after another, all net. Left them w/their mouths hanging open. LOL!😆
I'm a lifelong Sixers fan. To me, Bird Is the GOAT 🐐 And my favorite Era was definable the 80s
I am 61 and grew up in Indiana. I watched Larry when I was a kid until he retired. HS, college and pro. I forget more plays of Larry than I have ever seen any other player make. Larry was the goat of smack talk and had the game playing skills to back his brags. I believe he is the GOAT of the game. At least until that next best comes along in the future. ❤ I enjoyed this video and your consideration.
I also was born in Indiana. 1967 and grew up there. What I remember is Bobby Knight and George McGinnis for the Pacers. I was young and all the attention at that time was on I.U. If only Bobby could have retained Bird.
Here's a little fun fact. Steve Alford was on the 1987 championship I.U. team and now is HC of University Nevada Reno.
@@unclechipper I graduated HS in 1981 and then went to IU during the Bobby glory years. And yes, I remember my Dad was very sad when Larry left IU. And I recall the ones you mentioned as well.