After Larry's back injuries and till his retirement (1986 to 1992), Larry Legend's stat line was: FG% - 49.5 3pt% - 39.4 Ft% - 91.1 25.1 PPG 9.3 REB 7.0 AST WITH A BROKEN SPINE ! ! !
FYI, Bird's vertical was 28 inches, which is what the league average is now. I'm guessing back in Bird's day his vertical was probably slightly higher than the average for that time, given training has improved and elite athleticism is more widespread today. Couple his vertical with his 6'9" frame, and he was able to posterize people when they didn't expect it (at least before the back injury). He appeared slow, but with his superb ball fakes, he made people look silly. His first step was just quick enough that he could jab step and make people fall down. So if you didn't respect his shot, he'd burn you with it. If you stepped out to guard him when he jab stepped, he could drive past you or shoot it over you if you fell to the floor. He was a distance runner, and had endurance to spare. I think he gets a bum rap on the whole 'not athletic' thing.
I agree. It talks a lot about how clutch he was at the end of games. I think a lot of that was because everyone else was more tired than he was. Some people just perform better under pressure, and he was one of them, but when you are consistently killing it at the end, I really think it's because everyone else has tired legs and you're still going strong. . . . So "athleticism," to me, is more than just who can jump higher and run faster, but also who can go the distance.
They also say that he was slow but he seemed to keep up with everyone else and he had superb hand-eye coordination. I think his speed was underestimated.
@@garymorris7472 Nah, Bird wasn't slow at all once he got up a head of steam. He could run the court with anyone. He just didn't have a truly explosive first step and used the skillset outlined above to score. He was already hard enough to stop, but could imagine what he would have been like if he had as quick a first step as Jordan? Unstoppable wouldn't even begin to cover it.
Can we get past color?!?!? The one time I, as a young child, mentioned color to my father - he said - both directly, and figuratively . .. the BEST person should win. Never forgotten that truth
Munroe- you should watch the documentary about the courtship of rivals Bird and Magic. It’s about an hour long but also reveals a lot of their lives and careers
Bird and Magic saved the NBA! Check out Pistol Pete Maravich, he to this day the all-time leading NCAA Div 1 scorer, Pete did it before the three point line and shot clock, plus he did it in three years, he was ineligible for the varsity team his freshman year and is one of the youngest players ever inducted into the basketball hall of fame. Pete was a star on a crappy team most of his pro career, he was a ball handling wizard whose career was cut short by injuries. Pete's last year was with the Celtics in the 79-80 season, Bird's rookie year, they played 35 games together and before his tragic death in 1988, Maravich called Larry the “very best” player in the NBA.
understand from 1980 to 1988 lary bird finished from 1981 , 82, 83 finished #2 in mvp,--from 84,85,86 he finished FIRST, the the next 2 years he finished 3rd then 2nd 1989 he only played 8 games and had surgery, In the 1980's to 90's larry recieved (66.9 %) of all votes in that span
There is an awesome video out there about what made Bird… Larry Legend. He grew unreal poor, and his dad even killer himself before he was arrested for late child support payments.
There is an awesome video out there about what made Bird… Larry Legend. He grew up unreal poor, and his dad even killed himself before he was arrested for late child support payments.
I saw you looking to see if the ball went off the Pistons. I remember that game I watched it on tv. I threw my bologna sandwich at the tv. The ball went off Rick Mahorn (I think it was Rick) and not Jerry Sichting. Jerry saved the ball by hitting Mahorn in the leg with the ball and then it went out of bounds. Terrible call. I think that's why Isaiah was in a hurry to inbound the ball. I never thought the game was over. We had Larry Bird and 5 seconds. I picked up my sandwich, took off the dog hair and watched the Celtics win!
@@irishgrlHello Irishgrl i guess we have the same taste. I see you in the comments on reaction vids. And now the rest of the story. The hair got into the mustard after it bounced of the tv. (back when we had glass picture tubes) and the bread separated letting the bologna and mustard land face down. I had to beat my Lab to the sandwich. She wouldn't care about the dog hair.
Yo, next time you look at whether the ball went out off the Pistons instead of spacebarring it and hoping you stop it at the right time, just hit the "comma" or "period" keys on your keyboard. Each time you hit the key, it'll move forward or backwards to the next frame or whatever and stop until you hit the key again... You can slowly tap and get to the spot you want without advancing past it by accident.
He also played his whole career after college with a career changing finger injury that changed his shooting style to his right index finger. Ball never felt the same and he never shit the same as he did in college after that.
That story STILL shocks me along with having Achilles surgery on BOTH feet in one season 😳 I have a bad foot injury & I just can't imagine dealing with two at the same damn time.
I love these reactions!! I watched all those games of Larry Bird and fact is he helped SAVE THE NBA!!! Don't be to sad that the Celtics didn't win this year, but be HAPPY THEY WERE FINALLY THERE AGAIN!! There is next year and they will learn from their mistakes this year. 😁💜💜
Hey Munroe, love your Celts videos. I saw Larry play in the old Garden, three times. All in the '84-86 prime of Larry and the Celts. Amazing. Unbelievable team play. Larry made that go. I've never seen any sports domination like that in any sport. The '75 Big Red Machine (baseball) was close. But Larry on the wing guiding the Celts was just amazing. I can still hear the crowd's overwhelming chant, "LARRR RY, LARRR RY, LARR RY ...."
Bird and Magic had that ultimate friendship. I remember when Magic came out that he had HIV, Bird was the first guy to call him and ask him how he was doing. I got to meet Bird when he was coaching the Pacers. He is truely a great guy.
Talking about Larry Bird’s injuries, check out the video: “4 Crazy Stories that Prove Larry Bird Is the Toughest NBA Player in History” I don’t think people realize exactly the depth of pain Bird played through. Other really good videos on how good Bird was: Larry Bird the Greatest Passer 50 best Assist Larry Bird Larry Bird Trash Talking Making the Case Larry Bird G.O.A.T I get the impression Larry Bird played a lot of HORSE in his youth. Larry Bird: “I’m going to shoot one over your head from the right corner rainbow, left handed, one legged, backwards, with my eyes closed, while whistling the Harlem Globetrotter’s theme song ‘Sweet Georgia Brown.” 😬
That was so exciting got quite emotional at the end beautiful words ..magical player an love you sharing your knowledge thanku so much love and God bless always x
I remember watching 1981 Finals between Boston and Houston back in the days when it came on taped delayed at 11:30 PM after the local news which today would be inconceivable. Larry Bird the G.O.A.T is certainly debatable. However he is forever in the All-Time starting 5. That is carved in stone. There will never be another like Larry Bird.
I agree, for me Jordan is the GOAT. My all time starting 5 would be: Magic at point, MJ as shooting guard, larry legend as small forward, Rodman as power forwatd and then a coin toss betwwen Abdul Kareem Jabar, or Wilt Chamberlain at centre....
Jordan had 6 championships but he and the bulls never beat bird and the Celtics in the playoff in 6 tries Bird won 3 mvps but he came in second in MVP voting 5 times...top two from 1981 to 1988. He was all defensive team 3 times..Celtics appeared in the finals 5 times with Bird and won 3.
Michael had six chances to beat Larry in the playoffs but could never do it. Michael never got to the Championship until Larry was finished with basketball. I'm not saying that Michael isn't in the conversation as the GOAT, but the fact that Michael never beat Larry in the playoffs means that Larry Bird has just as much claim in that conversation.
Great reaction! My favorite old-time player was Dr. J. But the GOATs are Russell, Chamberlain, Abdul-Jabbar, Magic, Bird and Jordan. Those six are all on the same plane. J doesn't get there and neither do James and Bryant or anyone else. These six were simply transcendent.
It was very telling that Magic Johnson called Larry Bird the greatest basketball player of all time. Bird never played on a Celtics team that had greater overall talent than their opponents, but he ALWAYS elevated his Celtics teams to the top of their game. Nobody has ever done as much to improve the play of everyone around them than Larry Bird did. What he did in his college career proves that taking a team that was just OK and putting them in the National Championship Game with a chance to win. The fact that Magic and that Michigan State team were so much more talented overall is the only thing that kept Bird from winning the National Championship. Bird still won two championships against the Lakers when they had more overall talent than the Celtics did. Bird was also the ONLY player Micheal Jordan did NOT beat in his career.
The whole concept of G.O.A.T. is... synthetic. Those guys just did what they did, and we enjoyed the hell out of all of 'em - Larry, Magic, Michael, Kareem, Wilt, Bill, Kobe, Jerry, Oscar, Pete, etc, etc. Each of them were absolutely unique, played their hearts out, and thrilled the crowds in slightly different ways, with the bodies their DNA assigned them, in different eras, with varying rules, and varying levels of competition. Crowning one of them supreme is just something we fans like to do, to justify our own favourite. We _l o v e_ to turn what is grey into black and white, with our beloved stats, or the sponsor of other players (who also have favourites). It's not unlike choosing a spouse based on a table of criteria - or on the votes of other women.
As for that rebound off the missed shot you said was your favorite, two things: 1) that was in the NBA finals v. the Rockets in 1981 and 2) isn't that so much better than watching guys launch up shots and then stand there, with their shooting hand in the air, so that they look cool if the shot goes in? The only time Bird stood there to watch whether a shot went in or not was when there was one second left when he shot it and therefore no time to rebound it.
Larry did it in his own style, which did not fit the description of a "great" like a Wilt or a Michael. But pay attention and you'll see it. I do think it was the way his brain processed the floor and how he anticipated what opponents were about to do. Reminds me a bit of Tom Brady where you see what the brain can do to raise the performance level.
Just remember if Larry Bird would have had Lynn bias at the tail end of his career I don't think Jordan would have sniffed the NBA finals with the team he had with the bulls.
Bird is my favorite all-time player but I do have MJ number one. For me, it's probably a toss up between Legend and Bron. All though they both are listed as small forwards, they essentially played different positions. Bron played as more of a point/forward. He handled the ball much more than Bird while Legend spent much more time on the blocks with his back to the basket. Bron is without a doubt a better defender (one of the best ever). Bird is without a doubt a better shooter. Bron can get to the rim from the perimeter better while Bird had the better post game. Both are exceptional passers. I got Bird by the smallest of margins because of his ability to consistently perform in the clutch. If the game is on the line, I want Bird taking the shot. But all the comments like one 'is way better than the other' and 'its not even close', so and so 'is trash' or so and so 'could not play in the other's era' are just stupid. Both are all-time greats.
I hv the privilege to assist a former NCAA Champion, 3× Starter (Freshman weren't allowed to play) Big Ten Team 50s friend of Larry, we watched this video together...a treasure to share with him then we watched the Jordan mix, it was awesome. we're going to watch Pistol Pete tomorrow, he knew him too...he was God and still is if he shows up there and we're working on making it happen again, to go in that Hall and receive the love, wish I could say who.
If Jordan went to Celtics instead of Bird they may have had similar success. Regardless of this, the main difference would be that Parish and Mc Cale would not be hall of famers. Bird brought all his teammates together and would deliberately hand the ball over to a teammate who was struggling to get into the game just to build them up. Just like he did back in college. In the playoffs he beat MJ 3-0 TWICE!! Jordan did not beat him once. I put these two players on top as equals but for completely different reasons.
How many in the GOAT conversation have lost more times in the finals than they won? That automatically removes Bron, not to mention him being outplayed by Jason Terry and JJ Barea in the Dallas series. No other GOAT candidate has anything remotely that bad on their resume.
When comparing careers remember James was 18 when he entered the nba, Wilt (23), Kareem, (22) Russell (22), block's and steals weren't kept, rebounds were kept together, maybe, just maybe we should go Generational, even the officials call(ok don't call) the game even close to the same, they even have 3 refs now so the tune "3 Blind Mice" could hold true...
I've said is in other reactions about who's the GOAT. Here's how I personally see it. Being 59 years old and having watched the game, rules and so forth evolve, I love having the discussion with someone claiming their man is the GOAT. Truth is that there will never be a greatest of "all" time. Each generation has and always will have a select few that are the greats. As physical conditioning, medicines, rules and other things change, the athletes also change. A perfect example is when I hear LJ fans clain he is "THE GOAT" is that as physical as the game was back in the early days he wouldn't survive. Bird could most likely play better during this era than LeBron in Birds era.
I was too young to remember Bird's play I just know he passed the ball like our coaches told us too. But I think it was his 50 greatest moments against the Lakers I think in the playoffs the hits and fouls in the game were crazy.
I really don't know about the GOAT argument...you can make a case for plenty of guys. I really do appreciate all those guys for what they did. Something that Kareem said really hit home for me, "it's how it looked" when somebody asked him about Jordan being the GOAT. That made a lot of sense to me.
No. Bill Russell - 13 championship's - is. Byrd is 2nd. 3 mvps in a row, against showtime Lakers, ,the bulls, Ewing's Knicks, Clyde's Portland, Malone and Stockton's Utah, Barkley's 76rs, the bad boys of Detroit, San Antonios Robinson and Duncan, and the rest of the baddest insid players of the 80s and 90s. Before, the fouls that are called today, the Harper fouls, hack a Shaq, etc. He once dropped 47 points on Portland, playing left handed! Pistol Pete was even better, but had a short career, plus was born with half a left side heart.
On a individual level by the metrics we have, yes Jordan is the greatest player ever. I dont think anyone can dispute that without lying. But as an allround team oriented player I dont think Jordan beats Larry. Larry had SOOO many things he was the best at that you cant even put into metrics. His ability to raise up his team mates preformance was completely unrivalled. McHale and Parish are on the record saying that playing with Larry made them reach personal levels they never dreamed of. Larry as the only new addition to the team turned swubg the Celtics from a 29 win season to a 62 win season his rookie year. I believe Its the biggest swing in NBA history still this day. Larrys hustle was also unrivalled, definitely before he got injured but even after I still think he was the hardest, toughest worker in the League. Court vision, mental toughness the list goes on. Overall, while Jordan in a one on one comparison is the better player I think Birds value to the Celtics was way higher than Jordans was to the Bulls. If you removed Larry from the Celtics, they would suffer more than if you removed Jordan from the Bulls. Im also not convinced Jordan would beat Larry in a one vs one. If the both played all the legends but NOT each other, Jordan would take the throphy. But one of Larry definine skills were to get you off your game, getting in your head and Jordan wasnt as Stone cold playing vs Larry as he was vs other players. Jordan himself says he learned EVERYTHING he knows about trash talking and mind games from Larry. It would literally be like going up against your master and that would make anyone at least a little bit nervous. So who is the goat is really alot about what you value. There is a reason Jordans first words when he heard of Larry retirement was "OH thank goodness". Personally I dont think Its possible to factually and definitively say one single guy is the greatest. Just the fact that there are different position makes it Pretty much an impossible or at the very least and unfair judgement. There are just "the goats", a select group of absolute masters of their trade and Magic, Jordan and Bird are all in there. To me theyre all no1. For different reaaons, but they all have feats that make them superior to all other players. But thats just an opinion.
Bird hits 1 shot he most likely gets 4 championships and splits 4 each with magic. And goes 2-1 record in finals against magic. Bird most likely gets another finals mvp. Granted it's still not 6 with MJ but it definitely changes the goat debate. If Bird never had those significant injuries that shortened his career and took away from him he may win more. Which helps his case but he did break his finger pretty bad after being drafted during a baseball game he played where he bent his finger all the way back, and they say college Bird was a better shooter than nba Bird and he said himself he's never had the same feel for the ball since that injury and he was still the best shooter in the NBA. So imagine without that injury how much better he would have been including shooting percentages maybe he wins more without having that broken finger but still give him those other injuries. At the end of the day birds the goat he took a 29 win team to a 61 win team did it without, McHale, parish, DJ, and Walton. He made his team mates better, he created the others to be hall of fame players, yes they were good but I don't think without Bird they are hof guys. He created opportunities for them to succeed.
Ok I’m going to give my opinion. This generation however is my limit. I didn’t watch Kobe Bryant play enough to make an opinion nor Labraun James. These 2 as far as I know could be the best but as far as my opinion goes is just before their time. Here’s a great list: Julius Irving, Irving”Magic” Johnson, Kareem,Akeem,James Worthy,The Great Mike J,Larry Bird, wilt Chamberlain. These are the greatest in my opinion maybe Carl Malone in there. Kareem has a lot going for him. Lots of mvps,championships and championship mvps, he was fascinating but he was limited to the inside. Dr J was the original badass. Definitely you can see where Mr J got his swagger from here. But Dr J wasn’t a great jump shooter. He could go to the rim as good as anyone. Magic was a great all around ball player. Both sides of the ball. But let’s face it he surrounded by arguably the best team ever put together. Worthy and Kareem take some away from him standing out. That’s how it is when you have to share the court. James worthy is my favorite. He was perfect at his position. He played an important role in those championship games against the Celtics. Without him Celtics would have shut them out not losing once to them in the big game. But he was brides maid to magic and Kareem. Akeem one of the greatest centers very powerful. But like Kareem limited to the middle. Milk J changed the game. He pushed the limit past Dr J. He was good everywhere on the court. He came into the league in 1985 I think. But how long did it take him to dominate? He could score 60 and lose the game. You can’t do it by yourself unless you know how to get the best out of your team. That takes us to Larry Bird. His first year was unreal. Rookie of the year, next year he’s beating Dr J in the championship. 84,85,86 mvp. Championships against The Lakers and pistons. He dominated quarters without taking a shot. And the best clutch shot in nba history period. Could shoot from anywhere on the court. Go to the rim,steal,pass anyway he wanted,fake you out,and was 2 plays ahead. A savant basketball player. Tell you what he going to do and do it. Yes he is the best. Hands down. If I’m putting together the greatest team he’s no 1 Mike J 2 worthy 3 Magic 4 Kareem 5 Akeem backup center.
There's no such thing as the "GOAT" in my opinion. There's a small handful of guys who can be considered for that position, and Larry Joe Bird is most definitely in that elite group.
You know your basketball and it’s history. It’s why I like your channel. Bird was a facilitator and a scorer. Here is Polynice saying exactly what you did! ruclips.net/video/jfhIlO_OEgI/видео.html. Who was better Bird or Magic?
I got bird as the goat with Jordan then shaq. I got bird over Jordan because Jordan never beat bird in the playoffs and over the Cree battles of the 2. Birds got him beat 85-12
He was also Rookie of the Year and his 3 mvp's were back to back.
"It is what it is" The greatest quote of them all...
Bird is definitely in the conversation as the GOAT!
I’ve seen so many reactors change their opinions on Larry after watching videos like these 🥰
Larry Legend IS MY TRUE GOAT 🐐
After Larry's back injuries and till his retirement (1986 to 1992),
Larry Legend's stat line was:
FG% - 49.5
3pt% - 39.4
Ft% - 91.1
25.1 PPG
9.3 REB
7.0 AST
WITH A BROKEN SPINE ! ! !
Incredible
MJ said I am glad your are retiring now I can win a title. MJ lost to Bird in playoffs twice and swept both times. To me Bird is my goat.
Mine too!
I agree with you!!! I'm for Larry Legend!!!
Making the case for Magic. Bird and Magic back to back considering what they've done for Basketball in America. Actually the world.
FYI, Bird's vertical was 28 inches, which is what the league average is now. I'm guessing back in Bird's day his vertical was probably slightly higher than the average for that time, given training has improved and elite athleticism is more widespread today. Couple his vertical with his 6'9" frame, and he was able to posterize people when they didn't expect it (at least before the back injury). He appeared slow, but with his superb ball fakes, he made people look silly. His first step was just quick enough that he could jab step and make people fall down. So if you didn't respect his shot, he'd burn you with it. If you stepped out to guard him when he jab stepped, he could drive past you or shoot it over you if you fell to the floor. He was a distance runner, and had endurance to spare. I think he gets a bum rap on the whole 'not athletic' thing.
I agree. It talks a lot about how clutch he was at the end of games. I think a lot of that was because everyone else was more tired than he was. Some people just perform better under pressure, and he was one of them, but when you are consistently killing it at the end, I really think it's because everyone else has tired legs and you're still going strong. . . . So "athleticism," to me, is more than just who can jump higher and run faster, but also who can go the distance.
They also say that he was slow but he seemed to keep up with everyone else and he had superb hand-eye coordination. I think his speed was underestimated.
@@garymorris7472 Nah, Bird wasn't slow at all once he got up a head of steam. He could run the court with anyone. He just didn't have a truly explosive first step and used the skillset outlined above to score. He was already hard enough to stop, but could imagine what he would have been like if he had as quick a first step as Jordan? Unstoppable wouldn't even begin to cover it.
I've seen this video 15 times and I tear up every. single. time. Magic's comments just get me.
Thanks for the reaction 💜💜💜
Can we get past color?!?!? The one time I, as a young child, mentioned color to my father - he said - both directly, and figuratively . .. the BEST person should win. Never forgotten that truth
there is a video that shows how magic and Larry became friends during a commercial at larrys home was awesome
Larry’s the ONLY ONE that Got OVER On MJ💯
Munroe- you should watch the documentary about the courtship of rivals Bird and Magic. It’s about an hour long but also reveals a lot of their lives and careers
Bird and Magic HBO documentary. It's a must see for any b ball fan
I am a OG and will admit if I had to pick someone as a 🐐 I would say Jordan is that, I would just say these two we're closer then some think.
Bird and Magic saved the NBA! Check out Pistol Pete Maravich, he to this day the all-time leading NCAA Div 1 scorer, Pete did it before the three point line and shot clock, plus he did it in three years, he was ineligible for the varsity team his freshman year and is one of the youngest players ever inducted into the basketball hall of fame. Pete was a star on a crappy team most of his pro career, he was a ball handling wizard whose career was cut short by injuries. Pete's last year was with the Celtics in the 79-80 season, Bird's rookie year, they played 35 games together and before his tragic death in 1988, Maravich called Larry the “very best” player in the NBA.
understand from 1980 to 1988 lary bird finished from 1981 , 82, 83 finished #2 in mvp,--from 84,85,86 he finished FIRST, the the next 2 years he finished 3rd then 2nd 1989 he only played 8 games and had surgery, In the 1980's to 90's larry recieved (66.9 %) of all votes in that span
Another great reaction. Bird also elevated the games of his teammates by keeping everyone involved in the offense
Great reaction.. Munroe
There is an awesome video out there about what made Bird… Larry Legend. He grew unreal poor, and his dad even killer himself before he was arrested for late child support payments.
There is an awesome video out there about what made Bird… Larry Legend. He grew up unreal poor, and his dad even killed himself before he was arrested for late child support payments.
I saw you looking to see if the ball went off the Pistons. I remember that game I watched it on tv. I threw my bologna sandwich at the tv. The ball went off Rick Mahorn (I think it was Rick) and not Jerry Sichting. Jerry saved the ball by hitting Mahorn in the leg with the ball and then it went out of bounds. Terrible call. I think that's why Isaiah was in a hurry to inbound the ball. I never thought the game was over. We had Larry Bird and 5 seconds. I picked up my sandwich, took off the dog hair and watched the Celtics win!
Lol at dog hair!
@@irishgrlHello Irishgrl i guess we have the same taste. I see you in the comments on reaction vids.
And now the rest of the story. The hair got into the mustard after it bounced of the tv. (back when we had glass picture tubes) and the bread separated letting the bologna and mustard land face down. I had to beat my Lab to the sandwich. She wouldn't care about the dog hair.
Yo, next time you look at whether the ball went out off the Pistons instead of spacebarring it and hoping you stop it at the right time, just hit the "comma" or "period" keys on your keyboard. Each time you hit the key, it'll move forward or backwards to the next frame or whatever and stop until you hit the key again... You can slowly tap and get to the spot you want without advancing past it by accident.
He also played his whole career after college with a career changing finger injury that changed his shooting style to his right index finger. Ball never felt the same and he never shit the same as he did in college after that.
That story STILL shocks me along with having Achilles surgery on BOTH feet in one season 😳 I have a bad foot injury & I just can't imagine dealing with two at the same damn time.
I love these reactions!! I watched all those games of Larry Bird and fact is he helped SAVE THE NBA!!! Don't be to sad that the Celtics didn't win this year, but be HAPPY THEY WERE FINALLY THERE AGAIN!! There is next year and they will learn from their mistakes this year. 😁💜💜
Hey Munroe, love your Celts videos.
I saw Larry play in the old Garden, three times. All in the '84-86 prime of Larry and the Celts. Amazing. Unbelievable team play. Larry made that go. I've never seen any sports domination like that in any sport. The '75 Big Red Machine (baseball) was close. But Larry on the wing guiding the Celts was just amazing. I can still hear the crowd's overwhelming chant, "LARRR RY, LARRR RY, LARR RY ...."
Jordan came in the league in 85. He couldn't do anything until the greats got old or retired.
He couldn't do anything until his team improved around him, and he learned to play less selfishly. Bird immediately made a terrible team great.
@@ToddandRaquiForrest 👍
In his prime Bird was as good as anybody who ever played the game. 🏀
Bird and Magic had that ultimate friendship. I remember when Magic came out that he had HIV, Bird was the first guy to call him and ask him how he was doing. I got to meet Bird when he was coaching the Pacers. He is truely a great guy.
Talking about Larry Bird’s injuries, check out the video:
“4 Crazy Stories that Prove Larry Bird Is the Toughest NBA Player in History”
I don’t think people realize exactly the depth of pain Bird played through.
Other really good videos on how good Bird was:
Larry Bird the Greatest Passer
50 best Assist Larry Bird
Larry Bird Trash Talking
Making the Case Larry Bird G.O.A.T
I get the impression Larry Bird played a lot of HORSE in his youth.
Larry Bird: “I’m going to shoot one over your head from the right corner rainbow, left handed, one legged, backwards, with my eyes closed, while whistling the Harlem Globetrotter’s theme song ‘Sweet Georgia Brown.” 😬
8 years straight 1st or 2nd in MVP voting. What players have that stat line?
Dude.. It's precisely because of his bad back that he is above jordan, in terms of greatness..
That was so exciting got quite emotional at the end beautiful words ..magical player an love you sharing your knowledge thanku so much love and God bless always x
I remember watching playoff games at 11:30 at night back in the mid 70s.
Great job man!
You see what I'm sayin'?
I remember watching 1981 Finals between Boston and Houston back in the days when it came on taped delayed at 11:30 PM after the local news which today would be inconceivable. Larry Bird the G.O.A.T is certainly debatable. However he is forever in the All-Time starting 5. That is carved in stone. There will never be another like Larry Bird.
I agree, for me Jordan is the GOAT. My all time starting 5 would be: Magic at point, MJ as shooting guard, larry legend as small forward, Rodman as power forwatd and then a coin toss betwwen Abdul Kareem Jabar, or Wilt Chamberlain at centre....
Excellent commentary, Munroe, excellent commentary....
If there was no Magic, Bird would have more titles. If there was no Bird, Magic would have more titles.
You nailed, I can repeat this video verbatim, best analogy on his college I've heard. #Truth
Jordan had 6 championships but he and the bulls never beat bird and the Celtics in the playoff in 6 tries Bird won 3 mvps but he came in second in MVP voting 5 times...top two from 1981 to 1988. He was all defensive team 3 times..Celtics appeared in the finals 5 times with Bird and won 3.
The Tim Duncan one is special. He was a team guy with loads of talent.
My dad who is the biggest MJ ever said the same thing Bird was the goat until he had those bad knees.
Michael had six chances to beat Larry in the playoffs but could never do it.
Michael never got to the Championship until Larry was finished with basketball.
I'm not saying that Michael isn't in the conversation as the GOAT, but the fact that Michael never beat Larry in the playoffs means that Larry Bird has just as much claim in that conversation.
Yes. And no hardcore MJ fan will EVER admit that.
Great reaction! My favorite old-time player was Dr. J. But the GOATs are Russell, Chamberlain, Abdul-Jabbar, Magic, Bird and Jordan. Those six are all on the same plane. J doesn't get there and neither do James and Bryant or anyone else. These six were simply transcendent.
It was very telling that Magic Johnson called Larry Bird the greatest basketball player of all time. Bird never played on a Celtics team that had greater overall talent than their opponents, but he ALWAYS elevated his Celtics teams to the top of their game. Nobody has ever done as much to improve the play of everyone around them than Larry Bird did. What he did in his college career proves that taking a team that was just OK and putting them in the National Championship Game with a chance to win. The fact that Magic and that Michigan State team were so much more talented overall is the only thing that kept Bird from winning the National Championship. Bird still won two championships against the Lakers when they had more overall talent than the Celtics did. Bird was also the ONLY player Micheal Jordan did NOT beat in his career.
17:20 I know what you mean.... ultimately the game of basketball is a game of buckets...if you don't score enough, you lose.
Larry legend 🐐
The whole concept of G.O.A.T. is... synthetic. Those guys just did what they did, and we enjoyed the hell out of all of 'em - Larry, Magic, Michael, Kareem, Wilt, Bill, Kobe, Jerry, Oscar, Pete, etc, etc. Each of them were absolutely unique, played their hearts out, and thrilled the crowds in slightly different ways, with the bodies their DNA assigned them, in different eras, with varying rules, and varying levels of competition. Crowning one of them supreme is just something we fans like to do, to justify our own favourite. We _l o v e_ to turn what is grey into black and white, with our beloved stats, or the sponsor of other players (who also have favourites). It's not unlike choosing a spouse based on a table of criteria - or on the votes of other women.
As for that rebound off the missed shot you said was your favorite, two things: 1) that was in the NBA finals v. the Rockets in 1981 and 2) isn't that so much better than watching guys launch up shots and then stand there, with their shooting hand in the air, so that they look cool if the shot goes in? The only time Bird stood there to watch whether a shot went in or not was when there was one second left when he shot it and therefore no time to rebound it.
Great stuff! MJ for sure but Larry a goat also …Love your content!
Larry did it in his own style, which did not fit the description of a "great" like a Wilt or a Michael. But pay attention and you'll see it. I do think it was the way his brain processed the floor and how he anticipated what opponents were about to do. Reminds me a bit of Tom Brady where you see what the brain can do to raise the performance level.
Yes he is
Just remember if Larry Bird would have had Lynn bias at the tail end of his career I don't think Jordan would have sniffed the NBA finals with the team he had with the bulls.
Bird is my favorite all-time player but I do have MJ number one. For me, it's probably a toss up between Legend and Bron. All though they both are listed as small forwards, they essentially played different positions. Bron played as more of a point/forward. He handled the ball much more than Bird while Legend spent much more time on the blocks with his back to the basket. Bron is without a doubt a better defender (one of the best ever). Bird is without a doubt a better shooter. Bron can get to the rim from the perimeter better while Bird had the better post game. Both are exceptional passers. I got Bird by the smallest of margins because of his ability to consistently perform in the clutch. If the game is on the line, I want Bird taking the shot. But all the comments like one 'is way better than the other' and 'its not even close', so and so 'is trash' or so and so 'could not play in the other's era' are just stupid. Both are all-time greats.
Kevin McHale is slept on too much.
Daniel Carey in the band Tool actually wears a real Bird jersey every show.. or almost every show
Wilt chamberlain
I hv the privilege to assist a former NCAA Champion, 3× Starter (Freshman weren't allowed to play) Big Ten Team 50s friend of Larry, we watched this video together...a treasure to share with him then we watched the Jordan mix, it was awesome.
we're going to watch Pistol Pete tomorrow, he knew him too...he was God and still is if he shows up there and we're working on making it happen again, to go in that Hall and receive the love, wish I could say who.
Dude I remember remember reading that sports iilisrrated on my toilet at age 6
I am a Celtic Fan but the Showtime Lakers were unbelievably good, it always looked like an accident when they lost.
If Jordan went to Celtics instead of Bird they may have had similar success. Regardless of this, the main difference would be that Parish and Mc Cale would not be hall of famers. Bird brought all his teammates together and would deliberately hand the ball over to a teammate who was struggling to get into the game just to build them up. Just like he did back in college. In the playoffs he beat MJ 3-0 TWICE!! Jordan did not beat him once. I put these two players on top as equals but for completely different reasons.
The entire "Making The Case" series is amazing. The Tim Duncan episode is great, and I gotta say, there's a reason why he saved LeBron for last 🐐
How many in the GOAT conversation have lost more times in the finals than they won? That automatically removes Bron, not to mention him being outplayed by Jason Terry and JJ Barea in the Dallas series. No other GOAT candidate has anything remotely that bad on their resume.
@@maldad9073 well that's an incredibly simplistic way to look at the GOAT conversation in a total team sport lol but have fun with that
When comparing careers remember James was 18 when he entered the nba, Wilt (23), Kareem, (22) Russell (22), block's and steals weren't kept, rebounds were kept together, maybe, just maybe we should go Generational, even the officials call(ok don't call) the game even close to the same, they even have 3 refs now so the tune "3 Blind Mice" could hold true...
Bird and Magic did more for race relations than any other due I can think off. Incredible Human Beings.
I've said is in other reactions about who's the GOAT. Here's how I personally see it. Being 59 years old and having watched the game, rules and so forth evolve, I love having the discussion with someone claiming their man is the GOAT. Truth is that there will never be a greatest of "all" time. Each generation has and always will have a select few that are the greats. As physical conditioning, medicines, rules and other things change, the athletes also change. A perfect example is when I hear LJ fans clain he is "THE GOAT" is that as physical as the game was back in the early days he wouldn't survive. Bird could most likely play better during this era than LeBron in Birds era.
I was too young to remember Bird's play I just know he passed the ball like our coaches told us too. But I think it was his 50 greatest moments against the Lakers I think in the playoffs the hits and fouls in the game were crazy.
I really don't know about the GOAT argument...you can make a case for plenty of guys. I really do appreciate all those guys for what they did. Something that Kareem said really hit home for me, "it's how it looked" when somebody asked him about Jordan being the GOAT. That made a lot of sense to me.
You need to check out "Making the case" 1986 Celtics as the greatest team of all time.
there is no GOAT. someone will always come along and be better. that goes for everything
Jordan never beat Bird when he went up against him. Otherwise I would agree with you that he was the goat.
No. Bill Russell - 13 championship's - is. Byrd is 2nd. 3 mvps in a row, against showtime Lakers, ,the bulls, Ewing's Knicks, Clyde's Portland, Malone and Stockton's Utah, Barkley's 76rs, the bad boys of Detroit, San Antonios Robinson and Duncan, and the rest of the baddest insid players of the 80s and 90s. Before, the fouls that are called today, the Harper fouls, hack a Shaq, etc. He once dropped 47 points on Portland, playing left handed! Pistol Pete was even better, but had a short career, plus was born with half a left side heart.
Hi Mr. Monroe, I love U man; "U know what I am saying".. (U may or may not know that is called a Word Crutch) ♠W.G.
Like and comment for the Celtics! We might be back 🤯
It’s real close …….
But I have it # 1 BIRD # 2 JORDAN
Only because Mike didn’t win a
thing til Larry left the league ….
If i want to win the game i let MJ take the shot, if my life depended on it i would let Bird take the shot. Pat Reilly.
Jordan was 0 for 6 in the playoffs against bird. Jordan didn't win a championship till bird retired. Bird is the Goat!
larry was a different species.
On a individual level by the metrics we have, yes Jordan is the greatest player ever.
I dont think anyone can dispute that without lying.
But as an allround team oriented player I dont think Jordan beats Larry.
Larry had SOOO many things he was the best at that you cant even put into metrics.
His ability to raise up his team mates preformance was completely unrivalled.
McHale and Parish are on the record saying that playing with Larry made them reach personal levels they never dreamed of.
Larry as the only new addition to the team turned swubg the Celtics from a 29 win season to a 62 win season his rookie year.
I believe Its the biggest swing in NBA history still this day.
Larrys hustle was also unrivalled, definitely before he got injured but even after I still think he was the hardest, toughest worker in the League.
Court vision, mental toughness the list goes on.
Overall, while Jordan in a one on one comparison is the better player I think Birds value to the Celtics was way higher than Jordans was to the Bulls.
If you removed Larry from the Celtics, they would suffer more than if you removed Jordan from the Bulls.
Im also not convinced Jordan would beat Larry in a one vs one.
If the both played all the legends but NOT each other, Jordan would take the throphy.
But one of Larry definine skills were to get you off your game, getting in your head and Jordan wasnt as Stone cold playing vs Larry as he was vs other players.
Jordan himself says he learned EVERYTHING he knows about trash talking and mind games from Larry.
It would literally be like going up against your master and that would make anyone at least a little bit nervous.
So who is the goat is really alot about what you value.
There is a reason Jordans first words when he heard of Larry retirement was "OH thank goodness".
Personally I dont think Its possible to factually and definitively say one single guy is the greatest.
Just the fact that there are different position makes it Pretty much an impossible or at the very least and unfair judgement.
There are just "the goats", a select group of absolute masters of their trade and Magic, Jordan and Bird are all in there.
To me theyre all no1.
For different reaaons, but they all have feats that make them superior to all other players.
But thats just an opinion.
Larry swept Jordan twice in the playoffs 6-0
If you want clutch player also check Spanoulis.
Great series. Tim Duncan's is surprisingly great
no a reapeat of gunsmoke.lol
Bird hits 1 shot he most likely gets 4 championships and splits 4 each with magic. And goes 2-1 record in finals against magic. Bird most likely gets another finals mvp. Granted it's still not 6 with MJ but it definitely changes the goat debate. If Bird never had those significant injuries that shortened his career and took away from him he may win more. Which helps his case but he did break his finger pretty bad after being drafted during a baseball game he played where he bent his finger all the way back, and they say college Bird was a better shooter than nba Bird and he said himself he's never had the same feel for the ball since that injury and he was still the best shooter in the NBA. So imagine without that injury how much better he would have been including shooting percentages maybe he wins more without having that broken finger but still give him those other injuries. At the end of the day birds the goat he took a 29 win team to a 61 win team did it without, McHale, parish, DJ, and Walton. He made his team mates better, he created the others to be hall of fame players, yes they were good but I don't think without Bird they are hof guys. He created opportunities for them to succeed.
I agree with kathy, MJ lost to Larry 0-6 in the finals. The only guy MJ didn't beat.
It took Jordan Bird , M. Johnson to retire and bad boy Pistons to falter before the Bulls to start their dynasty.
What about wilt Chamberlain?
Ok I’m going to give my opinion. This generation however is my limit. I didn’t watch Kobe Bryant play enough to make an opinion nor Labraun James. These 2 as far as I know could be the best but as far as my opinion goes is just before their time. Here’s a great list: Julius Irving, Irving”Magic” Johnson, Kareem,Akeem,James Worthy,The Great Mike J,Larry Bird, wilt Chamberlain. These are the greatest in my opinion maybe Carl Malone in there. Kareem has a lot going for him. Lots of mvps,championships and championship mvps, he was fascinating but he was limited to the inside. Dr J was the original badass. Definitely you can see where Mr J got his swagger from here. But Dr J wasn’t a great jump shooter. He could go to the rim as good as anyone. Magic was a great all around ball player. Both sides of the ball. But let’s face it he surrounded by arguably the best team ever put together. Worthy and Kareem take some away from him standing out. That’s how it is when you have to share the court. James worthy is my favorite. He was perfect at his position. He played an important role in those championship games against the Celtics. Without him Celtics would have shut them out not losing once to them in the big game. But he was brides maid to magic and Kareem. Akeem one of the greatest centers very powerful. But like Kareem limited to the middle. Milk J changed the game. He pushed the limit past Dr J. He was good everywhere on the court. He came into the league in 1985 I think. But how long did it take him to dominate? He could score 60 and lose the game. You can’t do it by yourself unless you know how to get the best out of your team. That takes us to Larry Bird. His first year was unreal. Rookie of the year, next year he’s beating Dr J in the championship. 84,85,86 mvp. Championships against The Lakers and pistons. He dominated quarters without taking a shot. And the best clutch shot in nba history period. Could shoot from anywhere on the court. Go to the rim,steal,pass anyway he wanted,fake you out,and was 2 plays ahead. A savant basketball player. Tell you what he going to do and do it. Yes he is the best. Hands down. If I’m putting together the greatest team he’s no 1 Mike J 2 worthy 3 Magic 4 Kareem 5 Akeem backup center.
I agree...Mikko Jordon is the Greatest!!!
Jordan is def one of the GOATs....but, he never beat Bird in the playoffs.
There's no such thing as the "GOAT" in my opinion. There's a small handful of guys who can be considered for that position, and Larry Joe Bird is most definitely in that elite group.
You know your basketball and it’s history. It’s why I like your channel. Bird was a facilitator and a scorer. Here is Polynice saying exactly what you did! ruclips.net/video/jfhIlO_OEgI/видео.html. Who was better Bird or Magic?
Compare the career stats, not team stats.
Larry could still beat Jordan after all of his injuries in Jordan's best year.
Magic beat him 3X in the finals 1 in NCAA. 2 in the finals what are you talking about
Scriptwork?
Didnt know he did basketball reactions
HAVE YOU EVER HEAR ABOUT PISTOL PETE MARAVICH LOOK HIM UP?
Here’s a big fact Bird’s Celtics 5- Jordan’s Bulls 0 in playoff games.
mj 1, kobe 2, magic/bird 3a/b thats just my opinion
Pistol Pete might have been the GOAT if he had stayed healthy.
It's difficult to separate Bird and Jordan ... but they are competing for #2 and #3
The only choice for G.O.A.T. is Wilt Chamberlain
I got bird as the goat with Jordan then shaq. I got bird over Jordan because Jordan never beat bird in the playoffs and over the Cree battles of the 2. Birds got him beat 85-12