Nzinn73 Bird was a legit 6'9, some say more like 6'10. Kevin was 6"10 or 11, I have heard him say 6'11. Walton, for whatever reason kept saying he was 6'11 when he was clearly at least 7 feet, he appeared to be about 7'1. Parish was a 7 footer. Nobody was beating that 86 Celtics team. They beat the Lakers in the regular season, and Larry really wanted them in the finals. That would have been epic.
@@alzinn8231 LoL! The reason Bill Walton said he was 6'11" , even though he was 7', 7'1" is because he said if your 7 feet your officially categorized as a freak, LoL! I heard him say this and read it in the Boston Globe when Bob Ryan was doing an article on him, regardless he was an excellent center
@@imonangeltime4253 HAHAHAH confirmed for not actually being alive and watching any of those games. McHale was the black hole of basketball, an offensive sideshow and last second option at best. DJ was far and away the 2nd best player on the team. Handled all the toughest defensive assignments, led the offense as the pg, and was the glue that held the team together. Bird himself said without DJ he would have won no rings. McHale could have been replaced by a dozen guys or more, and if he never played with bird would be a trivia question answer today. Now is when you talk about his "fundamentals and footwork" you heard about. lmao
Larry Bird is one of a kind. So smooth and fluid, almost effortless but a real killer instinct and a great mind for basketball. He might not be an angel as a human being, but put him on the court and give him the ball and watch the magic happen. I loved those years watching him.
Nzinn73 Magic and Larry were both amazing players. Larry was my favorite player growing up. Both will say Michael surpassed them. I say this because I think it's important to be objective and tell it like it really is, not how you would like it to be. Michael was the best player I have seen in the past 40 years, I would take him over Kobe or LeBron, both those guys are great but I've watched basketball since 1983 and I'm taking Michael as the best I've seen. Modern guys, KD is great scorer, but I don't think he has the mental focus Mike had, I love Steph Curry' s game but he is nowhere near Mike defensively. Most people who have been around to see everyone say it's Mike for a reason. People can say such and such is the Goat, but if You look at the numbers, 6 final mvps, scoring average, defensive honors, league Mvps, undefeated in finals, 2 three peats, past 40 years, it's Michael, imo.
@@alzinn8231 Well Al I been watching Basketball since 1973. So I can assure you that I have seen it all. Back then I watch the ABA on satellite tv in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 I played the game from 1974 to 2000. I was a PG and when I played the game I played like Tom Henderson who played for the Bullets and the Rockets. And when I put the ball in the hoop I was Junior Bridgeman that played for the Bucks and the LA Clippers. Anyway when it comes to basketball I have seen it all. You see Kevin Mchale and Larry Bird seating together and remembering the good all days. If you were there seating with Kevin and Larry and ask them who’s the Goat? They both will tell you is Magic Johnson. Larry Bird will tell you that there’re only two men who are better than him and that is Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan in that order. Back to 1973 I was a NY Nets fan. And since I didn’t know any English I never understood why the Nets never played the Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Cavaliers, and Bullets. I didn’t realize that there were 2 leagues until the ABA merged in 1976 with the NBA. I moved to Tampa Bay for 2 years to learn the English language and the culture. And part of learning the English language was to read the Sports Illustrated Magazine with an Earvin Magic Johnson layout. And from there I started watching Magic Johnson on NBC, I couldn’t believe how Magic Johnson at 6’9” was a PG like me and moved like a 6’ 2” point guard. It was fascinated to see. It was unprecedented to me, and the history of the game that there has never been a 6’9” point guard. And as of today we still don’t have it. Forget Lebron he’s not a PG he has never been a PG and didn’t started as a point guard since he was a child like me or Magic. Besides Lebron is 6’ 8.” For me to tell you that Magic Johnson is the Goat 🐐 and better than Michael I will have to write a book of the reasons why Magic is better than Michael. Michael Jordan: This is a guy that not only was he drafted by the Bulls but he was drafted by Nike too. Michael Jordan was $90 million richer way before he can play one single game in Chicago. Basically Michael Jordan live up to the hype created by sports media and Nike so they can sell sneakers 👟 But Michael didn’t win right of way like Magic Johnson, it took Michael Jordan 8 years to win a Championship. Celtics, Pistons, and Lakers has to passed their prime. Well not too much the Lakers because the Lakers are in the west. But if the Pistons and the Celtics don’t pass their prime Michael and the Bulls don’t win championships. From 1995 to 2018 the league became the league of the few. Kobe Bryant was a self centered selfish basketball player. He became the poster boy of the Los Angeles Lakers. In which the Lakers always got him the toys so he can win Championships. But Kobe the adulterer didn’t pass the ball to anybody. Calvin Murphy at 5’9” was a better SG than Kobe Bryant. Calvin Murphy put his Rocket team on his shoulders in 1981 and he was unstoppable until they got beat by Larry Bird and the Celtics. Lebron James is a jerk. Who leap frog 🐸 his way to a Championship in Miami Florida. Lebron James is all media hype! And now plays in an era were the league has become player’s league not fan’s league. From 2018 to the present the league has become the league of me. And media hype Lebron James is a living example of it. To compare Lebron James with Larry Bird is insulting to my hears, and the Gods of Basketball. It don’t belong. I’ll give it to Bernard King and Bernard will kick Lebron’s ass and put his hype name to shame.
@@tppwttiger2244 Nzinn73 Well I respect your opinion, and I can tell you have followed basketball a long time, But if you look up who Magic and Larry say is the greatest they have seen, both have said Michael Jordan. Kevin McHale has said Kareem at times. Sometimes they change their opinions, too. Larry said in his autobiography that Michael Jordan was going to be the best player I have seen in my lifetime, basically, and he reiterated that I the 92 Olympics. Magic has also said that Michael was the best player has seen,current players included. Magic won championships early because he went to a championship caliber team in his rookie year, if he had gone to the Bulls instead he would not have won in his rookie year. As you know, The Bulls wound up with the second pick that year, and Magic actually would have gone back to college rather than play for the Bulls. Michael won when he had a championship caliber team, the same as Magic did. Magic's Lakers teams had to supplant earlier championship teams also, that's usually what happens. Michael has 6finals mvps , was a first team all defensive selection for his career Multiple scoring titles, I believe he has the highest career scoring average or is top 3 or so, and I believe he has more league Mvps than Magic. He had endorsement deals because he really was that good, and he did benefit from Magic and Larry helping to grow the League's popularity. As far has guys like Kobe and L eBron, I can't let their behavior affect my assessments of their abilities. Yes Kobe could be selfish at times, but he really was that good, same for LeBron, I may not always cafe for all he does personally, but he really is that good. Bernard King was an amazing player, absolutely, although he was known essentially a scorer. I remember watching him I the eighties, Calvin Murphy was great too, but I do not believe one NBA executive would take him over Kobe or LeBron. In any case, respect the fact that you have played, I played myself a lot, either guard position. Not at NBA level of course! ✌
I feel like my dad's generation of basketball (this one) had a combination of fast passing, tough defense, and quick shots off the triple threat and a lot of fast breaking. The gen X'ers shot a lot of threes or drove and dunked it. My era had a lot of ball handling and fake outs. Zoomers seem to be assist and 3 point happy. But Larry Bird is like the dale earhart of basketball.
I used to hate Bird and the Celtics back in the 80’s cuz they were too good at winning games at last second! Lol! Now 40 years later watching these videos of Bird and Celtics, it makes me appreciate and respect them alot! Damn they were awfully good! Larry is definitely the GOAT!
As a Laker fan listening to these guys talk is just so awesome sharing memories. These guys have so much class and dignity comparwd to todays players. Lakers and Celtics players from that era are so much better than todays players.
I got 33 tattooed on my shoulder. We all know how special Larry is, but let’s not forget Kevin McHale, the post up God. Kevin McHale had the smoothest fadeaway on the post. He had so many fakes on the post and he would block your shot and he’s grabbing boards Kevin McHale underrated.
This was a great interview. Larry and the Celts knew how to win game seven's, win in the fourth quarter and in the last minute. Many great players are not able to do that.
Larry Bird Basketball I.Q. - Mental toughness ; Fantastic shooter , made all the players on the team better ! Calmness - concentration Great rebounder ... Magic & Jabbar both praised basketball I .Q. -of Bird ! Magic said theres only one player he wanted to know ; where he was at , every second on the floor - Larry Bird ! 🙋♂️😎👍🏀
Don't forget how Wilt Chamberlain praised Bird's basketball I.Q. Wilt was asked if Bird was really as good as everyone said he was, and Wilt wasn't smiling when he put the guy in his place by talking about how tough Bird was in the crunch and how he was always a couple of moves ahead of everyone else.
Nzinn73 The greats of the game like Wilt, Russell, Magic and Kareem, those whose opinion really carries weight, all say the same things about Larry and how he really was that good. Who cares what Jimmy Johnson or Gilbert Arenas or some kid who doesn't know what they are talking about says?
Jerry understood his role, was a good outside shooter, was smart and played tough when he had to. Besides his fight with Sampson (doesn’t that sound epic!) he was also the first guy on Laimbeer when he took Bird down in the playoffs. Scott Wedman was also great off the bench.
I was young when he was playing and I had a bunch of buddies who loved basketball and we went to many games and bought many scalped tickets. But the three-point contest hasn't been the same without him because he added an extra bit of excitement to it. Just his presence added to the excitement of that three-point contest.
@@bigkahuna3534Elmer Towns wrote a book, Rudy Giuliani is a lawyer/politician, and John Edwards was a wanna-be president. What do they have to do with basketball???
@@richhahn2443 Exactly Rich! The rarest of skills! You know it, I know it, and the American people know it! Bird is the word! Still watch their clips nearly daily and am astonished everytime. Bird McHale and Parish, DANG!!
@@richhahn2443 exactly. Maybe the best bc if that. Jordan is by far the most supremely talented but basketball is a team sport and noone combined individual accomplishments w elevating others like bird.
His off-hand comment about Danny Ainge saying shooting 35-36% from 3 is better than shooting 50% from 2 is now proven correct; as far as creating more efficiency and possessions.
One of my fondest memories as a young kid- watching these two win ..win .... and win. I loved basketball because of these two players. I analyze the game today and compare with what the Celtics did in the 80's and 90's . What a fun time it was to be a Celtic's fan !
I was born in '72 so I was the perfect age for the Celtics in the '80s. Celtics lakers games were an out-of-body experience. Just unbelievable basketball.
These guys are mellow now, but back then, early 80's McHale and Bird were vicious competitors. The front line were , 6'11 McHale, 6'9" Bird and 7'0 Parrish. Not only were they so talented, but they played such an unselfish team game. I hated them so much! Lol!
I was a big Sixers fan growing when I was a kid, started following them around 1986 the time Irving was retiring and Chuck was burning off his college fat, but I was dreaded when we played Boston, the size, the length, the skill and team work they had was to much to over come. Barkley to this day says McHale was the best player he ever faced and he faced Kemp, Duncan, Garnett, Malone etc. Those long arms McHale forced Barkley to start having to face the basket after being a post player in college, actually made him a better player.
@@TL2354Check and Cheque both mean the same thing in this instance, with “check” being American English and “cheque” being British (and most other branches of) English. It benefits ALL English users to know and understand these alternate spellings as being both correct. Greater understanding and communication is beneficial to us all.
If Kevin McHale had played for any other team other than the Celtics, he's a starter, going to be an all-star every year and very good possiblity, he's winning at least one MVP award, this guy was so freaking good
@@cindyknudson2715 I know that, I'm just pointing out that he was so good, any other NBA team he's a starter but he was the most unselfish player and such a great player for the Celtics
When Bird and Walton are on camera at the same time, Bird busts Bill's chops often, and can seem serious with it, but you heard him speak the truth here. "Walton made the difference." Then added the same about Sichting.
This was awesome! As a Lakers fan, I hated these guys, but as I've gotten older, I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the way these two played the game!
My respects to you for such a great comment. You know, the same happened to me when M Jordan was in his prime, because my favorite players and his respective teams never won a championship because of MJ, but like you, now I admire the greatness of Michael Jordan. By the way, Celtics were my favorite team
Nzinn73 Great Comment. As a Celtics fan, I have a tremendous appreciation for the 80s Lakers teams and guys Like Coop, Magic, Worthy, Wilkes, Kareem. Possibly the best rivalry in basketball.
Bird would decimate today's league and he knows it. It's taylor built for his game. An almost 6'10" Steph Curry who can play the 1 thru the 5 and score ANYWHERE on ANYONE.
I'm a big Philly fan, started watching at the tail end of Irving's career just when Chuck was burning all of his college fat off, but the way people talk, you would think Bird could not jump, was slow etc, but when he was young he had some lift, not a high flyer, but was a better athlete than people think he was. His quick release and being a master of court awareness made him lethal. Barkley said McHale was the best player he ever faced, those long arms caused all kinds of problems, made Barkley have to learn to face the basket.
@@marykuettner752 ok? that's really bothersome to you? they've been friends for 40 years plus it might have to do with the type of camera and lighting set up for the interview. it's not like Larry is in Kevin's lap. get over it!
Kurt Rambis has to laugh out loud to hear McHale and Bird talk about how much better the game is now that cheap shots are more closely called! Lakers fan from back in the day, but listening to these guys is a blast.
I was the only Mfer walking around the Projects in the 80s and early 90s that was a Diehard Celtic Fan, Larry Legend was my favorite player But Everybody said I Balled Like Zeke
I understand what Bird is talking about being in a zone. I do the same thing when I'm driving or hiking. You get so used to or experienced that your actions or reactions are automatic. I used to have long commutes from work and not remember the drive home.
As tough as Larry was, he is absolutely right that a more open court game is purer basketball and more interesting today than the clutch and grab era he played in.
McHale was doing courtside commentary for ESPN or TNT for a while and I thought he was excellent. Really intelligent guy, well spoken. Wonder why he quit.
…you think bird know these teams are on the classic 2k teams…I could see him and magic playing that stuff for hours…talking competition on the sticks with these old men…
@@Buttington_Headerson I’m at the age we’re bird was finishing his career when I was just starting to watch the NBA but I’m old enough to remember his last two seasons and his appearance on the Dream Team
@@garyblubaugh2517 Oh really. Thanks for pointing that out. Waste of energy huh? That’s your response to someone saying they can’t remember ever seeing Bitd funk? I thought you got 4 points for a dunk and only 1 point for a Layup. Thank you for setting me strait on that. I was really confused until you told me a dunk and a layup we’re both worth 2 points. Idk what I was thinking. You sure about that? Im pretty sure a funk is 4 points and a layup is 1 point or it could be the other way around . Geez I bet you don’t have a single positive comment on RUclips anywhere do you? Your either the guy that has to pretend he’s the smartest guy on earth and knows everything or your crapping on somebody’s opinion aren’t ya?
@@joshuawilliams7141 lol that was Bird's own comment about dunking. Should be more a student of the game and quotes of the players, might catch a suttle hint next time. Sorry you got offended by Birds 🐦 own reply about dunking and why he didn't. Just like down 20+ to start a second half. Ref gave him the ball to inbound it. He tells the ref don't you quit for we aren't. Then he goes on to hit 11 in a row 7 being 3pts and they came back to win. Many stories out there about the Larry Legend if you dig it! Have a bless day, read, and observe things aren't always as we interpret them to be.
I've "always believed" had Bird been born in the 80's instead of the 50's he'd have been, right now, considered the best 3 point shooter of all time. PEOPLE DON'T GET IT THAT HE NEVER PRACTICED 3 POINT SHOTS WHILE GROWING UP LIKE THE PLAYERS OF TODAY HAS!!!!! I've defended Bird on this several times in different comments about 3 point shooting.
That's the point, that generation of players and coaches started to get acquainted with the CONCEPT of three points shot after the formative years, so it was used very sparingly compared to now. I honestly wish there was a limit to the three points attempts, I preferred the inside game.
@@nicolaandria522 Hey that's a good rule, never thought of that, this way they've got to be careful when they shoot it. But it'll never fly, it's too instilled in basketball at this point.
I played division 2 basketball just south of Boston and o had this instructional video with Larry bird Jerry sceiting? And red araboch sorry about the spelling. Bird said when he warms up before a game he shoots all his shots inside the paint area and yea they look like east shots but it really helps with your range . Ok so I start practicing that and he also showed how he did his runner and that was my bread n butter . I’m 6’5” and that was unstoppable but it weird kinda it felt like slow motion and I hit game winners with that . Anything he did I tried to copy . I did have a great player on my team he was like n inch shorter than me and would pass like bird this kid was awesome we ended playing in all the city leagues we went to a Junior college together I wouldn’t play without this dude shoot he would feed me for n easy 15 a game that’s just from him it’s a guestimite good times
At 5:51, I think that Dick Stockton forgot the Red Auerbach basically INVENTED celebrating before the game is over about 30 years earlier with his victory cigars.
Miss those 2 playing. Chief, DJ, DANNY. If somebody told me after that '86 Celtics championship, that 22 yrs would expire BEFORE! they wo again? I'd had said 2 u that I was the owner of the BOSTON GLOBE! Len Bias people.
A million things make bird and great athletes great. But the elusive calmness the real top ones have is hit or miss. If they can ever figure out why some ppl relax and some tighten. Definitely separated bird and Jordan.
Why does young Larry Bird demeanor give me Aaron Rodgers vibes? The shit talking, the confidence, talking the talk and walking the walk, the playfulness with the media.
All I can say is I am so grateful for the joy that these two guys gave me, my friends and family. Two of the greatest basketball players ever!
McHale, Bird, Parish one of the best trios in the history of the sport
Don't forget Dennis. He was great.
The 3 seven footers (with Walton) on the front line. 6 7 Bird as off guard. 6 5 Ainge at point. Amazing talent for that monster lineup.
Nzinn73 Bird was a legit 6'9, some say more like 6'10. Kevin was 6"10 or 11, I have heard him say 6'11. Walton, for whatever reason kept saying he was 6'11 when he was clearly at least 7 feet, he appeared to be about 7'1. Parish was a 7 footer. Nobody was beating that 86 Celtics team. They beat the Lakers in the regular season, and Larry really wanted them in the finals. That would have been epic.
@@kevhead1525 Walton was listed as 6'11, but they say he was really 7 foot. McHale is listed as 6'10 or 6'11 Bird was 6'9
@@alzinn8231 LoL! The reason Bill Walton said he was 6'11" , even though he was 7', 7'1" is because he said if your 7 feet your officially categorized as a freak, LoL! I heard him say this and read it in the Boston Globe when Bob Ryan was doing an article on him, regardless he was an excellent center
Watching McHale interview Bird as if McHale was just a fan and not one of the best players to ever step on the court is pleasantly amusing
FuckingAwesome
Because McHale knows what got his bread buttered. It wasn't him. It was Bird and DJ.
@@sirosis7858 McHale >>>>DJ
@@imonangeltime4253 HAHAHAH confirmed for not actually being alive and watching any of those games. McHale was the black hole of basketball, an offensive sideshow and last second option at best. DJ was far and away the 2nd best player on the team. Handled all the toughest defensive assignments, led the offense as the pg, and was the glue that held the team together. Bird himself said without DJ he would have won no rings. McHale could have been replaced by a dozen guys or more, and if he never played with bird would be a trivia question answer today.
Now is when you talk about his "fundamentals and footwork" you heard about. lmao
@@sirosis7858 MCHALE >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>dj
Larry Bird is one of a kind. So smooth and fluid, almost effortless but a real killer instinct and a great mind for basketball. He might not be an angel as a human being, but put him on the court and give him the ball and watch the magic happen.
I loved those years watching him.
Two Legends !! They were great together. Kevin had some of the best low post moves ever and Larry is the GOAT !!!
"SOME"???? NO, the BEST
@@operationpopeye9719
Magic Johnson was the real goat!
Top 4:
1.Magic
2.Michael
3.Larry
4.Wilt
Nzinn73 Magic and Larry were both amazing players. Larry was my favorite player growing up. Both will say Michael surpassed them. I say this because I think it's important to be objective and tell it like it really is, not how you would like it to be. Michael was the best player I have seen in the past 40 years, I would take him over Kobe or LeBron, both those guys are great but I've watched basketball since 1983 and I'm taking Michael as the best I've seen. Modern guys, KD is great scorer, but I don't think he has the mental focus Mike had, I love Steph Curry' s game but he is nowhere near Mike defensively. Most people who have been around to see everyone say it's Mike for a reason. People can say such and such is the Goat, but if You look at the numbers, 6 final mvps, scoring average, defensive honors, league Mvps, undefeated in finals, 2 three peats, past 40 years, it's Michael, imo.
@@alzinn8231
Well Al I been watching Basketball since 1973. So I can assure you that I have seen it all. Back then I watch the ABA on satellite tv in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
I played the game from 1974 to 2000. I was a PG and when I played the game I played like Tom Henderson who played for the Bullets and the Rockets. And when I put the ball in the hoop I was Junior Bridgeman that played for the Bucks and the LA Clippers. Anyway when it comes to basketball I have seen it all.
You see Kevin Mchale and Larry Bird seating together and remembering the good all days. If you were there seating with Kevin and Larry and ask them who’s the Goat? They both will tell you is Magic Johnson.
Larry Bird will tell you that there’re only two men who are better than him and that is Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan in that order. Back to 1973 I was a NY Nets fan. And since I didn’t know any English I never understood why the Nets never played the Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Cavaliers, and Bullets. I didn’t realize that there were 2 leagues until the ABA merged in 1976 with the NBA. I moved to Tampa Bay for 2 years to learn the English language and the culture. And part of learning the English language was to read the Sports Illustrated Magazine with an Earvin Magic Johnson layout.
And from there I started watching Magic Johnson on NBC, I couldn’t believe how Magic Johnson at 6’9” was a PG like me and moved like a 6’ 2” point guard. It was fascinated to see. It was unprecedented to me, and the history of the game that there has never been a 6’9” point guard. And as of today we still don’t have it. Forget Lebron he’s not a PG he has never been a PG and didn’t started as a point guard since he was a child like me or Magic. Besides Lebron is 6’ 8.”
For me to tell you that Magic Johnson is the Goat 🐐 and better than Michael I will have to write a book of the reasons why Magic is better than Michael.
Michael Jordan:
This is a guy that not only was he drafted by the Bulls but he was drafted by Nike too. Michael Jordan was $90 million richer way before he can play one single game in Chicago. Basically Michael Jordan live up to the hype created by sports media and Nike so they can sell sneakers 👟 But Michael didn’t win right of way like Magic Johnson, it took Michael Jordan 8 years to win a Championship. Celtics, Pistons, and Lakers has to passed their prime. Well not too much the Lakers because the Lakers are in the west. But if the Pistons and the Celtics don’t pass their prime Michael and the Bulls don’t win championships.
From 1995 to 2018 the league became the league of the few. Kobe Bryant was a self centered selfish basketball player. He became the poster boy of the Los Angeles Lakers. In which the Lakers always got him the toys so he can win Championships. But Kobe the adulterer didn’t pass the ball to anybody. Calvin Murphy at 5’9” was a better SG than Kobe Bryant. Calvin Murphy put his Rocket team on his shoulders in 1981 and he was unstoppable until they got beat by Larry Bird and the Celtics.
Lebron James is a jerk. Who leap frog 🐸 his way to a Championship in Miami Florida. Lebron James is all media hype! And now plays in an era were the league has become player’s league not fan’s league. From 2018 to the present the league has become the league of me. And media hype Lebron James is a living example of it. To compare Lebron James with Larry Bird is insulting to my hears, and the Gods of Basketball. It don’t belong. I’ll give it to Bernard King and Bernard will kick Lebron’s ass and put his hype name to shame.
@@tppwttiger2244 Nzinn73 Well I respect your opinion, and I can tell you have followed basketball a long time, But if you look up who Magic and Larry say is the greatest they have seen, both have said Michael Jordan. Kevin McHale has said Kareem at times. Sometimes they change their opinions, too. Larry said in his autobiography that Michael Jordan was going to be the best player I have seen in my lifetime, basically, and he reiterated that I the 92 Olympics. Magic has also said that Michael was the best player has seen,current players included. Magic won championships early because he went to a championship caliber team in his rookie year, if he had gone to the Bulls instead he would not have won in his rookie year. As you know, The Bulls wound up with the second pick that year, and Magic actually would have gone back to college rather than play for the Bulls. Michael won when he had a championship caliber team, the same as Magic did. Magic's Lakers teams had to supplant earlier championship teams also, that's usually what happens. Michael has 6finals mvps , was a first team all defensive selection for his career Multiple scoring titles, I believe he has the highest career scoring average or is top 3 or so, and I believe he has more league Mvps than Magic. He had endorsement deals because he really was that good, and he did benefit from Magic and Larry helping to grow the League's popularity. As far has guys like Kobe and L eBron, I can't let their behavior affect my assessments of their abilities. Yes Kobe could be selfish at times, but he really was that good, same for LeBron, I may not always cafe for all he does personally, but he really is that good. Bernard King was an amazing player, absolutely, although he was known essentially a scorer. I remember watching him I the eighties, Calvin Murphy was great too, but I do not believe one NBA executive would take him over Kobe or LeBron. In any case, respect the fact that you have played, I played myself a lot, either guard position. Not at NBA level of course! ✌
To see them together, and reminesing is such a great feeling. Wish those were back. God Bless them both!!!
The Ty toudjrrrrr ftrr errr4r the sr err errdrg third r err o😅Re a retrfsdjj juglfkg Ed wcieei fe 😮G-dr seeo😅i Sfgr 😮
@Annette Talavera - if that is a recent picture of you in your thumbnail you don't look old enough to have seen the Bird, McHale Celtice. 😁
Larry was the brains behind that team, but Kevin and Dennis were the heart leaders.
@@joemarshall4226 Larry played with LOTS of heart (and guts), believe me.
I miss 80's basketball.
I feel like my dad's generation of basketball (this one) had a combination of fast passing, tough defense, and quick shots off the triple threat and a lot of fast breaking. The gen X'ers shot a lot of threes or drove and dunked it. My era had a lot of ball handling and fake outs. Zoomers seem to be assist and 3 point happy. But Larry Bird is like the dale earhart of basketball.
I used to hate Bird and the Celtics back in the 80’s cuz they were too good at winning games at last second! Lol! Now 40 years later watching these videos of Bird and Celtics, it makes me appreciate and respect them alot! Damn they were awfully good! Larry is definitely the GOAT!
As a Laker fan listening to these guys talk is just so awesome sharing memories. These guys have so much class and dignity comparwd to todays players. Lakers and Celtics players from that era are so much better than todays players.
"Kevin, I like you! You're a good friend and teammate... so I'm going to let you enjoy that scoring record for a week or so before I break it!!!"
And help you achieve it.
Bird liked seeing his teammates succeed.
And it provided motivation during a long season.
I got 33 tattooed on my shoulder. We all know how special Larry is, but let’s not forget Kevin McHale, the post up God. Kevin McHale had the smoothest fadeaway on the post. He had so many fakes on the post and he would block your shot and he’s grabbing boards Kevin McHale underrated.
This was a great interview. Larry and the Celts knew how to win game seven's, win in the fourth quarter and in the last minute. Many great players are not able to do that.
lebron
You can tell that even McHale, as great as he was/is, is in awe in front of Bird
Always loved these two.
Larry Legend, he and Magic saved NBA. Hard to think before them NBA was dying.
Larry Bird Basketball I.Q. - Mental toughness ; Fantastic shooter , made all the players on the team better ! Calmness - concentration
Great rebounder ...
Magic & Jabbar both praised basketball I .Q. -of Bird !
Magic said theres only one player he wanted to know ; where he was at , every second on the floor - Larry Bird !
🙋♂️😎👍🏀
Don't forget how Wilt Chamberlain praised Bird's basketball I.Q. Wilt was asked if Bird was really as good as everyone said he was, and Wilt wasn't smiling when he put the guy in his place by talking about how tough Bird was in the crunch and how he was always a couple of moves ahead of everyone else.
Nzinn73 The greats of the game like Wilt, Russell, Magic and Kareem, those whose opinion really carries weight, all say the same things about Larry and how he really was that good. Who cares what Jimmy Johnson or Gilbert Arenas or some kid who doesn't know what they are talking about says?
Bird and McHale a top 5 duo ever
The best passing 3 to the best post up player.What lethal combo
The best passer in any position
Nice to see Larry recognize Sichting's contributions. Avg starting PG at Indy was nice to have off the bench as a reserve.
I remember when he triggered ralph Sampson 🤣
..Jerry was terrific when he played at Purdue. His collegiate career stats were impressive..
Jerry understood his role, was a good outside shooter, was smart and played tough when he had to. Besides his fight with Sampson (doesn’t that sound epic!) he was also the first guy on Laimbeer when he took Bird down in the playoffs. Scott Wedman was also great off the bench.
Thx for uploading this.
I was young when he was playing and I had a bunch of buddies who loved basketball and we went to many games and bought many scalped tickets. But the three-point contest hasn't been the same without him because he added an extra bit of excitement to it. Just his presence added to the excitement of that three-point contest.
Kevin,Larry,& Robert best front line ever..Hands down,case closed!!!
Towns Rudy and Edwards
@@bigkahuna3534Elmer Towns wrote a book, Rudy Giuliani is a lawyer/politician, and John Edwards was a wanna-be president. What do they have to do with basketball???
Bird would dominate any era his that good and hard working 😊 McHale too ... ... ...
To me Larry is the most skilled Basketball Player that ever laced them up. GOAT in my book. Non-negotiable.
Larry had one skill that many of the other greats didn't have - he elevated the play of his teammates.
@@richhahn2443 Exactly Rich! The rarest of skills! You know it, I know it, and the American people know it! Bird is the word! Still watch their clips nearly daily and am astonished everytime. Bird McHale and Parish, DANG!!
@@richhahn2443 exactly. Maybe the best bc if that. Jordan is by far the most supremely talented but basketball is a team sport and noone combined individual accomplishments w elevating others like bird.
@@richhahn2443 Tim Duncan and Bill Russel are the other 2 greats that come to mind that excelled at this.
@@jaketerpening3284 For me, no player in the history of the game had a higher I.Q. than Bill Russell.
His off-hand comment about Danny Ainge saying shooting 35-36% from 3 is better than shooting 50% from 2 is now proven correct; as far as creating more efficiency and possessions.
Unless you can shoot 60-65% from the 2...
NBA Basketball in The Decade of The 1980's and the 90's was The Absolute Best!!!,and Bird was The Natural!!!
Any chance the full interview gets uploaded?
One of my fondest memories as a young kid- watching these two win ..win .... and win. I loved basketball because of these two players. I analyze the game today and compare with what the Celtics did in the 80's and 90's . What a fun time it was to be a Celtic's fan !
I was born in '72 so I was the perfect age for the Celtics in the '80s. Celtics lakers games were an out-of-body experience. Just unbelievable basketball.
@@morr8387 I hear ya man! Good old basketball!
2 of the all time greats!
Two of the best ever.
This is my absolute favorite Bird interview!
These guys are mellow now, but back then, early 80's McHale and Bird were vicious competitors. The front line were , 6'11 McHale, 6'9" Bird and 7'0 Parrish. Not only were they so talented, but they played such an unselfish team game. I hated them so much! Lol!
I was a big Sixers fan growing when I was a kid, started following them around 1986 the time Irving was retiring and Chuck was burning off his college fat, but I was dreaded when we played Boston, the size, the length, the skill and team work they had was to much to over come. Barkley to this day says McHale was the best player he ever faced and he faced Kemp, Duncan, Garnett, Malone etc. Those long arms McHale forced Barkley to start having to face the basket after being a post player in college, actually made him a better player.
Mchale is in the hof cuz he was a hell of a player and his lilmspin move under the basket didn't get stopped very often
Great interview great basketball players.
"The cheque's already got my name on it the past couple weeks"
Bruh 😂
Check
@@TL2354Check and Cheque both mean the same thing in this instance, with “check” being American English and “cheque” being British (and most other branches of) English.
It benefits ALL English users to know and understand these alternate spellings as being both correct. Greater understanding and communication is beneficial to us all.
Larry Bird will always be my favorite player.😊
Awesome interview
If Kevin McHale had played for any other team other than the Celtics, he's a starter, going to be an all-star every year and very good possiblity, he's winning at least one MVP award, this guy was so freaking good
McHale didn't care about MVP. He could have been while on the Celtics. He has addressed it many times. He enjoyed being right where he was.
@@cindyknudson2715 I know that, I'm just pointing out that he was so good, any other NBA team he's a starter but he was the most unselfish player and such a great player for the Celtics
@@Gregory-sm9pf 👍 Agreed
@@cindyknudson2715 right on Cindy!
When Bird and Walton are on camera at the same time, Bird busts Bill's chops often, and can seem serious with it, but you heard him speak the truth here. "Walton made the difference." Then added the same about Sichting.
Busting chops is a love/respect language too.
There is no "good to see you, brother!" or anything like that. You can tell they keep in touch and really are connected for life.
My favorites🥰 Aloha from Hilo, Hawaiʻi🌺
This was awesome! As a Lakers fan, I hated these guys, but as I've gotten older, I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the way these two played the game!
My respects to you for such a great comment. You know, the same happened to me when M Jordan was in his prime, because my favorite players and his respective teams never won a championship because of MJ, but like you, now I admire the greatness of Michael Jordan. By the way, Celtics were my favorite team
Nzinn73 Great Comment. As a Celtics fan, I have a tremendous appreciation for the 80s Lakers teams and guys Like Coop, Magic, Worthy, Wilkes, Kareem. Possibly the best rivalry in basketball.
Kevin McHale was to Bird like Pippen was to Jordan. Excellent ball player and smart!!
Back when basketball was a man's business.
Two gods chatting. Nice.
WHEN ART OF THE COMBINATION OF TWO FORWARDS WAS ART.
Extraordinary league of gentlemen.
Bird would decimate today's league and he knows it. It's taylor built for his game. An almost 6'10" Steph Curry who can play the 1 thru the 5 and score ANYWHERE on ANYONE.
Brian Jones, exactly what does "1 thru the 5" mean, thanks.
@@MyMy-zi7yv mean he can play point guard throu Center. All 5 positions
@@Spartan888able Thanks King Seth, yeah, I agree with that.
I'm a big Philly fan, started watching at the tail end of Irving's career just when Chuck was burning all of his college fat off, but the way people talk, you would think Bird could not jump, was slow etc, but when he was young he had some lift, not a high flyer, but was a better athlete than people think he was. His quick release and being a master of court awareness made him lethal. Barkley said McHale was the best player he ever faced, those long arms caused all kinds of problems, made Barkley have to learn to face the basket.
We had a lot of fun!
Lets get these guys a couple feet closer together, please.
😂
They’re 6’10” and 6’9”. They’ve got long damn legs!
@@fezzik7619 Their knees are only a few inches apart.
@@marykuettner752 ok? that's really bothersome to you? they've been friends for 40 years plus it might have to do with the type of camera and lighting set up for the interview. it's not like Larry is in Kevin's lap. get over it!
@@fezzik7619 Nah. I was poking fun at people saying they were too far apart.
Jerry Sichting and Bill Walton praised in the same breath by bird😲
It was awesome to watch them play & the other greats back in the day.
Kurt Rambis has to laugh out loud to hear McHale and Bird talk about how much better the game is now that cheap shots are more closely called! Lakers fan from back in the day, but listening to these guys is a blast.
I was the only Mfer walking around the Projects in the 80s and early 90s that was a Diehard Celtic Fan, Larry Legend was my favorite player But Everybody said I Balled Like Zeke
I understand what Bird is talking about being in a zone. I do the same thing when I'm driving or hiking. You get so used to or experienced that your actions or reactions are automatic. I used to have long commutes from work and not remember the drive home.
As tough as Larry was, he is absolutely right that a more open court game is purer basketball and more interesting today than the clutch and grab era he played in.
He’s not delusional about the evolution of the game which is refreshing
Little different questions for all Boston sports fans but I think the two best tandems were bird and mchale and Tom Brady and Gronk
'86 Celtics greatest team ever assembled!
McHale was doing courtside commentary for ESPN or TNT for a while and I thought he was excellent. Really intelligent guy, well spoken. Wonder why he quit.
…you think bird know these teams are on the classic 2k teams…I could see him and magic playing that stuff for hours…talking competition on the sticks with these old men…
2 of the best
Can’t believe Bird dunked!! I don’t remember ever seeing him dunk
Waste of energy dunk and lay up are both 2 points ‼
He was 6’9” and a decent athlete before he ruined his back
@@Buttington_Headerson I’m at the age we’re bird was finishing his career when I was just starting to watch the NBA but I’m old enough to remember his last two seasons and his appearance on the Dream Team
@@garyblubaugh2517 Oh really. Thanks for pointing that out. Waste of energy huh? That’s your response to someone saying they can’t remember ever seeing Bitd funk? I thought you got 4 points for a dunk and only 1 point for a Layup. Thank you for setting me strait on that. I was really confused until you told me a dunk and a layup we’re both worth 2 points. Idk what I was thinking. You sure about that? Im pretty sure a funk is 4 points and a layup is 1 point or it could be the other way around . Geez I bet you don’t have a single positive comment on RUclips anywhere do you? Your either the guy that has to pretend he’s the smartest guy on earth and knows everything or your crapping on somebody’s opinion aren’t ya?
@@joshuawilliams7141 lol that was Bird's own comment about dunking. Should be more a student of the game and quotes of the players, might catch a suttle hint next time. Sorry you got offended by Birds 🐦 own reply about dunking and why he didn't. Just like down 20+ to start a second half. Ref gave him the ball to inbound it. He tells the ref don't you quit for we aren't. Then he goes on to hit 11 in a row 7 being 3pts and they came back to win. Many stories out there about the Larry Legend if you dig it! Have a bless day, read, and observe things aren't always as we interpret them to be.
I've "always believed" had Bird been born in the 80's instead of the 50's he'd have been, right now, considered the best 3 point shooter of all time. PEOPLE DON'T GET IT THAT HE NEVER PRACTICED 3 POINT SHOTS WHILE GROWING UP LIKE THE PLAYERS OF TODAY HAS!!!!! I've defended Bird on this several times in different comments about 3 point shooting.
That's the point, that generation of players and coaches started to get acquainted with the CONCEPT of three points shot after the formative years, so it was used very sparingly compared to now.
I honestly wish there was a limit to the three points attempts, I preferred the inside game.
@@nicolaandria522 Hey that's a good rule, never thought of that, this way they've got to be careful when they shoot it. But it'll never fly, it's too instilled in basketball at this point.
Awesome!
I played division 2 basketball just south of Boston and o had this instructional video with Larry bird Jerry sceiting? And red araboch sorry about the spelling. Bird said when he warms up before a game he shoots all his shots inside the paint area and yea they look like east shots but it really helps with your range . Ok so I start practicing that and he also showed how he did his runner and that was my bread n butter . I’m 6’5” and that was unstoppable but it weird kinda it felt like slow motion and I hit game winners with that . Anything he did I tried to copy . I did have a great player on my team he was like n inch shorter than me and would pass like bird this kid was awesome we ended playing in all the city leagues we went to a Junior college together I wouldn’t play without this dude shoot he would feed me for n easy 15 a game that’s just from him it’s a guestimite good times
Never saw this before, this is great! Someone should try to assemble the whole '86 team and just have them reminisce for an hour!
Best SF of all time
Top 5 best NBA players: Bird 1 McHale 2 Mark Eaton 3 Bill Walton 4 Tom Chambers 5
Kevin was brilliant
Best Erra BB 😎
At 5:51, I think that Dick Stockton forgot the Red Auerbach basically INVENTED celebrating before the game is over about 30 years earlier with his victory cigars.
Two of the baddest white boy players of all times G
Nobody can stop bird and McHale
Bird hit shots from behind the backboard, no one else could do that
Just imagine if bird was in today’s league. I wonder how many 3’s he would of ended up with.
Mid 1980’s to late 90’s was the best era of NBA imho
I have never forgave the Celtics for trading Danny
Miss those 2 playing. Chief, DJ, DANNY. If somebody told me after that '86 Celtics championship, that 22 yrs would expire BEFORE! they wo again? I'd had said 2 u that I was the owner of the BOSTON GLOBE! Len Bias people.
Gotta give them bigger more comfortable chairs! 😅
Bird..... McHale....... parish......ainge. KILLERS!!!!!!!
I agree
The swagger they must have had.
I wish Bird went on TNT and yaked it up w Barkley. Gold
No defense means freedom
Cheap shots? Greg Kite anyone?
A million things make bird and great athletes great. But the elusive calmness the real top ones have is hit or miss. If they can ever figure out why some ppl relax and some tighten. Definitely separated bird and Jordan.
1:31 so uh...danny ainge could do math!
after watching them its tough watching todays Low IQ ballers
This interview is too damn short. BIRD is the best white guy I've ever seen to ever play basketball.
Why does young Larry Bird demeanor give me Aaron Rodgers vibes?
The shit talking, the confidence, talking the talk and walking the walk, the playfulness with the media.
Yeah Larry Bird
McKale was the 2nd best back to the basket post player ever!! He ruined his prime though playing out the 1987 season on his broken foot ugh.
The Big 3
Larry 2 in my book
If I was 6'7" in high school I'd score 30 ppg too. Not hard to post up on a 5'11
There were 100 players in that era that were ARTISTS…in todays game? Dozens of that.
Sorry kids. I know the truth hurts lol
I can hear Larry's breathing there's only one Bird
Bird was illegal 😎
Post of the Month.
Larry’s had/has Covid? Rough breathing !
He might be a smoker or have asthma/allergies. Lots of reasons this could happen to a man his age.