Good to see guys like you giving Larry his due. Bron is nothing compared to Bird! Here's the answer to your question of the top three: 1.Bird/Magic 2.Jordan 3.) Kareem/Russell
Bron got nothing compared to the legends, whether be Bird, Magic, Charles, Kareem, Jordan, Russell, Isiah, etc. These legends plays whoever teammates they get and loyal to the teams. Jordan went to the Bulls when the Bulls have nothing, but he made the Bulls a championship team, Jordan never demands to get specific player or he leaves, unlike Bron, he demands specific players to play with. These guys plays hurts, nowadays these guys like Bron, KD, etc. they can't match up with these legends. The fouls in those days will get them either fined or suspended by today's NBA standards.
Top three: Jordan, Bird and Magic (Wilt and Bill Russell complete my top 5). I take Bird over Lebron 10 times out of 10. There are only two areas Lebron is superior. He is a far superior athlete and he has had a longer, healthier career. But everything on the court goes to Bird. He is a better leader, shooter, passer and rebounder. He had the highest basketball IQ I've ever seen. Most important, he HATED to lose and simply refused to accept that he could. He outworked everyone before, during and after practice, before, during and after games and in the offseason. Yes, Lebron could do more because of his athleticism and Bird was a slow, unahletic white guy but so what? He made his teammates better and they were supremely loyal to him. He played in a very tough conference and had real battles against my 76ers, which he mostly won. I hated him when he played but I respect the hell out of who he is and what he did with what he was given. Brilliant player.
Jordan, Bird, Shaq, Tim, Kobe is mine. Even in this roster, he is the smartest, better playmaker, better 3pt shooter, better passer. If he had athleticism, he would be the GOAT.
All time Point=Magic 2 guard=MJ Small Forward=Larry Legend Power Forward=LeBron Center=Kareem.. 2nd Team Point=The Big O 2 guard=Kobe Small Forward=KD Power Forward=Karl Malone/Tim Duncan Center=Shaq Diesel.. Bill Russell and Wilt played at a time where they were basically the only two great big men in the game, so they didn't have much in the way of competition.. they could just as well replaced Kareem on my list.
“If I had to pick a player to make a shot to save a game, I’d pick Michael Jordon. If I had to pick a player to make a shot to save my life, I’d pick Larry Bird” Pat Riley-
Larry’s retirement ceremony was at the Boston Gardens on a off night, no game! The venue was sold out, packed with fans and overflowing outside to honor Larry. A no game sell out, imagine 👍
@@lll9416 that was the big difference back then. they hated to lose to each other. But there was absolutely NOTHING but respect. When the fans saw how hard the Lakers and Celtics played, but how Larry and Magic were legit good friends off the court, the fan bases followed suit and always had respectful things to say, but they always ended it with an "I hope we kick their a**" lol.
@@FloridaManRacer Those days are sadly gone... welcome to Idocracy. What the fuck have we done? Get it together America... love and respect one another. It has happened before and we need it now more than ever. Peace.
Yep. MJ bested all of his rivals- Magic, Isiah, Stockton/Malone, Barkley, Drexler, Ewing, etc. But not Bird. And MJ knows this all too well. In their regular season games, Larry bested him and swept him in all of their playoff games.
@@rickbort7875 of course, even mj in his prime when he had pippen and rodman would still lose to Larry birds Celtics dynasty, Larry legends Celtics team is definitely the greatest NBA team of all time
Fun fact: Bird also had 4 other HOF's his team also. Fun fact: Kevin McHale was a HOF Fun fact: Dennis Johnson was a HOF Fun fact: Robert Parish was HOF Fun Fact: Bill Walton was a HOF and even though he was Past his prime he was still effective with his passing & rebounding Another Fun Fact: go grab Larry Bird's book where he explain why Jordan was a 1-9 during his first 3 playoff series ......Larry Bird - " it wasn't that Jordan couldn't win, he just didn't have the roster or the proper coaching at that particular time and thank God he didn't " Fun Fact: Magic said this in 87' " Jordan is the best player in the world, he just don't have the championship ROSTER that Larry & I have " Fun Fact: Mark Aguirre said this on the Bad Boys Documentary " Jordan is the best in the world, he just needed a lil help " Y'all say a lot of things without putting things in their proper perspective or context, a lot of y'all like the sound of Bird sweeping Jordan twice but Bird had the understanding that he had the far superior TEAM AND CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER AND JORDAN DIDN'T......BOTTOM LINE!
Something to keep in mind is that those plays on the highlight reel weren't the exceptions. On any given night, a cold Tuesday in February, he would make at least one head-spinning, mind-blowing move - a shot, a pass, a steal, something. I don't have anything to add to the Bird v. Lebron v. Magic v. Jordan debate. Instead, I'll say this. For me what distinguishes Bird from the others was his flair for the dramatic. Shaughnessy once wrote of him (paraphrasing) 'he was put here to fulfill our sports fantasies'. He did. Time and time again. Even down to the way he finally left the game, battered, broken, and head held high.
Every old school player, would foul out or T out in the first minutes of the game. Bird talked trash to coaches and players. Backed up every word though.
Bird had IMPOSSIBLE intuition. He had full court awareness, 100% of the time, and it didn't matter if he lacked the physical skills of his peers - what he could do, he did flawlessly. Bird played like he could see the future.
He was like Mario Lemieux or Wayne Gretsky were in hockey; they had a magical sense of where the puck was and where it needed to be. Larry was the same; he knew where everyone was on the court and what needed to happen, in nanospeed.
Since the current NBA doesn’t believe in playing defense, Bird would dominate in today’s game. Players today are soft and whiney. Players back in Larry’s day were warriors. My dad and I would watch all the Boston games from the day he came into the league and until he left the league. We bought one of the first satellite TVs, one of those huge monsters so we could pick up their games. Pop is no longer with us but I’ll always have those memories❣️
Dont know about soft and whiney, but it is reffed differently now, than in the 80s and 90s. When players drive to the hoop now they hardly get touched, for fear of a foul call and possible 3 point play...back in the 80s as soon as a player let go of the ball in the lane, they got hammered, these days it would get called as a flagrant with a technical shot to follow
I’m 45. I love watching open minded young people get their first real experience of Larry Bird. It blows their minds most times haha. You can’t help but give him his props. The Legend!
Lebron himself has Larry in his all-time top 3. He has said it on camera. No one understood the chess match of the game better. What he lacked in raw athleticism, he more than made up for it with Shooting, intelligence, unbelievable court vision, etc. He always seemed to be in the right position to make a play. And he was extremely tough.
I was a Hawks fan in the 80s and Bird used to kill Dominique in ATL. Plus, a lot of little things made him great like being a 90% FT shooter and an unparalleled game winning shooter.
Larry is known as "The Legend" for a damn good reason. Man had off the chart basketball IQ, winning by working as a team was a huge part of his mindset, we win or lose together, everyone pulls their weight and works as a unit. One of the greatest players and leaders to play the game.
I don't think there's a more complete player than Bird when you consider everything he brings to the table. shooting, scoring, passing , rebounding, IQ, clutch, heart, swag, left hand and trash talk with backing it up. Lebron maybe better in some areas but he's certainty not as complete of a player as Bird.
BronBron would be dehydrated from all his no-calls(cause ya used to be able put hands on players) and Bronie is always looking for someone else to take “the shot” for the game. Bird wanted the ball, like the song said, everyone wants to be like mike. “Gimme the ball and get out the way” where as lebron was always looking for someone else weather it was JJ Reddick or ray Allen oh hell even JR Smith. (And the dude might go 19/25 for 45 points in 28 min, or go 3/17 and still be chucking 3’s having played 45/48 minutes). He always had his outlet 3 point shooter. If you don’t have the killer instinct I’m talking about, you might as well go play ping pong.
When it mattered most...Most game-winners of All-Time: #1) Kobe = 26 #2) Jordan = 25 #3) LeBron = 19 #3) Dirk = 19 #5) Bird = 18 However, when it came to game-winners per game ration, here are the best: #1) Jordan = 2.33 #2) Bird = 2.01 #3) Kobe 1.93 #4) LeBron = 1.39 #5) Dirk = 1.24
@@FreedomFighter2112Now there's a stat I never would have conjured up. "Game winning shots". Clever! We called it fun with numbers in aerospace. I'm sure the math is sound, but is that YOUR definition of what defines the "greatest"? So, in a game where a guy makes the last shot, he'd be MVP of the game, obviously? What about another guy had 50 points 20 assists, and he assisted on the winning basket? And what's with "when it mattered the most"? How about through the season to GET to the "mattered most " games? The term "greatest" has to be defined as far as what mixture of stats you compareas well as defining the "game". Is it really a theoretical 1-on-1 game people are visualizing, or 3-on-3? I just don't agree that that single stat comes close to recognizing the complexities of the game. Now if you're an academic that's never heard of the game before, or an AI, I'd probably have to give you an A because if no definition.
Bird was phenomenal. Ahead of his time. Every teen aged and 20 something basketball fan should watch this . At 55 I lived through his era. Legend is an understatement.
Into Stats. Read Lebron and Bird at 30 years old. Say around their prime age. Then you will see both are amazing but the stats actually go to the Legend. Why? Another time...
The young bucks don't even know real basketball. Everything is dunks and threeballs now. It was a different era and still a contact sport. Passing was at a premium. Miss those days.
55 clevelander here. Sure was a different time back then. That was exciting to witness. Today's games are boring - and I'm a female and i remember it. Everyone knew bird and Jordan's schedule by heart
I really respect your reaction to Bird. I grew up watching him play, he was amazing. Lebron is mind blowing, the complete package .I will always believe that Birds will to win is what made him unstoppable. check out his history, tough childhood, his father committed suicide, this guy had to push through hell to get to where he was. thanks for the vid, you got my sub.
This man came from a different time and was cut from a different cloth than the chumps of today . What great sportsmanship and friendship from Magic calling Bird the best of all time . I'll never forget being amazed by Larry Birds talent as a kid .
Bird didn't slack, particularly on D, when he wasn't happy w how things were going Lebron does We've seen him pick & choose when he wanta play hard over the years too many times Guys like MJ bird magic Hakeem, they always brought it...always
Isaiah Thomas once said, "If you put me, Magic, Jordan and Larry in a room, at the end of the day, Larry is the one walking out of the room." Magic knew him best. Called him the best ever. Jordan never won a playoff game against him. Not... one... game! The GOAT
Bulls didn't beat Celtics but MJ embarrassed the entire team, he just had no help. I think Bird is top 3 all time but MJ 🐐 and it isn't even debatable.
@@scottchristian8280 Ugh. I can only tell you the truth. I can't understand it for you too. M.J. was good. Top 10 ALL time. Facts are facts, and facts are not debatable. Not. One. Game. Against the physically broken version of the court wizard he was and still... Not. One. Game. But thanks for coming out
@@Omegahybridx In a 135-131 overtime defeat at the old Boston Garden, Jordan, then 23 years old, scored 63 points, a mark that to this day stands as a single-game postseason record. That night, even as the Celtics seized a 2-0 series lead over the Bulls, Bird said of the performance: "It's just God disguised as Michael Jordan."
@Omegahybridx I'm going to trust Larry Legends word over yours. Larry was the smartest player to ever play, im certain he knows basketball better than you.
There’s lots of Larry stories. That 3 point contest where he still had his warm up on and won, says a lot in a nut shell. The game where he shot only lefty and put up big points is insane. He is without a doubt a legend not only in Boston, but in the league. Basketball in this era was a lot tougher as well. Any of those teams could have been champions if you slept at any time. The bench was comparable to a starting line up today. 🖐🏽🎤
Bird was such a badass that he would tell the other team what he was gonna do before he did it, and they still couldn't stop him. He would literally call his shots
I remember watching Magic live in his rookie season. The Celtics vs Lakers games in the 1980's were incredible. The starting five of each team plus the sixth man were incredible players.
Yes, the 80’s-90’s were a great basketball era and Celtics-Lakers were great match-ups. I loved it and kept me watching every season. I loved the style and physicality.. just the best of times.. don’t you agree?
Great reaction. And it WAS a phenomenal time to be alive and see that era as a kid! Brings back so many memories. As for top 3... It's tough to say, different eras are hard to compare... That said, No.1 is easy, Michael. If you're playing the game to win it, then you want MJ on your team all day every day. Not even close, the best ever. After that, you couldn't go wrong with Magic and Bird, or Kobe and Lebron, or Kareem and Bill Russell. One thing though is those players from earlier decades might not have been as athletic and in the shape players today can be, but they were much more tough because the league was much more tough. None of that ticky tack garbage you see today. You wanted a ring, you were gonna have to take the hits to earn it.
From what I’ve gathered, if you’re playing the game to win it, then you want MJ on your team, all day every day. But not if the other team have Larry Bird playing for them. That man was tough as nails
For us Gen Xer's we always knew Bird was easily on the same level as Jordan, Bryant, Lebron, Johnson. You cant tell me Lebron can do what Bird does. Lebron is sheer force, Bird is grace on fire
Magic showing Larry the ❤️ is much deeper than you can imagine. They were bitter rivals throughout their college and professional careers. Completely opposite personalities, Magic loud and out there, the life of the party. Bird, trash talk aside, was quite and shy, the first one at practice and the last to leave, always practicing, because let’s face it, he didn’t have the speed and jumping abilities that most others had, so he practiced, ALL the time. His true strength was that he used his brain, he could play way ahead in his mind and out strategize anyone out there. But back to Magic, he and Larry probably have the most famous rivalry in all of basketball. BUT when Magic got sick, diagnosed with HIV, players turned their backs on him out of fear of the disease. Refused to play with or against him. Not Bird. This man of few words stood up tall and took to the court with Magic with no hesitation, I believe it was for the Olympic dream team. Larry totally had his back when most rivals would have been happy to see him crash and burn. The rivalry is why Magic knows more than anyone how good Bird was, but the ❤️ is from a man of true character, your rival, being the one to have your back at your lowest point in life, and in true Bird fashion, not giving a F*** what people thought of him doing it.
Magic also called Bird and told him about his diagnosis as soon as he found out about it (before he told the media) and that half court behind the back pass that he throws during the montage of his incredible passing skills was done in tribute to Magic. Probably the greatest on court/field player rivalry and off court friendship in the history of competitive sports. ❤️
"I just love greatness." That is the best line I've ever heard whenever people try to compare one player to another. Would LeBron have beaten Bird? Who cares? We just know it would be epic and fun to watch.
Without a doubt Bird is the best player that ever played the game. I recall an article in playboy magazine where Bird challenged anybody in the world to 3 point shots for 100,000. Nobody took the challenge.
I was introduced to the Magic vs Bird rivalry in the '79 NCAA final. What a game. Both of them wore #33. It was just a HINT of what was to come. It was truly a golden age for basketball... a delight to witness it.
Me too brother!! I'm from Lansing, that was the first basketball game I ever watched. Still ranked as one of the most watched sporting events in history. Moved out to LA the same time Magic came to LA
God: *whistling while making Bird* Satan: Yo God what the hell man. If you send this guy down there like that everyone is gonna wanna sell their sole to play like him. I can't deliver on that! G: Fine I'll slow him down a bit. Happy? S: No but I think that's the best I'm gonna get.
How can u call all that unathletic? Sport/Court awareness is part of the game. Magic & Bird, & Jordan of course - that aspect of their games was paramount, thats why one never saw Magic or Bird in a Slam Dunk contest. "Jumping high" & "speed" are very important to the game, of course. W/that said - I understood your comment. Its all subjective.
I have watched Bird throughout his career, starting with the NCAA Finals. I have continued to enjoy the hell outta the NBA in the Jordan years after Bird left. And until recent years, I have watched LeBron, Curry, and others play in the modern era, hat is how much I loved basketball. If there was a draft right now for any player in his rookie year, Bird is my absolute Number 1, over LeBron, MJ, Magic, etc. He would kill in today's league with pussified rules, a closer 3 point line (by 1.5 feet), etc. My close 2nd MJ would absolutely kill these NBA stars of today also, he would average 50 a game. Bird and MJ had defenders beat on them intentionally, trying to injure them, hard fouls that would make LeBron cry. They played injured, bloody, because they WANT the ball in clutch time because they DEMAND to win at all costs. The NBA is so woke now, it is disgusting.
If you transported Lebron back to the late eighties as a starter instantly, he would be a fish out of water. He'd be looking at the refs for fouls-elbows to his face, a tug or a push and refs would play on. I like the hard NBA.
@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344 Or better he (LeBron) would demand to be traded to a better team that have a chance to win or ask the owners to get specific marquee player.
@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344 LeBron would last a half season and spend his time looking for that Mad Scientist in Back to the Future to get him outta there...
@@michaelwalsh1035 LeBron is not weak in comparison to the way of the NBA now, but us oldsters know. I have always liked Bird, but re-watching this vids? Bird was an ass. On the court he wasn't nice. He was a tough SOB.
Magic & Larry, resurrected the game of basketball......My dad loved basketball, but stopped watching, until the competition between Johnson & Bird was highlighted......What my Dad used to say, about Larry's game, is that it reminded him of someone, who was not only playing basketball, but also, volleyball, dodgeball, hockey, baseball, football, soccer, & strategic chess, all at the same time, and was what made him so great 😊He certainly was one of the most unique and gifted players, I have ever watched!
keep in mind back in this era, a drive to the basket might mean the end of your career. clothesline's, forearm shivers and more were allowed as a normal foul
Rah, mad respect for how you concluded your thoughts after watching the video. I was waiting for you to go straight "but Lebron this and Bron that" but you manned up and showed your intelligence by "respecting greatness." This was the 1 and only video of yours I've ever seen but you got me to hit subscribe with the way you handled this one. Props
Watching Larry LIVE, especially in the Playoffs was pure magic. Watching him against Magic was even more magical. There's no other way to describe it. There's a reason they call him Larry Legend.
Larry Bird was The Man. No false chest beating, preening - just a matter-of-fact, in-your-face, smooth as silk bad -man. Everything he did was just so fluid, and his passing was brilliant. He played a good portion of his short career with mangled fingers and a bad back.
Bird really came into his own when DJ came to the team. DJ and Bird were of one mind. It's hard to say who is the GOAT from different decades. Your guy always gets a bump in your eyes. Nice to see you giving some love to Larry.
Larry Bird was everything! I follow him from HS to retirement and then as a coach for the Pacers and a General Manager. To watch on TV and live. What time to be a basketball fan, they all played with an intensity you don’t see today. Dr. J Larry Bird Magic Isaiah Thomas
Larry was just incredible...all the stuff your not supposed to be able to pull off,he did...he would even tell opposing teams what he was going to do on next play...then do it and score...in all aspects of the game he was the best....
Bird is top 5 all time in almost every category: shooting, clutch shooting, passing, court knowledge, toughness, mental intimidation of opponents, play-making/creation. His defense was also a bit underrated.
Bird is 5 times the player LeBron is because he did it himself and with what team did. He didn't leave or recruit other superstars. Bird is a man's man.
The craziest thing is, he suffered an injury before he was drafted, and he said that he was a much better player before the injury. If that's true, the league was dealing with a lessened version of Bird. Imagine if he was at 100% his whole career?
Thank you for giving me a chance to re-experience the greatness of watching Larry Bird perform his basketball magic during my era. There was nothing more exciting than watching Bird and Magic go head to head.
At the time, when Bird and Magic were just arriving on the scene, the NBA was a dying league. Those 2 in particular saved the game. Their rivalry, their incredible skill, their flash literally saved the NBA. Bird isn't a terribly good example of athleticism, his heart, his passion, his dedication to his craft drove him to excel. He and Magic were creators. They changed the game entirely.
Larry may not have been the greatest athlete but he literally was a wolf among dogs, and that's not to dismiss the talent of those he faced. He was a cut, he knew it and he made sure everyone knew it too. I often hear about him disrespecting opponents, that wasn't disrespecting. That was showing who's boss.
Amen. Then the next generation of MJ along with David Stern made the NBA a money mogul and started to develop the international fan base. All the greats have contributed to the betterment of the sport.
"NBA was a dying league". This can happen again, I think it might, because now we have people trying to prop the NBA up and it's not working. Bird was a magician compared to anyone in the league now. I'm tired of disrespecting him and Jordan by making fun of silly comparisons. Even Magic is slowly being forgotten.
Great commentary! This era was the best in NBA history, when Bball was about team. Bird’s Celtics, Magic’s Lakers, Michael’s Bulls, Ewing’s Knicks, Miller’s Pacers, Thomas’s Pistons, Erving’s 76ers, Wilken’s Hawks, Drexler’s Trail Blazers, Malone’s Jazz, Gilmore’s Spurs! This was truly the Golden era of NBA basketball.
All I can say bird was one of the best that ever played basketball. I loved the way Bird and Magic played. I think they made each other more competitive and work harder at their game and in the end had great respect for each other.
Watching these game on TV live while they were happening, pure magic. Bird did things that blew everyone's mind. He was a genius and a magician on the court. Basketball was a whole lot better back then, games were dogfights.
@@DavidStep98 he did look awkward, but that guy can just about do it all. The behind the basket shot, shooting while on the floor, passing anywhere (especially full court like a quarterback), and playing severely hurt, the guy was a robot.
I was never a big basketball fan, but watching the Celtics and the Lakers and Larry and Magic play was something even non-basketball fans can appreciate. The intense rivalry the two had with one another was the best in sports, and the incredible friendship that grew between them is full of emotion. If you have never seen the HBO documentary "Magic and Larry: A Courtship of Rivals" I highly recommend it.
I watched Larry live. There will never be another like him. He could light it up on offense and defense equally. Worked harder than any player I’ve ever seen and read the floor like a general.
All time great, but even he admitted he wasn’t that great on D, but was smart enough to overplay his man and run him into Parrish or McHale. Yes I know he made all defensive teams, but it was a courtesy for him being a superstar. One on one, he was never terrible, but never that good at defense. His offense, passing, and rebounding was from another planet
A Boston legend,,, The Friendship between , Bird and Magic was incredible We loved the Rival games Very exciting time to live in Boston Your dad was correct Bird is a one In a million Thanks for the memories
This channel is one of the best reaction videos on UA-cam... The man deserves more subscribers... Pass the word. This channel is absolutely legit. Top Tier...
Growing up in the 70s, my favorite, never-miss match-up was Bird v. Dr. J...though Julius was a tad older, and two inches shorter, they were always paired up together. Sometimes Erving would get the best of Bird, sometimes Bird would get the best of Julius...but it was ALWAYS great basketball...you were guaranteed to see some unbelievable move by Doc, and some clutch shot or assist by Bird. When Julius retired I was depressed. After Bird retired, I gradually stopped watching NBA.
Bird would trash talk his opponent and throw off their game. Towards the end of Birds career, I remember him going to the hospital and being put in traction to relieve his back pain, so he could get a good night's rest. This would also happen the night before a major game.
@@countrydelite5956 And yet Bird always did what he was trash talking about. He was notorious for telling coaches and opposing players where he was going to stand and how he was going to shoot, then doing it exactly that way. Nothing wrong with trash talking... IF you can follow though.
@@davidmiller9485 I like Bird, and always thought it was funny that he went from driving the garbage truck in French Lick, Indiana to the NBA. From trash truck to trash talk.
@@countrydelite5956 i watched a bio about him and his working for the city was one of the more interesting things that i found out about him. His issues with the first college he went to was the one of the others. He really felt alienated when he was going to a large university.
@@l.aelkington8726 Kareem, Jordan, Wilt, Magic, Bird. Kareem and Wilt dominated their era. Bird and Magic dominated their era. Jordan dominated his era. Who can really say who's the best but I would bet Jordan and Bird were the most clutch with Magic just a tad behind. Jordan IMO wins although barely.
@Disc Dfs Bird was still at the top of his game and ready to retire while Jordan was just getting started when they met although one on one (which never really happened) Jordan didn't match up well with Bird defensively. Jordan despite that setback was more athletic. I am a fan of both but in the end whoever outscores the other is the real winner. Good point and maybe it is a toss up.
Barry Sanders wasn't the all-time stats leader after only 9 seasons but my eyes tell me he was the greatest NFL running back I've ever seen. Larry sort of has the same problem. That's why goat talk is sort of a waste of time. They're all pretty good.
I think as an athlete Barry was better at football than Bird was at basketball, and that's saying something. Sheer will to win goes to Bird... basically unbeatable. Two of the best ever.
In my book there is one thing that separates Bird from LB, Heart. The kind that leaves floor burns on your palms and knees. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have never seen LB dive for a loose ball, ever. FYI, Bird beat ALL the greats, including MJ, in his era, on his way to being great himself.
@@Clarkbar79 Lebron didn’t play in an era against several of the the top 10 players of all time either! Bird can pass and shoot better than Lebron, and his IQ is light years ahead of LJ. Bird didn’t have to build super teams either to win chips! Facts! Lebron can run and jump better than Bird, like most others can.
@@k.c.6846 dude did you look at top 75 players? They only add to list don't replace it but they should. Some of those players wouldnt be top 10 if you started over and added new players and their resumes smh
The huge difference is the physical abilities LJ has over Bird but the fact Bird didn’t let that effect his game. As much as people say MJ was a hard worker I don’t believe anyone ever worked harder then Bird.
As crazy as this sounds, Bird is underrated. You can only really appreciate him if you watched him every night. He did something incredible every night. If I needed someone to take a shot to save my life it would be Larry Bird.
I feel like you understood him at a deep level and distilled, appreciated and replicated his talent for turning a competition into pure love. Recognizing raw skill and playing not only to win, but for the comradery of all. The way you closed the video is so true to the nature of the way Bird played basketball. It's not about proving one man or another is the best, but rather it's about proving that one man can impact everyone around him an immensely positive and powerful way. Even his strongest opponents cheered for him to the very end, and that's the real winning outcome in life.
I forgot who said it, and I'm paraphrasing but this says everything about Bird: If it's the last shot of Game 7, I want Michael Jordan taking it. If it's the shot to save my life, I want Bird to take it. I was a huge Showtime Lakers fan back in the day, but always marveled at how awesome a slow footed, no jumping Bird was. Boston-LA NBA Finals were legendary. Cool channel, dude.
Yup, great quote from one of the greatest coaches ever. The actual quote is “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.” -Pat Riley ✌️
I loved watching the game in the 80's, the team play was crazy good . . Magic and Bird were the cream of an incredible crop . . Lebron is physically great, but when it comes to that, Wilt was on a whole 'nuther level. If I was picking first in an all time ultimate dream game I'd have to go with him, since the team greats are many.
If you pause at 10:57 you can see Bird clearly when the courts is rushed then hit play and you can follow Bird as he desperately tries to get to the tunnel, running over people as he does. Its one of those things that I never see a reactor notice.
The idiot fans could have stayed for the trophy presentation, instead of scaring the players off the court. Would of been cooler than rioting with a bunch of drunks trying to trample you to death.
@@stevedem76 Rushing the field has been a part of sports culture for a long time. College football and NBA are just two examples and I'm pretty sure nobody was trampled to death when the Celtics won.
Top 5 in no particular order cuz, let's be real it ain't fair they didn't all play in the same generation. 1.MJ 2.Wilt the Stilt 3.Larry 4.Kobe 5.Lebron.
Respect for not hating greatness! I grew up watching bird live in the old Garden, love seeing different generations showing love and respect where it’s due
Jordan, Bird and Kareem are my top 3. And on top of his amazing shooting, he got his knuckle broken playing softball before his first nba season and he said he never had the same feel for the basketball afterwards. Terrifying to think what he could have done if that never happened.
Rebounding his own shoot was smooth as hell. It’s awesome watching all of the old school highlights. A lot of the stuff I missed purely because I was so loyal to Chicago as a kid I really wouldn’t let myself watch anyone else, but I always knew Bird had game.
Appreciate your reaction. I am, along with the people in my generation, were blessed to experience the golden age of the NBA. We went from Dr J, to Magic and Bird to Michael, to Kobe and Shaq and LeBron. It's my opinion that the 80's and 90's were the greatest of the league. Bird is a big part of what made it great.
Here are some awards to think about when it comes to Larry Bird Rookie of the year Second place MVP in his second year Second-place MVP third year Second-place MVP fourth year Mvp’s 5th year Mvp’s six year Mvp’s seventh year Second-place MVP eight year Second-place MVP ninth year. This is during the time of magic Johnson, Kareem, MJ, Dr J, Moses Malone, Dominique Wilkins, Hakeem, etc etc. If he stood head and shoulders above all of those during those nine years he is clearly top three
top 3...Wilt Chamberlin, Larry Bird, and Micheal Jorden without a doubt. All 3 of these players were all around players, scoring, rebounds, assists, and passing. Pistol Pete was the best ball handler and passer of all time. If he had not got hurt no telling what his numbers would have been.
This was when basketball was the best. I'll put Larry in my top three with Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Man did I love this game back then. Sorry to say I don't watch the NBA anymore. It's just not the same. Bird and Magic saved this game back then and then guys like Michael Jordan came along and kept it going. With Dr. J, Dominique Wilkins, Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley, and Isiah Thomas. Then you had the big guys like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert Parish, Moses Malone, Ralf Sampson, and Hakeem Olajuwon. What a great time of basketball!
Man, you named all the greats! I don’t watch Bball anymore. I got tired of seeing all these grown men flailing around on the floor acting like they’re hurt. It’s disgusting!
Funnily enough, I am from the UK and havent really been interested in basketball since this era, but that is pretty much my list. Although I would probably add Pippen, Karl Malone and the criminally underrated Kevin McHale.
I'm not even a basketball watcher. Never have watched it or even liked it much but I enjoy the crap out of watching these Larry Byrd videos. Even get a little teary-eyed sometimes. Watching the emotional nature of that old style greatness!
His retirement ceremony was held on an off night and they still filled the stadium just for him. THAT is how much Larry Bird meant to the Celtics. I couldn't name more than 5 players of the last 20 years but I am so grateful that my time watching included men like Magic, Bird, Kareem, and Jordan. Magic and Bird are the sole reasons that basketball is still being aired on tv. Before they started the ratings were so bad games were being preempted for movies. Their era saved Basketball as you know it now. They earned not only their place in history but also our respect.
RAH! I fell in love with your statement of you recognizing GREATNESS and not wanting to compare. MUCH respect to you Youngblood! I grew up in B-More, Magic was my favorite player; however, Boston was my team of choice. It was a tough love to have for two of the greatest players. LeBron is Hype in his own... each era will have their champs. #INSTANTFOLLOW.
Great comment, too often fans get lost in the "who's better" comparisons as opposed to just celebrating greatness for greatness's sake. Celebrating one player shouldn't be taken as a diss to another player or another era. Some of the old timers get special mention only because the younger masses have never actually seen him play aside from an odd highlight or two.
Thank u 4 watchin, Drop a Subscribe & hit notify.. I will be dropping reactions to more legendary hoopers 🦂🏆
Good to see guys like you giving Larry his due. Bron is nothing compared to Bird!
Here's the answer to your question of the top three:
1.Bird/Magic
2.Jordan
3.) Kareem/Russell
Bron got nothing compared to the legends, whether be Bird, Magic, Charles, Kareem, Jordan, Russell, Isiah, etc. These legends plays whoever teammates they get and loyal to the teams. Jordan went to the Bulls when the Bulls have nothing, but he made the Bulls a championship team, Jordan never demands to get specific player or he leaves, unlike Bron, he demands specific players to play with. These guys plays hurts, nowadays these guys like Bron, KD, etc. they can't match up with these legends. The fouls in those days will get them either fined or suspended by today's NBA standards.
LeFraud's soft ass will not survive in the 80s and 90s, he even got outplayed by a 33 year old unathletic white plumber in the finals 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Larry would be sitting on the NBA throne if it wasn't for Jordan.
@@15scottie he missing the longevity factor
Top three: Jordan, Bird and Magic (Wilt and Bill Russell complete my top 5). I take Bird over Lebron 10 times out of 10. There are only two areas Lebron is superior. He is a far superior athlete and he has had a longer, healthier career. But everything on the court goes to Bird. He is a better leader, shooter, passer and rebounder. He had the highest basketball IQ I've ever seen. Most important, he HATED to lose and simply refused to accept that he could. He outworked everyone before, during and after practice, before, during and after games and in the offseason. Yes, Lebron could do more because of his athleticism and Bird was a slow, unahletic white guy but so what? He made his teammates better and they were supremely loyal to him. He played in a very tough conference and had real battles against my 76ers, which he mostly won. I hated him when he played but I respect the hell out of who he is and what he did with what he was given. Brilliant player.
Jordan, Bird, Shaq, Tim, Kobe is mine. Even in this roster, he is the smartest, better playmaker, better 3pt shooter, better passer.
If he had athleticism, he would be the GOAT.
You gotta put Kareem in there buddy
All time
Point=Magic
2 guard=MJ
Small Forward=Larry Legend
Power Forward=LeBron
Center=Kareem..
2nd Team
Point=The Big O
2 guard=Kobe
Small Forward=KD
Power Forward=Karl Malone/Tim Duncan
Center=Shaq Diesel..
Bill Russell and Wilt played at a time where they were basically the only two great big men in the game, so they didn't have much in the way of competition.. they could just as well replaced Kareem on my list.
MJ
Kareem
Bird
Magic
Hakeem
Excellent post, nailed it.
“If I had to pick a player to make a shot to save a game, I’d pick Michael Jordon. If I had to pick a player to make a shot to save my life, I’d pick Larry Bird”
Pat Riley-
Yet Pat retired mjs number in Miami
Most clutch: Bird Jordan Kobe Reggie
@@mannyneva1760 …and?
@@WiseGuy5674 and to his quote
Probably the single greatest statement about a player in the NBA ever!
Larry’s retirement ceremony was at the Boston Gardens on a off night, no game! The venue was sold out, packed with fans and overflowing outside to honor Larry. A no game sell out, imagine 👍
yup!
Ya'll see all that love they gave Magic!
Plus there were millions of us watching on TV as well. This guy was and still is loved in New England.
@@lll9416 that was the big difference back then. they hated to lose to each other. But there was absolutely NOTHING but respect. When the fans saw how hard the Lakers and Celtics played, but how Larry and Magic were legit good friends off the court, the fan bases followed suit and always had respectful things to say, but they always ended it with an "I hope we kick their a**" lol.
Magic was also wearing a Celtics jersey under his.
@@FloridaManRacer Those days are sadly gone... welcome to Idocracy.
What the fuck have we done? Get it together America... love and respect one another. It has happened before and we need it now more than ever. Peace.
Bird was a superstar not just from his own abilities, he was a team player. Pass, rebound, guard. He covered everything!
something Lebron could learn.. then again he can't even read!
Back when the NBA was a real sport. Larry Bird, Magic, MJ.
Fire lineup
Yep. no doubt
Fact
Agreed. Just hasn't been the same since .
Omg, the truth
When Magic said Bird was the greatest, that was respect, not love. When he said Bird was his friend, THAT was love. Best friends for years and years.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
When Magic was diagnosed with Aids one of the first people he called was Larry, the Hick from Lick, absolutely a friendship and respect
I like the way you put that, never thought about it that way. Nice, thanks. Gonna borrow that one,...
Well said
I got to add that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also thinks Larry Bird is the greatest!
Fun Fact: In 6 games vs them in the playoffs, Michael Jordan and the Bulls never beat Larry Bird and the Celtics.
my favorite quote is MJ's message to Larry Bird after he announced his retirement: “You ruined a lot of my successful games”
Yep. MJ bested all of his rivals- Magic, Isiah, Stockton/Malone, Barkley, Drexler, Ewing, etc.
But not Bird. And MJ knows this all too well. In their regular season games, Larry bested him and swept him in all of their playoff games.
@@rickbort7875 of course, even mj in his prime when he had pippen and rodman would still lose to Larry birds Celtics dynasty, Larry legends Celtics team is definitely the greatest NBA team of all time
@@jakedooley5300 That 86 Celtics team sure could make that boast.
Fun fact: Bird also had 4 other HOF's his team also.
Fun fact: Kevin McHale was a HOF
Fun fact: Dennis Johnson was a HOF
Fun fact: Robert Parish was HOF
Fun Fact: Bill Walton was a HOF and even though he was Past his prime he was still effective with his passing & rebounding
Another Fun Fact: go grab Larry Bird's book where he explain why Jordan was a 1-9 during his first 3 playoff series ......Larry Bird - " it wasn't that Jordan couldn't win, he just didn't have the roster or the proper coaching at that particular time and thank God he didn't "
Fun Fact: Magic said this in 87' " Jordan is the best player in the world, he just don't have the championship ROSTER that Larry & I have "
Fun Fact: Mark Aguirre said this on the Bad Boys Documentary " Jordan is the best in the world, he just needed a lil help "
Y'all say a lot of things without putting things in their proper perspective or context, a lot of y'all like the sound of Bird sweeping Jordan twice but Bird had the understanding that he had the far superior TEAM AND CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER AND JORDAN DIDN'T......BOTTOM LINE!
Something to keep in mind is that those plays on the highlight reel weren't the exceptions. On any given night, a cold Tuesday in February, he would make at least one head-spinning, mind-blowing move - a shot, a pass, a steal, something. I don't have anything to add to the Bird v. Lebron v. Magic v. Jordan debate. Instead, I'll say this. For me what distinguishes Bird from the others was his flair for the dramatic. Shaughnessy once wrote of him (paraphrasing) 'he was put here to fulfill our sports fantasies'. He did. Time and time again. Even down to the way he finally left the game, battered, broken, and head held high.
Settle down
@@drobichaud1000 Why? It's an astute comment. Hurt your feelings?
Oh, come on, Larry Legend would have James in the locker room balled up in a corner. James couldn't take the trash talk + the amazing playing.
"I'm gonna get it right here LeBron, and I'm gonna shoot it in your face."
And there’s nothing your
gonna do about it , James !
Absolute truth right there
facts
Every old school player, would foul out or T out in the first minutes of the game. Bird talked trash to coaches and players. Backed up every word though.
Bird had IMPOSSIBLE intuition. He had full court awareness, 100% of the time, and it didn't matter if he lacked the physical skills of his peers - what he could do, he did flawlessly. Bird played like he could see the future.
He was like Mario Lemieux or Wayne Gretsky were in hockey; they had a magical sense of where the puck was and where it needed to be. Larry was the same; he knew where everyone was on the court and what needed to happen, in nanospeed.
Bird for the win!!!!
¡EXACTLY! And, at the end of the day, that INTUITION IS USUALLY MORE CRUCIAL THAN PHYSICAL SKILLS.
Bird was pretty damn athletic though. People only talk about his intuition because he’s white.
"like he could see the future" - perfectly put.
Magic and Bird saved the NBA. All those finals against each other was an absolute treat to watch. This coming from a Sixers fan.
Yes. The 1980s were a great decade for the NBA.
The greatest team would have a Dr. On it.
@@maxwattage6631 83 Sixers best team of the 80s. It's a shame we didn't get Moses earlier
Most people don't know the NBA finals were tape-delayed and shown after the 11 o'clock news 🙄 Bird and Magic certainly saved the NBA.
Yup. Sizers fan growing up too. Was a Sir Charles fan and I absolutely hated playing Boston. I knew how it was gonna end.
It's refreshing to see a reactor show such respect - no ragging on the opinions of others. Thanks!
Since the current NBA doesn’t believe in playing defense, Bird would dominate in today’s game. Players today are soft and whiney. Players back in Larry’s day were warriors. My dad and I would watch all the Boston games from the day he came into the league and until he left the league. We bought one of the first satellite TVs, one of those huge monsters so we could pick up their games. Pop is no longer with us but I’ll always have those memories❣️
Respect! I agree with you! Sorry for your loss! Dude was a beast with HEART!
Dont know about soft and whiney, but it is reffed differently now, than in the 80s and 90s. When players drive to the hoop now they hardly get touched, for fear of a foul call and possible 3 point play...back in the 80s as soon as a player let go of the ball in the lane, they got hammered, these days it would get called as a flagrant with a technical shot to follow
That was nice to read.
@@Ori0n1975 Thank you. Good times for sure.
I mean , the rule change gives me hope , it’s more physical again
I’m 45. I love watching open minded young people get their first real experience of Larry Bird. It blows their minds most times haha. You can’t help but give him his props. The Legend!
Lebron himself has Larry in his all-time top 3. He has said it on camera. No one understood the chess match of the game better. What he lacked in raw athleticism, he more than made up for it with Shooting, intelligence, unbelievable court vision, etc. He always seemed to be in the right position to make a play. And he was extremely tough.
That confirms I'm not far off
Actually lebron said larry is the goat
@@jeffreyross71 Interesting. That’s cool. I only saw the one where he named his top 3.
J Sanders: well put indeed!
I was a Hawks fan in the 80s and Bird used to kill Dominique in ATL. Plus, a lot of little things made him great like being a 90% FT shooter and an unparalleled game winning shooter.
Larry is known as "The Legend" for a damn good reason. Man had off the chart basketball IQ, winning by working as a team was a huge part of his mindset, we win or lose together, everyone pulls their weight and works as a unit. One of the greatest players and leaders to play the game.
I don't think there's a more complete player than Bird when you consider everything he brings to the table. shooting, scoring, passing , rebounding, IQ, clutch, heart, swag, left hand and trash talk with backing it up. Lebron maybe better in some areas but he's certainty not as complete of a player as Bird.
The man tell ya where he's goin...go there...and ya still couldn't stop him! 🤪 Bron couldn't carry his water bottle.... real talk.
Bird and Magic saved the NBA
Never forget. Bird > Lebron
BronBron would be dehydrated from all his no-calls(cause ya used to be able put hands on players) and Bronie is always looking for someone else to take “the shot” for the game. Bird wanted the ball, like the song said, everyone wants to be like mike. “Gimme the ball and get out the way” where as lebron was always looking for someone else weather it was JJ Reddick or ray Allen oh hell even JR Smith. (And the dude might go 19/25 for 45 points in 28 min, or go 3/17 and still be chucking 3’s having played 45/48 minutes). He always had his outlet 3 point shooter. If you don’t have the killer instinct I’m talking about, you might as well go play ping pong.
Bird would talk so much trash and back it up- he humiliated really great players
@@terrencekitchens8833 foolishness at the end.
Larry Bird: Walks into Utah says "I feel like 43 tonight."
Larry Bird: Scores 43 checks out of game.
As told by John Stockton.
Scored 43 while still in the 3rd quarter if I remember correctly.
That Is an insane awareness, to keep a self-made-score (in the midst of the game) and a fierce focus to make it happen! 👏
True . . .
Not 42, OR 44 . . . .
But He Scored 43 !!!!!!
43 in 3 quarters. Bird was sick and wanted to rest the 4 quarter after knowing he won the game.
Larry ""Legend"" even Scored 47 Left Handed in PlayOff game 6 . . .
Bird said that He was Saving His Right for Magic 🏀🏀😁😎😁🏀🏀
My 3 best players of alltime: Jordan, Bird ( best SF of alltime, unbelievable shooter, amazing rebounder, clutch player, amazing assist!!) and Magic.
My top 3 as well!!
Mine are Bird, Dr. J and Kareem.
agreed
Same
Agree!
I was a teen growing up in Boston in the 80's. What a ride it was! To me, Bird will ALWAYS be my favorite player of all time.
"I just love greatness." That's the real deal, right there. Respect.
When it mattered most...Most game-winners of All-Time:
#1) Kobe = 26
#2) Jordan = 25
#3) LeBron = 19
#3) Dirk = 19
#5) Bird = 18
However, when it came to game-winners per game ration, here are the best:
#1) Jordan = 2.33
#2) Bird = 2.01
#3) Kobe 1.93
#4) LeBron = 1.39
#5) Dirk = 1.24
@@FreedomFighter2112Now there's a stat I never would have conjured up. "Game winning shots". Clever! We called it fun with numbers in aerospace. I'm sure the math is sound, but is that YOUR definition of what defines the "greatest"? So, in a game where a guy makes the last shot, he'd be MVP of the game, obviously?
What about another guy had 50 points 20 assists, and he assisted on the winning basket?
And what's with "when it mattered the most"? How about through the season to GET to the "mattered most " games?
The term "greatest" has to be defined as far as what mixture of stats you compareas well as defining the "game". Is it really a theoretical 1-on-1 game people are visualizing, or 3-on-3?
I just don't agree that that single stat comes close to recognizing the complexities of the game.
Now if you're an academic that's never heard of the game before, or an AI, I'd probably have to give you an A because if no definition.
Bird was phenomenal. Ahead of his time. Every teen aged and 20 something basketball fan should watch this . At 55 I lived through his era. Legend is an understatement.
Into Stats. Read Lebron and Bird at 30 years old. Say around their prime age. Then you will see both are amazing but the stats actually go to the Legend. Why? Another time...
The young bucks don't even know real basketball. Everything is dunks and threeballs now. It was a different era and still a contact sport. Passing was at a premium. Miss those days.
Larry Legend is the Goat. Don’t care what the younger generation thinks.. just incredible player..
I agree Greg!!! Well said!!!
55 clevelander here. Sure was a different time back then. That was exciting to witness. Today's games are boring - and I'm a female and i remember it. Everyone knew bird and Jordan's schedule by heart
bird was 10 times more mentally tougher then James could even think of being .....give me Bird any day !
Bird didnt cry in pain. LeBron cries with hurt feelings.
@@devolutioninc Bird famously cried over hurt feelings.
@@redrick8900 did henhurtnlebron?
@@devolutioninc I don't speak whatever that is.
I really respect your reaction to Bird. I grew up watching him play, he was amazing. Lebron is mind blowing, the complete package .I will always believe that Birds will to win is what made him unstoppable. check out his history, tough childhood, his father committed suicide, this guy had to push through hell to get to where he was. thanks for the vid, you got my sub.
This man came from a different time and was cut from a different cloth than the chumps of today . What great sportsmanship and friendship from Magic calling Bird the best of all time . I'll never forget being amazed by Larry Birds talent as a kid .
You are dam right, LeBron James never would survive Larry, he would get Larry kicked out of the game for trash talking!
@@Zazu1776he would have Lachina crying in his safe space
@@rduke325 100 %
Bird didn't slack, particularly on D, when he wasn't happy w how things were going
Lebron does
We've seen him pick & choose when he wanta play hard over the years too many times
Guys like MJ bird magic Hakeem, they always brought it...always
You are 100%correct sir.
Heart. Can't teach it.
LeBron is the physical prototype of a basketball player, minus the heart and the strong will. Every goat in every sport has to have that.
Whole league is like that now.
👏👏👏👏👏
Isaiah Thomas once said,
"If you put me, Magic, Jordan and Larry in a room, at the end of the day, Larry is the one walking out of the room."
Magic knew him best. Called him the best ever.
Jordan never won a playoff game against him. Not... one... game!
The GOAT
Bulls didn't beat Celtics but MJ embarrassed the entire team, he just had no help. I think Bird is top 3 all time but MJ 🐐 and it isn't even debatable.
@@scottchristian8280 Ugh. I can only tell you the truth. I can't understand it for you too.
M.J. was good. Top 10 ALL time. Facts are facts, and facts are not debatable.
Not.
One.
Game.
Against the physically broken version of the court wizard he was and still...
Not.
One.
Game.
But thanks for coming out
@@Omegahybridx In a 135-131 overtime defeat at the old Boston Garden, Jordan, then 23 years old, scored 63 points, a mark that to this day stands as a single-game postseason record. That night, even as the Celtics seized a 2-0 series lead over the Bulls, Bird said of the performance: "It's just God disguised as Michael Jordan."
@Omegahybridx I'm going to trust Larry Legends word over yours. Larry was the smartest player to ever play, im certain he knows basketball better than you.
@@scottchristian8280 Sigh. I already went over this. How many more years did Bird play after playing the 23 year old M.J.??
Thanks again
You said it. Just love greatness. It rarely comes around. When Larry and Magic went at it the fans were the winners.
There’s lots of Larry stories. That 3 point contest where he still had his warm up on and won, says a lot in a nut shell. The game where he shot only lefty and put up big points is insane. He is without a doubt a legend not only in Boston, but in the league. Basketball in this era was a lot tougher as well. Any of those teams could have been champions if you slept at any time. The bench was comparable to a starting line up today. 🖐🏽🎤
Or the time he got offended that they had a white guy guard him lol
You are right! Larry the Legend☘️
Bird was such a badass that he would tell the other team what he was gonna do before he did it, and they still couldn't stop him. He would literally call his shots
When you say " what a great time to be alive" maybe now you understand why us old heads always pick from this era when picking top 5.
Damn, that there says it all! We lived this Era and it was greatness! Twice as physical, twice the mental games, twice the greatness of today's games!
I remember watching Magic live in his rookie season. The Celtics vs Lakers games in the 1980's were incredible. The starting five of each team plus the sixth man were incredible players.
Yep I graduated high school when bird graduated college
Yes, the 80’s-90’s were a great basketball era and Celtics-Lakers were great match-ups. I loved it and kept me watching every season. I loved the style and physicality.. just the best of times.. don’t you agree?
Great reaction. And it WAS a phenomenal time to be alive and see that era as a kid! Brings back so many memories. As for top 3... It's tough to say, different eras are hard to compare... That said, No.1 is easy, Michael. If you're playing the game to win it, then you want MJ on your team all day every day. Not even close, the best ever. After that, you couldn't go wrong with Magic and Bird, or Kobe and Lebron, or Kareem and Bill Russell. One thing though is those players from earlier decades might not have been as athletic and in the shape players today can be, but they were much more tough because the league was much more tough. None of that ticky tack garbage you see today. You wanted a ring, you were gonna have to take the hits to earn it.
From what I’ve gathered, if you’re playing the game to win it, then you want MJ on your team, all day every day.
But not if the other team have Larry Bird playing for them.
That man was tough as nails
For us Gen Xer's we always knew Bird was easily on the same level as Jordan, Bryant, Lebron, Johnson. You cant tell me Lebron can do what Bird does. Lebron is sheer force, Bird is grace on fire
Magic showing Larry the ❤️ is much deeper than you can imagine. They were bitter rivals throughout their college and professional careers. Completely opposite personalities, Magic loud and out there, the life of the party. Bird, trash talk aside, was quite and shy, the first one at practice and the last to leave, always practicing, because let’s face it, he didn’t have the speed and jumping abilities that most others had, so he practiced, ALL the time. His true strength was that he used his brain, he could play way ahead in his mind and out strategize anyone out there. But back to Magic, he and Larry probably have the most famous rivalry in all of basketball. BUT when Magic got sick, diagnosed with HIV, players turned their backs on him out of fear of the disease. Refused to play with or against him. Not Bird. This man of few words stood up tall and took to the court with Magic with no hesitation, I believe it was for the Olympic dream team. Larry totally had his back when most rivals would have been happy to see him crash and burn. The rivalry is why Magic knows more than anyone how good Bird was, but the ❤️ is from a man of true character, your rival, being the one to have your back at your lowest point in life, and in true Bird fashion, not giving a F*** what people thought of him doing it.
Magic also called Bird and told him about his diagnosis as soon as he found out about it (before he told the media) and that half court behind the back pass that he throws during the montage of his incredible passing skills was done in tribute to Magic.
Probably the greatest on court/field player rivalry and off court friendship in the history of competitive sports. ❤️
"I just love greatness." That is the best line I've ever heard whenever people try to compare one player to another. Would LeBron have beaten Bird? Who cares? We just know it would be epic and fun to watch.
and no LeKaren wouldnt have
Since MJ was 0-6 against Bird,, don't expect LeBron to have faired better.
@@yankeerepairs Bird would beat Bron and never step in the paint
@@randyalvey9445
#33 would beat him in the paint as well
Without a doubt Bird is the best player that ever played the game. I recall an article in playboy magazine where Bird challenged anybody in the world to 3 point shots for 100,000. Nobody took the challenge.
I was introduced to the Magic vs Bird rivalry in the '79 NCAA final. What a game. Both of them wore #33. It was just a HINT of what was to come. It was truly a golden age for basketball... a delight to witness it.
Me too brother!! I'm from Lansing, that was the first basketball game I ever watched. Still ranked as one of the most watched sporting events in history. Moved out to LA the same time Magic came to LA
Larry being unathletic and a bit slow is gods' way of making it fair.
God: *whistling while making Bird*
Satan: Yo God what the hell man. If you send this guy down there like that everyone is gonna wanna sell their sole to play like him. I can't deliver on that!
G: Fine I'll slow him down a bit. Happy?
S: No but I think that's the best I'm gonna get.
@@grantkiger9916 lame.
How can u call all that unathletic? Sport/Court awareness is part of the game. Magic & Bird, & Jordan of course - that aspect of their games was paramount, thats why one never saw Magic or Bird in a Slam Dunk contest. "Jumping high" & "speed" are very important to the game, of course.
W/that said - I understood your comment. Its all subjective.
He wasn't unathletic, he just wasn't a freak of nature and looks kind of goofy. You don't get to the NBA if you're unathletic.
@@rpg_haven true
Larry Legend is the Goat. He’s the best there ever was! He is a fully evolved player. Larry Bird is the Omega of Basketball.
You’re a wise lady!
I have watched Bird throughout his career, starting with the NCAA Finals. I have continued to enjoy the hell outta the NBA in the Jordan years after Bird left. And until recent years, I have watched LeBron, Curry, and others play in the modern era, hat is how much I loved basketball. If there was a draft right now for any player in his rookie year, Bird is my absolute Number 1, over LeBron, MJ, Magic, etc. He would kill in today's league with pussified rules, a closer 3 point line (by 1.5 feet), etc. My close 2nd MJ would absolutely kill these NBA stars of today also, he would average 50 a game. Bird and MJ had defenders beat on them intentionally, trying to injure them, hard fouls that would make LeBron cry. They played injured, bloody, because they WANT the ball in clutch time because they DEMAND to win at all costs. The NBA is so woke now, it is disgusting.
I agree mostly, but you forget about Bill Russell.
If you transported Lebron back to the late eighties as a starter instantly, he would be a fish out of water. He'd be looking at the refs for fouls-elbows to his face, a tug or a push and refs would play on. I like the hard NBA.
@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344 Or better he (LeBron) would demand to be traded to a better team that have a chance to win or ask the owners to get specific marquee player.
@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344 LeBron would last a half season and spend his time looking for that Mad Scientist in Back to the Future to get him outta there...
@@michaelwalsh1035 LeBron is not weak in comparison to the way of the NBA now, but us oldsters know. I have always liked Bird, but re-watching this vids? Bird was an ass. On the court he wasn't nice. He was a tough SOB.
Magic & Larry, resurrected the game of basketball......My dad loved basketball, but stopped watching, until the competition between Johnson & Bird was highlighted......What my Dad used to say, about Larry's game, is that it reminded him of someone, who was not only playing basketball, but also, volleyball, dodgeball, hockey, baseball, football, soccer, & strategic chess, all at the same time, and was what made him so great 😊He certainly was one of the most unique and gifted players, I have ever watched!
keep in mind back in this era, a drive to the basket might mean the end of your career. clothesline's, forearm shivers and more were allowed as a normal foul
Rah, mad respect for how you concluded your thoughts after watching the video. I was waiting for you to go straight "but Lebron this and Bron that" but you manned up and showed your intelligence by "respecting greatness." This was the 1 and only video of yours I've ever seen but you got me to hit subscribe with the way you handled this one. Props
Watching Larry LIVE, especially in the Playoffs was pure magic. Watching him against Magic was even more magical. There's no other way to describe it. There's a reason they call him Larry Legend.
Larry Bird was The Man. No false chest beating, preening - just a matter-of-fact, in-your-face, smooth as silk bad -man. Everything he did was just so fluid, and his passing was brilliant. He played a good portion of his short career with mangled fingers and a bad back.
Bird really came into his own when DJ came to the team. DJ and Bird were of one mind. It's hard to say who is the GOAT from different decades. Your guy always gets a bump in your eyes. Nice to see you giving some love to Larry.
Larry Bird was simply the most complete and amazing player I have ever witnessed.
Larry Bird was everything!
I follow him from HS to retirement and then as a coach for the Pacers and a General Manager.
To watch on TV and live. What time to be a basketball fan, they all played with an intensity you don’t see today.
Dr. J
Larry Bird
Magic
Isaiah Thomas
Larry was just incredible...all the stuff your not supposed to be able to pull off,he did...he would even tell opposing teams what he was going to do on next play...then do it and score...in all aspects of the game he was the best....
Bird is top 5 all time in almost every category: shooting, clutch shooting, passing, court knowledge, toughness, mental intimidation of opponents, play-making/creation. His defense was also a bit underrated.
💯
Bird is 5 times the player LeBron is because he did it himself and with what team did. He didn't leave or recruit other superstars. Bird is a man's man.
The craziest thing is, he suffered an injury before he was drafted, and he said that he was a much better player before the injury.
If that's true, the league was dealing with a lessened version of Bird. Imagine if he was at 100% his whole career?
Yeah, he mangled the fingers on his shooting hand playing softball. He said he "never" got his touch back...frickin' scary
Thank you for giving me a chance to re-experience the greatness of watching Larry Bird perform his basketball magic during my era. There was nothing more exciting than watching Bird and Magic go head to head.
At the time, when Bird and Magic were just arriving on the scene, the NBA was a dying league. Those 2 in particular saved the game. Their rivalry, their incredible skill, their flash literally saved the NBA. Bird isn't a terribly good example of athleticism, his heart, his passion, his dedication to his craft drove him to excel. He and Magic were creators. They changed the game entirely.
Larry may not have been the greatest athlete but he literally was a wolf among dogs, and that's not to dismiss the talent of those he faced. He was a cut, he knew it and he made sure everyone knew it too. I often hear about him disrespecting opponents, that wasn't disrespecting. That was showing who's boss.
Amen. Then the next generation of MJ along with David Stern made the NBA a money mogul and started to develop the international fan base. All the greats have contributed to the betterment of the sport.
"NBA was a dying league". This can happen again, I think it might, because now we have people trying to prop the NBA up and it's not working.
Bird was a magician compared to anyone in the league now. I'm tired of disrespecting him and Jordan by making fun of silly comparisons. Even Magic is slowly being forgotten.
Great commentary! This era was the best in NBA history, when Bball was about team. Bird’s Celtics, Magic’s Lakers, Michael’s Bulls, Ewing’s Knicks, Miller’s Pacers, Thomas’s Pistons, Erving’s 76ers, Wilken’s Hawks, Drexler’s Trail Blazers, Malone’s Jazz, Gilmore’s Spurs! This was truly the Golden era of NBA basketball.
And tougher then the Line play in the NFL. Can you imagine LeFlop trying that crap then. Oakley et al., would of taken him out.
Agree 100%
All I can say bird was one of the best that ever played basketball. I loved the way Bird and Magic played. I think they made each other more competitive and work harder at their game and in the end had great respect for each other.
Watching these game on TV live while they were happening, pure magic. Bird did things that blew everyone's mind. He was a genius and a magician on the court. Basketball was a whole lot better back then, games were dogfights.
I always thought Bird looked a little awkward but he always seemed to do what he wanted done.
@@DavidStep98 he did look awkward, but that guy can just about do it all. The behind the basket shot, shooting while on the floor, passing anywhere (especially full court like a quarterback), and playing severely hurt, the guy was a robot.
I was never a big basketball fan, but watching the Celtics and the Lakers and Larry and Magic play was something even non-basketball fans can appreciate. The intense rivalry the two had with one another was the best in sports, and the incredible friendship that grew between them is full of emotion. If you have never seen the HBO documentary "Magic and Larry: A Courtship of Rivals" I highly recommend it.
I watched Larry live. There will never be another like him. He could light it up on offense and defense equally. Worked harder than any player I’ve ever seen and read the floor like a general.
All time great, but even he admitted he wasn’t that great on D, but was smart enough to overplay his man and run him into Parrish or McHale. Yes I know he made all defensive teams, but it was a courtesy for him being a superstar. One on one, he was never terrible, but never that good at defense. His offense, passing, and rebounding was from another planet
Bird was one of the best shooters to ever play. He made it look so easy.
"I just love greatness" Awesome quote, bro! Respect! Love the game!
Bird would excell in today's NBA, he was a straight baller.
Most of today's ballers wouldn't be able to catch his passes and get hit in the mouth wondering where it came from.
A Boston legend,,, The Friendship between , Bird and Magic was incredible
We loved the Rival games Very exciting time to live in Boston
Your dad was correct
Bird is a one In a million Thanks for the memories
You are right, greatness is greatness. Appreciate it while you can. RIP Kobe.
This channel is one of the best reaction videos on UA-cam... The man deserves more subscribers... Pass the word. This channel is absolutely legit. Top Tier...
Growing up in the 70s, my favorite, never-miss match-up was Bird v. Dr. J...though Julius was a tad older, and two inches shorter, they were always paired up together. Sometimes Erving would get the best of Bird, sometimes Bird would get the best of Julius...but it was ALWAYS great basketball...you were guaranteed to see some unbelievable move by Doc, and some clutch shot or assist by Bird. When Julius retired I was depressed. After Bird retired, I gradually stopped watching NBA.
Bird would trash talk his opponent and throw off their game. Towards the end of Birds career, I remember him going to the hospital and being put in traction to relieve his back pain, so he could get a good night's rest. This would also happen the night before a major game.
@@countrydelite5956 And yet Bird always did what he was trash talking about. He was notorious for telling coaches and opposing players where he was going to stand and how he was going to shoot, then doing it exactly that way. Nothing wrong with trash talking... IF you can follow though.
@@davidmiller9485 I like Bird, and always thought it was funny that he went from driving the garbage truck in French Lick, Indiana to the NBA. From trash truck to trash talk.
@@countrydelite5956 i watched a bio about him and his working for the city was one of the more interesting things that i found out about him. His issues with the first college he went to was the one of the others. He really felt alienated when he was going to a large university.
His retirement wasn’t even on a game night and they packed the stadium even Wilt Chamberlain says Larry was the best player ever
Pretty sure Kareem said it too
@@l.aelkington8726 Kareem, Jordan, Wilt, Magic, Bird. Kareem and Wilt dominated their era. Bird and Magic dominated their era. Jordan dominated his era. Who can really say who's the best but I would bet Jordan and Bird were the most clutch with Magic just a tad behind. Jordan IMO wins although barely.
@Disc Dfs Bird was still at the top of his game and ready to retire while Jordan was just getting started when they met although one on one (which never really happened) Jordan didn't match up well with Bird defensively. Jordan despite that setback was more athletic. I am a fan of both but in the end whoever outscores the other is the real winner. Good point and maybe it is a toss up.
"What a time to be alive..." Indeed. Those men played HARD, with imagination, with heart.
Bird Jordan Magic!!! All three EQUALL!!! Respect!!
Barry Sanders wasn't the all-time stats leader after only 9 seasons but my eyes tell me he was the greatest NFL running back I've ever seen. Larry sort of has the same problem. That's why goat talk is sort of a waste of time. They're all pretty good.
I think as an athlete Barry was better at football than Bird was at basketball, and that's saying something. Sheer will to win goes to Bird... basically unbeatable. Two of the best ever.
Barry was the Best ever along with Walter Peyton
Barry could of had so many championships but he was a loyal running back to Detroit things were different back then
In my book there is one thing that separates Bird from LB, Heart. The kind that leaves floor burns on your palms and knees. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have never seen LB dive for a loose ball, ever. FYI, Bird beat ALL the greats, including MJ, in his era, on his way to being great himself.
LeBron will have played against 3 times more hall of famers the Bird did when it's all said and done.
@@Clarkbar79 Lebron didn’t play in an era against several of the the top 10 players of all time either! Bird can pass and shoot better than Lebron, and his IQ is light years ahead of LJ. Bird didn’t have to build super teams either to win chips! Facts! Lebron can run and jump better than Bird, like most others can.
@@k.c.6846 dude did you look at top 75 players? They only add to list don't replace it but they should. Some of those players wouldnt be top 10 if you started over and added new players and their resumes smh
The huge difference is the physical abilities LJ has over Bird but the fact Bird didn’t let that effect his game. As much as people say MJ was a hard worker I don’t believe anyone ever worked harder then Bird.
¡¡Very GOOD POINT, yes sir!!
As crazy as this sounds, Bird is underrated. You can only really appreciate him if you watched him every night. He did something incredible every night. If I needed someone to take a shot to save my life it would be Larry Bird.
I feel like you understood him at a deep level and distilled, appreciated and replicated his talent for turning a competition into pure love. Recognizing raw skill and playing not only to win, but for the comradery of all. The way you closed the video is so true to the nature of the way Bird played basketball. It's not about proving one man or another is the best, but rather it's about proving that one man can impact everyone around him an immensely positive and powerful way. Even his strongest opponents cheered for him to the very end, and that's the real winning outcome in life.
I forgot who said it, and I'm paraphrasing but this says everything about Bird:
If it's the last shot of Game 7, I want Michael Jordan taking it. If it's the shot to save my life, I want Bird to take it.
I was a huge Showtime Lakers fan back in the day, but always marveled at how awesome a slow footed, no jumping Bird was. Boston-LA NBA Finals were legendary.
Cool channel, dude.
Pat Riley
Yup, great quote from one of the greatest coaches ever.
The actual quote is “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.” -Pat Riley
✌️
Pat Riley
"Bird was a Beast."
Hell, yes. My hats off!
Love your honestly. Bird’s confidence is off the charts. You add some skill to that type of confidence and you get unstoppable. Great video Rah.
I loved watching the game in the 80's, the team play was crazy good . . Magic and Bird were the cream of an incredible crop . . Lebron is physically great, but when it comes to that, Wilt was on a whole 'nuther level. If I was picking first in an all time ultimate dream game I'd have to go with him, since the team greats are many.
If you pause at 10:57 you can see Bird clearly when the courts is rushed then hit play and you can follow Bird as he desperately tries to get to the tunnel, running over people as he does. Its one of those things that I never see a reactor notice.
I have rarely seen bird move faster on a basketball court. Best small forward ever though
@@ericwillison1389 I don't think he was down to get caught in the middle of that lol.
The idiot fans could have stayed for the trophy presentation, instead of scaring the players off the court. Would of been cooler than rioting with a bunch of drunks trying to trample you to death.
@@stevedem76 Rushing the field has been a part of sports culture for a long time. College football and NBA are just two examples and I'm pretty sure nobody was trampled to death when the Celtics won.
@@jackastor5265 ok, slight exaggeration by me. I've been in a surge of people like this, trust me, people got hurt.
Larry Bird was one of the greatest, and his true greatness was he made everyone on his team better. A true team player and yes he was a beast.
Top 5 in no particular order cuz, let's be real it ain't fair they didn't all play in the same generation.
1.MJ
2.Wilt the Stilt
3.Larry
4.Kobe
5.Lebron.
Respect for not hating greatness! I grew up watching bird live in the old Garden, love seeing different generations showing love and respect where it’s due
Solid reaction. Way to show respect. Bird was a killer...game was just different back then
Some of the greatest series I had ever seen Jordan and Pippen rank right with them.🤘🤘
Jordan, Bird and Kareem are my top 3. And on top of his amazing shooting, he got his knuckle broken playing softball before his first nba season and he said he never had the same feel for the basketball afterwards. Terrifying to think what he could have done if that never happened.
Those are my top 3 as well--gotta have Kareem in there!
It's a tough choice but I agree with you
Rebounding his own shoot was smooth as hell. It’s awesome watching all of the old school highlights. A lot of the stuff I missed purely because I was so loyal to Chicago as a kid I really wouldn’t let myself watch anyone else, but I always knew Bird had game.
Larry pulls out a win with a concussion!
...and broken bones in his face!
Appreciate your reaction. I am, along with the people in my generation, were blessed to experience the golden age of the NBA. We went from Dr J, to Magic and Bird to Michael, to Kobe and Shaq and LeBron. It's my opinion that the 80's and 90's were the greatest of the league. Bird is a big part of what made it great.
Here are some awards to think about when it comes to Larry Bird
Rookie of the year
Second place MVP in his second year
Second-place MVP third year
Second-place MVP fourth year
Mvp’s 5th year
Mvp’s six year
Mvp’s seventh year
Second-place MVP eight year
Second-place MVP ninth year.
This is during the time of magic Johnson, Kareem, MJ, Dr J, Moses Malone, Dominique Wilkins, Hakeem, etc etc.
If he stood head and shoulders above all of those during those nine years he is clearly top three
I think bird is the second greatest player of all time, only player above him would be Michael Jordan, it's definitely close tho
Bird was the toughest both mentally & physically player I ever saw…….he was clutch!
Jordan-Bird-Magic
cant put jordan over bird cause he NEVER beat larry EVER
Fifty year NBA fan. I actually saw all the greats play. Bird is #3 on my GOAT list. More Bird vids!!!
Man! I’d give anything for your notifications! You are always among the first! 👍
#3, eh? I'm gonna guess the other two. One would be Danny Vranes. The other would be Mel Turpin.
top 3...Wilt Chamberlin, Larry Bird, and Micheal Jorden without a doubt. All 3 of these players were all around players, scoring, rebounds, assists, and passing. Pistol Pete was the best ball handler and passer of all time. If he had not got hurt no telling what his numbers would have been.
This was when basketball was the best. I'll put Larry in my top three with Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Man did I love this game back then. Sorry to say I don't watch the NBA anymore. It's just not the same. Bird and Magic saved this game back then and then guys like Michael Jordan came along and kept it going. With Dr. J, Dominique Wilkins, Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley, and Isiah Thomas. Then you had the big guys like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert Parish, Moses Malone, Ralf Sampson, and Hakeem Olajuwon. What a great time of basketball!
It's boring and predictable nowadays. Don't watch anymore, 2-3 years now.
I agree , I don't that much either , except for playoffs.
Man, you named all the greats! I don’t watch Bball anymore. I got tired of seeing all these grown men flailing around on the floor acting like they’re hurt. It’s disgusting!
Funnily enough, I am from the UK and havent really been interested in basketball since this era, but that is pretty much my list. Although I would probably add Pippen, Karl Malone and the criminally underrated Kevin McHale.
I'm not even a basketball watcher. Never have watched it or even liked it much but I enjoy the crap out of watching these Larry Byrd videos. Even get a little teary-eyed sometimes. Watching the emotional nature of that old style greatness!
His retirement ceremony was held on an off night and they still filled the stadium just for him. THAT is how much Larry Bird meant to the Celtics. I couldn't name more than 5 players of the last 20 years but I am so grateful that my time watching included men like Magic, Bird, Kareem, and Jordan. Magic and Bird are the sole reasons that basketball is still being aired on tv. Before they started the ratings were so bad games were being preempted for movies. Their era saved Basketball as you know it now. They earned not only their place in history but also our respect.
Enjoyed listening to your "awe". Got to watch these guys over and over and over for years. Greatness, yes.
Appreciate your enthusiasm and positivity. Lots of history to appreciate in the league.
When he asked who was finishing second in the 3 point contest, he also did it in his warm up jacket 🔥
RAH! I fell in love with your statement of you recognizing GREATNESS and not wanting to compare. MUCH respect to you Youngblood! I grew up in B-More, Magic was my favorite player; however, Boston was my team of choice. It was a tough love to have for two of the greatest players. LeBron is Hype in his own... each era will have their champs. #INSTANTFOLLOW.
Great comment, too often fans get lost in the "who's better" comparisons as opposed to just celebrating greatness for greatness's sake. Celebrating one player shouldn't be taken as a diss to another player or another era. Some of the old timers get special mention only because the younger masses have never actually seen him play aside from an odd highlight or two.
Byrd was also a big raw bone guy, he would kick your ass in a second. Many players was afraid of him.
Reggie Miller played against Larry and was also coached by Larry when he started Coaching after Retirement