To quote a friend that I made in Indiana: "The fans will give you a dozen stories about Michael Jordan; Michael Jordan will give you a dozen stories about Larry Bird".
Larry is underrated in almost every discussion about greatest basketball players because of his lack of flash athletic abilities. Besides that he had everything.
Lived in Boston for the entire Bird era. If you didn’t watch him night in night out you just can’t understand how he put fear in his opponents every single game he laced up . And with the game on the line he was Money. Best Ever. And he was the toughest mentally and physically than anyone anywhere in any era 9:49 . He played at an elite level with a serious back issue, concussions, and a distorted finger on his shooting hand from a freak accident. The guy just wasn’t human . He retired the day before an 8 million dollar guarantee would have kicked in because he couldn’t take what he didn’t feel he could earn. NO ONE would have thought less of him and everyone else would have taken the money. The guy was effin real.
There's a reason why no other player was given the nickname 'Legend'. Mike has a few stories that people tell about him, Kobe has a few as well, so does Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, and Lebron also has a couple of stories that people will tell about him in 10 or 20 years. In 50 years people will still be talking about and passing on stories of the Legend.
Damn I wish I appreciated the 1980's basketball more with Larry, Magic, Jordan. I watched lots of the finals games (Lakers Vs. Celtics) with Magic and Larry. However, I didn't realize then how special those times were. Four decades later, those three as still revered as the best that ever played.
Larry Brid is easily in the top 5 greatest all time on a purely Basketball sense. I believe Bird in his prime was greater then MJ.. all that business bs they can have it but the game belongs to Bird
At least, the best small forward of all time, no disrespect to fantastic ones like Kevin Durant and many others but that's how I feel about it. And yes, as Sean stated, Larry had this extra something, a killer instinct on the court... He was also out to violate the fighting spirit of his adversaries 😂
yeah he really did go out of his way to let everybody know they weren't on his level. Not even close. LOL I can only wish he played in todays NBA , he be making players retire & leave crying off the court. Too soft.@@nozoto
Ya people just don't know, and you can't even get the full context of how great he was with highlights and stories...but when you watch fulĺ games in real time you see it. It jumped off the screen and he just killed teams with his clutch play..just destroyed them...just a cold cold dude
The older I get, the better I think Bird really was. I was pretty young when Larry was getting started. I watched mostly MJ, but now, I realize there's almost no way to keep Bird off the starting team. A true legend and all-time great.
SAME!!! I was born in 1979 and lived in Indiana…I NEVER was a huge Bird fan though. I ended up playing college basketball and then was a high school assistant for over a decade. Now, with two sons of my own, I am shocked at how much of a Bird defender/supporter I am. The guy had so much talent, so much heart, and so much will to win. MJ is still top of the list in GOAT conversations, but it’s hard for me to say anyone is clearly ahead of Larry Legend in the #2 spot (not saying he is definitely #2, just that he can make an incredibly strong case against anyone for it)
Dude was a 6 foot 10 small forward that didnt miss and always made the right basketball play🤷♂️ tough as nails hustled his ass off he was one of one 💯
To everyone who says that Larry wouldn't even start in today's game, look at it from this perspective. Larry didn't grow up with the fundamentals of learning to shoot beyond the 3-point perimeter in elementary, high school or college. The 3-point line was not introduced until his rookie year, in 1980. Basically, he had to develop his shot in his first year as a professional! Imagine going through the first 24 years of your life, getting drafted into the game you love and then they say "Oh, and here's a new challenge for all of you. See if you can make a shot beyond this line!" Now, let's take the same man and his highly competitive DNA -- his hard work, his dedication, his hustle, his trash talk, his adaptability -- let's say he was born in 1999 and not 1956. He goes through the early fundamentals of learning the 3 and perfecting his skills, all the while having the same drive to play both ends as he did in the 80's. He goes through the exact same training as everyone else. Are you telling me that this guy wouldn't fare in today's game? Why is everyone so afraid to admit that it wasn't exactly skill that made someone great, but it was their DRIVE and PASSION that elevated them to legendary status. When I see comments like "They were all plumbers and milkmen back then," and guess what? It was plumbers and milkmen that stormed the beaches of Normandy and won a fucking war for ya'll. Are they soft compared to today's men? It's not just athleticism, but digging deep inside and finding what it took to win at any cost. Pushing themselves beyond their capabilities and going the distance to win a championship.
I agree with on everything but one. Larry was 22 when he entered the NBA. He turned 23 Dec. 7 1979. He was born on Dec.7 1956. He entered the NBA in 1979. That is a fact.
I agree in a sense, but he probably street balled with a three point line. Indiana was an ABA state, and the ABA had the three point line long before the NBA. So more than likely all of the street courts or most had them in Indiana.
I love your channel and your analysis of Larry Bird and basketball players in general. I'm 59 and grew up in Boston so I might be a little bias but I agree with your assessment and love for Larry Bird. All the best and God Bless!!
Larry did have a killer instinct. He was like Tyson going for the throat. He put fear in everybody because he was real and he could demonstrate it on anyone.
Sean, I didn't think there were any Bird stories out there that I haven't seen on UA-cam. You never cease to amaze with the new content tht you uncover. Nice work!
When comparing Bird and Jokic, we have to remember that Bird played the 3 for Boston and Jokic the 5 for Denver. We do know that Bird shot 50% from 2, 40% from 3, and 90% from the line and he did that twice whereas Jokic has yet to do that. Jokic is a great player but I don't think he was as clutch as Bird was and definitely is not in Larry's league as a trash talker. 😂
Bird ALWAYS knew what to say to his opponent and when to say it. He RARELY repeated himself which made it even harder to believe it since that apparently was the way his mind worked. I was sitting in an ending seat in Miami for a Heat vs Celtics game and that night I didn't see much of the game because I was too busy watching and listening to Bird. He was without equal.... like a savant.
It does not matter who is the greatest player of all time.What matters is you can put Larry in the opposing team against any of your favorite GOATS and he will be equal or better then them.He is beyond that- he is the Legend.
When you get up to the upper echelon of greatness, everything must come into play. All the intangibles. This is where the last 20 guys get put. That being said, guys like Bird, Jordan, Russell, Kareem, Magic, Lebron, Kobe, Wilt, must be put under a microscope to view the intangibles. For me Bird had all the intangibles as much as any of them. The will to win at any cost, the humbleness in the right areas and the bravado in the right areas. The thing you remember is the feeling you had with each of the players when they played. There’s just something extra. I’d have to give Jordan the edge in that department. But I only started with Bird/Magic era, so I didn’t get that sense before that. I’m limited there to the Wilt-Russell era. I think I go to the Pat Riley statement. If the game is on the line give me Jordan, if my life is on the line give me Bird or something like that. It’s truly one man’s opinion to say 1 player or another is the best. But 1 intangible is how they made you feel, for me it was Jordan then Bird-Magic. Have a blessed day everyone.
I grew up in Lansing Michigan and went to Eastern High School which was also Everett High Schools rival where Majic Johnson went a few years before me. Lansing was and probably still most famously known for Majic Johnson and MSU. During that time I was a Larry Bird fan and after with the Celtics. I never really was obsessed with another player. To this day I have only pure respect not only with his game but just him being exactly who he was then and now. He was pure genius and there will never be another one like him.
Jokic got just similar skill set. I think Luka is the most "Birdy" type when it comes to scoring, passing, athletic abilities. No speed, no strenght and perfect balance is toughness and iq which can only be measured by games.
I used to love Larry Bird because he was a great player, now what I love about Larry is his trash talking. It's not that he could talk trash, lots of people can do that. It's the fact that he could talk trash and then back it.
He always had been but I loved watching him back in the day. I graduated high school in '78 Bird was the greatest basketball player ever. How many 3 pointers he didn't get credit for ? Before the 3 pointer rule ?
Larry's very last game at the Boston Garden and 2nd to last game of his NBA career before retirement is a great showcase of Bird's skills even with his broken-down body. I wish more people would react to this video that shows some amazing passing and shooting by Bird at end of career. Bird's last game at Boston- ua-cam.com/video/XAYS9DYZ15g/v-deo.htmlsi=JRHji1ls2MAoAVHa
The most over looked character disposition about Larry “Legend” Bird is how he played with the command of respect as he was real in his playfulness in how he “trash talked” the entire team(s) most often!! The facts are he was actually gifted by God for us to enjoy the this game we call Basketball!! Glory to God and forever the Legend to Bird!! No other players will be granted the League Legend status as Bird!!
I have a soft spot for Dennis too, and, I don't even think that's his real opinion on Bird. It's kind of gotten lost in the sauce, as it were, but this is what happened, and it's all because of Gilbert Arenas shenanigans... Gil did an interview with that guy and said that absolutely Bird would beat Lebron in a one on one situation. Rolled his eyes and everything like it wasn't even close. Pontificated on and on about how all of Lebron's weapons would be useless in a 1v1 with Larry. It got to the point where even I - who has Bird ranked well ahead of LeBron on the GOAT list - thought, "Ok, he's going too far. Big a$$ Lebron with all the muscles has nothing to bring to a 1v1 situation? What's he trying to stir up now?" Sure enough, on a later podcast, that interviewer guy had Rodman on his show. Just out of the blue, he sprang that Gil Arenas clip on him, and Dennis (who's kind of emotionally fragile anyway, so I hate to see him get manipulated like that) knee jerk blew up about it and said what he said. I don't even think he paused to think about it. I think he was triggered by the manner in which Gil delivered his opinion on the subject. It was more about Gil than Larry. The thing is: that same Gil Arenas was on that same show the year before saying Larry wasn't even top 10. He does stuff like that all the time. This time, Dennis ends up in controversy while Gil floats away under the radar..
The only reason Dennis Rodman made the comment on Larry Bird would play in Europe today, is because Dennis Rodman is a has been. Great player but wants attention. Same reason scottie pippin made similar comments recently.
Yea, Rodman’s comment displays his insecurity. The honest comments from the other players in this video is refreshing. These nba stars can speak frankly about their experiences and opinions of how well Larry played .. thanks for putting these video clips together
Bird with a serious back injury that would finish the career of modern players Bird played the season. Won the championship. Won MVP. Says it all the the best not at his best.
Bird always gives props to the new era guys, and rightly so. The only real difference is the newer generation isn't quite as good with their back to the basket as the old school guys. Other than that, the dribbling and shooting from all 5 guys on the floor is on another level than the old school guys. But don't think for one minute that the old guys couldn't play to the same level as the new guys if they had the drills and plyometrics training that has been available to the newer generation,
@@sugarnads Well put, I'll watch old Harlem Globetrotters vs New Jersey Generals and scripted matador defense for real street ball instead of today's NBA poor imitation.
Bird was never mentioned when it come to the 'Goat' debate.. For Me Larry hes one of them . Not only for the stats ,but is basketball I.Q , and for making everybody on the team involved and better
What really amazes me about Larry The Legend is that he did back up his craziest trash talk. With his mentality, no wonder he is the all time top 5 pick by the legendary trainer Tim Grover.
The most interesting players are the ones who are so good without looking exceptionally fast or leaping high. It's the "everything else" that is hard to understand. Bird had a 1-1 game that was built for tight D. Quick first and second step, Fadeaway at any angle and release with either hand while taking a beating. But, as time goes by, people learn about these old players by their stats. What made the Celtics and "Big 3" So interesting was their passing - no one had ever seen the 3 big men passing in close quarters so effectively. All were good athletes with quick hands and reactions (which is why many passes didn't bounce off their faces). Their passing had the value of adding a 6th man on offense. There's a story about Aurbach scouting Bird in college, and his first comments/enthusiasm/surprise was "the passing!".
I don’t think there’s enough respect for the basketball IQ; people can do well with the ball but when you add in being able to think ahead and move around without the ball as well and even setting up a play off the ball....that’s extra. And you always had to worry about where he was at all times. That kind of talent as well, transcends time, and makes the era you play in, irrelevant.
Isaiah Thomas comparing to Joker after Rodman made his comments is an example of why the early/mid 80s - the end of the Jordan era is just different. Bird is easily a more dynamic player than Jokic, but it’s 2024 and those Pistons still don’t want to acknowledge the full greatness. Thomas knows it’s a backhanded compliment. Jokic is incredible, but more like prime Arvydas Sabonis. This era has some amazing players with tons of gifting and talent, but there was an edge and a team pride that older era had that is missing.
I’d like to preface this by saying that I played basketball in NYC in an all black high school and got my nick name from the brothers playing at The Cage and at Rucker Park. We were all trying to emulate what Larry bird was doing on the playground and it was impossible for us. However, I remember hearing what Pat Riley said, “If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan, but if I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird."
That “killer” gene was Bird’s Ace-in-the-hole. It drove him to practice harder and longer than you, run more laps to last longer in the 4th quarter, dive for a loose ball, make the extra pass for a better shot if he was covered, learn his teammates’ preferences, learn his opponents’ tendencies, seek ways to motivate himself and his teammates and play through chronic pain that might have stopped others. The great ones have it, the rest of us don’t - or we haven’t found a way to tap into it. It sure is fun to watch, though. The interesting thing is that you never hear Bird commenting on his game or abilities. He let his game and rivals do the talking.
Larry out there in the 80’s playing like a Harlem Globettrotter with elite fundamentals, straight 🐐
To quote a friend that I made in Indiana: "The fans will give you a dozen stories about Michael Jordan; Michael Jordan will give you a dozen stories about Larry Bird".
Perfect!
100% and Larry would also have a dozen stories about Jordan. These two are on the Rushmore of the NBA.
@@wardad5628 : As others have said, Jordan made you look slow, but Bird made you look stupid,
People just don't understand. Larry, Michael, Magic... these three were and still are the pinnacle of the NBA. They were simply ... the best.
only to those born into that era... yes, they were great, but there were just as good/great before them.
Shaq, Kobe, John Stockton, Kareem, Steve Nash....
That's a pretty dang good list as well!@@keithstemple2584
Wilt, Bill Russell, Jerry West, Oscar Robinson, Pete Maravich, Walt Frazier, Jabbar
Another mighty fine list. @@warrenwhite9085
Larry is underrated in almost every discussion about greatest basketball players because of his lack of flash athletic abilities. Besides that he had everything.
For being “ unathletic “ he wore mofos out many times .
Athleticism is overrated
@@irishgrl jokic agrees lol
Bird not underrated to me because I got him in my top five players of all time because people just don't know how cold Larry Bird was.
Bird is always considered the best forward ever....
Larry Bird was straight cold blooded. He actually would be better today with the pace and space NBA.
Late 80’s and early 90’s were just such an amazing time for basketball!
Agreed.
Lived in Boston for the entire Bird era. If you didn’t watch him night in night out you just can’t understand how he put fear in his opponents every single game he laced up . And with the game on the line he was Money. Best Ever. And he was the toughest mentally and physically than anyone anywhere in any era 9:49 . He played at an elite level with a serious back issue, concussions, and a distorted finger on his shooting hand from a freak accident. The guy just wasn’t human . He retired the day before an 8 million dollar guarantee would have kicked in because he couldn’t take what he didn’t feel he could earn. NO ONE would have thought less of him and everyone else would have taken the money. The guy was effin real.
Ain't nothing to say about it~Larry was one of the best of all time~
There's a reason why no other player was given the nickname 'Legend'.
Mike has a few stories that people tell about him, Kobe has a few as well, so does Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, and Lebron also has a couple of stories that people will tell about him in 10 or 20 years.
In 50 years people will still be talking about and passing on stories of the Legend.
Other legends refer to him always as the legend. That says it all.
Larry is the real deal; he is the game. Thanks BTM
Larry Joe Bird= MVP + Coach of the year + Executive of the year = Most influencial basketball man ever
I'd take Jerry West as most influential, but I respect the Bird love.
+ GOAT trash talker
And rookie of the year.
Jerry west, and Jordan than bird but still top 3.
Damn I wish I appreciated the 1980's basketball more with Larry, Magic, Jordan. I watched lots of the finals games (Lakers Vs. Celtics) with Magic and Larry. However, I didn't realize then how special those times were. Four decades later, those three as still revered as the best that ever played.
Larry Brid is easily in the top 5 greatest all time on a purely Basketball sense. I believe Bird in his prime was greater then MJ.. all that business bs they can have it but the game belongs to Bird
At least, the best small forward of all time, no disrespect to fantastic ones like Kevin Durant and many others but that's how I feel about it. And yes, as Sean stated, Larry had this extra something, a killer instinct on the court... He was also out to violate the fighting spirit of his adversaries 😂
yeah he really did go out of his way to let everybody know they weren't on his level. Not even close. LOL
I can only wish he played in todays NBA , he be making players retire & leave crying off the court. Too soft.@@nozoto
He's the best ALL-TIME
Ya people just don't know, and you can't even get the full context of how great he was with highlights and stories...but when you watch fulĺ games in real time you see it. It jumped off the screen and he just killed teams with his clutch play..just destroyed them...just a cold cold dude
Bird in his prime was above everyone on a basketball court!
The older I get, the better I think Bird really was. I was pretty young when Larry was getting started. I watched mostly MJ, but now, I realize there's almost no way to keep Bird off the starting team. A true legend and all-time great.
He'd by my first pick to play in the last minute of a tied game 7
SAME!!! I was born in 1979 and lived in Indiana…I NEVER was a huge Bird fan though. I ended up playing college basketball and then was a high school assistant for over a decade. Now, with two sons of my own, I am shocked at how much of a Bird defender/supporter I am.
The guy had so much talent, so much heart, and so much will to win. MJ is still top of the list in GOAT conversations, but it’s hard for me to say anyone is clearly ahead of Larry Legend in the #2 spot (not saying he is definitely #2, just that he can make an incredibly strong case against anyone for it)
The essence of a top notch winner and and perfect player he didn’t have ice in his veins he was solid ice coldest player I have ever seen.
Great video. None of these clips were new but they never get old. What a legend.
Great comments Mr. David. Bird would absolutely be MVP and winning championships no matter what era, hands down!
I love your videos brother!! I am glad that you around to make these happen!!
Dude was a 6 foot 10 small forward that didnt miss and always made the right basketball play🤷♂️ tough as nails hustled his ass off he was one of one 💯
I do not think Larry was small. It's been said he was actually big
@@AprilSilvers-py4zj The term "small forward" was the name of the position he played.
I agree Lary would probably have to play in the European league in this day and age. However the guys pushing 70
He'd still average a double double.!
Well played!
Love your videos Shawn.. keep up the good work 👍👍
To everyone who says that Larry wouldn't even start in today's game, look at it from this perspective. Larry didn't grow up with the fundamentals of learning to shoot beyond the 3-point perimeter in elementary, high school or college. The 3-point line was not introduced until his rookie year, in 1980. Basically, he had to develop his shot in his first year as a professional! Imagine going through the first 24 years of your life, getting drafted into the game you love and then they say "Oh, and here's a new challenge for all of you. See if you can make a shot beyond this line!"
Now, let's take the same man and his highly competitive DNA -- his hard work, his dedication, his hustle, his trash talk, his adaptability -- let's say he was born in 1999 and not 1956. He goes through the early fundamentals of learning the 3 and perfecting his skills, all the while having the same drive to play both ends as he did in the 80's. He goes through the exact same training as everyone else. Are you telling me that this guy wouldn't fare in today's game? Why is everyone so afraid to admit that it wasn't exactly skill that made someone great, but it was their DRIVE and PASSION that elevated them to legendary status. When I see comments like "They were all plumbers and milkmen back then," and guess what? It was plumbers and milkmen that stormed the beaches of Normandy and won a fucking war for ya'll. Are they soft compared to today's men? It's not just athleticism, but digging deep inside and finding what it took to win at any cost. Pushing themselves beyond their capabilities and going the distance to win a championship.
I agree with on everything but one. Larry was 22 when he entered the NBA. He turned 23 Dec. 7 1979. He was born on Dec.7 1956. He entered the NBA in 1979. That is a fact.
I agree in a sense, but he probably street balled with a three point line. Indiana was an ABA state, and the ABA had the three point line long before the NBA. So more than likely all of the street courts or most had them in Indiana.
Baketball IQ off the chart
Larry Legend is a one of one
Great work Shawn
I love your stuff, Sean!
My Pop always said that Larry played with sonar...he knew where everyone and every angle was on the court.
Oh man, that airball story, I ve never heard.....Damn Legend!
shawn...you are spot on about Larry Bird
Larry Bird is top 5 all time!!!
I'll say top 3
I love your channel and your analysis of Larry Bird and basketball players in general.
I'm 59 and grew up in Boston so I might be a little bias but I agree with your assessment and love for Larry Bird.
All the best and God Bless!!
I love your show! Thank you!
Legend has it.....that he still plays around French Lick basketball court.
I agree. He's my goat. I love Bird videos.
Larry did have a killer instinct. He was like Tyson going for the throat.
He put fear in everybody because he was real and he could demonstrate it on anyone.
...and Bill Laimbeer was like Tyson going for the ear. 😆
Larry is my basketball hero,none other like him = legend. No comparison!!!!!!!
Sean, I didn't think there were any Bird stories out there that I haven't seen on UA-cam. You never cease to amaze with the new content tht you uncover. Nice work!
Larry Bird MVP finish.
1980. 5th
1981. 2nd
1982. 2nd
1983. 2nd
1984. 1st
1985. 1st
1986. 1st
1987. 3rd
1988. 2nd
Absolutely absurd
I love the way that Salley is looking around. When he was talking about double teaming the Legend!
You are spot on about Larry Bird , the best all around player yet !
When comparing Bird and Jokic, we have to remember that Bird played the 3 for Boston and Jokic the 5 for Denver. We do know that Bird shot 50% from 2, 40% from 3, and 90% from the line and he did that twice whereas Jokic has yet to do that. Jokic is a great player but I don't think he was as clutch as Bird was and definitely is not in Larry's league as a trash talker. 😂
Larry Bird is one of the best players of all time believe that
Thanks for Your video .. Me Injoyed Thanks
I don't know anything about basketball but I can't get enough of these Larry Bird stories.... Sportsmen with character are the best
Bird ALWAYS knew what to say to his opponent and when to say it. He RARELY repeated himself which made it even harder to believe it since that apparently was the way his mind worked. I was sitting in an ending seat in Miami for a Heat vs Celtics game and that night I didn't see much of the game because I was too busy watching and listening to Bird. He was without equal.... like a savant.
I just love your honesty in the information and presentation. A+++
It does not matter who is the greatest player of all time.What matters is you can put Larry in the opposing team against any of your favorite GOATS and he will be equal or better then them.He is beyond that- he is the Legend.
When you get up to the upper echelon of greatness, everything must come into play. All the intangibles. This is where the last 20 guys get put.
That being said, guys like Bird, Jordan, Russell, Kareem, Magic, Lebron, Kobe, Wilt, must be put under a microscope to view the intangibles.
For me Bird had all the intangibles as much as any of them. The will to win at any cost, the humbleness in the right areas and the bravado in the right areas.
The thing you remember is the feeling you had with each of the players when they played. There’s just something extra. I’d have to give Jordan the edge in that department. But I only started with Bird/Magic era, so I didn’t get that sense before that. I’m limited there to the Wilt-Russell era.
I think I go to the Pat Riley statement. If the game is on the line give me Jordan, if my life is on the line give me Bird or something like that.
It’s truly one man’s opinion to say 1 player or another is the best. But 1 intangible is how they made you feel, for me it was Jordan then Bird-Magic.
Have a blessed day everyone.
I love the old players and stories . I watched it all.
I grew up in Lansing Michigan and went to Eastern High School which was also Everett High Schools rival where Majic Johnson went a few years before me. Lansing was and probably still most famously known for Majic Johnson and MSU. During that time I was a Larry Bird fan and after with the Celtics. I never really was obsessed with another player. To this day I have only pure respect not only with his game but just him being exactly who he was then and now. He was pure genius and there will never be another one like him.
Great video
Love your content! ❤️
You do now GP could control both coaches, both ref's & all 9 other players with his talk. I Loved GP
I could hear Gary Payton talk for hours. Great video as usual
Waooo Larry waooo..!!!!
Bird was the best baller if ever saw! He was truly amazing!
Love the love for the Birdman on BTM ❤
Larry is the Goat!!!! from down under.
I only know that I miss that man! Always will!
Absolutely hysterical comments from Dennis Rodman considering Larry Bird took him to school most times he tried to guard Larry Legend.
Bird, Magic and Jordan were all great in their own ways. There will never be anyone like either ever again
Jokic got just similar skill set. I think Luka is the most "Birdy" type when it comes to scoring, passing, athletic abilities. No speed, no strenght and perfect balance is toughness and iq which can only be measured by games.
Bird ~My 3rd 🐐
I used to love Larry Bird because he was a great player, now what I love about Larry is his trash talking. It's not that he could talk trash, lots of people can do that. It's the fact that he could talk trash and then back it.
He always had been but I loved watching him back in the day. I graduated high school in '78 Bird was the greatest basketball player ever. How many 3 pointers he didn't get credit for ? Before the 3 pointer rule ?
Larry's very last game at the Boston Garden and 2nd to last game of his NBA career before retirement is a great showcase of Bird's skills even with his broken-down body. I wish more people would react to this video that shows some amazing passing and shooting by Bird at end of career. Bird's last game at Boston- ua-cam.com/video/XAYS9DYZ15g/v-deo.htmlsi=JRHji1ls2MAoAVHa
I'll start my franchise with Bird over everyone is that simple
in personal and humble opinion Larry Bird is the GOAT the one is mentality, MJ is the the very next almost equal I give Larry the edge...
The most over looked character disposition about Larry “Legend” Bird is how he played with the command of respect as he was real in his playfulness in how he “trash talked” the entire team(s) most often!! The facts are he was actually gifted by God for us to enjoy the this game we call Basketball!! Glory to God and forever the Legend to Bird!!
No other players will be granted the League Legend status as Bird!!
Larry was the second greatest, Michael was #1 even Larry said S!!! And I'm aBird fa!😮😮
In my opinion, Larry Bird is the GOAT
Larry Bird is the best player to ever play the game of basketball! 😊
I have a soft spot for Dennis too, and, I don't even think that's his real opinion on Bird. It's kind of gotten lost in the sauce, as it were, but this is what happened, and it's all because of Gilbert Arenas shenanigans...
Gil did an interview with that guy and said that absolutely Bird would beat Lebron in a one on one situation. Rolled his eyes and everything like it wasn't even close. Pontificated on and on about how all of Lebron's weapons would be useless in a 1v1 with Larry. It got to the point where even I - who has Bird ranked well ahead of LeBron on the GOAT list - thought, "Ok, he's going too far. Big a$$ Lebron with all the muscles has nothing to bring to a 1v1 situation? What's he trying to stir up now?"
Sure enough, on a later podcast, that interviewer guy had Rodman on his show. Just out of the blue, he sprang that Gil Arenas clip on him, and Dennis (who's kind of emotionally fragile anyway, so I hate to see him get manipulated like that) knee jerk blew up about it and said what he said. I don't even think he paused to think about it. I think he was triggered by the manner in which Gil delivered his opinion on the subject. It was more about Gil than Larry.
The thing is: that same Gil Arenas was on that same show the year before saying Larry wasn't even top 10. He does stuff like that all the time. This time, Dennis ends up in controversy while Gil floats away under the radar..
Thanks for the back story. I knew Rodman had more respect for Bird than that. And the way the interviewer sprang that on Rodman . . . dick move.
Gilbert who?
@@73Trident Gil Arenas, played for and retired from the Shanghai Sharks, Chinese Basketball Association in 2012.
The only reason Dennis Rodman made the comment on Larry Bird would play in Europe today, is because Dennis Rodman is a has been. Great player but wants attention. Same reason scottie pippin made similar comments recently.
Yea, Rodman’s comment displays his insecurity. The honest comments from the other players in this video is refreshing. These nba stars can speak frankly about their experiences and opinions of how well Larry played .. thanks for putting these video clips together
Larry Bird was Savage told the rival what he is going to do and do it in his face damm he was Savage.
AMEN! The BIRD will !
The MAN
Bird was the word 🤘
Loved Larry Bird
Bird with a serious back injury that would finish the career of modern players Bird played the season. Won the championship. Won MVP. Says it all the the best not at his best.
Bird always gives props to the new era guys, and rightly so. The only real difference is the newer generation isn't quite as good with their back to the basket as the old school guys. Other than that, the dribbling and shooting from all 5 guys on the floor is on another level than the old school guys. But don't think for one minute that the old guys couldn't play to the same level as the new guys if they had the drills and plyometrics training that has been available to the newer generation,
Lol. The new gen. They carry the ball EVERY DRIBBLE. The travel near every time they go to the basket.
They CHEAT.
@@sugarnads Well put, I'll watch old Harlem Globetrotters vs New Jersey Generals and scripted matador defense for real street ball instead of today's NBA poor imitation.
Bird was never mentioned when it come to the 'Goat' debate..
For Me Larry hes one of them .
Not only for the stats ,but is basketball I.Q , and for making everybody on the team involved and better
What really amazes me about Larry The Legend is that he did back up his craziest trash talk. With his mentality, no wonder he is the all time top 5 pick by the legendary trainer Tim Grover.
Bird was a much better defender than he is given credit for.almost no one plays defense now
The most interesting players are the ones who are so good without looking exceptionally fast or leaping high. It's the "everything else" that is hard to understand. Bird had a 1-1 game that was built for tight D. Quick first and second step, Fadeaway at any angle and release with either hand while taking a beating. But, as time goes by, people learn about these old players by their stats. What made the Celtics and "Big 3" So interesting was their passing - no one had ever seen the 3 big men passing in close quarters so effectively. All were good athletes with quick hands and reactions (which is why many passes didn't bounce off their faces). Their passing had the value of adding a 6th man on offense. There's a story about Aurbach scouting Bird in college, and his first comments/enthusiasm/surprise was "the passing!".
when a player like karem Abdul-Jabbar who has played and seen the greatest says that Larry bird is the best player he's ever played says alot.
I don’t think there’s enough respect for the basketball IQ; people can do well with the ball but when you add in being able to think ahead and move around without the ball as well and even setting up a play off the ball....that’s extra. And you always had to worry about where he was at all times. That kind of talent as well, transcends time, and makes the era you play in, irrelevant.
Isaiah Thomas comparing to Joker after Rodman made his comments is an example of why the early/mid 80s - the end of the Jordan era is just different.
Bird is easily a more dynamic player than Jokic, but it’s 2024 and those Pistons still don’t want to acknowledge the full greatness. Thomas knows it’s a backhanded compliment.
Jokic is incredible, but more like prime Arvydas Sabonis. This era has some amazing players with tons of gifting and talent, but there was an edge and a team pride that older era had that is missing.
The only thing Larry didn’t give you was a jazzy, flashy dunk. Other than that, he had big time game.
Larry legend is the goat
Mf threw up an airball just to BM a rookie lmao, THE LEGEND NEVER DIES
Great video Rodman doseant like bird
Larry Bird was and is one of the all time greats ,even though I hated his guts he was and is Mr. BOSTON CELTICS. IJS.
I agree with you. I was a big Dennis Rodman fan until he said that about Larry. That was pure, poor form! Larry could play in any era!!
Larry Legend is the truest goat.
I’d like to preface this by saying that I played basketball in NYC in an all black high school and got my nick name from the brothers playing at The Cage and at Rucker Park. We were all trying to emulate what Larry bird was doing on the playground and it was impossible for us. However, I remember hearing what Pat Riley said, “If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan, but if I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird."
If I'm picking an all time line up, he's first pick 💯
To quote an oft used phrase “It’s not trash talk if you can back it up” and Larry could back it up!
That “killer” gene was Bird’s Ace-in-the-hole. It drove him to practice harder and longer than you, run more laps to last longer in the 4th quarter, dive for a loose ball, make the extra pass for a better shot if he was covered, learn his teammates’ preferences, learn his opponents’ tendencies, seek ways to motivate himself and his teammates and play through chronic pain that might have stopped others. The great ones have it, the rest of us don’t - or we haven’t found a way to tap into it. It sure is fun to watch, though. The interesting thing is that you never hear Bird commenting on his game or abilities. He let his game and rivals do the talking.
Larry Bird Was The Greatest Trash Talker Of All Time 😃👍🇱🇷😊