I am a 70 year old black man and an all time fan of B Ball .just my opinion Larry Bird is the not one of but the very best there is. He is the GOAT better than all the others and there is plenty of great players. But only one GOAT. LARRY BIRD .
I'm 51. I've never seen anyone play as well as Bird. Even today. I'd draft Bird in his prime over any other. Mike. Kobe. Magic. Barkley. Nah I'm taking Larry because it gets me almost a triple double every night and he's ice cold killer.
I know why you felt the need to say it and a whole lot had nothing to do with color . 👀 When you watched what Bird was doing during any individual game to make his team win ... you can't explain that to a lazy stat nerd . All you knew was it would happen . On one end of the court or the other ... probably both and somewhere in the middle 👀
The best compliment I ever heard about Bird came from Bill Russell. I guess he called Bird and essentially told him, the way you play makes me proud to be a Celtic. High praise indeed!
I'm die hard Lakers fan n I totally detest, despise, loath n abhor Bird! But that's just because he was too good! Much respect, n love for Bird for bringing out the best in the legions of his era, Thanks n God Bless!
@Stephen Forfer STEPHEN CHECK OUT BIRD'S HIGHLIGHTS FROM HIS SENIOR YEAR AT INDIANA STATE THROUGH THE 1986 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR (THE 3RD FOR BIRD & HIS LAST). HE MADE PLAYS THAT EVEN HIS BLACK TEAMMATES & FOES ALIKE STILL AMAZES THEM! SUBSEQUENT YEARS TO HIS RETIREMENT 2 ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURES & VARIOUS OTHER INJURIES TOOK SOME OF THE WIND OUT OF HIS SAILS! BUT FROM 1979 THROUGH 1986 HIS PHYSICAL PROWESS WAS MUCH STRONGER THAN PEOPLE WANT TO GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR! WHY? YOU KNOW WHY! I DON'T EVEN HAVE TO SPELL IT OUT DO I?
Ok...here it comes. I was a ten year old boy growing up in Boston and I already loved basketball. My dad looked at me as we were watching the end of the college championship game and said 'That guy is gonna play for the Celtics'. I didn't know anything about the draft, or what Auerbach did. I just remember thinking to myself, "How do you know that?". I had no idea what I was in for. I am so thankful. So thankful for the Tuesday and Friday night games with Bob Lobel. Watching with my Dad. I thought that everyone should play like Bird. And it took a number of years to realize that most couldn't. The effort and skill. I am so blessed to have been able to watch his entire career. The 60 point game in New Orleans where my Dad and I could do nothing but laugh every time he hit a shot. Like, OMG! To watching that game late in his career against the Blazers when he hit that crazy three at the buzzer to tie it up with the best friend I've ever had and we were jumping around the living room like we were two. And everything in between. After watching so many Bird videos, one thing I noticed...he's the only guy I've ever seen make the opponent cry. Not because of losing a series, just a regular season game. Guys crying. Losing all control of bodily function... forgetting how to properly call a time out. Just flailing away with their arms because Larry had just taken away their ability to comprehend reality. I only saw Bird play one game live. And I was lucky enough to get tickets as a Father's Day present for my Dad to see the Celtics against the Sixers at the Hartford Civic Center and Bird hit the game winner from the right baseline with .5 seconds left on the clock. Honestly, I get a tear in my eye when I watch the highlights. Because I thought it would last forever. I really did. I thought he would last forever.
Thank you for sharing, I too felt like he could last forever, and it made me sad to see him fade. At least he wasn’t one of those wheeled out on a stretcher; that wouldn’t fit a legend at all
No one can understand how good bird was unless you watched him. Watch his games he was absolutely unstoppable. He literally had no weakness he was great at every aspect of the game. In an era that you could tackle someone to stop them from scoring. Bird would be scoring 40 points a game in today's game
White boy, my black butt. Gotta watch that classic full game of him goin back and forth against Dominique wilkins and the hawks. AND he was talkin traaaaaaash. Bird was a monster
Someone in his younger years steered him right and mentored that game. Those were the Black Men on that Court he talked about. The Waiters and Employees at that Hotel. They embraced him, thag was the beginning of Confidence, Ability and Skill. And talking smack.
I remember watching him play, the guy just always knew exactly where to be at the right time. He was a basketball genius if there ever was such a thing.
I grew up on Showtime Lakers ball with Magic shooting no-looks, Kareem money with the sky hook, Cooper locking down the defense, and Worthy the penultimate finisher. Larry Bird would singlehandedly dismantle teams in those years. He was the greatest serial killer in the most competitive rivalry I have ever seen in basketball.
Besr quote ever about Bird and the three point contest is will come in second and with the money baal half there just raised his hand. And another great one is I am going to play this game left handed and he was right handed. and did it.
@@michaelmcardle4096 another good story is when Jordan's Tar Heels were practicing on one side of the Boston Gardens and the Celtics were practicing on the other side because they were playing a Saturday game with both of them that day ( back in the day they used to do a college game sometimes before a pro game) and and the ball rolled over from the North Carolina side to the Celtics side, Larry picked it up and Jordan ran over to get it from him. Larry looked him in the eye and threw the ball up in the stands.
Most of the time. Hand delivered ass whuppins. And it still goads Jordan fans. Which I am. In playoffs against Bird 0-6. Broomed out of the building twice. Even with him scoring 63 in a game. Bird and his skills led the way.
Larry Bird was my hero in the basketball world. You could count on 100% , 100% of the time, always expecting the unexpected, admiring the competiveness. His story from colege to pro was remarkable inspiring, and i think that Larry Bird was the greatest ATHLETE of my lifetime, I LOVE YOU LARRY THANK YOU FOR ALL THE MEMORIES
I was born in 73 and grew up in southern Indiana , small town ( population 2500) so Bird was THE hero for my friends and I. The NBA was at its peak of popularity when I started watching it at the beginning of the 80s and Bird was the guy I wanted to watch. Clutch players are the most exciting and NOBODY was more clutch than Bird
Something that is always left out of the 3-point contest is what he said when he received the $10,000 check for winning. The interviewer said, "Are you going to donate this to charity?" Bird replied, "Yes. The Larry Bird Fund."
Larry all day every day. He was clutch for 48 minutes never mind the last 2 mins. Scenario.. End of 1st quarter 10 seconds to go and your team is 2 up. You will end the quarter 1 down not 2 up because Larry didn't want to loose each quarter,never mind the game. Smartest player ever and competitive off the scale,was a class class act. Greatest forward of all time for so many reasons,even the era he played in was the toughest and greatest era of all time too. ❤️The Bird Man
The guy was just sick! He was absolutely an incredible player and teammate! The 700 thumbs down are the ex- NBA players he embarrassed night in and night out!
But you can't give the players he played against a thumbs down ... There was NOTHING THEY COULD DO... PERIOD! Dude was UNGUARDABLE ... He TOLD them where and how he was going to shoot ... with something like 6 seconds left, TOLD Xavier McDaniel where he was going to get the ball and how he was going to shoot it ... he got the ball, just like he said... moved to the exact spot ... just like he said... and drilled a 3 pt shot ... just like he said . And after all that, his response ... Damn ... I didn't mean to leave 2 seconds on the clock ... brutal!
Jordan was the best showboat/dunker and he was also hella clutch. Bird is the BEST basketball player to ever live. There isn't a guy in the league today I'd take over Bird. He's been MVP, coach of the year AND GM of the year. He'd own the Pacers right now but Jordan sold more shoes than he did.
Your comment has been up for a year and there are just 29 people that agree with your take but hey, everybody is entitled to their own opinion I saw Larry play at Indiana state till he retired from the NBA. Great player but nowhere near being the goat
Dude I agree. Lakers fan since 83 but I will always have Larry Legend as my starting SF on ANY team and always and I mean always ahead of LeBron! For the most part Larry was as a player a complete opposite from Jordan....lol Meaning he was white, not athletic or fast. But he or rather Jordan had his desire to win, hatred of losing and the need to have no weakness whatsoever. Bird easily is a Top 3 player!
@@michaelmcardle4096 I remember when I was in college and everybody was talking about this incredible basketball player who could shoot the lights out and he played for Indiana State I took a strong interest in him because I was a rabid basketball fan. Larry Bird and I are the same age 63 years old and I followed his career very closely so I know what the man did and I saw every NBA playoff game he played including his NCAA championship game when he lost against Magic Johnson and Michigan State. Larry bird was truly a great basketball player but he is not the goat. Unfortunately he does not make the mount Rushmore of basketball greats He’s close but not quite and I think Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Bill Russell would agree
look at old school playeres not dream teams. @@albertanderson1474 but the hick from french like had the passing of Magic, the fade away shot that MJ learned Def and was way better at a 3 point shot. I never consider MJ Kobe, James in the top 5
You are correct, Larry and Magic kept basketball alive. They made it look so easy. I got to see Larry play one time when he was in college, he was great then and in my opinion, he was the greatest of all time.
This is hilarious greatest of all time Larry Bird he was great but not greatest wow not remotely close to the goat. Even Larry himself will tell you he's not the greatest of all time.
I was a senior high school basketball player when Bird played Magic for the college championship game. I proceeded to watch Larry dominate the NBA for the next 12 years, I just didn't miss Celtic games through the 80's and early 90's. Best basketball ever played during this time--Celtics, Lakers, Rockets, 76'rs, Pistons, etc. Sunday's meant "The NBA on CBS", no cable so only a hand full of major games per month--they were EVENTS! Bird was fkng unreal people, UNREAL! Cold blooded killer, blue-collar white boy hick that dominated.
In 1974 Larry Bird was my P.E assistant when I was in the 8th grade and he was a senior at Springs Valley High School. At the beginning of each P.E. class we always ran 10 warmup laps around the gym. One day, a trampoline was set up on the basketball court and there was Larry Bird bouncing on it. As the whistle blew and we reluctantly lined up to run our laps, our teacher (who was also Larry's basketball coach) blew his whistle, and said "Larry is going to take 10 shots while jumping on the trampoline. If Larry makes any shots, each one made will delete a lap that you must run." Coach threw the ball to Larry and right there in front of me and the entire boys Jr. High P.E. class, Larry proceeded to hit 7 out of 10 shots while bouncing up and down on the trampoline, 40 feet away from the goal. Larry set an incredible example for me as a young boy in French Lick, Indiana that helped me through my entire adult career. If you are willing to work very hard and never give up, your dreams can and will come true. Thank you Larry.
Hi Walter, I live about 30 minutes away. Let me know when your coming and I will send you a list of must sees including some very rare Larry Bird memorabilia.
That's an awesome story! Kind of jealous you were in the presence of greatness haha! I went to Boston alone, paid $300 just to see him nominated at the sports museum at the TD Garden, 6 years ago. Hands down, one of the best nights of my life. :) Wanted a picture with him so bad but he had 2 big mofo security guards next to him making sure nobody bothered him. I always respected that about him, how he maintains his privacy.
Tough man. An assassin on the court. Maybe, not too unlike Ali... he would tell you, sometimes in detail, what he was going to do on the court. Worked hard[er] for everything we saw him do. "There will be another Larry Bird", Larry Bird once said...words from a humble man from humble surroundings.. What's not to like or respect about Larry Bird.
I was young, but I remember seeing Oscar and Wilt...... They both had overwhelming athletic ability, as did others like Dr. J who came along later. Larry Bird did not have that. Instead he had a mind for the game; a killer instinct; and a shooting stroke that was unbelievable. He was indeed 2-steps ahead of everyone else, anticipating where the ball was going. All the players I've mentioned were great, as well as dozens of others. But Larry Bird was simply amazing because he did what he did with limited athleticism.
I grew up watching Magic, and Birds entire careers. I've seen some of the greatest, and probably in my opinion the greatest (Jordan) to ever play. That being said, from 1984-1988 Larry Bird was unquestionably the best player in the world by a decent margin. Look it up. He won 3 STRAIGHT MVPS, and in 1987 he HAD his BEST SEASON, and finished 3rd in MVP voting. Bird in his prime was impossible to describe unless you saw it yourself.
Larry Bird was far better than Jordan. The only reason Jordan scored as well as he did after Larry Bird retired is because corrupt Commissioner David Stern changed the rules on how defense got to be played. Once Bird and Magic retired, gone where the physical defenses of assault and battery, mugging, and attempted rape that Larry Bird had to deal with his entire career. What makes me say Larry Bird was far better than Jordan? -Three consecutive League most valuable player trophies, something only two other players in history have done and neither of them was Michael Jordan. -Larry Bird's 23 - 11 record vs Michael Jordan Head to Head. -Larry Bird's 2-0 playoff record versus Michael Jordan, both of them 3 game sweeps. -Larry Bird winning NBA Coach of the Year -Larry Bird winning NBA Executive of the Year Add in the fact that he won Rookie of the Year, NBA Finals MVP, and Hall of Fame first ballot, and Larry Bird is the only player to accomplish ALL of that. And that's not including the greatest turnaround in NBA history by one player; the Boston Celtics the year before Larry Bird joined them only won 29 games, and with Larry Bird is the only addition to that same team the next season won 61 games; that 32 game difference is still an NBA record. And, let's not forget that Larry Bird dominated an era where 90% of the NBA's GREATEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME list are from. And I'm saying this as a New York Knicks fan
Agree! 100% I was there jumping out of my seat watching real basket ball. Larry was the best ever and he couldn`t even jump. I`ll take Larry against any body...Even Jordan!
If Larry played today he would be a product of the same fitness and strength trainers and technology of the Era. If he had to face Curry for 3 point dominance. My money is on Bird. Bet the mortgage.
Watching all these highlights...my God, I love Larry Bird. I am so lucky to have watched his career. He is, truly, one of a kind. I don't idolize people, but, man, this dude was relentless. And, as I get older, I realize more and more just how much he meant. Yes, basketball is a game. But, there is something in his eyes. He was always so effing focused. He always put it all on the court. And, he meant more than just basketball. Without question, the best player I've ever seen. There are many who had more ability, but he's the best basketball player I've ever seen. It's not even close.
Larry Bird is the greatest all around basketball player that has ever played the game. Great shooter, magical passer, strong rebounder, solid defensive player, he did it all. And the only players to ever match his heart and competitive fire is MJ,Magic, and Kobe.
Larry Bird was the epitome of what we need to be in America today. He wasn't a white basketball player playing black basketball players. He was a basketball player, who played basketball against other basketball players. Truly a legend.
What amazes me as I watch Bird make shot after shot is that he is not just making almost every shot, it’s that he is hitting the dead middle of the basket and gets that perfect swish!
I think Bird's IQ and ability to play team basketball (making everyone around him hall of famers) is the reason he could honestly be considered the greatest. You can name all the magnificent blessed athletes possible but can they make the other starting 4 hall of famers and champions while they too aren't blessed with god-given talent? Some have come close to this feat but no one has ever been entirely influential the way Bird was...
Orange Co Indiana native and so glad to have been able to watch Larry throughout his amazing career. I remember watching Larry in the early 90's while playing French Lick in high school. To able to play on the same court that was his old stomping ground, as well as see all the pictures hanging was an absolute treasure. Now at 46 I'm glad I can still go back and see the pictures still hanging to this day. Thank you Larry for the memories!!!
All you Labron and Michael Jordan Fans, Larry Bird and magic Johnson saved the NBA NOBODY ELSE. And Larry Bird was Better than Anyone else PERIOD.... Best TEAM PLAYER EVER SEEN IN THE NBA.... Too Slow, Can't Jump and touch the Top of the Backboard. So you don't need to Touch the Top of the Backboard too Win a Game. When the Game was On the Line and Everyone else Knew Who's going to get the Basketball 🏀 and they still couldn't STOP 🛑 Him from winning the Game 🎯🎯🎯. Larry Joe Bird 🕊️ NUMBER UNO, ONE THE BEST I'VE EVER SEEN.
@@michaelares4240 I remember Larry Bird once telling coach Hubie Brown not to have Bernard King guard him during one game. He told him he had a strong chance to drop 60 points on him that game. I also do remember Dr. J during an interview which he stated that Bernard King was his toughest opponent to guard. That was a surprising statement when fans in the audience heard this. And then applauded Dr. J.
As someone who has been following the sport for over 40 years, I can emphatically say that Bird`s name should be mentioned in the GOAT conversation. Not athletically gifted, this man made up for this with basketball knowledge, uncanny instinct and shooting ability few have ever possessed. The young people like to talk about LeBron, but most of them have no idea how good Larry Bird really was. The man could hoop!
Young people like what they see. There really isn’t much video worth watching before 1980. The quality and sound is terrible. Thank goodness for todays quality!!
Shout out to the hotel workers who let this kid play with them, your kindness gave us all something special. There's a moral to this story, a powerful one.
I hope you realize that in his prime for 3 years in a row there is no man alive or dead that has ever played the game of basketball better. The only forward in history to win mvp 3 times in a row (the other 2 were centers). He is also the only player that can say he beat every hall of famer he competed against including sweeping MJ in the playoffs. You can argue and deny all you want. The championships, the mvp's, the stats and the level of competition does not lie. Look it up yourself if you don't believe it. For 3 years in a row he was and remains the greatest basketball player on the face of the earth. Thank you Larry Bird.
I'm not saying Bird wasn't a bad man on the court, he just shouldn't have messed with Doc and 3years is not a lot. Many people did much of what Bird did for more years, Wilt, Mike, Koby, These guys were the best for far more years than 3. Bird was one of the greatest court minds to ever grace the grace game but the best players for 3years does not equate to the greatest play!
I was fortunate to be able to watch Larry Bird, when I was growing up. I quit watching after he retired. I just didn't find the games interesting, or exciting, enough to keep watching. I'll watch kids play in high school games and at parks, but not the NBA players of today. And, after all the BS that has gone on in the NFL in recent years, I only watch Friday Night Lights as far as football anymore. Good video. Thanks for sharing.
I waited in line from 5 am and was lucky if I got my tickets by closing. They sold tickets to all the games. Some people got in line the night before just to make sure they got tickets.
I just remember growing up in Boston, and how delighted we all were that we could watch him every game. He was ALWAYS good. Not always effective with this shot - but on his 'off' nights he would always end up with like 35 assists and draw a million fouls. He just found a way win. It was a special time to be a Celtics fan. The man was just a winner.
Growing up in Boston in the 80's... Bird owned all. Win or loss, he owned all and to this day respected for the greatness that he proved night in and night out.
Me too. Wilt, Russel and Kareem tied for 2nd because neither were third place guys and russel said Wilt and it's no even close. Then Larry, then Michael. Top five.
What set Larry apart was his will to win. Others can shoot. and other can pass, and make plays, but Bird had an extra drive and desire. He fought for every rebound, was always in the right place, hustled every play, moved without the ball, set the right picks, anticipated on defense, and on top of that had some of the finest shooting and passing skills. Bird studied the game, and knew his opposition, and was more prepared than anyone. He out hustled you, he out thought you, and then he out performed you.
@@calicoesblue4703 Naaw…he had it right. Very few guys playing in today’s game would be able to hack what those guys did back then. Too many pansies playing now a days.
Great quotes from some legendary players. Game film that's right out of a Harlem Globetrotters playbook. I was surprised to hear about him being the KING of trash talk. And it really stings when it's coming from a guy that can just rain shots down on you. Don't ask me how I know. Phenomenal ball-handling tutorial as well. He could give a TED talk on no-look passes. You're getting some awful high praise here, Larry, from guys that are legends in their own right.
My dad was from Worcester Massachusetts he was a Celtic fan I got to watch this as a fan of one of the greatest to play the game today’s basketball does not come close
Let me also say that before Bird and Magic came on the scene the NBA was almost dead. Most games on TV were tape delayed, ratings were horrible etc. Bird and Magic in my opinion elevated the game to where it was must see TV if they were playing, especially against each other.
I remember Larry very well being I’m the same age as him went to school a couple years in Brown county Indiana. He went to French Lick. A few miles is all . Every one already knew every one.
I just grew up hating Larry bird even tho he played when I was a tiny baby. Being from LA it just in your blood to hate him. I had no idea how bad ass he was till right now. Those Larry bird stories had me rolling oh wow I love this guy now
I went to so many Celtics games when Bird was playing and it was always special, talk about a clutch player, He was unbelievable to watch, he was the BEST overall basketball player ever!!!
One of the 4 GOAT I’ve ever seen live 10+ x (going back to mid 80s center court row 10 pacers season tix + games in Chicago at cousins seats). MJ LeBron Bird Hakeem my 4 favorite and best I’ve seen!
Birda is may all time favorite player. Dude was a savant on the court. Michael Cooper mentioned Andrew Toney's name as one of the great players he played against, and I can imagine many people will be saying Andrew Who? That's a shame, because if Andrew hadn't had those devastating foot problems he would now be in the HOF. In the playoffs for Philadelphia he lit Boston up. He was an incredible shooter, and was so quick. Bird always praised Toney for his outstanding play. Andrew wasn't called The Boston Strangler for no reason. He had to retire at 30 because his painful feet gave out on him. Man, what could have been.
I'm 48 yrs old and I've watched pretty much all of the best players. ....Bird is one of the best basketball players I've ever seen hands down no question. ....top player Bird then Jordan then Magic.....sorry my opinion
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I am a 70 year old black man and an all time fan of B Ball .just my opinion Larry Bird is the not one of but the very best there is. He is the GOAT better than all the others and there is plenty of great players. But only one GOAT. LARRY BIRD .
I'm 51. I've never seen anyone play as well as Bird. Even today. I'd draft Bird in his prime over any other. Mike. Kobe. Magic. Barkley. Nah I'm taking Larry because it gets me almost a triple double every night and he's ice cold killer.
I know why you felt the need to say it and a whole lot had nothing to do with color . 👀
When you watched what Bird was doing during any individual game to make his team win ... you can't explain that to a lazy stat nerd .
All you knew was it would happen . On one end of the court or the other ... probably both and somewhere in the middle 👀
I agree with you
Igo with Top 5
The best compliment I ever heard about Bird came from Bill Russell. I guess he called Bird and essentially told him, the way you play makes me proud to be a Celtic. High praise indeed!
I'm die hard Lakers fan n I totally detest, despise, loath n abhor Bird! But that's just because he was too good! Much respect, n love for Bird for bringing out the best in the legions of his era, Thanks n God Bless!
@Stephen Forfer STEPHEN CHECK OUT BIRD'S HIGHLIGHTS FROM HIS SENIOR YEAR AT INDIANA STATE THROUGH THE 1986 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR (THE 3RD FOR BIRD & HIS LAST). HE MADE PLAYS THAT EVEN HIS BLACK TEAMMATES & FOES ALIKE STILL AMAZES THEM! SUBSEQUENT YEARS TO HIS RETIREMENT 2 ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURES & VARIOUS OTHER INJURIES TOOK SOME OF THE WIND OUT OF HIS SAILS! BUT FROM 1979 THROUGH 1986 HIS PHYSICAL PROWESS WAS MUCH STRONGER THAN PEOPLE WANT TO GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR! WHY? YOU KNOW WHY! I DON'T EVEN HAVE TO SPELL IT OUT DO I?
Ok...here it comes. I was a ten year old boy growing up in Boston and I already loved basketball. My dad looked at me as we were watching the end of the college championship game and said 'That guy is gonna play for the Celtics'. I didn't know anything about the draft, or what Auerbach did. I just remember thinking to myself, "How do you know that?".
I had no idea what I was in for. I am so thankful. So thankful for the Tuesday and Friday night games with Bob Lobel. Watching with my Dad. I thought that everyone should play like Bird. And it took a number of years to realize that most couldn't. The effort and skill. I am so blessed to have been able to watch his entire career. The 60 point game in New Orleans where my Dad and I could do nothing but laugh every time he hit a shot. Like, OMG! To watching that game late in his career against the Blazers when he hit that crazy three at the buzzer to tie it up with the best friend I've ever had and we were jumping around the living room like we were two. And everything in between.
After watching so many Bird videos, one thing I noticed...he's the only guy I've ever seen make the opponent cry. Not because of losing a series, just a regular season game. Guys crying. Losing all control of bodily function... forgetting how to properly call a time out. Just flailing away with their arms because Larry had just taken away their ability to comprehend reality.
I only saw Bird play one game live. And I was lucky enough to get tickets as a Father's Day present for my Dad to see the Celtics against the Sixers at the Hartford Civic Center and Bird hit the game winner from the right baseline with .5 seconds left on the clock.
Honestly, I get a tear in my eye when I watch the highlights. Because I thought it would last forever. I really did. I thought he would last forever.
Thank you for sharing. I love this 🙏
Thank you for sharing! I've always been a Celtics fan. There's no one like Bird he makes the game beautiful to watch when he plays.
Thank you for sharing, I too felt like he could last forever, and it made me sad to see him fade. At least he wasn’t one of those wheeled out on a stretcher; that wouldn’t fit a legend at all
Bird.... maturity, heart, drive, determination, toughness, leadership, intelligence... Bird was a basketball genius and legend.
His shooting was awesome, but man could he make some "wtf was that" passes! ! He and Magic made basketball, something I was terrible at, fun to watch.
No one can understand how good bird was unless you watched him. Watch his games he was absolutely unstoppable. He literally had no weakness he was great at every aspect of the game. In an era that you could tackle someone to stop them from scoring. Bird would be scoring 40 points a game in today's game
Steve Garris Agree, he averaged 9 apg, unselfish and could have took more shots but chose to win rather than average 40 ppg...
Him in todays league would be just unfair
Hed put 80 today in a game today with the rules
Larry was so fun to watch, Bobby knight said it the best " his mind was like a camera", he was always 3 steps ahead of everyone else
Agreed. Everyone sleeps on him its crazy. They just don't understand how great he was.
White boy, my black butt. Gotta watch that classic full game of him goin back and forth against Dominique wilkins and the hawks. AND he was talkin traaaaaaash. Bird was a monster
Someone in his younger years steered him right and mentored that game. Those were the Black Men on that Court he talked about. The Waiters and Employees at that Hotel. They embraced him, thag was the beginning of Confidence, Ability and Skill. And talking smack.
I remember watching him play, the guy just always knew exactly where to be at the right time. He was a basketball genius if there ever was such a thing.
I grew up on Showtime Lakers ball with Magic shooting no-looks, Kareem money with the sky hook, Cooper locking down the defense, and Worthy the penultimate finisher. Larry Bird would singlehandedly dismantle teams in those years. He was the greatest serial killer in the most competitive rivalry I have ever seen in basketball.
I agree I love sports he passed without look he was a master of the game.
Besr quote ever about Bird and the three point contest is will come in second and with the money baal half there just raised his hand. And another great one is I am going to play this game left handed and he was right handed. and did it.
@@michaelmcardle4096 another good story is when Jordan's Tar Heels were practicing on one side of the Boston Gardens and the Celtics were practicing on the other side because they were playing a Saturday game with both of them that day ( back in the day they used to do a college game sometimes before a pro game) and and the ball rolled over from the North Carolina side to the Celtics side, Larry picked it up and Jordan ran over to get it from him. Larry looked him in the eye and threw the ball up in the stands.
@@licensedtochill4882 Never knew that man cool story. Merry Christmas
@@michaelmcardle4096 Merry Christmas to you as well🎄
It has been my privilege to watch Larry Bird and John Stockton among many outstanding players throughout the years . I thank you guys.
During my life, I saw Larry, Magic, Michael, Kobe, and Lebron, all I can say for sure is that I'm one lucky bastard!!
Bird was the best player I have ever seen. Is outside shooting and rebounding was inspirational to me has kid.
Larry Bird didnt talk trash, he told your fortune.
Most of the time. Hand delivered ass whuppins. And it still goads Jordan fans. Which I am. In playoffs against Bird 0-6. Broomed out of the building twice. Even with him scoring 63 in a game. Bird and his skills led the way.
LMAO you're right !!!
you hit it on the button..im gonna shoot it right here and yo mama cant do nothing about it..lol.
Bird is the best passer rebounder shooter assister Fighter. Clutch player. Period . It’s that simple. GOAT.
Nobody had the combination of skills and IQ that Bird possessed
Larry Bird was my hero in the basketball world. You could count on 100% , 100% of the time, always expecting the unexpected, admiring the competiveness. His story from colege to pro was remarkable inspiring, and i think that Larry Bird was the greatest ATHLETE of my lifetime, I LOVE YOU LARRY THANK YOU FOR ALL THE MEMORIES
I was born in 73 and grew up in southern Indiana , small town ( population 2500) so Bird was THE hero for my friends and I. The NBA was at its peak of popularity when I started watching it at the beginning of the 80s and Bird was the guy I wanted to watch. Clutch players are the most exciting and NOBODY was more clutch than Bird
Something that is always left out of the 3-point contest is what he said when he received the $10,000 check for winning. The interviewer said, "Are you going to donate this to charity?" Bird replied, "Yes. The Larry Bird Fund."
He said that for real?
Larry Bird was so confident he said who is going to come in 2nd in the 3 point shoot out.
Larry all day every day.
He was clutch for 48 minutes never mind the last 2 mins.
Scenario..
End of 1st quarter
10 seconds to go and your team is 2 up.
You will end the quarter 1 down not 2 up because Larry didn't want to loose each quarter,never mind the game. Smartest player ever and competitive off the scale,was a class class act.
Greatest forward of all time for so many reasons,even the era he played in was the toughest and greatest era of all time too.
❤️The Bird Man
The guy was just sick! He was absolutely an incredible player and teammate! The 700 thumbs down are the ex- NBA players he embarrassed night in and night out!
Just ask naysayers. Who in his era. He didn't beat? The answer is no one. He beat everyone.
But you can't give the players he played against a thumbs down ... There was NOTHING THEY COULD DO... PERIOD! Dude was UNGUARDABLE ... He TOLD them where and how he was going to shoot ... with something like 6 seconds left, TOLD Xavier McDaniel where he was going to get the ball and how he was going to shoot it ... he got the ball, just like he said... moved to the exact spot ... just like he said... and drilled a 3 pt shot ... just like he said . And after all that, his response ... Damn ... I didn't mean to leave 2 seconds on the clock ... brutal!
Jordan was the best showboat/dunker and he was also hella clutch. Bird is the BEST basketball player to ever live. There isn't a guy in the league today I'd take over Bird. He's been MVP, coach of the year AND GM of the year. He'd own the Pacers right now but Jordan sold more shoes than he did.
I am a lifelong Laker fan and there has never been, nor will there be, a better basketball player. He is the G.O.A.T.
Your comment has been up for a year and there are just 29 people that agree with your take but hey, everybody is entitled to their own opinion I saw Larry play at Indiana state till he retired from the NBA. Great player but nowhere near being the goat
Dude I agree. Lakers fan since 83 but I will always have Larry Legend as my starting SF on ANY team and always and I mean always ahead of LeBron! For the most part Larry was as a player a complete opposite from Jordan....lol Meaning he was white, not athletic or fast. But he or rather Jordan had his desire to win, hatred of losing and the need to have no weakness whatsoever. Bird easily is a Top 3 player!
@@albertanderson1474 Then you never really watched the Bird. why different era. He had all the tools and backed up his talk.
@@michaelmcardle4096 I remember when I was in college and everybody was talking about this incredible basketball player who could shoot the lights out and he played for Indiana State I took a strong interest in him because I was a rabid basketball fan. Larry Bird and I are the same age 63 years old and I followed his career very closely so I know what the man did and I saw every NBA playoff game he played including his NCAA championship game when he lost against Magic Johnson and Michigan State. Larry bird was truly a great basketball player but he is not the goat. Unfortunately he does not make the mount Rushmore of basketball greats He’s close but not quite and I think Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Bill Russell would agree
look at old school playeres not dream teams.
@@albertanderson1474 but the hick from french like had the passing of Magic, the fade away shot that MJ learned Def and was way better at a 3 point shot. I never consider MJ Kobe, James in the top 5
You are correct, Larry and Magic kept basketball alive. They made it look so easy. I got to see Larry play one time when he was in college, he was great then and in my opinion, he was the greatest of all time.
This is hilarious greatest of all time Larry Bird he was great but not greatest wow not remotely close to the goat.
Even Larry himself will tell you he's not the greatest of all time.
larry bird by far the greatest shooter ever watching him is just mind boggling and he truly simplified the game better than anyone i have ever seen.
Jerry West,you ever see him? And Pistol Pete. Calvin Murphy, and Oscar.In college Rick Mount from Purdue was the best.John Stockton?Chris Mullin?
Bird was the best ball-handler ever! Basketball IQ off the charts too.
I was a senior high school basketball player when Bird played Magic for the college championship game. I proceeded to watch Larry dominate the NBA for the next 12 years, I just didn't miss Celtic games through the 80's and early 90's. Best basketball ever played during this time--Celtics, Lakers, Rockets, 76'rs, Pistons, etc. Sunday's meant "The NBA on CBS", no cable so only a hand full of major games per month--they were EVENTS! Bird was fkng unreal people, UNREAL! Cold blooded killer, blue-collar white boy hick that dominated.
In 1974 Larry Bird was my P.E assistant when I was in the 8th grade and he was a senior at Springs Valley High School. At the beginning of each P.E. class we always ran 10 warmup laps around the gym. One day, a trampoline was set up on the basketball court and there was Larry Bird bouncing on it. As the whistle blew and we reluctantly lined up to run our laps, our teacher (who was also Larry's basketball coach) blew his whistle, and said "Larry is going to take 10 shots while jumping on the trampoline. If Larry makes any shots, each one made will delete a lap that you must run." Coach threw the ball to Larry and right there in front of me and the entire boys Jr. High P.E. class, Larry proceeded to hit 7 out of 10 shots while bouncing up and down on the trampoline, 40 feet away from the goal. Larry set an incredible example for me as a young boy in French Lick, Indiana that helped me through my entire adult career. If you are willing to work very hard and never give up, your dreams can and will come true. Thank you Larry.
Hi Walter, I live about 30 minutes away. Let me know when your coming and I will send you a list of must sees including some very rare Larry Bird memorabilia.
Springs Valley High School
Springs Valley High School
That's an awesome story! Kind of jealous you were in the presence of greatness haha! I went to Boston alone, paid $300 just to see him nominated at the sports museum at the TD Garden, 6 years ago. Hands down, one of the best nights of my life. :) Wanted a picture with him so bad but he had 2 big mofo security guards next to him making sure nobody bothered him. I always respected that about him, how he maintains his privacy.
Hey thanks. It was a very cool time. Little did any of us (including Larry) have any idea that he would go on to be Larry The Legend.
39:32 just watching the Atlanta bench has got to bring a smile to your face.
Here in England Bird, Magic, Dr J and a few others were the big names but Bird was the man, an absolute legend of the sport.
If Bird was on the court, we had a chance..... LOADS of memories watching hin play...
Tough man. An assassin on the court. Maybe, not too unlike Ali... he would tell you, sometimes in detail, what he was going to do on the court. Worked hard[er] for everything we saw him do. "There will be another Larry Bird", Larry Bird once said...words from a humble man from humble surroundings.. What's not to like or respect about Larry Bird.
I was young, but I remember seeing Oscar and Wilt...... They both had overwhelming athletic ability, as did others like Dr. J who came along later. Larry Bird did not have that. Instead he had a mind for the game; a killer instinct; and a shooting stroke that was unbelievable. He was indeed 2-steps ahead of everyone else, anticipating where the ball was going. All the players I've mentioned were great, as well as dozens of others. But Larry Bird was simply amazing because he did what he did with limited athleticism.
Oscar didn't have overwhelming athletic ability, he had overwhelming fundamentals.
@@krisharkleroad8 Absolutely....Oscar was the Original Big Fundamental.
I'm so glad to have been able to see Larry Bird play
I grew up watching Magic, and Birds entire careers. I've seen some of the greatest, and probably in my opinion the greatest (Jordan) to ever play. That being said, from 1984-1988 Larry Bird was unquestionably the best player in the world by a decent margin. Look it up. He won 3 STRAIGHT MVPS, and in 1987 he HAD his BEST SEASON, and finished 3rd in MVP voting. Bird in his prime was impossible to describe unless you saw it yourself.
Larry Bird was far better than Jordan.
The only reason Jordan scored as well as he did after Larry Bird retired is because corrupt Commissioner David Stern changed the rules on how defense got to be played. Once Bird and Magic retired, gone where the physical defenses of assault and battery, mugging, and attempted rape that Larry Bird had to deal with his entire career.
What makes me say Larry Bird was far better than Jordan?
-Three consecutive League most valuable player trophies, something only two other players in history have done and neither of them was Michael Jordan.
-Larry Bird's 23 - 11 record vs Michael Jordan Head to Head.
-Larry Bird's 2-0 playoff record versus Michael Jordan, both of them 3 game sweeps.
-Larry Bird winning NBA Coach of the Year
-Larry Bird winning NBA Executive of the Year
Add in the fact that he won Rookie of the Year, NBA Finals MVP, and Hall of Fame first ballot, and Larry Bird is the only player to accomplish ALL of that. And that's not including the greatest turnaround in NBA history by one player; the Boston Celtics the year before Larry Bird joined them only won 29 games, and with Larry Bird is the only addition to that same team the next season won 61 games; that 32 game difference is still an NBA record.
And, let's not forget that Larry Bird dominated an era where 90% of the NBA's GREATEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME list are from. And I'm saying this as a New York Knicks fan
Agree! 100% I was there jumping out of my seat watching real basket ball. Larry was the best ever and he couldn`t even jump. I`ll take Larry against any body...Even Jordan!
I was so blessed to alive and watch Larry Bird play
Hoosier proud
Same here. Some of the best basketball back in the day.
80's Lakers fan here. I bow down to Larry Bird.
*BABE-BRADY-BIRD* the best 3 to EVER play at their sports. EVER.
E.V.E.R.
Best complete and clutch basketball player to ever step on a court.
If Larry played today he would be a product of the same fitness and strength trainers and technology of the Era.
If he had to face Curry for 3 point dominance. My money is on Bird. Bet the mortgage.
Larry Bird had the sweetest jump shot i’ve ever seen. I watched his shot turn nets inside out as it ripped through the bottom of the net
I'd take Larry Bird over anyone else....Past, present, future.
Bird was so fun to watch. He made the NBA interesting.
Went from picking up the trash on his walk to backing up the trash in his talk.All the way to the Hall of fame 😁
Watching all these highlights...my God, I love Larry Bird. I am so lucky to have watched his career. He is, truly, one of a kind. I don't idolize people, but, man, this dude was relentless. And, as I get older, I realize more and more just how much he meant. Yes, basketball is a game. But, there is something in his eyes. He was always so effing focused. He always put it all on the court. And, he meant more than just basketball. Without question, the best player I've ever seen. There are many who had more ability, but he's the best basketball player I've ever seen. It's not even close.
“There will never, ever, ever be another Larry Bird.” Magic Johnson
Bird was the most intelligent and complete player of all time. He is the Goat, no question.
What a great video. The respect these guys have for each other is what pro sports should be about all of the time.
Larry Bird is the greatest all around basketball player that has ever played the game. Great shooter, magical passer, strong rebounder, solid defensive player, he did it all. And the only players to ever match his heart and competitive fire is MJ,Magic, and Kobe.
Larry Bird was the epitome of what we need to be in America today. He wasn't a white basketball player playing black basketball players. He was a basketball player, who played basketball against other basketball players. Truly a legend.
Bird was magic on the court. Fierce.
What amazes me as I watch Bird make shot after shot is that he is not just making almost every shot, it’s that he is hitting the dead middle of the basket and gets that perfect swish!
I think Larry is the GOAT period. Not the greatest white player, the greatest player of all time. "Clutch"
I grew up watching Larry bird , Magic jonson ,, kareem but I only now realize that Larry Bird was most effective nba player ever.
I think Bird's IQ and ability to play team basketball (making everyone around him hall of famers) is the reason he could honestly be considered the greatest.
You can name all the magnificent blessed athletes possible but can they make the other starting 4 hall of famers and champions while they too aren't blessed with god-given talent?
Some have come close to this feat but no one has ever been entirely influential the way Bird was...
Bird was a force multiplier
Absolutely
Orange Co Indiana native and so glad to have been able to watch Larry throughout his amazing career. I remember watching Larry in the early 90's while playing French Lick in high school. To able to play on the same court that was his old stomping ground, as well as see all the pictures hanging was an absolute treasure. Now at 46 I'm glad I can still go back and see the pictures still hanging to this day. Thank you Larry for the memories!!!
He was a humble man in saying "I woulda been boss by now" regarding having worked on the garbage trucks
All you Labron and Michael Jordan Fans, Larry Bird and magic Johnson saved the NBA NOBODY ELSE. And Larry Bird was Better than Anyone else PERIOD.... Best TEAM PLAYER EVER SEEN IN THE NBA.... Too Slow, Can't Jump and touch the Top of the Backboard. So you don't need to Touch the Top of the Backboard too Win a Game. When the Game was On the Line and Everyone else Knew Who's going to get the Basketball 🏀 and they still couldn't STOP 🛑 Him from winning the Game 🎯🎯🎯. Larry Joe Bird 🕊️ NUMBER UNO, ONE THE BEST I'VE EVER SEEN.
I agree with Michael Jordan's take, Larry Bird was the greatest shooting small forward in the history of the game!
Actually Jordan said, "by far the best Sh g to play the g"
Bird said Bernard King
@@michaelares4240 Bernard Kimg was the truth as well. Knee injuries killed his career. Brotha could play his ass off...... one of my favorites
@@michaelares4240 I remember Larry Bird once telling coach Hubie Brown not to have Bernard King guard him during one game. He told him he had a strong chance to drop 60 points on him that game. I also do remember Dr. J during an interview which he stated that Bernard King was his toughest opponent to guard. That was a surprising statement when fans in the audience heard this. And then applauded Dr. J.
As someone who has been following the sport for over 40 years, I can emphatically say that Bird`s name should be mentioned in the GOAT conversation. Not athletically gifted, this man made up for this with basketball knowledge, uncanny instinct and shooting ability few have ever possessed. The young people like to talk about LeBron, but most of them have no idea how good Larry Bird really was. The man could hoop!
Young people like what they see. There really isn’t much video worth watching before 1980. The quality and sound is terrible. Thank goodness for todays quality!!
Larry could totally play in today's game. He defied big men and athletes. The fact that they called BS calls all the time too would help him.
Shout out to the hotel workers who let this kid play with them, your kindness gave us all something special. There's a moral to this story, a powerful one.
I hope you realize that in his prime for 3 years in a row there is no man alive or dead that has ever played the game of basketball better. The only forward in history to win mvp 3 times in a row (the other 2 were centers). He is also the only player that can say he beat every hall of famer he competed against including sweeping MJ in the playoffs. You can argue and deny all you want. The championships, the mvp's, the stats and the level of competition does not lie. Look it up yourself if you don't believe it. For 3 years in a row he was and remains the greatest basketball player on the face of the earth. Thank you Larry Bird.
I'm not saying Bird wasn't a bad man on the court, he just shouldn't have messed with Doc and 3years is not a lot. Many people did much of what Bird did for more years, Wilt, Mike, Koby, These guys were the best for far more years than 3. Bird was one of the greatest court minds to ever grace the grace game but the best players for 3years does not equate to the greatest play!
Larry made a man reconsider his life within 30 seconds.
I was fortunate to be able to watch Larry Bird, when I was growing up. I quit watching after he retired. I just didn't find the games interesting, or exciting, enough to keep watching. I'll watch kids play in high school games and at parks, but not the NBA players of today. And, after all the BS that has gone on in the NFL in recent years, I only watch Friday Night Lights as far as football anymore. Good video. Thanks for sharing.
I waited in line from 5 am and was lucky if I got my tickets by closing. They sold tickets to all the games. Some people got in line the night before just to make sure they got tickets.
After people tried to make me feel like I was a racist I quit watching the NBA and NFL
@@robbrobb659 Amen! All that garbage just makes racist when they weren't racist before.
All phases of the games were top notch. His passing game was unbelievable.
I just remember growing up in Boston, and how delighted we all were that we could watch him every game. He was ALWAYS good. Not always effective with this shot - but on his 'off' nights he would always end up with like 35 assists and draw a million fouls. He just found a way win. It was a special time to be a Celtics fan. The man was just a winner.
You said it all pal , Mr clutch and a team player from day 1❤
If there were more people like Bird, the world would be a better place ✌🏻
Think about having arguments ending in a round of basketball to decide who was right
The strongest player ever mentally he challenged all his opponents and is without question one of the most respected nba players of all time.
Top 5 quote I've ever heard!! "If I need a shot to win the game, I'll take MJ, if I need a shot to save my life, I'll take Larry!" Pat Riley.
Randy Wissler a great quote - one of my favorites.
Growing up in Boston in the 80's... Bird owned all. Win or loss, he owned all and to this day respected for the greatness that he proved night in and night out.
Larry Bird would be in my first 5 picks of all time.
Me too. Wilt, Russel and Kareem tied for 2nd because neither were third place guys and russel said Wilt and it's no even close. Then Larry, then Michael. Top five.
Best pure shooter i have ever seen.....opened up his whole game.....intelligent assassin.....
He said Bernard King was the best big man shooter he ever saw
Lebron had to change teams and recruit players to win.
Bird just made everyone around him better, and won!
He was a treat to watch I was a little kid and remember how unbelievably good Larry bird was plus he made everyone else around him good also
What set Larry apart was his will to win. Others can shoot. and other can pass, and make plays, but Bird had an extra drive and desire. He fought for every rebound, was always in the right place, hustled every play, moved without the ball, set the right picks, anticipated on defense, and on top of that had some of the finest shooting and passing skills. Bird studied the game, and knew his opposition, and was more prepared than anyone. He out hustled you, he out thought you, and then he out performed you.
Naww, that is way more credit then I would give bird.
@@calicoesblue4703 Naaw…he had it right. Very few guys playing in today’s game would be able to hack what those guys did back then. Too many pansies playing now a days.
Those were the best days of basketball! The great lakers against the great Celtics.
I,m with you.
Great quotes from some legendary players. Game film that's right out of a Harlem Globetrotters playbook. I was surprised to hear about him being the KING of trash talk. And it really stings when it's coming from a guy that can just rain shots down on you. Don't ask me how I know. Phenomenal ball-handling tutorial as well. He could give a TED talk on no-look passes. You're getting some awful high praise here, Larry, from guys that are legends in their own right.
My dad was from Worcester Massachusetts he was a Celtic fan I got to watch this as a fan of one of the greatest to play the game today’s basketball does not come close
Worcester had all the good concerts
Let me also say that before Bird and Magic came on the scene the NBA was almost dead. Most games on TV were tape delayed, ratings were horrible etc. Bird and Magic in my opinion elevated the game to where it was must see TV if they were playing, especially against each other.
He Lived up to every thing they expected and more for boston
He was a snake striking out of nowhere. Precision. Focused. Scary in the sense he knew what everyone was doing vs just what he was doing
I remember Larry very well being I’m the same age as him went to school a couple years in Brown county Indiana. He went to French Lick. A few miles is all . Every one already knew every one.
I still have the old 1967 GMC. Truck I bought from him in 1973.
I live an hour away from Bird here in southern Indiana. Bird is royalty in my town.
I just grew up hating Larry bird even tho he played when I was a tiny baby. Being from LA it just in your blood to hate him. I had no idea how bad ass he was till right now. Those Larry bird stories had me rolling oh wow I love this guy now
Too much of this is about race but thats not what people are impressed by, Im impressed by the absolute best skill no matter who displays it
Larry Bird was so good it was scary.................... ZERO DOUBT.
When was in my 20sI love to watch Bird play a hustler on every play knew how to win. He won with simple plays . A real Boston Celtics legend.
The Best to Ever Touch the Ball Larry had it All . And he Stood tall tall tall .
6'10 and nimble and a shooter from all places...Larry could play in any era...please.
He's the best there ever was n in my book, the best that'll ever be 🏀😲❣😍
I guess you never saw Oscar play. Which year did Bird average a triple double?
I've never changed my volume level this much in the history of RUclips... well done sir... well done....
Worst audio ever, I quit watching at 9 min.. Was to brutal to listen to,
The greatest basketball player I have ever seen, by far.
The clutch factor and his accuracy is why Bird is the Goat
I went to so many Celtics games when Bird was playing and it was always special, talk about a clutch player, He was unbelievable to watch, he was the BEST overall basketball player ever!!!
Agreed. He was the best I ever saw.
i agree.
One of the 4 GOAT I’ve ever seen live 10+ x (going back to mid 80s center court row 10 pacers season tix + games in Chicago at cousins seats). MJ LeBron Bird Hakeem my 4 favorite and best I’ve seen!
Birda is may all time favorite player. Dude was a savant on the court. Michael Cooper mentioned Andrew Toney's name as one of the great players he played against, and I can imagine many people will be saying Andrew Who? That's a shame, because if Andrew hadn't had those devastating foot problems he would now be in the HOF. In the playoffs for Philadelphia he lit Boston up. He was an incredible shooter, and was so quick. Bird always praised Toney for his outstanding play. Andrew wasn't called The Boston Strangler for no reason. He had to retire at 30 because his painful feet gave out on him. Man, what could have been.
I'm 48 yrs old and I've watched pretty much all of the best players. ....Bird is one of the best basketball players I've ever seen hands down no question. ....top player Bird then Jordan then Magic.....sorry my opinion
I loved watching pro basketball back then it was fun.
Best All-Around Forward in NBA history
Wilt said the same. He was different, not for ability but for skill and an unquenchable desire to "win that darn game".
You are correct in you statement, “everybody knew who was getting the ball, and no one could stop him.”