I'm an old man now. I saw most of these games live on tv. There is something most people don't consider when they talk about Larry Bird being slow. They assume that just because he's not moving the fastest on the court, that he really is slow. First thing. Bird ran all the time. I've never seen a player with more endurance than Bird. Visiting teams would come to Boston and practice on their court before a game, and Bird would be running up in the nose bleeds, in an unairconditioned arena, where the temperature was 90 on the court, and 110-120 where Bird would be running the stairs all the way up top. That endurance meant Bird played both defense and offense. People think Bird didn't play defense. Bullshit. Bird was selected to the All Defensive 3 times. He led the League in defensive win shares four times. Only about five or six players have more, and only Hakeem is tied with him. In most games, halfway through the third quarter Bird was the fastest guy on the court. Which leads me to my next point. Second thing. Bird had a very quick first step, and a third gear he didn't show until late in a game. Bird was much faster than most people realize, and I've watched him chase down players and stop fast breaks. Finally, my third thing. People think that just because Bird wasn't running flat out all the time that he couldn't. It never crosses their mind that the reason Bird knew where everyone was at all times is he played just fast enough to take it all in, understand exactly what everyone was doing on the court, and then implement the precise play that was going to embarrass his opponents the most, including everyone on the opposing roster, just by dominating whoever got in front of him. Larry wasn't slow. No one, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, EVER, thought the game quicker than Larry did. That makes Larry the fastest player ever in NBA history.
I couldn't have said it better. Like you I saw those games live on TV and I saw the Celtics and the Lakers live in person. I saw Bird play live at least 10 times. I would catch at least one Celtic game when they came to New York or New Jersey back in the 80's starting in 1984.
I've been watching basketball for 35+ years since I was a little kid and I've never seen anyone play like him. He had a totally unique style that nobody has been able to copy
bird is the real god..........and he dont know that everyone knows it but wont admit it////////////even jordan knows it..........jordan knows that white hick from french lick is the greatest thing that ever hit basketball court.............after bird retired jordan finally could take birds seat on the throne/////// larry 3 rings magic 5 rings jordan 6 rings////////if not for bird magic would have 8 rings..jordan would have 9 rings//heck if bird wasnt born than add another 10 rings to magics and jordans rings////////without 13 years of larry bird celtics would be still in the bottom of the ocean///////////
In a game where everything is on the line Bird over Magic and I grew up with show time Lakers loving the Lakers and everytime they played the Celtics you giot a knot in your stomach because even though the Lakers were stacked against the Celtics Bird had a way of out working and out thinking and dropping impossible shots.
Larry himself on the podium in finals said “magic is the greatest” I think their rivalry got so much respect one gonna say the other is better… 2 careers cut short tho, we missed 3-4yrs of prime from Larry cus back injury and HIV cost Magic 3-4yrs of top level mvp type play
@KHLB516 Bird said Magic was the best player in the game after the 1987 finals. Bird was better period. Bird could do anything Magic could do and was a better rebounder and way better shooter.
As both Magic and Bird have said, one was the better foward, the other, the better guard. BOTH, phenomenal players and good friends to this day. They respected each other's talents tremendously....thanks for a well done reaction.
I think Larry Bird's primary goal was to make his team better, he constantly made everyone an integral part of every play even if a player was on the bench. When a player from the opposite team tried to stop Larry, that player(s) was essentially, taking on the entire Celtic's team, but they didn't know it. Bird knew where everyone was, at all times. A sign of a great leader.
You really said it all. He made the inbound pass because he could read defensive movement and made the opposition make mistakes. He made the opposition players embarrassed. They always looked forward to playing the Celtics, but they worried a lot!!!
Bird's goal was not to make his team better, it was to win, but in order to win he had to trust his teammates. Bird was not a "hick from French Lick." Robert Parrish was a key to those great Celtic teams. Bird knew that getting Parrish involved early was a key to winning.
@ervsavord4985 fans like you are the ones who make Bird overrated in many people's minds. Hyperbole is fun but the Celtics weren't a one man team. They were 29-53 but they had Cornbread and Tiny on that roster when Bird joined.
You've heard the phrase Jack of all trades, master of none. To be absolutely honest, he was the true master of the game, capable of simply doing every thing needed to win
@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344you're wrong cause Bird was the key and the engine to the celtics winning success cause there's plenty of games Bird was not playing in due to injury and the celtics fell apart looked lost and had no leader
From 81-89, Burd got 67% of all MVP votes. Magic, Doc, Moses. Kareem, MJ and the rest got 33%, COMBINED. Half of what Bird got alone. Those guys were all great.
. He was also 1st or 2nd in voting for 7 or 8 years straight. And don't forget Bernard King, Hakeem, and Dominique. Jordan, from a rookie in 1984, and didn't a win a title until 1991, 7 years after entering the league, and Bird's last year. Bird had a legitimate argument for MVP one of the years Jordan won, can't remember which, and tbh he was easily the best player during the 1981 finals, where he averaged 15 rebounds. If Bird hits that runner in the 84 finals and they win, there would be zero GOAT talk. "We got lucky" Pat Riley, after Bird's miss off the back of the rim.
bird is the goat for 13 years//////only reason he only got 3 mvp was cuz of injury//but everyone knows for 13 years who the goat really was///////////////////bird all the way babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy//greatest player in all of sports/////////
Bird was not just a scorer, he was also a facilitator, and the question is not how many points would he score in today's game, but how many points and assists would he average if he played today?
I lived through the Bird era, the Orr era, the Papi era, and the Brady era in Boston and I'm still more impressed with Larry than the others. Larry just had something about him that made him almost like a magic show, totally on another plane of sports existence. There was never a more clutch player in any sport hitting ruthless last second shots over and over.
You can always tell people that didn't see Bird and Magic play. Bird was always considered the better player until after his back injury. There really wasn't a question. Lakers had two goats with Kareem and Magic. I completely believe that Magic was the best point guard of all time. However Bird was equally good as a passer. He could throw an outlet pass sidearm from under the basket to the other end of the court and put it into his teammates hands. Bird had the three point shot and post moves.
@@marykuettner752I never considered the Bird Magic comparison at the time because it was really about the two teams competing for me. But I think Larry did have a deeper bag of tricks than Magic because, for one thing, he could shoot the ball. Larry had something very few players will ever have though - instincts that made him a chess player on the court of the stature of a Bobby Fisher.
Larry would easily dominate any era. He's extremely smart. To fully understand him you have to watch his passing highlights. Then add all the other stuff on top of it. lol.
Another thing to think about. Even in those 50-point games, Larry Bird didn't shoot more than two or three 3-pointers. Think about with him having the green light I'm practicing those 3-pointers. I'd say minimum 35 points and 50-point games would not be rare. He had a lot of 40-point games where he only shot one or two 3-pointers
Bro, we miss watching your reaction with Larry. The dude was ridiculous and new vids about him drop almost every week. Great reaction as always! Stay Blessed....
I would say Larry would average 27 to 30 PPG. And that's because he'd be averaging way more assists. Larry almost always shared the wealth. There were times he would challenge himself to beat arena records or torch a player. And then sometimes late, take the game over like in the playoffs against Dominique and the Hawks when he scored 20 in the 4th. Dominique had 16. Larry said it was too bad somebody had to lose. Now if Larry wanted to, he would average 35 to 40 ppg. But that's not Larry. That's why he is Larry Legend.
Saw Bird in person in February 78’ and watched 79’ championship game. When I was young, I thought Magic was under appreciated, but as I got older, I thought the same about Bird. I finally came to the conclusion that they were both incomparable and that it’s a fool’s game to choose. Even their personalities are incomparably different. The similarities are also incomparable. John Salley played against both, and he says the same thing
They asked what a prime Larry Bird would average in today's game. well, he averaged 24 in his entire career, but prime Bird averaged over 30 in an era where they actually played defense. With very little 3 pointers. Today's game I really believe he could average at least 35. Could you imagine how many titles would have been won if MJ, Bird and Magic would have formed a super team. Their thought process was I want to Beat the best not join them. Basketball would be much better if today's players had that same mindset.
I'm 55 and grew up in that era. I was a Rockets fan and I got to see Bird play occasionally but I watched ESPN Sports Center religiously (before it turned to trash) and from what I watched either live or through highlights.....all these players are speaking FACTS.
You need to see the clip from Charles Barkley. Bird was muttering under his breath during the game and Charles heard him. During a timeout out he asked Larry what was wrong. Larry told Charles that the 76ers were being disrespectful for putting a white go on him. It was one of the few times Charles said he didn't know what to say back!😁
It's true. Larry was better than Magic. Magic had greater success because he was on a slightly better team in a much weaker conference. It was a lot easier for the Lakers to get to the finals than it was for the Celtics. Larry was a better shooter, better rebounder, better defender, and just as good a passer. Have you ever watched one of Bird's passing-highlight videos? It's freakish.
30+ if he wanted to. He was all about team play, he got just as much fun with an assist as with a bucket. CLUTCH as hell as you saw the greats saying you KNEW he was going to take the shot, and you STILL could not stop him.
Larry Bird lived for basketball. When you hear the story of all of Larry Bird's injuries starting with his mangled finger right before signing his contract, his feet injuries, back injuries,and he still played like that, he wins, The Goat.
he sort of grew up in a type of a hood and it was because local hotels a business locally employees who were black played basketball at outside courts and were much older would let larry play with them so not really a hood but the black players treated him great
As much as I hated LB back in the day (I'm a lifelong Pistons fan), I have always had absolute respect for him which only grows with passing time. He's easily one of the all-time greats.
The 1980s had the highest concentration of all time best players over any period. No debate. During the 1980s, Larry Bird was the best. No debate among anyone at that time. He always led in rebounds though yes, others did got more. But... if he wanted to shoot, he dropped 50+. If he wanted to pass that night, he triple double. Think he's not complete? Ask his fellow HOF teammates who all say they're there because of Larry. Regardless, it's the clutch, the ability to win that puts Bird in a league all unto himself. "Stone Cold Killer." He'd ask the ballboys for the records in an opposing team's arena so he could break the records, him telling the media before the game, telling the opposing team's players, coaches & everyone what he was going to do. Larry Bird's retirement ceremony was sold out, & they didn't have a game that day. Study your history boys. Larry Legend is the GOAT.
I most definitely agree with almost every team of that era, if someone asked who was on such n such team you could name 3 or 4 maybe great players from their squad.
Saw em' all. Basketball junkie since the late 70's. Jordan was already the best player in the world by 1984 Olympics. Behind him, hard to choose between Bird, Magic, a few others. Barkley doesn't get enough recognition. He changed the game - played a hybrid 2,3,4 and dominated. Put better teammates around Jordan or Barkley in mid 80's, and Detroit's run probably wouldn't have happened.
I watched both Magic and Larry live. I was an LA fan back then. Magic was just well....Magic. Who couldn't love the show time Lakers? With that said Bird would just ruin your night because if he got any chance at all, he would win the game.
He'd score whatever it took to make his team win. Stats were important to him when he compared himself to Magic and Magic wanted to have a good night based on what Bird did that night; however, stats go by the wayside versus wins. All those two really wanted were wins and jewelry.
The thing about the guys on the Atlanta bench is that they had already been destroyed by bird with him telling them what he was going to do and they could hear what he was telling the other guys while they were on the bench that's why they were laughing and falling
Larry the legend was different in demeanor he had a high IQ* with a killer intent with a back up mentality second to none he was a son of a gun* Magic was you unique in passing skills like bird they both put winning in basketball* Magic leadership was in masterful taste deadly in action and traffic)( these two brothers change the game of fame to real entertainment that was seldom seen since the likes of Kareem* then came MJ that took the game to another stratosphere where the greats will always shine among the superstars of tomorrow*
Loved this reaction! Thank you both. There are some high school, college, and pro stats videos of Larry that are well worth checking out also, if you haven't already.
I never lived anywhere near Boston but, Larry Bird made me a Celtics fan the second he stepped on the court. I have never seen as good an all round player as Bird then or since. Larry Bird did things routinely that no other player did. He was all about the team and getting the win. Did he talk trash?, yes he did but, he backed the trash talk up. He would tell you what he was going to do and there wasn't a thing you could do to stop it.
@@diegofernandokrischegarcia4336Magic played in the soft Western Conference and had great teams. Celtics had to go through Philly, Milwaukee and later on the Pistons.
It's hard to say what Bird's ppg would be. It would depend on the players he had around him. If he had two or three other scorers, he would likely have been a bit more like Magic, racking up massive assists, maybe 12 a game on his career. If he was the go-to guy, 35 ppg or more. But one thing is sure -- with the softer defenses, his FG% would have been significantly higher.
Look at Bird's 1st year in Boston in 1979. Bird, who was really the only new addition to a Celtics team that had only won 21 games the previous season....won 62 games in Bird's rookie year (McHale, Parrish, Ainge nor DJ came until after Bird's rookie year). Bird could take 4 YMCA type players and lead them to The Playoffs.
I think it depends on who is on his team. If he on a team with a healthy steph and another great shooter, he drop what he need to in game or get like 25 assists haha.
I grew up watching Bird & I was a Celtics fan. Basketball was better in those days. And Bird was better then Magic. The stuff Bird did with weaker teammates then Magic had was amazing. Bird is top 5 ever. I love watching those old games.
Like Reggie Miller said...a LOT of the old school players would thrive..saying: u give a pure shooter freedom to roam, a clear look at the basket, space, and you can't touch him..LIGHTS OUT BABY!
He was averaging close to 30 points at time's back then; So I think it would be more to 40 to 45 now days. He would only take 2 to 3 shot pointers back then. Now They would have Him taken 10 To 17 a game. He would be killing on His mid range shots & if He is at the post,,, come on. My main reason to Why Bird would kill them into day's games Is because He Had & Still would have the Best Basketball IQ into Today's time. He would Out Think All of Them & He would Make His Team the Best at it too. There's a New Video out Called; "Why You Never Poke Larry Bird-A Trash Talk STORY Told by NBA Legends! by Nick Smith NBA". It's really not about a bunch of stories of Larry trash talking. It's about One Story/One Game & It was a 4th Quarter Shootout between Wilkins & Larry. Also Larry did this shootout when He was Hurting, it was right before He ended up having Both Feet Surgery (It was written that after this game They found out Larry played this game while having Bronchial Pneumonia). You can tell by watching this 4th Quarter Shootout that Larry was Not Feeling Good at all. Anyway I Hope You Two Check This One Out It Is Different & I Think You'll Both Enjoy It Too.
Magic and Larry Legend careers will be linked together forever. The question is irrelevant because they are essentially the same player feeding off of each other's performances as an eternal competition between these all-time greats. I was privileged to see both players play in my lifetime. In my opinion, they saved the NBA. The game exists as a national sport because of them.
Bird was a better version of the Joker. He was a better passer, and a better, shooter, and a better ball handler, faster, quicker, and almost as tall, his rebounding numbers in a tougher more physical league say that he is likely just as good a rebounder. He smoked people in the 80s, he is cooking the league today. And that is coming from a Magic/Lakers fan.
Larry had all the skills that every basketball player would pay big buckes for. His were the next level though, he won every situation in his head. That's why they all said he was the biggest trash talker. It was more like Psy-Ops backed up with killer skills and the ultimate confidence in them, he gave it up all the time for the team, in loose ball situations and playmaking.
I'm sure LB today in his retirement could hang in a 3-point competition with pro players. Amazing that he would tell the players and, the opposing bench and even tell coaches exactly what he would do and still score on them.🤣
Larry Bird won Back to Back to Back MVP with Magic Kareem Dr J Jordan Moses Malone Olajuwon and Barkley all in the league. He was bookend runner up for MVP. Oh, and look at the sweeps of Jordan out of the playoffs back to back yrs.
Bird and Magic both GREAT team players,passers,knowledge of the game. I lived in LA at the time both teams were playing each other in the finals but as far as Bird and Magic gotta give the edge to Bird because of his shooting ability
They were both great and I watched either any chance I got while growing up in the 70s\80s - I also have to give the edge to Bird. He could control a game by himself, even if he was having an off game. Magic went to the finals his rookie year, but the voters still gave Bird the vote for Rookie of the Year 66-2. It was evident to everyone during his day.
My Dream Team: Larry Bird and four other players HE chooses! Larry would be dropping at least 30 points every game...if he felt like doing it! Especially in today's cupcake league, he would have 30 by halftime!
The thing that made Bird so great, besides his shooting and passing, was that raised the level of play from his teammates. If they couldn't answer his call, they weren't on his team for long. Good reaction. Thanks for sharing.
I think it's too close to call between Bird and Magic. If you're counting championship rings, then it goes to Magic who had 5 vs Bird's 3. If you're looking at fundamentals (ball handling, shooting, passing, playing under the basket, defense), I'd give an edge to Bird. But they were too similar in what made them great, court awareness (basketball IQ) and the use of misdirection, for me to choose between them.
I got Bird over Magic for one main reason. When you compare the 80's Lakers team(1st real Super team in my book) vs the Celtics you quickly realize Magic had more help in talent backing him. Kareem top 10 player, Worthy top 50 player, Michael Cooper top 75 player etc and Coached by Pat Riley. McHale, Parish and Ange while good players just aren't on the same level. So I don't think Magic would quite have the same numbers and accolades as he did with the Lakers on a lesser team. Remember Larry turned a bottom of the barrel Celtics team around in just his Rookie year ( went from 29-53 in 1979 to 61-21 in 1980 ) and that was with no Ange or DJ pus he kept them as a contender throughout the 80's.
Agreed except for McHale. McHale was as good or better than both Worthy and Cooper. He's considered to have the greatest post moves in NBA history along with Olajuwon. Also, regarded as a great defender. McHale was an absolute stud. He was on the Top 50 list back in 1996 and deservedly so.
You always need to consider if the player changed the game. If they did, then consider them to be one of the best. Very few modern players have done anything to change the game.
Bird was on another level, a level not seen before or since. I watched him play at Boston Garden. I was sitting behind the basket and I saw him effortlessly weave and spin in and around 3 or 4 defenders who were close together and near the basket. It was like he knew how each would react in a chain reaction to his every move 3 or 4 steps ahead of everyone. I remember that to this day and my thought was - how the hell did he do that. He knew how to win. His clutch shooting broke the back of his opponents. His trash talking got in your head. His passing to team mates without looking at them over his head under or whatever looked like some magic trick, his will to win was unsurpassed and he could execute that will in so many different ways it made his opponents head spin. He was tough as nails and rose to the challenge and was just a cold blooded shooter. He was like the Jimmy Hendrix of basketball - playing his own game, the way he wanted, breaking boundaries of what was thought possible. He is the greatest player that has ever lived. He was the the living embodiment of absolute confidence and bone chilling execution. If he was in the game and the game was close he was in your head as you knew you couldn’t stop him.
I’ve watched a lot of Bird videos. This is one of the best. I don’t really think Larry would score too many more points in today’s league. I’ll say 30 ppg. The reason? His basketball IQ is high enough to know that distributing the ball throughout the offensive sets keeps everyone in the game and makes him lethal when needed the most. Great video. Like that you included former NBA players.
I wished Larry Bird was here in his prime and could play LeBron in his prime. I really think Bird would be a much better player. Those guys had very tough players back then, the league was much more contact back then. Actually, stats I've read, Bird had better stats than Jordan as well.
French Lick is a small town in the hills of southern Indiana,but it had a big hotel/spa/casino that paid well in the summer, so a lot of guys from Louisville would work over the summer at the hotel. That’s who Bird would play against in high school, black men from Louisville. Of *course* he knew how to trash talk.
Of course at least 35-40!! He would do more in todays era!! He was dropping that in a league that was rough!! And oh that is a true cross over step back jumper!! Hare dens is a travel step back especially who’s he steps back to either side instead of step back straight back
During Larry Legends' prime years, he was averaging 28.1 points per game. In my opinion, in today's NBA, he would average at least 38 points per game. In his prime, he was playing against the defensive monsters / legends of the game. Additionally the 3 point shot came into existence in Birds rookie season and was generally used as a tactical shot in the 4th quarter. Today's players shoot the 3 at will averaging over 10 shots a game. Finally, in Birds day, players got hammered, jerseys and held body checked. With the current soft / touch fouls that are called, Larry would feast at the free throw line. Bird was over a 90% free-throw shooter and at one point made 71 consecutive shoots from the charity stripe.
What do you mean "He ain't doin' that in today's game?" He would be league MVP every damn year! They couldn't stop him in his era, you think these powder puff defenses could stop him? Be serious bro. You can't even breathe on a player today. He'd average 35 a game today. With his talent? All they know how to do is shoot 3's in today's game. He'd blow away everyone including Curry from three-point-land. Bird only averaged about four shots a game from behind the arc. Can you imagine Larry yanking about 15-20 bombs a game today. And half the time he'd fake the defense out from three-land. They'd think he was gonna launch one, and instead he'd fire a missle pass to whoever is standing under the basket. Easy two points, another assist for Bird. Yes, Larry Legend would average 35 points, 15 assists, 15 rebounds, probably 5-6 steals and a block or two. He's just got more talent than anyone today. Period! The one thing he'd have to watch is hi league-leading trash talking because today everybody's so soft, so he'd most likely get tossed a lot...
You can’t mention one without the other Magic/Bird, all these players speaking would excel today, from team to team in 80s & 90s we’re very talented across board. That era of basketball to me in comparison would be that of talented boxers when Ali in heavyweight and Surgar Rays.
Many players were much faster with their feet But nobody was faster with their mind Like Gretzky…Bird’s instincts allowed him to see the future and his confidence was ready to face it
I think the ICEMAN Gervin was the first Curry. Bird had the same mentality... As for Bird it Depends on the team around him same as then. On a contender he'll do enough to win just like he did back then. on a BAD TEAM 45-50 like he did in college. his mental games and toughness plus now-a-days you can't touch him. today he would have grown up shooting the three instead of learning how to shoot three's half way through his basketball life. plus he passes like Magic and REBOUNDS THE BALL he averaged 10 a game for his career. and lets not forget the fact many of his offensive rebounds and assists came off of just a tap in the right direction. Dude was the most cerebral player ever... he won games before they started. In '86 all he had to do was show up and the C's won.
No offence taken...we all know as white people that black players are more athletic we were just surprised like everyone else when we watched Bird play 😂 It's all love ❤
Go back and check what Bird did to the Bulls in the early 90's before he retired. Note that was with a bad bad back and after surgery on both feet to remove bone spurs.
Larry Bird was the baddest White boy to ever play the game. He got that way from playing with Black players in Indiana as he was growing up. It was a huge disadvantage for him to begin with 'ball'n while White'. He worked very hard to achieve what he did when there's no doubt that Basketball is, and will always be, a Black person's game first and foremost. So... when you see him out there "shoe shining" like Magic said 😂, he definitely deserves the praise.
Watching Larry games you always thought something crazy was going to happen. The shooting was great but it could also be a steal, a block, a fake, a pass. Anyway that you could get beat and -things you couldn’t even imagine happening- everyone was afraid Larry would do it. He was like the hero of a movie. Even His top assists video is just jaw dropping
nice presentation..bird my favorite but both great at their position on their teams. Bird was more of a scorer, rebounding etc. but magic ran his team as a passing point guard ..BOTH great players and men...
Bird would hava a chance of smoking lebron and kevin durant since you are saying he wouldn't do tbat in today's gane trust me it would be mucho easier for him to play know
I was blessed to see BIRD, from my Dad’s 12 row floor seats from ages 6 thru 15. I saw his greatness about 85 times total. I also watched his warm ups. I remember him practicing Free Throws while conducting a pre game interview. Me and several other youngsters around watched amused and counted, “16, 17 18”! As they swished through the net. He would smile and look over at us as he shot from the stripe 37 in a row (LEFTY). I also witnessed him grab a rebound in traffic in a Knicks playoff game, and throw a full court pass (lefty) about 75 ft dead on. He did this several times in other games. Nor only could no one do it then, but no one now would have the balls to. Let's put BIRD in today's game with no back to backs, better medical staff, better sneaker and athletic technology and a game that has sped up to about 10 more possessions a game. Let's also factor in BIRD would take about 7 to 10 more 3 balls a game. Now add in a league play style that does not promote defense and has made it easier for the offensive player. EX. No hand checking, Zone, flopping, poor weakside help defense by most teams, The Euro Step, (Adult travelling), Palming the ball and not being called for it, and just a general disdain for intense defense. These are all reasons the Refs make a ton of mistakes, because they don't know how to call the game consitanly anymore with all these Gimics. Now take BIRD, and tell him to focus on practicing the 3 ball, as it wasn't even a part of his routine. Add in that he has the best LEFT hand then anyone whoever played the game, I submit, he could outshot 60 percent of the league today lefty. Lastly, add in his one of a kind trash talking, he would even go into the opposing teams huddle & make sure the other Coach new what the play was. Let's be honest, their are a lot of EMO players in the game today that would be overwhelmed by his confidence. So what would BIRD do today? This is what would happen. 14:59 45/14/12 2.5 steals and 95 percent from the stripe! All while making everyone around him better. His game was so outstanding that THEY, said he wasn't athletic. Actually he was, but just because your not, the MOST, at something, doesn't mean you aren't. If he wasn't, then why was he embarrising even great players on a nightly basis? Remember, BIRD took a 29 win team to 61 wins in year 1, while beating out and winning ROY over MAGIC, who many consider a top 5 player, and who I love by the way. If this feet were done today, BIRD likely also would have won MVP as well. Their are few generational talents, and I respect the heck out of them, but that FACT is, BIRD is a GENERATIONS talent😀
steph curry is great shoooter but bird is the real killer........that outside shot from the corner baseline nothing but net ....bird hardly ever misssed that shot/////////he missed it in playoffs that year against lakers..it was gods way of showing us bird is human after all............biggest clutch player of all time/////////////u so lucky to have seen the greatest player at floor level seats.i envy u//////////////
LOVE the reaction!! :) ♥ “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13
Larry Bird was learned how to play from a group of black men who played in or near his home. I think that is one reason he wanted black players to guard him.
I grew up a fan of Dr. J, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan, but the player who could beat you the most ways with the most skills was Larry Bird. Bird had the best combination of inside scoring, mid-range scoring, 3-point scoring, passing, rebounding, defense, basketball IQ, trash talking, work ethic, clutch performance, and leadership. Bird had it all from day 1 in the NBA. The others gained some of these things after several years. Bird was the Batman of the NBA. He was always several moves ahead of the competition, best clutch shooter of all-time, #2 all-time with winning percentage (Jordan is #40), he had the passing gift, and he could beat you more ways than just shooting. Jordan was dangerous when he had the ball. Bird was always dangerous - with or without the ball. Bird is top three all-time with Jordan and LeBron, but Bird is the best small forward of all-time. Hands down. "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird." - Legendary Lakers Coach Pat Riley “I would much rather guard Michael Jordan than Larry Bird, because you have to play the game as a thinker when you’re playing [Bird]. You have to get inside his mind. Larry wasn’t quick, he couldn’t jump really high, but there were just some sleepless nights.” -James Worthy on Larry Bird, via ESPN SportsCentury " The difference between Jordan and Bird was that Jordan made you look slow, Bird made you look stupid. " - James Worthy “Larry Bird can’t jump, and he’s not that quick… But he makes up for it by using his head, analyzing the opponent. It makes him better than the competition… Consequently, he doesn’t have a weakness.” - Michael Jordan
I wasn't a fan of bird at all, but I've never seen anyone as good as him. If you know you know. He would destroy today's NBA
I feel exactly the same way about CR7.
Bird was pretty universally considered the best player of that era. No doubt Magic was incredible too.
jordan fans will fight u for that call//hehe.but even jordan fans know bird is the real god///////////
I'm an old man now. I saw most of these games live on tv. There is something most people don't consider when they talk about Larry Bird being slow. They assume that just because he's not moving the fastest on the court, that he really is slow.
First thing.
Bird ran all the time. I've never seen a player with more endurance than Bird. Visiting teams would come to Boston and practice on their court before a game, and Bird would be running up in the nose bleeds, in an unairconditioned arena, where the temperature was 90 on the court, and 110-120 where Bird would be running the stairs all the way up top. That endurance meant Bird played both defense and offense. People think Bird didn't play defense. Bullshit. Bird was selected to the All Defensive 3 times. He led the League in defensive win shares four times. Only about five or six players have more, and only Hakeem is tied with him. In most games, halfway through the third quarter Bird was the fastest guy on the court. Which leads me to my next point.
Second thing.
Bird had a very quick first step, and a third gear he didn't show until late in a game. Bird was much faster than most people realize, and I've watched him chase down players and stop fast breaks.
Finally, my third thing.
People think that just because Bird wasn't running flat out all the time that he couldn't. It never crosses their mind that the reason Bird knew where everyone was at all times is he played just fast enough to take it all in, understand exactly what everyone was doing on the court, and then implement the precise play that was going to embarrass his opponents the most, including everyone on the opposing roster, just by dominating whoever got in front of him. Larry wasn't slow. No one, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, EVER, thought the game quicker than Larry did.
That makes Larry the fastest player ever in NBA history.
Agreed! Completely.
☘️ Larry Legend
I second this 👍 ❤
I couldn't have said it better. Like you I saw those games live on TV and I saw the Celtics and the Lakers live in person. I saw Bird play live at least 10 times. I would catch at least one Celtic game when they came to New York or New Jersey back in the 80's starting in 1984.
@denoke45. WOW!!! I never saw the games live in person.
Did you ever get to meet any of the players?
He was economical - he didn't waste his energy on being flashy.
I've been watching basketball for 35+ years since I was a little kid and I've never seen anyone play like him. He had a totally unique style that nobody has been able to copy
Larry Legend 🏀....cold blooded... clutch... basketball knowledge off the charts..no one comes close
bird is the real god..........and he dont know that everyone knows it but wont admit it////////////even jordan knows it..........jordan knows that white hick from french lick is the greatest thing that ever hit basketball court.............after bird retired jordan finally could take birds seat on the throne/////// larry 3 rings magic 5 rings jordan 6 rings////////if not for bird magic would have 8 rings..jordan would have 9 rings//heck if bird wasnt born than add another 10 rings to magics and jordans rings////////without 13 years of larry bird celtics would be still in the bottom of the ocean///////////
In a game where everything is on the line Bird over Magic and I grew up with show time Lakers loving the Lakers and everytime they played the Celtics you giot a knot in your stomach because even though the Lakers were stacked against the Celtics Bird had a way of out working and out thinking and dropping impossible shots.
Magic, himself, gives the edge to Bird because there were things Bird routinely did that Magic couldn't.
Larry himself on the podium in finals said “magic is the greatest”
I think their rivalry got so much respect one gonna say the other is better…
2 careers cut short tho, we missed 3-4yrs of prime from Larry cus back injury and HIV cost Magic 3-4yrs of top level mvp type play
@KHLB516 Bird said Magic was the best player in the game after the 1987 finals. Bird was better period. Bird could do anything Magic could do and was a better rebounder and way better shooter.
@@KHLB516magic said bird was better on lettermen.
@@bAkra60magic said bird was better on lettermen
@@nathanc30 and Larry said Magic was the best he ever seen so what’s your point?
As both Magic and Bird have said, one was the better foward, the other, the better guard. BOTH, phenomenal players and good friends to this day. They respected each other's talents tremendously....thanks for a well done reaction.
I think Larry Bird's primary goal was to make his team better, he constantly made everyone an integral part of every play even if a player was on the bench. When a player from the opposite team tried to stop Larry, that player(s) was essentially, taking on the entire Celtic's team, but they didn't know it. Bird knew where everyone was, at all times. A sign of a great leader.
You really said it all. He made the inbound pass because he could read defensive movement and made the opposition make mistakes. He made the opposition players embarrassed. They always looked forward to playing the Celtics, but they worried a lot!!!
Bird's goal was not to make his team better, it was to win, but in order to win he had to trust his teammates. Bird was not a "hick from French Lick." Robert Parrish was a key to those great Celtic teams. Bird knew that getting Parrish involved early was a key to winning.
@ervsavord4985 fans like you are the ones who make Bird overrated in many people's minds. Hyperbole is fun but the Celtics weren't a one man team. They were 29-53 but they had Cornbread and Tiny on that roster when Bird joined.
You've heard the phrase Jack of all trades, master of none. To be absolutely honest, he was the true master of the game, capable of simply doing every thing needed to win
@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344you're wrong cause Bird was the key and the engine to the celtics winning success cause there's plenty of games Bird was not playing in due to injury and the celtics fell apart looked lost and had no leader
I grew up watching Magic and Byrd. It don’t matter who’s better, they saved the NBA. It was an amazing time to be alive.❤❤❤
From 81-89, Burd got 67% of all MVP votes. Magic, Doc, Moses. Kareem, MJ and the rest got 33%, COMBINED. Half of what Bird got alone. Those guys were all great.
. He was also 1st or 2nd in voting for 7 or 8 years straight.
And don't forget Bernard King, Hakeem, and Dominique. Jordan, from a rookie in 1984, and didn't a win a title until 1991, 7 years after entering the league, and Bird's last year. Bird had a legitimate argument for MVP one of the years Jordan won, can't remember which, and tbh he was easily the best player during the 1981 finals, where he averaged 15 rebounds.
If Bird hits that runner in the 84 finals and they win, there would be zero GOAT talk. "We got lucky" Pat Riley, after Bird's miss off the back of the rim.
85 finals@@silverfoxvr8541
@@silverfoxvr8541I think you are referring to the 87 Finals game 4
bird is the goat for 13 years//////only reason he only got 3 mvp was cuz of injury//but everyone knows for 13 years who the goat really was///////////////////bird all the way babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy//greatest player in all of sports/////////
@@silverfoxvr8541probably 88
Bird was not just a scorer, he was also a facilitator, and the question is not how many points would he score in today's game, but how many points and assists would he average if he played today?
35+ pts 10 assts 12 rbs low ball #s
That's what I was thinking, he'd probably average a triple double.@@Zionsol777
32, 11 reb, 11 assists in his peak season. That's what he'd do today.
I lived through the Bird era, the Orr era, the Papi era, and the Brady era in Boston and I'm still more impressed with Larry than the others. Larry just had something about him that made him almost like a magic show, totally on another plane of sports existence. There was never a more clutch player in any sport hitting ruthless last second shots over and over.
You can always tell people that didn't see Bird and Magic play. Bird was always considered the better player until after his back injury. There really wasn't a question. Lakers had two goats with Kareem and Magic. I completely believe that Magic was the best point guard of all time. However Bird was equally good as a passer. He could throw an outlet pass sidearm from under the basket to the other end of the court and put it into his teammates hands.
Bird had the three point shot and post moves.
@@marykuettner752 Magic even admitted Larry was better.
@@marykuettner752I never considered the Bird Magic comparison at the time because it was really about the two teams competing for me. But I think Larry did have a deeper bag of tricks than Magic because, for one thing, he could shoot the ball. Larry had something very few players will ever have though - instincts that made him a chess player on the court of the stature of a Bobby Fisher.
Yea over and over
#TRUTH
LB was averaging close to 30 in the 80's and still having to feed McHale and Parrish. Todays game, he is doing at least 37-38 if he wanted.
Larry would easily dominate any era. He's extremely smart. To fully understand him you have to watch his passing highlights. Then add all the other stuff on top of it. lol.
He made every player on his team better, I recall Parish saying Larry handed 10,000 to 15,000 pts. In his career.
Another thing to think about. Even in those 50-point games, Larry Bird didn't shoot more than two or three 3-pointers. Think about with him having the green light I'm practicing those 3-pointers. I'd say minimum 35 points and 50-point games would not be rare. He had a lot of 40-point games where he only shot one or two 3-pointers
Bro, we miss watching your reaction with Larry. The dude was ridiculous and new vids about him drop almost every week. Great reaction as always! Stay Blessed....
I would say Larry would average 27 to 30 PPG. And that's because he'd be averaging way more assists. Larry almost always shared the wealth. There were times he would challenge himself to beat arena records or torch a player. And then sometimes late, take the game over like in the playoffs against Dominique and the Hawks when he scored 20 in the 4th. Dominique had 16. Larry said it was too bad somebody had to lose. Now if Larry wanted to, he would average 35 to 40 ppg. But that's not Larry. That's why he is Larry Legend.
And note that was after he injured his back during summer of 1985.
he was not a ball hog. if he could score 60 against the hawks back then, he could do that today. its not as tough today.
Saw Bird in person in February 78’ and watched 79’ championship game. When I was young, I thought Magic was under appreciated, but as I got older, I thought the same about Bird. I finally came to the conclusion that they were both incomparable and that it’s a fool’s game to choose. Even their personalities are incomparably different. The similarities are also incomparable. John Salley played against both, and he says the same thing
They were both greats I think. Giants among men
Yes,
BOTH are among The Top 5 NBA 🐐G.O.A.T.s🐐
C -- Wilt
PF -- Bill Russell
SF -- 🐐Larry🏀Legend🐐
SG -- Oscar Robertson
PG -- Magic
They asked what a prime Larry Bird would average in today's game. well, he averaged 24 in his entire career, but prime Bird averaged over 30 in an era where they actually played defense. With very little 3 pointers. Today's game I really believe he could average at least 35. Could you imagine how many titles would have been won if MJ, Bird and Magic would have formed a super team. Their thought process was I want to Beat the best not join them. Basketball would be much better if today's players had that same mindset.
I'm 55 and grew up in that era. I was a Rockets fan and I got to see Bird play occasionally but I watched ESPN Sports Center religiously (before it turned to trash) and from what I watched either live or through highlights.....all these players are speaking FACTS.
You need to see the clip from Charles Barkley. Bird was muttering under his breath during the game and Charles heard him. During a timeout out he asked Larry what was wrong. Larry told Charles that the 76ers were being disrespectful for putting a white go on him. It was one of the few times Charles said he didn't know what to say back!😁
It's true. Larry was better than Magic. Magic had greater success because he was on a slightly better team in a much weaker conference. It was a lot easier for the Lakers to get to the finals than it was for the Celtics. Larry was a better shooter, better rebounder, better defender, and just as good a passer. Have you ever watched one of Bird's passing-highlight videos? It's freakish.
Great video. I’m an old boomer who greatly appreciates when the younger generations take an objective look at the greats from the past.
30+ if he wanted to. He was all about team play, he got just as much fun with an assist as with a bucket.
CLUTCH as hell as you saw the greats saying you KNEW he was going to take the shot, and you STILL
could not stop him.
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"Larry's not white. Larry's clear." - Bill Murray.
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Lol Larry light skinned brother
Larry Bird lived for basketball. When you hear the story of all of Larry Bird's injuries starting with his mangled finger right before signing his contract, his feet injuries, back injuries,and he still played like that, he wins, The Goat.
he sort of grew up in a type of a hood and it was because local hotels a business locally employees who were black played basketball at outside courts and were much older would let larry play with them so not really a hood but the black players treated him great
Came here to say this. Bird grew up playing against the best in his small town.
As much as I hated LB back in the day (I'm a lifelong Pistons fan), I have always had absolute respect for him which only grows with passing time. He's easily one of the all-time greats.
Watch that 6th playoff game between Bird and Dominique. The one titled "I should have quit right there"
The 1980s had the highest concentration of all time best players over any period. No debate. During the 1980s, Larry Bird was the best. No debate among anyone at that time. He always led in rebounds though yes, others did got more. But... if he wanted to shoot, he dropped 50+. If he wanted to pass that night, he triple double. Think he's not complete? Ask his fellow HOF teammates who all say they're there because of Larry. Regardless, it's the clutch, the ability to win that puts Bird in a league all unto himself. "Stone Cold Killer." He'd ask the ballboys for the records in an opposing team's arena so he could break the records, him telling the media before the game, telling the opposing team's players, coaches & everyone what he was going to do. Larry Bird's retirement ceremony was sold out, & they didn't have a game that day. Study your history boys. Larry Legend is the GOAT.
I most definitely agree with almost every team of that era, if someone asked who was on such n such team you could name 3 or 4 maybe great players from their squad.
Saw em' all. Basketball junkie since the late 70's. Jordan was already the best player in the world by 1984 Olympics. Behind him, hard to choose between Bird, Magic, a few others. Barkley doesn't get enough recognition. He changed the game - played a hybrid 2,3,4 and dominated. Put better teammates around Jordan or Barkley in mid 80's, and Detroit's run probably wouldn't have happened.
I watched both Magic and Larry live. I was an LA fan back then. Magic was just well....Magic. Who couldn't love the show time Lakers? With that said Bird would just ruin your night because if he got any chance at all, he would win the game.
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He'd score whatever it took to make his team win. Stats were important to him when he compared himself to Magic and Magic wanted to have a good night based on what Bird did that night; however, stats go by the wayside versus wins. All those two really wanted were wins and jewelry.
Shooting and scoring from any and every platform, dribbling, passing, rebounding, defending, hustling. The Bird was in a class by himself.
I’m a Phila 76er fan. I love Doc , and hated bird because he beat us almost every time. I’m old enough to admit bird was a great player.
The thing about the guys on the Atlanta bench is that they had already been destroyed by bird with him telling them what he was going to do and they could hear what he was telling the other guys while they were on the bench that's why they were laughing and falling
😂 right!
Larry the legend was different in demeanor he had a high IQ* with a killer intent with a back up mentality second to none he was a son of a gun* Magic was you unique in passing skills like bird they both put winning in basketball* Magic leadership was in masterful taste deadly in action and traffic)( these two brothers change the game of fame to real entertainment that was seldom seen since the likes of Kareem* then came MJ that took the game to another stratosphere where the greats will always shine among the superstars of tomorrow*
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Loved this reaction! Thank you both. There are some high school, college, and pro stats videos of Larry that are well worth checking out also, if you haven't already.
I never lived anywhere near Boston but, Larry Bird made me a Celtics fan the second he stepped on the court. I have never seen as good an all round player as Bird then or since. Larry Bird did things routinely that no other player did. He was all about the team and getting the win. Did he talk trash?, yes he did but, he backed the trash talk up. He would tell you what he was going to do and there wasn't a thing you could do to stop it.
Bird is better than Magic.
Playerwise yes larry is a much more complte player, magic just had a better career than larry and a better team lol!
@@diegofernandokrischegarcia4336agreed
Bird could do everything magic did, but magic couldnt do everything bird did!!!
Magic said it himself
@@diegofernandokrischegarcia4336Magic played in the soft Western Conference and had great teams. Celtics had to go through Philly, Milwaukee and later on the Pistons.
It's hard to say what Bird's ppg would be. It would depend on the players he had around him. If he had two or three other scorers, he would likely have been a bit more like Magic, racking up massive assists, maybe 12 a game on his career. If he was the go-to guy, 35 ppg or more.
But one thing is sure -- with the softer defenses, his FG% would have been significantly higher.
Look at Bird's 1st year in Boston in 1979. Bird, who was really the only new addition to a Celtics team that had only won 21 games the previous season....won 62 games in Bird's rookie year (McHale, Parrish, Ainge nor DJ came until after Bird's rookie year). Bird could take 4 YMCA type players and lead them to The Playoffs.
Tiny A was a great guard... @@paullentz1972
I think it depends on who is on his team. If he on a team with a healthy steph and another great shooter, he drop what he need to in game or get like 25 assists haha.
Yup, Bird is known for elevating his team.
I grew up watching Bird & I was a Celtics fan. Basketball was better in those days. And Bird was better then Magic. The stuff Bird did with weaker teammates then Magic had was amazing. Bird is top 5 ever. I love watching those old games.
Magic called Bird the best player ever at Bird’s retirement ceremony. Of course Bird called Magic the best player as well.
The competition and respect they had for each other was great to have witnessed.
Like Reggie Miller said...a LOT of the old school players would thrive..saying: u give a pure shooter freedom to roam, a clear look at the basket, space, and you can't touch him..LIGHTS OUT BABY!
He was averaging close to 30 points at time's back then; So I think it would be more to 40 to 45 now days. He would only take 2 to 3 shot pointers back then. Now They would have Him taken 10 To 17 a game. He would be killing on His mid range shots & if He is at the post,,, come on. My main reason to Why Bird would kill them into day's games Is because He Had & Still would have the Best Basketball IQ into Today's time. He would Out Think All of Them & He would Make His Team the Best at it too. There's a New Video out Called; "Why You Never Poke Larry Bird-A Trash Talk STORY Told by NBA Legends! by Nick Smith NBA". It's really not about a bunch of stories of Larry trash talking. It's about One Story/One Game & It was a 4th Quarter Shootout between Wilkins & Larry. Also Larry did this shootout when He was Hurting, it was right before He ended up having Both Feet Surgery (It was written that after this game They found out Larry played this game while having Bronchial Pneumonia). You can tell by watching this 4th Quarter Shootout that Larry was Not Feeling Good at all. Anyway I Hope You Two Check This One Out It Is Different & I Think You'll Both Enjoy It Too.
I believe the points were never as important than the Celtics team win.
Magic and Larry Legend careers will be linked together forever. The question is irrelevant because they are essentially the same player feeding off of each other's performances as an eternal competition between these all-time greats. I was privileged to see both players play in my lifetime. In my opinion, they saved the NBA. The game exists as a national sport because of them.
Bird was a better version of the Joker. He was a better passer, and a better, shooter, and a better ball handler, faster, quicker, and almost as tall, his rebounding numbers in a tougher more physical league say that he is likely just as good a rebounder. He smoked people in the 80s, he is cooking the league today. And that is coming from a Magic/Lakers fan.
Bird one word GOAT really enjoyed the video guys and your reaction was amazing
Magic said“BIRD is the GOAT”
Larry had all the skills that every basketball player would pay big buckes for. His were the next level though, he won every situation in his head. That's why they all said he was the biggest trash talker. It was more like Psy-Ops backed up with killer skills and the ultimate confidence in them, he gave it up all the time for the team, in loose ball situations and playmaking.
I'm sure LB today in his retirement could hang in a 3-point competition with pro players. Amazing that he would tell the players and, the opposing bench and even tell coaches exactly what he would do and still score on them.🤣
Thanks for being honest and stating facts. Larry said the same things. That’s why he found it disrespectful if they put a white guy on him.
I'm 52 and a basketball fan for 48 years! I grew up in CA watching Magic vs Bird.
1a. Bird
1b. Magic
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It was fun watching this with you. An old woman is smiling. ☺️☺️❤️
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Larry Bird won Back to Back to Back MVP with Magic Kareem Dr J Jordan Moses Malone Olajuwon and Barkley all in the league. He was bookend runner up for MVP. Oh, and look at the sweeps of Jordan out of the playoffs back to back yrs.
Bird and Magic both GREAT team players,passers,knowledge of the game. I lived in LA at the time both teams were playing each other in the finals but as far as Bird and Magic gotta give the edge to Bird because of his shooting ability
In today's game, Larry would score what was needed to win. New sub, loved your reaction@
He'd walk by the other team and say I feel like 49 tonight and do it.
They were both great and I watched either any chance I got while growing up in the 70s\80s - I also have to give the edge to Bird. He could control a game by himself, even if he was having an off game. Magic went to the finals his rookie year, but the voters still gave Bird the vote for Rookie of the Year 66-2. It was evident to everyone during his day.
My Dream Team: Larry Bird and four other players HE chooses! Larry would be dropping at least 30 points every game...if he felt like doing it! Especially in today's cupcake league, he would have 30 by halftime!
The thing that made Bird so great, besides his shooting and passing, was that raised the level of play from his teammates. If they couldn't answer his call, they weren't on his team for long. Good reaction. Thanks for sharing.
I think it's too close to call between Bird and Magic. If you're counting championship rings, then it goes to Magic who had 5 vs Bird's 3. If you're looking at fundamentals (ball handling, shooting, passing, playing under the basket, defense), I'd give an edge to Bird. But they were too similar in what made them great, court awareness (basketball IQ) and the use of misdirection, for me to choose between them.
Great reaction guys..
Bird was big!!
Solid 6'10..,
I got Bird over Magic for one main reason. When you compare the 80's Lakers team(1st real Super team in my book) vs the Celtics you quickly realize Magic had more help in talent backing him. Kareem top 10 player, Worthy top 50 player, Michael Cooper top 75 player etc and Coached by Pat Riley. McHale, Parish and Ange while good players just aren't on the same level. So I don't think Magic would quite have the same numbers and accolades as he did with the Lakers on a lesser team. Remember Larry turned a bottom of the barrel Celtics team around in just his Rookie year ( went from 29-53 in 1979 to 61-21 in 1980 ) and that was with no Ange or DJ pus he kept them as a contender throughout the 80's.
Agreed except for McHale. McHale was as good or better than both Worthy and Cooper. He's considered to have the greatest post moves in NBA history along with Olajuwon. Also, regarded as a great defender. McHale was an absolute stud. He was on the Top 50 list back in 1996 and deservedly so.
You always need to consider if the player changed the game. If they did, then consider them to be one of the best. Very few modern players have done anything to change the game.
Bird was on another level, a level not seen before or since. I watched him play at Boston Garden. I was sitting behind the basket and I saw him effortlessly weave and spin in and around 3 or 4 defenders who were close together and near the basket. It was like he knew how each would react in a chain reaction to his every move 3 or 4 steps ahead of everyone. I remember that to this day and my thought was - how the hell did he do that. He knew how to win. His clutch shooting broke the back of his opponents. His trash talking got in your head. His passing to team mates without looking at them over his head under or whatever looked like some magic trick, his will to win was unsurpassed and he could execute that will in so many different ways it made his opponents head spin. He
was tough as nails and rose to the challenge and was just a cold blooded shooter. He was like the Jimmy Hendrix of basketball - playing his own game, the way he wanted, breaking boundaries of what was thought possible. He is the greatest player that has ever lived. He was the the living embodiment of absolute confidence and bone chilling execution. If he was in the game and the game was close he was in your head as you knew you couldn’t stop him.
I’ve watched a lot of Bird videos. This is one of the best. I don’t really think Larry would score too many more points in today’s league. I’ll say 30 ppg. The reason? His basketball IQ is high enough to know that distributing the ball throughout the offensive sets keeps everyone in the game and makes him lethal when needed the most.
Great video. Like that you included former NBA players.
I wished Larry Bird was here in his prime and could play LeBron in his prime. I really think Bird would be a much better player. Those guys had very tough players back then, the league was much more contact back then. Actually, stats I've read, Bird had better stats than Jordan as well.
French Lick is a small town in the hills of southern Indiana,but it had a big hotel/spa/casino that paid well in the summer, so a lot of guys from Louisville would work over the summer at the hotel. That’s who Bird would play against in high school, black men from Louisville. Of *course* he knew how to trash talk.
Of course at least 35-40!! He would do more in todays era!! He was dropping that in a league that was rough!! And oh that is a true cross over step back jumper!! Hare dens is a travel step back especially who’s he steps back to either side instead of step back straight back
During Larry Legends' prime years, he was averaging 28.1 points per game. In my opinion, in today's NBA, he would average at least 38 points per game. In his prime, he was playing against the defensive monsters / legends of the game. Additionally the 3 point shot came into existence in Birds rookie season and was generally used as a tactical shot in the 4th quarter. Today's players shoot the 3 at will averaging over 10 shots a game. Finally, in Birds day, players got hammered, jerseys and held body checked. With the current soft / touch fouls that are called, Larry would feast at the free throw line. Bird was over a 90% free-throw shooter and at one point made 71 consecutive shoots from the charity stripe.
Between Bird or Magic I gota sit down on this one cuz I love them both 😊
Magiic & Bird were and are best friends... Two badasses on the court. Period.
What do you mean "He ain't doin' that in today's game?" He would be league MVP every damn year! They couldn't stop him in his era, you think these powder puff defenses could stop him? Be serious bro. You can't even breathe on a player today. He'd average 35 a game today. With his talent? All they know how to do is shoot 3's in today's game. He'd blow away everyone including Curry from three-point-land. Bird only averaged about four shots a game from behind the arc. Can you imagine Larry yanking about 15-20 bombs a game today. And half the time he'd fake the defense out from three-land. They'd think he was gonna launch one, and instead he'd fire a missle pass to whoever is standing under the basket. Easy two points, another assist for Bird. Yes, Larry Legend would average 35 points, 15 assists, 15 rebounds, probably 5-6 steals and a block or two. He's just got more talent than anyone today. Period! The one thing he'd have to watch is hi league-leading trash talking because today everybody's so soft, so he'd most likely get tossed a lot...
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WHEN LARRY AND MAGIC 1st MET IN THE NCAA FINALS, THE EARTH SHOOK!!! AND IT SHOOK EVERYTIME THEY FACED 1 ANOTHER AFTER THAT!!! LETS GO TANK!!!!
Larry bird every day of the week, the true goat
You can’t mention one without the other Magic/Bird, all these players speaking would excel today, from team to team in 80s & 90s we’re very talented across board. That era of basketball to me in comparison would be that of talented boxers when Ali in heavyweight and Surgar Rays.
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Many players were much faster with their feet
But nobody was faster with their mind
Like Gretzky…Bird’s instincts allowed him to see the future and his confidence was ready to face it
Magic himself, said Larry was the best ever to play the game.
I think the ICEMAN Gervin was the first Curry. Bird had the same mentality... As for Bird it Depends on the team around him same as then. On a contender he'll do enough to win just like he did back then. on a BAD TEAM 45-50 like he did in college. his mental games and toughness plus now-a-days you can't touch him. today he would have grown up shooting the three instead of learning how to shoot three's half way through his basketball life. plus he passes like Magic and REBOUNDS THE BALL he averaged 10 a game for his career. and lets not forget the fact many of his offensive rebounds and assists came off of just a tap in the right direction. Dude was the most cerebral player ever... he won games before they started. In '86 all he had to do was show up and the C's won.
They didn’t call him Ice Man for nothing deadly shooter.
No offence taken...we all know as white people that black players are more athletic we were just surprised like everyone else when we watched Bird play 😂 It's all love ❤
We watched those games back in the 80's...best Basketball time ever. Don't think about who is best, just love them both.
If Larry Legend had 15 healthy seasons he would still be in MJ's nightmares.
Go back and check what Bird did to the Bulls in the early 90's before he retired. Note that was with a bad bad back and after surgery on both feet to remove bone spurs.
Larry Bird was the baddest White boy to ever play the game. He got that way from playing with Black players in Indiana as he was growing up. It was a huge disadvantage for him to begin with 'ball'n while White'. He worked very hard to achieve what he did when there's no doubt that Basketball is, and will always be, a Black person's game first and foremost. So... when you see him out there "shoe shining" like Magic said 😂, he definitely deserves the praise.
We deserve a documentary on Larry
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Watching Larry games you always thought something crazy was going to happen. The shooting was great but it could also be a steal, a block, a fake, a pass. Anyway that you could get beat and -things you couldn’t even imagine happening- everyone was afraid Larry would do it. He was like the hero of a movie. Even His top assists video is just jaw dropping
Honestly, Magic had more help. Magic was on a stronger team. Larry was the Celtic team.
nice presentation..bird my favorite but both great at their position on their teams. Bird was more of a scorer, rebounding etc. but magic ran his team as a passing point guard ..BOTH great players and men...
Bird would hava a chance of smoking lebron and kevin durant since you are saying he wouldn't do tbat in today's gane trust me it would be mucho easier for him to play know
I was blessed to see BIRD, from my Dad’s 12 row floor seats from ages 6 thru 15. I saw his greatness about 85 times total. I also watched his warm ups. I remember him practicing Free Throws while conducting a pre game interview. Me and several other youngsters around watched amused and counted, “16, 17 18”! As they swished through the net. He would smile and look over at us as he shot from the stripe 37 in a row (LEFTY). I also witnessed him grab a rebound in traffic in a Knicks playoff game, and throw a full court pass (lefty) about 75 ft dead on. He did this several times in other games. Nor only could no one do it then, but no one now would have the balls to. Let's put BIRD in today's game with no back to backs, better medical staff, better sneaker and athletic technology and a game that has sped up to about 10 more possessions a game. Let's also factor in BIRD would take about 7 to 10 more 3 balls a game. Now add in a league play style that does not promote defense and has made it easier for the offensive player. EX. No hand checking, Zone, flopping, poor weakside help defense by most teams, The Euro Step, (Adult travelling), Palming the ball and not being called for it, and just a general disdain for intense defense. These are all reasons the Refs make a ton of mistakes, because they don't know how to call the game consitanly anymore with all these Gimics. Now take BIRD, and tell him to focus on practicing the 3 ball, as it wasn't even a part of his routine.
Add in that he has the best LEFT hand then anyone whoever played the game, I submit, he could outshot 60 percent of the league today lefty. Lastly, add in his one of a kind trash talking, he would even go into the opposing teams huddle & make sure the other Coach new what the play was. Let's be honest, their are a lot of EMO players in the game today that would be overwhelmed by his confidence. So what would BIRD do today? This is what would happen. 14:59 45/14/12 2.5 steals and 95 percent from the stripe! All while making everyone around him better. His game was so outstanding that THEY, said he wasn't athletic. Actually he was, but just because your not, the MOST, at something, doesn't mean you aren't. If he wasn't, then why was he embarrising even great players on a nightly basis? Remember, BIRD took a 29 win team to 61 wins in year 1, while beating out and winning ROY over MAGIC, who many consider a top 5 player, and who I love by the way. If this feet were done today, BIRD likely also would have won MVP as well. Their are few generational talents, and I respect the heck out of them, but that FACT is, BIRD is a GENERATIONS talent😀
steph curry is great shoooter but bird is the real killer........that outside shot from the corner baseline nothing but net ....bird hardly ever misssed that shot/////////he missed it in playoffs that year against lakers..it was gods way of showing us bird is human after all............biggest clutch player of all time/////////////u so lucky to have seen the greatest player at floor level seats.i envy u//////////////
Bird could pass, shoot the lights out and rebound better than center's. Magic was great but bird was better.
Think about it. Larry Bird Harley practice his three-point shot. The 3-point shot didn't exist during his high school or college career
Love you two guys great video and commentary I love watching Larry Bird and magic Johnson
LOVE the reaction!! :) ♥ “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13
Larry Bird was learned how to play from a group of black men who played in or near his home. I think that is one reason he wanted black players to guard him.
Bird!
I grew up a fan of Dr. J, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan, but the player who could beat you the most ways with the most skills was Larry Bird. Bird had the best combination of inside scoring, mid-range scoring, 3-point scoring, passing, rebounding, defense, basketball IQ, trash talking, work ethic, clutch performance, and leadership. Bird had it all from day 1 in the NBA. The others gained some of these things after several years. Bird was the Batman of the NBA. He was always several moves ahead of the competition, best clutch shooter of all-time, #2 all-time with winning percentage (Jordan is #40), he had the passing gift, and he could beat you more ways than just shooting. Jordan was dangerous when he had the ball. Bird was always dangerous - with or without the ball. Bird is top three all-time with Jordan and LeBron, but Bird is the best small forward of all-time. Hands down.
"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird." - Legendary Lakers Coach Pat Riley
“I would much rather guard Michael Jordan than Larry Bird, because you have to play the game as a thinker when you’re playing [Bird]. You have to get inside his mind. Larry wasn’t quick, he couldn’t jump really high, but there were just some sleepless nights.”
-James Worthy on Larry Bird, via ESPN SportsCentury
" The difference between Jordan and Bird was that Jordan made you look slow, Bird made you look stupid. " - James Worthy
“Larry Bird can’t jump, and he’s not that quick… But he makes up for it by using his head, analyzing the opponent. It makes him better than the competition… Consequently, he doesn’t have a weakness.” - Michael Jordan
My favorite is still Larry saying 'You guys are being disrespectful...by putting a white guy on me'..."Why you put that white boy on me?"
Bird stories are just legendary.