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Skillshare is incredible. I'm in my mid 60s and just retired. To keep my brain half ways sharp, I started taking classes that I wasn't able to take (time, type of degrees, etc.) in college back in the 1970s.
The hick fro french lick he said it himself one of the most phenomenal forwardsi have ever seen great vision great defender great passer great shooter one of the top three players on NBA history in my personal opinion Larry Legend also won a gold medal in the Olympics with Mr Charles Barkley legendary forward
@@andrewwenner2781 Considering how much trash Bird talked... it is surprising. During an interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Chuck detailed: "I remember he was cursing under his breath, and I asked Larry what’s going on with you? He says, 'You guys are being disrespectful to me.' I say, what are you talking about. He says, 'You guys are putting a white guy on me. That’s disrespectful.'" :)
Something else that's rarely mentioned about Bird that I think we all appreciated ... he never came off like a hot dog, playing for the camera. Yes, he got excited out there when they won a game. And he loved to make the plays. But he seemed to be content to just play hard, leave it all out on the floor, and let that speak for itself rather than playing for the crowd. That impressed me. And it made it easy to brag about him.
@Jeff -66 I'm the same age and I agree, nothing compares to the old NBA from the 80's-90's. They let them play back then, and didn't call all the soft fouls they do today. Bird would average 40 in todays soft league.
True facts, Bird, Magic never lost to MJ. Magic retired, Bird lost the interest bc Magic was the one that kept him going. He also had a bad back issue.
I grew up watching the Boston Celtics and Larry Bird. I'll never forget how he danced around the court making all those shots, unbelievable passes, how many times he could steal the ball or those long three pointers. Those were the days and Bird gave his all for the love of the game. He loved basketball. It was in his DNA.
@@TedHealy-in2soso people can’t enjoy watching until they’re a certain age? I’m only a couple years older than that guy, but I was fortunate enough to be introduced to basketball when I was 5 years old. It seemed like there was Larry and Magic/Celtics and Lakers, then the regular NBA/players. I’m a diehard Mavs fan, but my dad actually introduced me to watching way back then because of a college friend of his who he went and watched every home game to see him play. A man named Robert Parish, The Chief.
Plus, and this can't be pointed out enough, those three straight MVPs came in the middle of a nine-year run from 1980-1988. In the other six of those nine years, he finished 2nd FOUR times, 3rd once, and 4th once. So he was one of the top four players in the league NINE YEARS IN A ROW, including being the #1 or #2 player SEVEN times!
@@derekfnord actually no I stand by my point about talent even though you never Brought up that back then there was more talent than todays era. Talent is not born; it can be cultivated with passion, motivation, patience and practice. in today’s league the players have better training with dietitians physios better technology and all sorts. Every era will be better than the one before like I said it’s enevitable
@@elliott2783 No question, they're better athletes now, and better equipped, with more medical and dietary support, etc. I just don't think that means the talent is better. In other words, if the 80s players had the same advantages modern players now have, I think they'd be at least as good. But a lot of this is admittedly guesswork and preference for one style of play over another. We never really KNOW how the players of one era would play in another.
He’s an absolute legend. No one came close to him. And what surprised me the most is that he did all of that with an injured back and minimum jumping when jumping was one of the main skills to have
Yes. He had a stiff back. I played my whole life with it. Yet I could out rebound anyone I played with. Why? I knew where the ball was going and I WANTED the rebound
Having grown up watching ‘80//90’s basketball I feel sorry for those who missed out. That was the golden age of basketball as far as all-star players and the way the game was played. Bird is top 3/4 of all time and I’m a long suffering Knick fan, but facts are facts.
100% agree. Growing up as a Celts fan nothing better than watching LB on Sunday afternoon dropping dimes on likes of Clyde Drexel to win in last seconds of game. The shot - one foot behind the 3 and The Glide all over him...sunk it. Kids today think Lebron is greatest - not even close.
Larry Bird was a flash strategist, he knew where everyone was on the court at all times. He could tell by the sounds of the different sneakers behind him who was there and what was happening, this made him a pass master and a play maker, and on top of all that he could shoot from any angle. He's all but forgotten these days but he will always be a, if not the, legend.
Yes, and the fact that he could pass so well opened up a lot of things for his shooting. Players were so worried about being made to look foolish (when they guarded Bird) that he could make them look foolish because of that. I saw a reaction video, and they were like, "Naw, that's just bad defense." But he did it so often and to some of the best defenders in the league (and in NBA history) that that claim just doesn't fly. I think the defense back then was a lot better and it was definitely a lot more physical, with fewer fouls being called.
After winning the 3 MVP awards, Bird had his best 2 seasons statistically. In 86/87 & 87/88, Bird became the initial member of the 50/40/90 club. Shooting at least 50% on 2pt shots, 40% on 3s, & 90% from the FT line. Averaging 28 & 30 ppg respectively. Bird was also 2nd in MVP voting in 81, 82, 83 & 88.
Larry Bird was one of the few players I watched over the years with a sense of awe. The guy had everything as far as the fundamentals...and he had a knowledge about the strengths and weaknesses of teammates you don't see that often.
And much ore athletic than people give him credit for. That play where he grabs his own rebound, fading out of bounds, and left hand fingerolls the ball for the score.uch more athletic than people gave him credit for. Not saying he is Durant out there with the athleticism, jus saying, more than you'd assume.
Bird hated Kent Benson because when Bird went to Indiana, he felt overwhelmed and out of place, and Benson, who was a player there, used to act like a douche to him. Larry ended up leaving and eventually landed at Indiana State, but Bird never missed an opportunity to get revenge. There was a game where McHale was going off for 50+ while Benson tried to guard him, and Bird just kept feeding McHale the ball so that he could watch Benson get smoked.
Benson revenge may have been a side benefit in feeding McHale's stellar game. But I'll bet it did put the cherry on top that it was Benson and Laimbeer that were getting smoked.
I was a senior when Larry would have been a freshman at IU. There was a facility on campus called HPER [Health, Physical Education and Recreation), but which we all called "the Hyper Building." It featured a dozen full courts, and periodically during the offseason, the guys from the team would show up to play pickup games. I played with Mike Woodson, Wayne Radford, Jim Wisman, et al. Benson never came to the Hyper. He was too good to ball with the hoi polloi.
@@mc76 Thanks for sharing this anecdote. I've always been an IU Basketball fan, and even though this was before my time, it's crazy to think that a top five player of all time was basically shoved out of the door by a hack like Benson. There's no way that IU doesn't win at least one championship if Bird stays. He almost won it at ISU with basically zero help.
It was a special time in Terre Haute attending ISU back in 1975 - '78 and watching Larry Legend dominate the MVC in every phase of the game. We knew he was a special talent but never could imagine the level he would achieve in the NBA. Definitely one of top 5 to ever play the game.
"You're disrespecting me if you put a white guy on me." Classic Bird. I remember watching him and Magic playing in college games and it was intense, fast-paced and amazing. They were making shots from any and every angle back and forth full-court. I remember thinking to myself, "You're watching history in the making." I lived in Boston for a while and they are rabid about the Celtics.
"they are rabid about the Celtics" :) I grew up in Boston... in the 80s. There's a vaccine for rabies. As long as you get inoculated before the infection takes hold, it's preventable. There was no such cure for Celtics fever in 1980s Boston. Rate of infection was 100%. Walk into a bah in Boston and tell them Larry isn't the GOAT. See what happens. What? A bah. A bah! B... A... R spells Bah!
I don't know what game you watched but Bird shot 33% from the field and under 62% from the free-throw line. He picked the worst game to have a poor game. Both Magic and Bird are legends, but the National Title game was not one for 'history'.
@@13GOLGO13 You can't name another player on that undefeated Indiana St sycamores team when they faced Michigan St. Not one. Bird had no help at all, whatsoever.
Doesn't this sum up Bird to tee. I don't blame the youngsters for not believing. I could hardly believe it myself and I was watching it with my own two eyes. I'll never get mad or salty at anyone who doesn't believe it because Larry Bird was so good at playing the game of basketball, it was literally unbelievable.
@@sheilaburns8977 One of the Hawks...Cliff Livingston....that got fined a $100... he said it was the Best $100 seat he ever had! lol Nique always says they got fined $3000 but the guys that got fined said ..no just 100.
I haven't cared about basketball ever since Jordan retired and ended the greatest era in the NBA . Today's NBA is full of overpaid players that just jump from team to team every other year . Also the stupid politics have to go .
Bird was more athletic than people think. Hand/eye coordination is an element of athleticism. It's not all about running and jumping. You don't achieve what he achieved without being athletic.
Thinking Bird wasn't athletic is like saying golf players aren't athletes. Anyone who has went to the driving range and hit 2 buckets knows that shit take focus, skill, coordination, and explosive movement.
Look at him in college and early nba career. That guy could run and jump. I think all the work and effort he put in broke down his body and slowed him a little as time went on.
I was fortunate to be a Celtics fan during Bird's career. He was great, but he also made his teammates better. He was as good at passing as he was at shooting.
Everyone knew they were witnessing something very special with Bird. But honestly the whole NBA was very talented and dedicated to the game then. It was all about winning, not personal stats and glory. It was Real basketball, and it was REALLY thrilling.
No question about it - the game was tougher, created almost insane rivalries, and was glorious to watch. Today's game is almost predictable, and no where near as fun to watch.
@@juniorjohnson9509 this argument can be made for a lot of competitive sports. There's a limit to how technical and sophisticated a person can get. Beyond that limit, you look boring, predictable, and we might as well just watch a computer do it.
He was athletic, he had a great first step, could jump well enough, quickest best hands in the game, Great endurance and kept it all together even while fatigued, and his intellectual prowess was one step ahead and multitasking scheming.
Will you tell me what "great first step" means, please? I've heard that phrase a few times, I think I have an idea what it is, but im not sure. As a fan of NBA, I'm lost on the technical side of it. I never truly understand what makes a great player better than another great player. When you're talking about the TOP top level, that is.
First step means his initial cut on a change of pace move, Basketball is about change of pace and directional movements(called cuts) You make cuts to lose defenders, Larry knew exactly when to and where to plant his foot to make those cuts, referred to as his first step in a cutting move. Cutting moves can be made with or without the ball to get open. So first step, that initial step or move in a cut that will lose a defender. Footwork and stance is very important in basketball (and most every sport)and often overlooked. Sometimes a player can be slower than others in top end speed in a foot race but his initial burst or first step upon a cut is as quick or quicker, mix that with good anticipation and great understanding of angles and where to put that step to box out a defender with your body and you have a great first step. @@Humblemumble7
@@Humblemumble7Because unlike the others. He would tell you what he was going to do before he did it. Then he'd burn the opponent. Nobody else could pull that off. That's what put him above the others.
Bird made McHale and Parish much better players with all his great passes. Of course, both were great players anyway but Bird helped propel them to the next level. 💪👏
They talk about Pippen and Rodman with MJ. McHale was a bench player for 5 years. Parrish was unmotivated and lazy in his own words. Larry made them just as MJ made the other two.
I remember watching the Lakers play the celtics on the USS Wichita back in 1983. One room was full of laker fans, the other room was filled with celtics fans. I would walk back and forth between the rooms and root for the opposite team. Great memories that will stay with me forever.
I grew up a Celtics fan because of my father who was a Celtics fan because Bird went to our hometown college, Indiana State. I ended up going there partially because of Bird. He's my all time favorite sports star and to me he will always be the number one small forward. You have no idea how good he was unless you watched him in the moment.
I was 11 yrs old when Bird and Magic faced off in the NCAA tournament. Bird and Magic, that night . . . made me LOVE the game of basketball. It was the first time my Dad had ever let me stay up late (on a school night) and watch the game with him. I'll never forget when my Mom told him, "he needs to go to bed" and he replied, "yeah, but he needs to watch HISTORY as it happens"!
Not only could he play, he can talk trash with the best of them. The one thing that is underrated about Bird is how fundamentally sound he was. I read his autobiography and he always mentioned about always wanting to improve his rebounds and assists and he had no problems with scoring.
Yup. The same as Dave Debusschere of the Knicks said: "If you must loaf, loaf on offense." I will always love the Knicks, but the 80s Celtics captured my mind. That starting five had the sauce! Sad this generation will never know the post up battles that made the NBA phenomenal. Boston beat LA😂
Bird and Magic brought life back into the NBA. From Coast to Coast . Than along came Jordan. Best years for the NBA ever. It's to bad the game has changed to the 3 point shooting. I miss the battles from the big guys.
@@jankjaws9815 Watching Giannis this playoff season shows me his real weakness. He's a terrible jump shooter. He's brick city if he's not driving to the hole.
Call me nostalgic, but Bird, Jordan, and Magic* were THE guys that made basketball so exciting to watch. We'd literally make sure we had the popcorn ready before the games came on, because they were doing things on a whole different level.
All of these players you just mentioned were doing things I had never seen before on a basketball court competing against HOF'ers of the highest caliber. To all the younger generations who just can't believe how good Bird really was, it's ok I couldn't believe it either and I was watching it with my own two eyes.
The best argument for Bird's greatness is how significantly he impacted the teams he played on. The massive increase from one year to the next when Bird started playing for the Celtics is one indicator, but you can also look at the Celtic's record when he was in the games and when he was forced to sit on the sidelines. The difference was dramatic. He was not only a great player, but he played in a way that made other players better. Other amazingly great players had the stats to prove how great they were, but they still lost. I think Bird sacrificed some of his personal stats to make his team better. And that's the main thing that raises him up so high in my estimation.
I’m from Boston and grew up watching bird so I’m biased but I absolutely agree with what you say. He wasn’t just great he made others around him better. You’d watch games and he’d be dribbling down the court and without looking pass the ball behind his head perfect to mchale for the point. First fella talking in the video bob bigelow lived in my hometown. Pedro Martinez has a house here too. Winchester MA
I agree for the most part that he undoubtedly had a substantial impact when he was on the court but I think people make far too much of his rookie season and the impact he had on the '79-80 Celtics. The reason being is that he wasn't nearly good enough as a rookie to turn a 29 win team into a 61 win team by himself. A lot of other stuff was going on too. The main difference in the turn-around was on defense, when they went from #19 out of 22 teams in '79 to #3 in '80. Bird wasn't a bad defender but he wasn't nearly good enough to have caused that much of a defensive transformation, from being one of the worst to being one of the best, by himself, especially as a rookie. The '79-80 Celtics would've been a 45 to 50 win team without him, not another 29 win team like they were the year before.
@@tpitz1 Absolutely. That's part of my argument. Without him, that team might have been decent... Obviously there were sound players on it that Bird could make better... but he's the one that made them better and helped them rise to the National championship.
I'm biased. The old school players were tougher and the game was more exciting. Today's game is unwatchable... You can't touch anyone , and a foul was brutal. All they do is jack up 3's today. Great video as always.
I w a basketball fan from 1967 for 30 years until today's game turned me off- nothing but dunks and 3 point heaves. I find women's college basketball far more entertaining.
I enjoyed the game until OKC outplayed the Warriors in game six and seven, but lost both because the Warriors had three guys who could drain it from 25 feet. Then... Durant jumped ship.... I think they should get rid of 3-pointers and the dunk ... Make them play
So true more than unwatchable! The old game was so good,. that you could also enjoy the game listening to it. Don't wanna hear about how todays players are better athletes. Maybe but not better basketball players. It's no contest! Todays game. Soft....
And these reffs. Are thee..worst officials in any professional sport..hands down..crooked bastards. They are.. bird to me..tge TRUE G.O.A.T..sorry..hes a movie everytime he played..
Bird's shooting, intelligence, and overall work ethic is what made him so great more than anything. The guy couldn't jump, wasn't that fast, was't super strong. He was VERY intelligent and instinctive however and for a guy that dunked the ball maybe 5 times in his career he was an absolute joy to watch. He was like watching an old school player with a new school mentality. Lastly I would say that Bird's passing was even better than his shooting and that's what made him so dangerous, guys never knew what he was going to do unless of course he told you lol
Bird is the word....Bbbb Bbbb Bird is the word. As Bird's go he was fairly intelligent. Flying skills were fairly grounded similar to an Ostrich. Eating habits were fairly close to a Golden Eagle. Yep he was a rare Bird.
Thats the scariest thing imo, him telling people the plays and then scores on them doing exactly what he said he was going to do. How can you not get demoralized playing against him? Lol
Right on the mark. Bird was the real deal, every single night he played. He'd never follow a pattern. He played instinctively. So there was no time for the other teams to react. And Boston was a good team as well. No doubt, his reign was at the top. In the top 3 of all time.
Larry had no fundamental weaknesses. Great 3 pt shooter (when there were only handful of great ones then ), terrific mid range shooter, obviously great passer, 90% on free throws, great rebounder and very underrated defender. He slowed as his back got worse but Larry was consistently a top steals guy amongst forwards.
@@drew2fast489 Well back then they didn't let you carry and travel as much as they do nowadays. I've seen LeBron take one dribble from half court and dunk, which is impossible. Seen Klay Thompson take 8 steps for a layup in the finals not get called. Announcers said he may have gotten away with a travel.
Back when basketball used to be VERY popular. It is old school, low post basketball and the physical play that went with it. What made Larry so incredible is that he looked to pass first, and shooting was often a second option for him. He looked to get the ball inside for the higher percentage shot and averaged taking less than two 3-point shots per game during his career and still having the stats he carried. The current NBA looks like a shootaround and is about as exciting as one.
Nba is so lazy these days. Walk down court uncontested chuck up a 27 footer hope it falls....other team does the same. I can't even watch basketball sucks now
I met Larry Bird in Woburn 1988, some charity thing, I was just a kid. Dennis Johnson was there too, I remember how intense the freckles on his face were. And Kevin McCale, Robert Parish. These men were bigger than life to me, signing autographs, swarmed by people. I never thought to ask for an autograph, I was just awed by their presence.
I agree with you Sean, the older I get the more I appreciate Larry Bird. Perhaps I can appreciate the game more. During his playing days, we hated to see him, hated the Celtics. However, I can now see their artistry in the game. I love to hear former NBA players talk about Bird.
I’m surprised how Larry Bird has mostly flown under the radar of popularity. To me he was the whole package. He could shoot out of anywhere, he could defend and steal and he could pass. Good thing that his fellow players give him the recognition he deserves.
Jerry West referred to him as the closest thing to a perfect basketball player. In my opinion he was the most " skilled" player in NBA history. Then factor in his competitive nature and unselfish play and you have a legitimate GOAT candidate. Personally I have him # 2 behind Wilt
As a long time (since the late 70's) and diehard Lakers fan, gotta give Larry Joe Bird his fresh flowers right damn now! This man was ALL BUSINESS all the time and could put fear in your heart that you couldn't beat his team. Much respect to Larry Bird... a pro's pro.
Great comment So true.... Bird could see what was gonna happen and act accordingly... Pistol Pete was similiar.... Gretzky was like this in the NHL. Bird's body gave out or else he would be top ten is scoring and probably top 15 in rebounding. Wilt was the GOAT....but Bird top 10 all time.
@@arthurjackson3287 not really a joke. Bird didn't sprint to positions. He smoothed in... then exploded at the right moment. One on one is more of a prime example of his lack of resetting and jerking around. Basketball is a team sport. The athleticism wasn't lightning fast, but it all mattered. Larry Bird was the most efficient basketball player of all time.
You cannot play at the top college/pro level without being an exceptional athlete. If you hear anyone diminish the "athleticism" of a player at that level ... ignore them, they have ZERO experience with athleticism.
And put in the time and work to be the best he could be. Talent alone does not get it done at the highest level they are all talented best couple of hundred players in world. Champions add talents with hard work and doing what ever it takes to be the best
Bird had such a mental awareness of 1) His body: He knew he couldn't jump like some so he put himself in good rebounding position. It seemed like he had a great eye for angles and ball rotation so that he could be where the ball ended up. 2) His skill set: He developed his shooting from any range on the floor. Even when he shattered his index finger before his rookie year, he practiced until he was confident again. His peripheral vision was apparently off the charts so that he could see teammates who were open or, more critically, WERE ABOUT TO GET OPEN. He anticipated and directed the flow of the game so that he could score, pass or defend. No, he wasn't the best one-on-one defensive player but he was a good defender (3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team ) 3) His team: Bird learned how his teammates operated and fed them (McHale and Parrish) or fed off of them (DJ and Danny). 4) His opponents: He used his trash talking as a psychological weapon to intimidate or demoralize his opponents. He yapped to the best in the league and they all say today that he was a huge pain in the a**, but they admired that he could back up his talk. 5) His leadership position on the team: When the chips were on the table, Bird wanted the ball. He relished the fact that his mates (and his coaches) had the confidence in him to win the game. He took over the Celtics in his rookie year and never wavered in his commitment to winning. LEGEND!!
@Ha Peeboy there was nothing at all wrong with that post. The only one who needs to learn something is you, to not be such a whiny miserable fault finder.
@@newerafrican that fractured finger was one of the worst events in basketball history!! According to even Bird himself he was a better shooter in college. Could you imagine the NBA career of an even better shooting Larry Bird!?
I was very fortunate to see Larry Legend many times in the old Garden. Easter Sunday in '92 vs. Jordan double OT was towards end of his career but he was dominant!! His book 'Drive' shows work ethic & determination is2nd to none🏀🏀
I was fortunate to see Larry Bird watch my team beat the crap out of Loogootee. While their Blackhawks lost to them earlier. Those were the days my friend.
The old garden where visiting teams had a 50 50 shot there would be hot water after the game. Lol It was shut off. Sixers didnt deserve hot water in the 80s
@@mainahseye7560 Yup. Cold showers in the old Boston Garden during playoffs temps on court hit 90-100°🤣 🏀 Facing Hall of Famers w/ little chance of winning
I saw Larry Bird (in person) laying on the floor behind the bench for the Celtics and Dominic Wilkes laying on the floor behind the bench for the Atlanta Hawks. It was a serious grudge match between the two broken bodies but both were giving it everything they had. I learned about willpower that night.
A year or so ago, I got on a Larry Bird kick and rewatched the entire 1984 NBA Finals. I was 6 years old when it was played and I sort of remembered bits and pieces but being able to watch it again as an adult, many years later, was a treasure.
The Gary Payton interview is the TRUTH. 👍 In the end, the only people that truly have legit input on Larrys game are the ones who played WITH him & more importantly, the ones who played AGAINST him. 💯 💯 💯
Players use their athleticism as a tool to get to the right place at the right time. Larry Bird can be there at the right time/place and make the play regardless of athletic ability or injury. This ability is so dialed in that he can tell you the play and still beat you. Oh, and he has godlike shooting and passing and tough as nails. Unstoppable.
Sean, I grew up a Knicks fan - except when they played Boston! I watched Larry from the NCAA finals through his entire career, and could never fail to appreciate the man's mental toughness and basketball IQ. To hear young fans pooh pooh his game today makes me wanna upchuck! His all around game, his shooting skills, his passing game, his ability to be in the right place at the right time, are, well, legendary. I really appreciate your love of the game, and the man, as well. Keep up the great work.
Bulls fan. I also watched him from college thru his career. I take Bird over Lebron to start a team. Deadly shooter with ANY time left on the clock. It was never over with Bird. Last shot to win the game I would take Bird over Jordan.
@@duffbeer31 You are right about that last shot nonsense. I couldn't believe how many times that boy pulled a win out with almost no time on the clock. And, he didn't only do it with his shooting. Just ask Isaiah! The man wasn't human with less than 30 seconds on the clock!!
@@Natescoop8800 The man played thru so much pain it was incredible. I hate to be "that guy" but it seems that so many players these days basically just cash their checks. SMH.
Anybody who doent think Bird is a top 5 player since 1980 is a fool. Only people in the same conversation would be Magic, Jordan, Lebron, and Kobe. No one else even remotely close.
Glad to see him getting more recognition lately. The more I watch about him the more I realize how much of a beast he was. Dude was unstoppable. It's a shame there aren't more players like him.
Larry Bird got me into basketball, recently. As a musician I can instantly see when someone talented practices religiously. He made others just look silly. On top of that, who else would play with a broken face??
Same. I grew up in Bird's era in Boston And was much more interested in practicing scales than watching sports. Musicians have an instant radar for talent honed by practice. Watching Bird play makes me smile and tear up like few others can. I had a similar reaction recently watching this: ua-cam.com/video/vhExkmWKMEU/v-deo.html You can tell that girl spent her whole life honing her craft. Nothing inspires like grace under pressure and Larry (and Floor) have it.
@@mattphillips538 Like you I admire people who passionately commit to their craft. Thanks for the link, enjoyed it a lot. Here is girl that started at 14-15yrs and is now one of the most accomplished singers/artists I've seen, all with hard work and talent, desire. This a well done documentary. This is a 4-part series: ua-cam.com/video/3dTJTrKsJr4/v-deo.html
Plus...... He talked such sh*t too everybody, He did not discriminate in this area. And he backed up that trash talked right up against the wall and had his way with you!!!!!! Love the "Legend!!!!!!!!! The only avian alive that I just loved to watch fly!! Long live the hick from French Lick!!!!!
Unfortunately, his back injury limited his effectiveness prematurely so he doesn't have the career numbers that many of his contemporaries had. But anyone who actually watched him in his prime knows he's one of the best to ever lace 'em up.
Here's a few career numbers for you. 3 consecutive MVP's in a row, 3 NBA championships, the founder of the 50/40/90 club, the single biggest season turn around in Celtics history in his rookie year maybe in the entire league i'm not sure about that one. He was an integral part of the greatest rivalry in the history of the NBA maybe in all of sports history. Everytime he entered the 3 point contest he won. He played almost 1/2 of his career injured all while averaging almost a triple double during his entire career. One game he almost had a quadruple double by the end of the third period. He took himself out figuring he had done enough damage to the other team already. He did this competing against the fiercest competition the NBA has ever known. He is the only player in history that beat every HOF'er he played against. HOF'er after HOF'er, one after the other, lining them up and knocking them down, every single one of them. He has accomplished something only 2 other players in the history of the NBA have achieved and he stands alone above all others as the only small forward to have ever done it. In addition to this, he is the only person in the history of the NBA to win player of the year, coach of the year and general manager of the year. When you look at Larry Bird's entire career regarding the game of professional basketball he has no equal. He stands above every other player who has ever been part of this game, in the entire history of this game. This is not my opinion. Everything I just told you are straight facts and why we are even debating this is beyond me.
@@babaoriley3549 The numbers and accomplishments are undeniable. The SIGNIFICANCE of those numbers and accomplishments, however, are completely subjective. Like I said, he's one of the best to ever lace 'em up. But when a player like Larry Bird says Michael Jordan is "better than all of us," I can't help but listen (and agree). If you think the information you provided makes him the GOAT, more power to you. You won't get an argument from me, even if don't share that opinion.
I am building a custom home in Naples, FL on the same street Larry Bird lives on. I can't get even a wave out of him when he drives by but I keep trying. I keep hoping he'll stop and chat so I can brag about it later but he is pretty salty. He definitely keeps to himself. But man he was one bad ass ball player for sure. One of the best.
I’ve watched sports for over 50 years and I’ve had many favorites but none like Larry. I think about him almost every day. He stands out among all the great athletes in history. No equals
@@drbobperkins agreed. I didnt even play basketball in school, but I wore 33 in baseball and football because of Larry Bird. People these days only see him in a highlight reel, but to see him completely dominate and control an entire game was something special.
Hey, my man! That was a great video. I played very little basketball, but watching your presentation about whom I remember being a great player. Like I said, being a baseball and football player, but all thumbs on a basketball court and not even having watched much of it, the way you portrayed Bird and watching his prowess in the highlights was a real treat. Amazing player.
I loved the elite players from the 80s-90’s…especially the athletic ones that could do marvelous things in the air. But Bird was a thinker and had the sheer talent to execute and make everyone around him better. Put Bird on any average team, and he would elevate everyone’s game to contender level. While it’s hard to definitively say who is the all time best, Bird could easily challenge anyone for that top spot.
I disagree. I think it's easy to say who's the all-time best. It was Bird. The more they know, the more they mention Bird. Ask 9 fan boys and your mum, you'll get 8 "MJs", a "LeBron", and one "leave me alone with your stupid questions". Ask 10 legends of the game, and Bird's name will come up. Often. Ask them to name their all-time best team, and suddenly they'll start with Bird. When Wilt was asked this question, he didn't hesitate: "Bird... um... Bird... um... " After a few seconds he continued his list, but the only obvious choice for him was Bird. It was so obvious he tried picking him twice :)
@@2CHACHOUU Every fan boy has an opinion... and don't kid yourself, MJ is not 'uncompared'. Some of the children even think LeBron is as good. Hell, even LeBron thinks he's as good :D But what does he know? He's one of the children... and not the brightest one at that. The difference in skill between MJ and number two (whoever you think that is) is not as great as the difference in game IQ between Bird and number two (whoever you think that is). PLUS... I, personally, am not as impressed by purely physical skills as I am by intelligence. PLUS... the difference in Bird's skills and MJ's intelligence is less dramatic than the difference in Bird's intelligence and MJ's skills. I know. Belly buttons. They're like opinions. Everyone has one. If the 'basics' are your standard for GOAT, I can understand why you revere MJ. I'm more a fan of meta-gaming and strategy and 'playing' the entire team... and in that, Bird reigns. Bird is MY GOAT.
@THE MOOCH MAN 25 I can understand your point. A lot of younger, less experienced or knowledgeable fans tend not to understand why Bird is greater than all of them. Ask a group of children, LeBron is all they know. Ask a group of casual fans, whose understanding of the game doesn't go beyond ball control and shooting, they'll all bleat MJ's name. Ask a group of pros or serious students of the game, and Larry Bird will be forwarded increasingly often. Bird is the GOAT. I'd like to say someday you'll understand... but as C.C.R. reminds us, someday never comes...
@@mallorydeagan681 That's because he actually played professional basketball and he knows some stuff about it. No one knows more about basketball than the people who actually play it. Ask any of his peers, hell even LeBron, Durant, Kobe all have him in their top 5 and they never even played against him. We're talking about a player who was literally feared by other players around the league. Coaches were absolutely terrified of him and what he could do in the last seconds of a close game. You don't get the title "Larry Legend" because you're just another good guy.
Back when men were men. Bird fractured his face and came back to win the game. This is inspiring. Wonder what footage they will use 20 years from now of LeBron and this era. Guys taking games off to rest?
Maybe if they managed his regular season minutes and games, he wouldn't have been laying on his stomach with a fucked up back, for the last few years of his career. Maybe would have been able to play a few more, like LeBron is doing.
@@TheJay1979 Maybe if medical advancement were further along Bird would've played longer. Here's the thing. The past greats, you couldn't get them off the court. They chose to play every game.
@@regulate2817 yep. And all this medical advancement and knowledge has taught teams to rest players in a meaningless 82 game grind of a season. And you're playing some serious bullshit nostalgia right now. "Couldn't get them off the court" lol
@@regulate2817 amazing how people just push narratives because they hear them somewhere else. Lebron has averaged 38 minutes per game for his career. 37 this season in his 19th season. Lol
@@TheJay1979 Well to be quite frank. Anything nowadays that's defined as "inspiring" was considered the bare minimum in the past. The soft definitions of bravery or inspiring actions are why this country is not what it used to be. But hey. If you are inspired by mediocrity, that's fine. I'm not ok with mediocrity.
I am old enough to have watched these greats play. I remember those old "nothing but net" commercials Bird and Jordan used to do. I remember doing a book report, as a kid, on a biography of Larry. He is absolutely on my Mt. Rushmore, and my perfect starting team from any era.
Same bird vs Jordan games great time for bball he's on my mt. Bo Jackson was who I did my biography on. He's on mt rushmore. Diff sports but legends both
@@bouyghuioukyybouygiogyigoi9159 Yep... you took it right out of my mouth... Giannis is that kind of guy... cares only about being the best and winning for his team... doesn't care about the spotlight, about winning personal accolades if it doesn't mean his team is winning as well etc... Giannis is a really old school player...
What a channel. I’m from England. Rarely get to watch the NBA live because it’s on early in the morning and it’s not popular in the U.K. But I love learning about the legends of the sport and you make it extremely interesting. Thank you brother!
Bird was amazing. Love the ferocious competition between he and Magic, and how it eventually forged a friendship. Just found and subscribed to this channel. Love the old school NBA and there was so much talent like George Gervin, Pete Maravich, World B Free and many more, that many younger fans never seen. The talent went deep down the bench on those old Sixers, Celtics, Lakers, and Pistons team. Great Era. Look forward to seeing more on your channel.
Great way to put it, 'the older i get the more i appreciate him'. That just means that as you learn more about the game, you realise and appreciate true greatness.
Greatest small forward to ever play the game. Aside from him and Magic, no player before or after have possessed a higher basketball iq. Therefore , the bar was raised with them two and Jordan capping things off with wanting to be at the pinnacle, chasing them down and reaching for top spot , and earning the edge through his will, determination, and freak athleticism. Larry Bird is goat material, and top 5 all time list at the least. He was top dog in the strongest era.
First year I remember in the NBA was 1986. Have been saying it 4 years. Bird is the most under appreciated player of the last 50 years. He would make most stars of today look silly. His defense alone would shut down today's players. A healthy back would have rendered him immortal.
Larry was and is simply the best! He beat them all! People should have given him his due long ago! He’s so cool he doesn’t even give a crap. Now they true security!
I was a die hard Celtics fan in the 80s. I still remember when her hurt is back. I knew he would never be the same. I think everyone knew, but they just wanted to hope he would've come back. He did have mo moments that would still leave you shaking your head. But, I knew when they playoffs came , he would never be able to perform at a high level for 7 games. If his career wasn't cut short, he'd be mentioned along the greatest of all time. He's still in the top 5 in my book
I had The pleasure to watch Bird just cut up every teams defensive plans . I remember listening to the game on the radio with my dad (the gamewas being aired on cable back then and we couldn't afford the sports channel) he stole the ball and subsequently won the game. Wow!! Great game. What a great player thanks for the trip back to my childhood .
This is a terrific video!! Thank you for posting it. I lived in Boston during the Bird/Magic years. I don't follow sports anymore, but I sure do have memories of the Celts vs the Pistons and the Lakers in the playoffs. Amazing competition and amazing games.
bird clips do give me goosebumps. Just an amazing, folksy legend who could get the job done. Also, not standing around pumping himself after the games on tv or in endorsement ads. He was purely about the competition. He enjoyed that the very most. I won; WE beat you, and you are second place today, go home to mother and whine, mentality.
Thanks brother. I'm not a big sports fan at all, but you put this down in a way that anyone can appreciate what you love about this sport. Well done man!
I genuinely think Bird gets overlooked because everything about him is just goofy. He's one of the best of all time. He was actually much more athletic than he ever got credit for, he just couldn't jump. But he didn't need to.
As someone who wasn't a fan of the Celtics during those years, Bird used to just rip out our hearts, but man, you could not deny he was absolutely one of the very best! Now I enjoy watching the old footage and just appreciate how great he really was.
I grew up watching Larry Bird play pro basketball.. and I never missed a game.. let me explain, I really didn't like to watch basketball, it just didn't do nothing for me,, but the first time I saw Larry Bird Play,,, man the feeling of awe N excitement it gave me to see a man take basketball to a place by itself and perform at a level all his own keep me on the edge of my seat and just plan blew me away.. I couldn't get enough of Bird playing Basketball.. I knew without doubt I was watching the greatest of the GREAT,, hands down. Just absolutely everything he did was above and beyond anything anyone has ever seen or will see again.. I laugh when people say Larry couldn't jump.. cause that Bird has Flew and flown higher than any Bird has ever flown before.. god bless you Larry Bird and thank you. And thank God for Blessing is all with his very Best Basketball Angel..
Great! Thanks! What most people don't realize is that Bird was 6' 9" but played with the agility and speed of a guard! Also - these highlights show just how bad today's NBA is!
Agility yes. Speed no. What Bird had was a surgeon's skill and the anticipation of a prophet. He knew what was gonna happen before it happened. That's how he made up for a lack of footspeed and hops. Amazing player. A great in any era.
Love any videos from that era. Graduated high school in '86, and Larry and crew made it fun to be a fan in New England, in spite of that whole Patriots-getting-their-ass-handed-to-them-in-the-Superbowl. And Buckner. Can't forget Buckner. Go Celtics.
Excellent video. I have watched hours of Bird highlights and documentaries. You found some interviews and even a few pass highlights to McHale I had never seen. I definitely agree with you about his basketball IQ and work ethic carrying him far past his athletic ability. Honestly it's what I find the most impressive about him, skill over athleticism.
@Emerald Coast TinT you’re making some huge leaps and bounds on what I may think about a variety of topics and then begin to argue based on a position you assume I have just on asking a question about other hoopers. Seems like you have an answer that’s in search of a problem. But I’ll provide some insight. It’s hard to compare eras, players that played in spaces with hand checking had to deal with that….players who played in era of not having handchecking had to equally deal with that reality. Imagine how hard it is to play defense today without it just as it is hard to think of how people scored with it. You’re trying to compare something that can never be measured. Enjoy the game for what it is today and for what it used to be without making it a stick measuring contest. Life is all about changes, and the game will continue to change to appease viewers….it’s the capitalistic way.
@@JCMthebrand I watched the documentary on Stephon Marbury, Vince Carter, the fab 4 on ESPN+, Pistol Pete vids, The Last Dance of course, I hate Christian Laetner on ESPN+, Requiem for the Big East on ESPN+, etc. I am from the North East, and remember watching Bird when I was in elementary and middle school, then Jordan came and I watched every playoff game those years. I remember watching the Dream Team happen live, I collected all the McDonalds super size cups you could get back then. There are so many great hoopers, but I think Larry is the overachiever being so much less the athlete the great Jordan, Kobe, or Lebron is. I don't care who is the best really, he's my favorite because of that.
There is a point, certain players hit almost a "god like" mode/level, and he is on that tier. Not many. You all know who they are, but definitely divine or almost sinister the way he schooled people. Black, white, yellow, didnt matter, Bird was there to play and beat you. That's it. Race never mattered, which is what we could all learn
For those who are too young to have experienced the game in the 1980's and early 90's. Before you can fully appreciate how good players like Bird and Magic and Michael etc. were you have to undrstand how fast and intense the game was back then. Maybe the players of today could rise to that level of play but it's not the same game today as it was back then. On a side note: Being from Boston and going into the Garden with my brother who was a Lakers fan we were lucky to make it out alive. Good times...
Michael Jordan was a sight to behold, but Larry Bird will always be my favorite. I was a die hard Celtics fan in the 1980s. Bird, McHale, Parish, Ainge...damn, the 80s Celtics were the Edmonton Oilers of basketball and Larry Bird was Wayne Gretzky. All around team player and scary good. Ah, I miss the 1980s sports teams.
@@YouCanChangeYourWorldToday Actually, with the exception of hockey (and really after 2005, it was mostly just olympic hockey), I moved away from sports by the middle of the 90s.
@@guibox3 nice 👍 I was only kidding budd. I’m 30 and finally letting go of sports and focusing on other aspects of my personal life. I’m only following nfl right now and everything else is gone. I was a big sports fanatic since I was 10 years old. Time for a change ! ✌️🧠
Good point. I think Lakers were more like Edmonton Oilers as they were so fast paced. Lakers with Magic had best fast break ever... The Gretzky comparison is good though Magic is the other half. Gretzky is half Bird and Half Magic
Not too many people probably remember Johnny Most, the announcer, but he had a great voice. Once had him as a substitute teacher in High School. Yes - dating myself. Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish were all fabulous players.
Michael may intimidate you with his skill and physical ability, you know what he's going do to you, but Larry destroys you because he was not supposed to.
not supposed to? the man is 6'10, can shoot and pass better than anyone on your team, out hustled and played hard, gave 100% effort on both sides of the court, had a damn near unstoppable fade away. why do people keep acting like the whiteboy cant ball?
Ur show is 100% ! I can tell your heart is into this. The motivation is on display, thank you for sharing your personality and enthusiasm for the game of basketball with people like me, who has 2 left feet.
The first 1,000 people to use the link or my code basketballtimemachine will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/btmbasketballtimemachine03221
Quality content.
Agree. We were spoiled with 80s basketball
Skillshare is incredible. I'm in my mid 60s and just retired. To keep my brain half ways sharp, I started taking classes that I wasn't able to take (time, type of degrees, etc.) in college back in the 1970s.
Oh boy..bassepball jones
Bird doesn’t get enough credit nowadays.
You can not say enough about Larry Bird. He was truly a marvel. Like Dr J said, "He was born to play this game." Irrepressible, Unstoppable.
Dr j was underrated.
The hick fro french lick he said it himself one of the most phenomenal forwardsi have ever seen great vision great defender great passer great shooter one of the top three players on NBA history in my personal opinion Larry Legend also won a gold medal in the Olympics with Mr Charles Barkley legendary forward
@@ericortega1745 By who?
@@yankee2666media never mentions him as top 10
@@altair227 The media is a salesmanship machine nothing else.
"Larry Bird can't run or jump because that was Gods way of keeping things fair" -Charles Barkley
And breaking His finger before He even got in the league
Sir Charles really said that!? Sounds like he was describing someone he really respected and looked up to!
@@andrewwenner2781 Considering how much trash Bird talked... it is surprising.
During an interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Chuck detailed:
"I remember he was cursing under his breath, and I asked Larry what’s going on with you? He says, 'You guys are being disrespectful to me.' I say, what are you talking about. He says, 'You guys are putting a white guy on me. That’s disrespectful.'" :)
Truth! lol
Bird dunked a few times
Rarely tho
Something else that's rarely mentioned about Bird that I think we all appreciated ... he never came off like a hot dog, playing for the camera. Yes, he got excited out there when they won a game. And he loved to make the plays. But he seemed to be content to just play hard, leave it all out on the floor, and let that speak for itself rather than playing for the crowd. That impressed me. And it made it easy to brag about him.
He was there to play the game.
Larry Bird was incredible- I really miss that era of basketball 🏀
Honestly, I lost interest in the NBA when that era faded away.
@Jeff -66 I agree totally. Karl Malone, and others... I was in college and playing every day myself.
We All Do
@Jeff -66 I'm the same age and I agree, nothing compares to the old NBA from the 80's-90's. They let them play back then, and didn't call all the soft fouls they do today. Bird would average 40 in todays soft league.
@Jeff -66 I agree n I. 50 lol
Bird was a beast. Hands down one of the best ballers to ever touch the professional court.
True facts, Bird, Magic never lost to MJ. Magic retired, Bird lost the interest bc Magic was the one that kept him going. He also had a bad back issue.
I grew up watching the Boston Celtics and Larry Bird. I'll never forget how he danced around the court making all those shots, unbelievable passes, how many times he could steal the ball or those long three pointers. Those were the days and Bird gave his all for the love of the game. He loved basketball. It was in his DNA.
Bru you were 9 years old when he retired lol
@@TedHealy-in2so bruh I was 5 when the '86 celtics won the championship. They're still the greatest team ever. Period.
What you really trying to say?
Me too. The good old days. I miss them.
@@TedHealy-in2soso people can’t enjoy watching until they’re a certain age? I’m only a couple years older than that guy, but I was fortunate enough to be introduced to basketball when I was 5 years old. It seemed like there was Larry and Magic/Celtics and Lakers, then the regular NBA/players. I’m a diehard Mavs fan, but my dad actually introduced me to watching way back then because of a college friend of his who he went and watched every home game to see him play. A man named Robert Parish, The Chief.
Plus, and this can't be pointed out enough, those three straight MVPs came in the middle of a nine-year run from 1980-1988. In the other six of those nine years, he finished 2nd FOUR times, 3rd once, and 4th once. So he was one of the top four players in the league NINE YEARS IN A ROW, including being the #1 or #2 player SEVEN times!
In a talent rich league
@@elliott2783 What do training, coaching, and dietitians have to do with talent?
@@derekfnord true
@@derekfnord actually no I stand by my point about talent even though you never Brought up that back then there was more talent than todays era. Talent is not born; it can be cultivated with passion, motivation, patience and practice. in today’s league the players have better training with dietitians physios better technology and all sorts. Every era will be better than the one before like I said it’s enevitable
@@elliott2783 No question, they're better athletes now, and better equipped, with more medical and dietary support, etc. I just don't think that means the talent is better. In other words, if the 80s players had the same advantages modern players now have, I think they'd be at least as good. But a lot of this is admittedly guesswork and preference for one style of play over another. We never really KNOW how the players of one era would play in another.
Any player who tells another player what he is going to do on the court And you still cannot stop him. Larry Bird was the BEST!!
He’s an absolute legend. No one came close to him. And what surprised me the most is that he did all of that with an injured back and minimum jumping when jumping was one of the main skills to have
Yes. He had a stiff back. I played my whole life with it. Yet I could out rebound anyone I played with. Why? I knew where the ball was going and I WANTED the rebound
@@briancallahan2792 a stiff back?? Is that what you think Bird had??!
Having grown up watching ‘80//90’s basketball I feel sorry for those who missed out. That was the golden age of basketball as far as all-star players and the way the game was played. Bird is top 3/4 of all time and I’m a long suffering Knick fan, but facts are facts.
LoL… don’t feel sorry, we missed out on nothing, but expect Jordan. Go sit your old self down and reminisce. This our time now, you clown!
The physicality made it special.
Top 3/4 of All Time? LMAO you definitely must be a white guy
100% agree. Growing up as a Celts fan nothing better than watching LB on Sunday afternoon dropping dimes on likes of Clyde Drexel to win in last seconds of game. The shot - one foot behind the 3 and The Glide all over him...sunk it. Kids today think Lebron is greatest - not even close.
@@ghosthawkes-aguilar4124 He AVERAGED 28/9/8 at age 30. After injuries.
You can sit down now, son. 😉
Larry Bird was a flash strategist, he knew where everyone was on the court at all times. He could tell by the sounds of the different sneakers behind him who was there and what was happening, this made him a pass master and a play maker, and on top of all that he could shoot from any angle. He's all but forgotten these days but he will always be a, if not the, legend.
“He could tell by the different sounds of the shoes” 😂😂😂😂
Yes, and the fact that he could pass so well opened up a lot of things for his shooting. Players were so worried about being made to look foolish (when they guarded Bird) that he could make them look foolish because of that. I saw a reaction video, and they were like, "Naw, that's just bad defense." But he did it so often and to some of the best defenders in the league (and in NBA history) that that claim just doesn't fly. I think the defense back then was a lot better and it was definitely a lot more physical, with fewer fouls being called.
Bird is forgotten???? What lmfao. He is widely considered a top 6 player is talked about constantly
Never heard the sneaker squeek bullshit before
He’s hardly forgotten. If anything, people are now beginning to understand just how good he was.
After winning the 3 MVP awards, Bird had his best 2 seasons statistically. In 86/87 & 87/88, Bird became the initial member of the 50/40/90 club. Shooting at least 50% on 2pt shots, 40% on 3s, & 90% from the FT line. Averaging 28 & 30 ppg respectively. Bird was also 2nd in MVP voting in 81, 82, 83 & 88.
Larry Bird was one of the few players I watched over the years with a sense of awe. The guy had everything as far as the fundamentals...and he had a knowledge about the strengths and weaknesses of teammates you don't see that often.
For me it was Bird and Rodman.
And much ore athletic than people give him credit for. That play where he grabs his own rebound, fading out of bounds, and left hand fingerolls the ball for the score.uch more athletic than people gave him credit for. Not saying he is Durant out there with the athleticism, jus saying, more than you'd assume.
Bird hated Kent Benson because when Bird went to Indiana, he felt overwhelmed and out of place, and Benson, who was a player there, used to act like a douche to him. Larry ended up leaving and eventually landed at Indiana State, but Bird never missed an opportunity to get revenge. There was a game where McHale was going off for 50+ while Benson tried to guard him, and Bird just kept feeding McHale the ball so that he could watch Benson get smoked.
Benson revenge may have been a side benefit in feeding McHale's stellar game. But I'll bet it did put the cherry on top that it was Benson and Laimbeer that were getting smoked.
Kareem: “hold my revenge 🍺 “
@@veerchasm1 o.0
I was a senior when Larry would have been a freshman at IU. There was a facility on campus called HPER [Health, Physical Education and Recreation), but which we all called "the Hyper Building." It featured a dozen full courts, and periodically during the offseason, the guys from the team would show up to play pickup games. I played with Mike Woodson, Wayne Radford, Jim Wisman, et al. Benson never came to the Hyper. He was too good to ball with the hoi polloi.
@@mc76 Thanks for sharing this anecdote. I've always been an IU Basketball fan, and even though this was before my time, it's crazy to think that a top five player of all time was basically shoved out of the door by a hack like Benson. There's no way that IU doesn't win at least one championship if Bird stays. He almost won it at ISU with basically zero help.
It was a special time in Terre Haute attending ISU back in 1975 - '78 and watching Larry Legend dominate the MVC in every phase of the game. We knew he was a special talent but never could imagine the level he would achieve in the NBA. Definitely one of top 5 to ever play the game.
I used to watch Larry Bird videos every night for inspiration. Watching him helped improve my passing game immensely
1. You were always traveling and double dribbling
2. You only played at the local YMCA
@@Helmuesi911 🤔 3. None of the above
"You're disrespecting me if you put a white guy on me." Classic Bird. I remember watching him and Magic playing in college games and it was intense, fast-paced and amazing. They were making shots from any and every angle back and forth full-court. I remember thinking to myself, "You're watching history in the making." I lived in Boston for a while and they are rabid about the Celtics.
"they are rabid about the Celtics" :) I grew up in Boston... in the 80s. There's a vaccine for rabies. As long as you get inoculated before the infection takes hold, it's preventable. There was no such cure for Celtics fever in 1980s Boston. Rate of infection was 100%. Walk into a bah in Boston and tell them Larry isn't the GOAT. See what happens. What? A bah. A bah! B... A... R spells Bah!
I don't know what game you watched but Bird shot 33% from the field and under 62% from the free-throw line. He picked the worst game to have a poor game. Both Magic and Bird are legends, but the National Title game was not one for 'history'.
White nationalist
@@13GOLGO13 You can't name another player on that undefeated Indiana St sycamores team when they faced Michigan St. Not one. Bird had no help at all, whatsoever.
One of my most memorable experiences when I lived in Boston, was being there for the whole Bird era!!
The opponents' bench laughing in disbelief every time Bird scored is one of best moments in sports.
Doesn't this sum up Bird to tee. I don't blame the youngsters for not believing. I could hardly believe it myself and I was watching it with my own two eyes. I'll never get mad or salty at anyone who doesn't believe it because Larry Bird was so good at playing the game of basketball, it was literally unbelievable.
A first and so funny!!!! Those guys on the bench were watching in disbelief and enjoying the game as fans. LOL.
@@babaoriley3549 💯
@@sheilaburns8977 One of the Hawks...Cliff Livingston....that got fined a $100... he said it was the Best $100 seat he ever had! lol Nique always says they got fined $3000 but the guys that got fined said ..no just 100.
The days of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were the absolute best days of basketball! I was glued to the TV for all their matchups.
I haven't cared about basketball ever since Jordan retired and ended the greatest era in the NBA . Today's NBA is full of overpaid players that just jump from team to team every other year . Also the stupid politics have to go .
SHOWTIME
80s and 90s were the glory days of the NBA
I admit, those were some entertaining days.
No doubt!
Bird was more athletic than people think. Hand/eye coordination is an element of athleticism. It's not all about running and jumping. You don't achieve what he achieved without being athletic.
Facts!
Too true! He moved with a little rigidity, but beyond that he was deceptively athletic.
Thinking Bird wasn't athletic is like saying golf players aren't athletes. Anyone who has went to the driving range and hit 2 buckets knows that shit take focus, skill, coordination, and explosive movement.
Quick and soft hands.
Look at him in college and early nba career. That guy could run and jump. I think all the work and effort he put in broke down his body and slowed him a little as time went on.
I was fortunate to be a Celtics fan during Bird's career. He was great, but he also made his teammates better. He was as good at passing as he was at shooting.
The fact that Larry perfected the spin pass just tells you just how detailed Birds dedication WAS.
What’s a spin pass?
@@patinho5589
A pass with spin on it. McHale talks about it.
@@patinho5589 it’s a pass with enough backspin to make its bounce trajectory higher arc and less distance. Think of a golf ball with backspin.
Off the dribble in the NBA against coaching? Guys who do this are street and carnival legends who never make it in lower tier leagues.
@@davanmani556
Larry used spin on his bounce passes a lot. I remember seeing him use it in a pass to DJ…
Everyone knew they were witnessing something very special with Bird. But honestly the whole NBA was very talented and dedicated to the game then. It was all about winning, not personal stats and glory. It was Real basketball, and it was REALLY thrilling.
Definitely agree
No question about it - the game was tougher, created almost insane rivalries, and was glorious to watch. Today's game is almost predictable, and no where near as fun to watch.
They were tougher guys. That’s for sure.
What is todays nba anyways?? Other than garbage
@@juniorjohnson9509 this argument can be made for a lot of competitive sports. There's a limit to how technical and sophisticated a person can get. Beyond that limit, you look boring, predictable, and we might as well just watch a computer do it.
He was athletic, he had a great first step, could jump well enough, quickest best hands in the game, Great endurance and kept it all together even while fatigued, and his intellectual prowess was one step ahead and multitasking scheming.
Will you tell me what "great first step" means, please? I've heard that phrase a few times, I think I have an idea what it is, but im not sure. As a fan of NBA, I'm lost on the technical side of it. I never truly understand what makes a great player better than another great player. When you're talking about the TOP top level, that is.
First step means his initial cut on a change of pace move, Basketball is about change of pace and directional movements(called cuts) You make cuts to lose defenders, Larry knew exactly when to and where to plant his foot to make those cuts, referred to as his first step in a cutting move. Cutting moves can be made with or without the ball to get open. So first step, that initial step or move in a cut that will lose a defender. Footwork and stance is very important in basketball (and most every sport)and often overlooked. Sometimes a player can be slower than others in top end speed in a foot race but his initial burst or first step upon a cut is as quick or quicker, mix that with good anticipation and great understanding of angles and where to put that step to box out a defender with your body and you have a great first step. @@Humblemumble7
@@Humblemumble7Because unlike the others. He would tell you what he was going to do before he did it. Then he'd burn the opponent. Nobody else could pull that off. That's what put him above the others.
In one clip he is dunking and his ELBOW was even with the rim. He can't jump? Get real.
Bird made McHale and Parish much better players with all his great passes. Of course, both were great players anyway but Bird helped propel them to the next level. 💪👏
They talk about Pippen and Rodman with MJ. McHale was a bench player for 5 years. Parrish was unmotivated and lazy in his own words. Larry made them just as MJ made the other two.
@@nathanc30 Rodman was highly accomplished at Detroit, too. Jordan prob kept him in line, a bit.
Thomas, Lambeer and Rodman…
@@nathanc30 more like Rodman the rebound champ helped to make MJ better.
@@milktruck9345 it was a behavior and maturity issue with Rodman. Jordan did reel him in
Larry and Jordan were both truly the best of the best ...
jordan became the best in 87
@@ricardolozano5356 Bird and Magic say the same thing.
@@ricardolozano5356
That was the year he got swept 😂
@@irishgrl who had the better supporting cast?
@@ricardolozano5356 who played with a broke back? Give me a break.
I remember watching the Lakers play the celtics on the USS Wichita back in 1983. One room was full of laker fans, the other room was filled with celtics fans. I would walk back and forth between the rooms and root for the opposite team. Great memories that will stay with me forever.
lol Sounds like you had a great time!
I grew up a Celtics fan because of my father who was a Celtics fan because Bird went to our hometown college, Indiana State. I ended up going there partially because of Bird. He's my all time favorite sports star and to me he will always be the number one small forward. You have no idea how good he was unless you watched him in the moment.
I was 11 yrs old when Bird and Magic faced off in the NCAA tournament. Bird and Magic, that night . . . made me LOVE the game of basketball. It was the first time my Dad had ever let me stay up late (on a school night) and watch the game with him. I'll never forget when my Mom told him, "he needs to go to bed" and he replied, "yeah, but he needs to watch HISTORY as it happens"!
Not only could he play, he can talk trash with the best of them. The one thing that is underrated about Bird is how fundamentally sound he was. I read his autobiography and he always mentioned about always wanting to improve his rebounds and assists and he had no problems with scoring.
Yup. The same as Dave Debusschere of the Knicks said: "If you must loaf, loaf on offense." I will always love the Knicks, but the 80s Celtics captured my mind. That starting five had the sauce! Sad this generation will never know the post up battles that made the NBA phenomenal. Boston beat LA😂
talk trash AND throw hands. Nobody disrespected bird without getting scored 40+ on and leaving with a black eye 😉
Bird and Magic brought life back into the NBA. From Coast to Coast . Than along came Jordan. Best years for the NBA ever. It's to bad the game has changed to the 3 point shooting. I miss the battles from the big guys.
Whoa, Dr J was still playing.
NBA is woke and everything woke turns to 💩
I mean look at Giannis man he’s about as old school as you can get. Now you got Jokic and Embiid on the rise too.
@@jankjaws9815 Watching Giannis this playoff season shows me his real weakness. He's a terrible jump shooter. He's brick city if he's not driving to the hole.
@@magick1969 I would say it’s because he focuses too much on 3’s and not 2’s.
More hustle and heart in this video than the last 10 years in this modern day cupcake NBA
Call me nostalgic, but Bird, Jordan, and Magic* were THE guys that made basketball so exciting to watch. We'd literally make sure we had the popcorn ready before the games came on, because they were doing things on a whole different level.
Bird and Magic performed open heart surgery on the NBA that was in its death throws, and brought it back to life.
All of these players you just mentioned were doing things I had never seen before on a basketball court competing against HOF'ers of the highest caliber. To all the younger generations who just can't believe how good Bird really was, it's ok I couldn't believe it either and I was watching it with my own two eyes.
Call you a Punk!
Dr. J, David Thompson, George Gervin, Nate Archibald, Bob Cousy, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson and Meadowlark Lemon.
The best argument for Bird's greatness is how significantly he impacted the teams he played on. The massive increase from one year to the next when Bird started playing for the Celtics is one indicator, but you can also look at the Celtic's record when he was in the games and when he was forced to sit on the sidelines. The difference was dramatic. He was not only a great player, but he played in a way that made other players better. Other amazingly great players had the stats to prove how great they were, but they still lost. I think Bird sacrificed some of his personal stats to make his team better. And that's the main thing that raises him up so high in my estimation.
I’m from Boston and grew up watching bird so I’m biased but I absolutely agree with what you say. He wasn’t just great he made others around him better. You’d watch games and he’d be dribbling down the court and without looking pass the ball behind his head perfect to mchale for the point. First fella talking in the video bob bigelow lived in my hometown. Pedro Martinez has a house here too. Winchester MA
Completely agree. In my list, he's no.2 all time
I agree for the most part that he undoubtedly had a substantial impact when he was on the court but I think people make far too much of his rookie season and the impact he had on the '79-80 Celtics. The reason being is that he wasn't nearly good enough as a rookie to turn a 29 win team into a 61 win team by himself. A lot of other stuff was going on too. The main difference in the turn-around was on defense, when they went from #19 out of 22 teams in '79 to #3 in '80. Bird wasn't a bad defender but he wasn't nearly good enough to have caused that much of a defensive transformation, from being one of the worst to being one of the best, by himself, especially as a rookie. The '79-80 Celtics would've been a 45 to 50 win team without him, not another 29 win team like they were the year before.
He was great way before he stepped a foot on an NBA court. He took a small college, Indiana State to the national championship game!
@@tpitz1 Absolutely. That's part of my argument. Without him, that team might have been decent... Obviously there were sound players on it that Bird could make better... but he's the one that made them better and helped them rise to the National championship.
Grew up a huge Bird fan. Rarely missed a game. His all around game and above the neck play is unmatched.
I'm biased. The old school players were tougher and the game was more exciting. Today's game is unwatchable... You can't touch anyone , and a foul was brutal. All they do is jack up 3's today. Great video as always.
I w a basketball fan from 1967 for 30 years until today's game turned me off- nothing but dunks and 3 point heaves. I find women's college basketball far more entertaining.
You're not biased. You're just stating facts.
I enjoyed the game until OKC outplayed the Warriors in game six and seven, but lost both because the Warriors had three guys who could drain it from 25 feet. Then... Durant jumped ship....
I think they should get rid of 3-pointers and the dunk ... Make them play
So true more than unwatchable! The old game was so good,. that you could also enjoy the game listening to it. Don't wanna hear about how todays players are better athletes. Maybe but not better basketball players. It's no contest! Todays game. Soft....
And these reffs. Are thee..worst officials in any professional sport..hands down..crooked bastards. They are.. bird to me..tge TRUE G.O.A.T..sorry..hes a movie everytime he played..
Bird's shooting, intelligence, and overall work ethic is what made him so great more than anything. The guy couldn't jump, wasn't that fast, was't super strong. He was VERY intelligent and instinctive however and for a guy that dunked the ball maybe 5 times in his career he was an absolute joy to watch. He was like watching an old school player with a new school mentality. Lastly I would say that Bird's passing was even better than his shooting and that's what made him so dangerous, guys never knew what he was going to do unless of course he told you lol
And toughness, Bird was tougher than a 2& steak
And he’d tell you!
Bird is the word....Bbbb Bbbb Bird is the word. As Bird's go he was fairly intelligent. Flying skills were fairly grounded similar to an Ostrich. Eating habits were fairly close to a Golden Eagle. Yep he was a rare Bird.
Thats the scariest thing imo, him telling people the plays and then scores on them doing exactly what he said he was going to do. How can you not get demoralized playing against him? Lol
Right on the mark. Bird was the real deal, every single night he played. He'd never follow a pattern. He played instinctively. So there was no time for the other teams to react. And Boston was a good team as well. No doubt, his reign was at the top. In the top 3 of all time.
Larry had no fundamental weaknesses. Great 3 pt shooter (when there were only handful of great ones then ), terrific mid range shooter, obviously great passer, 90% on free throws, great rebounder and very underrated defender. He slowed as his back got worse but Larry was consistently a top steals guy amongst forwards.
Ball handling. Larry was great af, but he lacked that fundamental.
@@drew2fast489 For a 6'9" forward in that era (compared to others of that height then), Larry was a very good ball handler.
@@MrAitraining ok man....
@@drew2fast489 Well back then they didn't let you carry and travel as much as they do nowadays. I've seen LeBron take one dribble from half court and dunk, which is impossible. Seen Klay Thompson take 8 steps for a layup in the finals not get called. Announcers said he may have gotten away with a travel.
@@dennydeckerful Hey, you don't see me arguing for LeBron or Klay. Man, I can't stand hoops today.
Back when basketball used to be VERY popular. It is old school, low post basketball and the physical play that went with it. What made Larry so incredible is that he looked to pass first, and shooting was often a second option for him. He looked to get the ball inside for the higher percentage shot and averaged taking less than two 3-point shots per game during his career and still having the stats he carried. The current NBA looks like a shootaround and is about as exciting as one.
Back when the NBA finals were on tape delay😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂
Exactly. Bird shot 1.2 3s per game. There are over 200 players now who shoot more than that
Nba is so lazy these days. Walk down court uncontested chuck up a 27 footer hope it falls....other team does the same. I can't even watch basketball sucks now
Basketball is more popular than it's ever been, what are you talking about.
@@chrisbrown6952 lol maybe among 10 yr olds. Anyone that watched 80's 90's early 2k knows better
I met Larry Bird in Woburn 1988, some charity thing, I was just a kid. Dennis Johnson was there too, I remember how intense the freckles on his face were. And Kevin McCale, Robert Parish. These men were bigger than life to me, signing autographs, swarmed by people. I never thought to ask for an autograph, I was just awed by their presence.
I agree with you Sean, the older I get the more I appreciate Larry Bird. Perhaps I can appreciate the game more. During his playing days, we hated to see him, hated the Celtics. However, I can now see their artistry in the game. I love to hear former NBA players talk about Bird.
I felt the same way about the showtime Lakers but now I appreciate what those guys did for basketball. And boy did they put on a show
Every day as a kid I practiced being Larry Bird. I was never that good . But I dreamed I was
Bird sent thrills and chills through me and my family every time we got to watch him play!
I’m surprised how Larry Bird has mostly flown under the radar of popularity. To me he was the whole package. He could shoot out of anywhere, he could defend and steal and he could pass. Good thing that his fellow players give him the recognition he deserves.
Jerry West referred to him as the closest thing to a perfect basketball player. In my opinion he was the most " skilled" player in NBA history. Then factor in his competitive nature and unselfish play and you have a legitimate GOAT candidate. Personally I have him # 2 behind Wilt
OVERRATED, because he was white.
As a long time (since the late 70's) and diehard Lakers fan, gotta give Larry Joe Bird his fresh flowers right damn now! This man was ALL BUSINESS all the time and could put fear in your heart that you couldn't beat his team. Much respect to Larry Bird... a pro's pro.
Legend had the best court awareness of any player I have ever watched play the game. Incredible awareness that doesn't get the love it should.
Great comment So true.... Bird could see what was gonna happen and act accordingly... Pistol Pete was similiar.... Gretzky was like this in the NHL. Bird's body gave out or else he would be top ten is scoring and probably top 15 in rebounding. Wilt was the GOAT....but Bird top 10 all time.
@THE MOOCH MAN 25 *than
And he said top 10, not that he was the best. Reading comprehension isn't your thing I can see.
He had PLENTY of athleticism. His eye-hand coordination was off the charts!
speed and athleticism at it's finest
Yes! His lack of athleticism is a joke
@@arthurjackson3287 not really a joke. Bird didn't sprint to positions. He smoothed in... then exploded at the right moment. One on one is more of a prime example of his lack of resetting and jerking around. Basketball is a team sport. The athleticism wasn't lightning fast, but it all mattered. Larry Bird was the most efficient basketball player of all time.
You cannot play at the top college/pro level without being an exceptional athlete.
If you hear anyone diminish the "athleticism" of a player at that level ... ignore them, they have ZERO experience with athleticism.
And put in the time and work to be the best he could be. Talent alone does not get it done at the highest level they are all talented best couple of hundred players in world. Champions add talents with hard work and doing what ever it takes to be the best
Bird had such a mental awareness of 1) His body: He knew he couldn't jump like some so he put himself in good rebounding position. It seemed like he had a great eye for angles and ball rotation so that he could be where the ball ended up. 2) His skill set: He developed his shooting from any range on the floor. Even when he shattered his index finger before his rookie year, he practiced until he was confident again. His peripheral vision was apparently off the charts so that he could see teammates who were open or, more critically, WERE ABOUT TO GET OPEN. He anticipated and directed the flow of the game so that he could score, pass or defend. No, he wasn't the best one-on-one defensive player but he was a good defender (3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team ) 3) His team: Bird learned how his teammates operated and fed them (McHale and Parrish) or fed off of them (DJ and Danny). 4) His opponents: He used his trash talking as a psychological weapon to intimidate or demoralize his opponents. He yapped to the best in the league and they all say today that he was a huge pain in the a**, but they admired that he could back up his talk. 5) His leadership position on the team: When the chips were on the table, Bird wanted the ball. He relished the fact that his mates (and his coaches) had the confidence in him to win the game. He took over the Celtics in his rookie year and never wavered in his commitment to winning. LEGEND!!
@Ha Peeboy It was a late night ramble, sorry.
@Ha Peeboy there was nothing at all wrong with that post. The only one who needs to learn something is you, to not be such a whiny miserable fault finder.
@@newerafrican that fractured finger was one of the worst events in basketball history!! According to even Bird himself he was a better shooter in college. Could you imagine the NBA career of an even better shooting Larry Bird!?
@@joebuck4496 While I'm dreaming, Joe, let me imagine Bird with an intact spine! AHHHH, yessss!
Larry Bird was the best all-around player in NBA history.
I was very fortunate to see Larry Legend many times in the old Garden. Easter Sunday in '92 vs. Jordan double OT was towards end of his career but he was dominant!! His book 'Drive' shows work ethic & determination is2nd to none🏀🏀
I was fortunate to see Larry Bird watch my team beat the crap out of Loogootee. While their Blackhawks lost to them earlier.
Those were the days my friend.
The old garden where visiting teams had a 50 50 shot there would be hot water after the game. Lol
It was shut off. Sixers didnt deserve hot water in the 80s
@@mainahseye7560 Yup. Cold showers in the old Boston Garden during playoffs temps on court hit 90-100°🤣 🏀 Facing Hall of Famers w/ little chance of winning
I saw Larry Bird (in person) laying on the floor behind the bench for the Celtics and Dominic Wilkes laying on the floor behind the bench for the Atlanta Hawks. It was a serious grudge match between the two broken bodies but both were giving it everything they had. I learned about willpower that night.
Hhi😊😊
A year or so ago, I got on a Larry Bird kick and rewatched the entire 1984 NBA Finals. I was 6 years old when it was played and I sort of remembered bits and pieces but being able to watch it again as an adult, many years later, was a treasure.
I recorded the 1984 All Star game in 1984, when I was in Turkey. I forgot how I did it.
The Gary Payton interview is the TRUTH. 👍
In the end, the only people that truly have legit input on Larrys game are the ones who played WITH him & more importantly, the ones who played AGAINST him. 💯 💯 💯
Players use their athleticism as a tool to get to the right place at the right time. Larry Bird can be there at the right time/place and make the play regardless of athletic ability or injury. This ability is so dialed in that he can tell you the play and still beat you. Oh, and he has godlike shooting and passing and tough as nails. Unstoppable.
Sean, I grew up a Knicks fan - except when they played Boston! I watched Larry from the NCAA finals through his entire career, and could never fail to appreciate the man's mental toughness and basketball IQ. To hear young fans pooh pooh his game today makes me wanna upchuck! His all around game, his shooting skills, his passing game, his ability to be in the right place at the right time, are, well, legendary. I really appreciate your love of the game, and the man, as well. Keep up the great work.
Great comment.
Bulls fan. I also watched him from college thru his career. I take Bird over Lebron to start a team. Deadly shooter with ANY time left on the clock. It was never over with Bird. Last shot to win the game I would take Bird over Jordan.
@@duffbeer31 You are right about that last shot nonsense. I couldn't believe how many times that boy pulled a win out with almost no time on the clock. And, he didn't only do it with his shooting. Just ask Isaiah! The man wasn't human with less than 30 seconds on the clock!!
His passing makes LeBrons look juvenile.... Thats how great Larry was...not to mention he was very rarely healthy
@@Natescoop8800 The man played thru so much pain it was incredible. I hate to be "that guy" but it seems that so many players these days basically just cash their checks. SMH.
My two favs are also Jordan and Bird. Larry doesn't get near the shine that he should when talking about the all time greats
Larry Bird is underrated by the stupid media.
Anybody who doent think Bird is a top 5 player since 1980 is a fool. Only people in the same conversation would be Magic, Jordan, Lebron, and Kobe. No one else even remotely close.
We had them in the league at the same time too. Along with magic, I always took it for granted because I was so young.
Glad there are videos like this. Young people new to basketball need to understand how brilliant Bird was. An absolute killer.
Glad to see him getting more recognition lately. The more I watch about him the more I realize how much of a beast he was. Dude was unstoppable. It's a shame there aren't more players like him.
Luka is the modern version imo (perhaps even more skilled, even if I hate pondering that as a Celtics fan)
2-3 v. Magic in championships. Not that special.
His spine had no problems stopping him
@@mitchrc3 Larry needed a better team. Magic and Jordan both had much better teammates.
@@BattleBrotherCasten Parish, McHale; Johnson, White, Walton all hall of famers. Excuses excuses.
Larry Bird got me into basketball, recently. As a musician I can instantly see when someone talented practices religiously. He made others just look silly. On top of that, who else would play with a broken face??
He also played for 6 years with a broken back!
Same. I grew up in Bird's era in Boston And was much more interested in practicing scales than watching sports. Musicians have an instant radar for talent honed by practice. Watching Bird play makes me smile and tear up like few others can. I had a similar reaction recently watching this:
ua-cam.com/video/vhExkmWKMEU/v-deo.html
You can tell that girl spent her whole life honing her craft. Nothing inspires like grace under pressure and Larry (and Floor) have it.
@@mattphillips538 Like you I admire people who passionately commit to their craft. Thanks for the link, enjoyed it a lot. Here is girl that started at 14-15yrs and is now one of the most accomplished singers/artists I've seen, all with hard work and talent, desire. This a well done documentary.
This is a 4-part series: ua-cam.com/video/3dTJTrKsJr4/v-deo.html
@@mattphillips538 I will say Larry played like a Fine Tuned Instrument. He played with the heart it takes to Master a Instrument.
Plus...... He talked such sh*t too everybody, He did not discriminate in this area. And he backed up that trash talked right up against the wall and had his way with you!!!!!! Love the "Legend!!!!!!!!! The only avian alive that I just loved to watch fly!! Long live the hick from French Lick!!!!!
Unfortunately, his back injury limited his effectiveness prematurely so he doesn't have the career numbers that many of his contemporaries had. But anyone who actually watched him in his prime knows he's one of the best to ever lace 'em up.
Here's a few career numbers for you. 3 consecutive MVP's in a row, 3 NBA championships, the founder of the 50/40/90 club, the single biggest season turn around in Celtics history in his rookie year maybe in the entire league i'm not sure about that one. He was an integral part of the greatest rivalry in the history of the NBA maybe in all of sports history. Everytime he entered the 3 point contest he won. He played almost 1/2 of his career injured all while averaging almost a triple double during his entire career. One game he almost had a quadruple double by the end of the third period. He took himself out figuring he had done enough damage to the other team already. He did this competing against the fiercest competition the NBA has ever known. He is the only player in history that beat every HOF'er he played against. HOF'er after HOF'er, one after the other, lining them up and knocking them down, every single one of them. He has accomplished something only 2 other players in the history of the NBA have achieved and he stands alone above all others as the only small forward to have ever done it. In addition to this, he is the only person in the history of the NBA to win player of the year, coach of the year and general manager of the year. When you look at Larry Bird's entire career regarding the game of professional basketball he has no equal. He stands above every other player who has ever been part of this game, in the entire history of this game. This is not my opinion. Everything I just told you are straight facts and why we are even debating this is beyond me.
@@babaoriley3549 The numbers and accomplishments are undeniable. The SIGNIFICANCE of those numbers and accomplishments, however, are completely subjective. Like I said, he's one of the best to ever lace 'em up. But when a player like Larry Bird says Michael Jordan is "better than all of us," I can't help but listen (and agree). If you think the information you provided makes him the GOAT, more power to you. You won't get an argument from me, even if don't share that opinion.
I wish today's players would be like Larry. I fell in love with basketball watching Larry Bird play.
Facts. You do not see anyone in todays game show the hustle and passion of Bird. Man was just a different animal.
Now it's all about 3 pointers. And who scores more per game
They’re better. Giannis, lebron and Durant would eat his lunch.
@@Mynipplesmychoice Bird would make Lebron cry
@@Mynipplesmychoice none of this happenin
I don't think I'll EVER stop missing Larry Bird.
Me too.
Same
I am building a custom home in Naples, FL on the same street Larry Bird lives on. I can't get even a wave out of him when he drives by but I keep trying. I keep hoping he'll stop and chat so I can brag about it later but he is pretty salty. He definitely keeps to himself. But man he was one bad ass ball player for sure. One of the best.
I’ve watched sports for over 50 years and I’ve had many favorites but none like Larry. I think about him almost every day. He stands out among all the great athletes in history. No equals
@@drbobperkins agreed. I didnt even play basketball in school, but I wore 33 in baseball and football because of Larry Bird. People these days only see him in a highlight reel, but to see him completely dominate and control an entire game was something special.
Hey, my man! That was a great video. I played very little basketball, but watching your presentation about whom I remember being a great player. Like I said, being a baseball and football player, but all thumbs on a basketball court and not even having watched much of it, the way you portrayed Bird and watching his prowess in the highlights was a real treat. Amazing player.
I loved the elite players from the 80s-90’s…especially the athletic ones that could do marvelous things in the air. But Bird was a thinker and had the sheer talent to execute and make everyone around him better. Put Bird on any average team, and he would elevate everyone’s game to contender level. While it’s hard to definitively say who is the all time best, Bird could easily challenge anyone for that top spot.
I disagree. I think it's easy to say who's the all-time best. It was Bird. The more they know, the more they mention Bird. Ask 9 fan boys and your mum, you'll get 8 "MJs", a "LeBron", and one "leave me alone with your stupid questions". Ask 10 legends of the game, and Bird's name will come up. Often. Ask them to name their all-time best team, and suddenly they'll start with Bird. When Wilt was asked this question, he didn't hesitate: "Bird... um... Bird... um... " After a few seconds he continued his list, but the only obvious choice for him was Bird. It was so obvious he tried picking him twice :)
sure many players can think including BIRD TEAMMATE,Danny ainge,Jordan,talent is UNCOMPARED.
@@2CHACHOUU Every fan boy has an opinion... and don't kid yourself, MJ is not 'uncompared'. Some of the children even think LeBron is as good. Hell, even LeBron thinks he's as good :D But what does he know? He's one of the children... and not the brightest one at that. The difference in skill between MJ and number two (whoever you think that is) is not as great as the difference in game IQ between Bird and number two (whoever you think that is). PLUS... I, personally, am not as impressed by purely physical skills as I am by intelligence. PLUS... the difference in Bird's skills and MJ's intelligence is less dramatic than the difference in Bird's intelligence and MJ's skills. I know. Belly buttons. They're like opinions. Everyone has one. If the 'basics' are your standard for GOAT, I can understand why you revere MJ. I'm more a fan of meta-gaming and strategy and 'playing' the entire team... and in that, Bird reigns. Bird is MY GOAT.
@THE MOOCH MAN 25 I can understand your point. A lot of younger, less experienced or knowledgeable fans tend not to understand why Bird is greater than all of them. Ask a group of children, LeBron is all they know. Ask a group of casual fans, whose understanding of the game doesn't go beyond ball control and shooting, they'll all bleat MJ's name. Ask a group of pros or serious students of the game, and Larry Bird will be forwarded increasingly often. Bird is the GOAT. I'd like to say someday you'll understand... but as C.C.R. reminds us, someday never comes...
@@mallorydeagan681 That's because he actually played professional basketball and he knows some stuff about it. No one knows more about basketball than the people who actually play it. Ask any of his peers, hell even LeBron, Durant, Kobe all have him in their top 5 and they never even played against him. We're talking about a player who was literally feared by other players around the league. Coaches were absolutely terrified of him and what he could do in the last seconds of a close game. You don't get the title "Larry Legend" because you're just another good guy.
Back when men were men. Bird fractured his face and came back to win the game. This is inspiring. Wonder what footage they will use 20 years from now of LeBron and this era. Guys taking games off to rest?
Maybe if they managed his regular season minutes and games, he wouldn't have been laying on his stomach with a fucked up back, for the last few years of his career. Maybe would have been able to play a few more, like LeBron is doing.
@@TheJay1979 Maybe if medical advancement were further along Bird would've played longer. Here's the thing. The past greats, you couldn't get them off the court. They chose to play every game.
@@regulate2817 yep. And all this medical advancement and knowledge has taught teams to rest players in a meaningless 82 game grind of a season.
And you're playing some serious bullshit nostalgia right now. "Couldn't get them off the court" lol
@@regulate2817 amazing how people just push narratives because they hear them somewhere else. Lebron has averaged 38 minutes per game for his career.
37 this season in his 19th season. Lol
@@TheJay1979 Well to be quite frank. Anything nowadays that's defined as "inspiring" was considered the bare minimum in the past. The soft definitions of bravery or inspiring actions are why this country is not what it used to be. But hey. If you are inspired by mediocrity, that's fine. I'm not ok with mediocrity.
Bird had a spacial awareness unmatched to this day. He knew where everyone on the court was and more importantly where they _would be._
There have been some truly smart players over the years, but no one had better court-sense than Larry. Absolutely. Nobody.
Jokic is getting pretty close with the spacial awareness. But I agree, Larry is unmatched in this department
I am old enough to have watched these greats play. I remember those old "nothing but net" commercials Bird and Jordan used to do. I remember doing a book report, as a kid, on a biography of Larry. He is absolutely on my Mt. Rushmore, and my perfect starting team from any era.
I agree with everything you said here. I was able to watch him play as well and his all around ability was unmatched
Same bird vs Jordan games great time for bball he's on my mt. Bo Jackson was who I did my biography on. He's on mt rushmore. Diff sports but legends both
Bird and Magic performed open heart surgery on the NBA that was in its death throws, and brought it back to life.
@@gjsullivan55 fact!!!!!
Larry was the epitome of what the NBA does not have now......HUSTLE
i think only giannis has that mindset in todays nba
@@bouyghuioukyybouygiogyigoi9159 Yep... you took it right out of my mouth... Giannis is that kind of guy... cares only about being the best and winning for his team... doesn't care about the spotlight, about winning personal accolades if it doesn't mean his team is winning as well etc...
Giannis is a really old school player...
@@sportschool3537 he’s not the only one but sure ok keep going with that narrative
@@jasonmoukala8909 look at the rating .. It says it all ..
Larry Legend was just 1 of 1 simple as he's on the Mount Rushmore with Magic!
I was blessed to be an NBA fan during the Bird/Johnson/Jordan era... Good times...
I like everything you put out but I get the most excited when it’s a Larry Legend episode.
Larry Bird played basketball like a Chess Master. He was one of the best players who ever played.
This kind of talk dismissing out of hand ALL other great players in the NBA, and is not only NOT true, but is actually disrespectful.
What is disrespectful
Learn how to read Veronica. He said one of the best
@@veronicadabney1466 lol so are you saying Larry Bird wasn’t one of the best players ever?
What a channel. I’m from England. Rarely get to watch the NBA live because it’s on early in the morning and it’s not popular in the U.K.
But I love learning about the legends of the sport and you make it extremely interesting. Thank you brother!
Bird was amazing. Love the ferocious competition between he and Magic, and how it eventually forged a friendship. Just found and subscribed to this channel. Love the old school NBA and there was so much talent like George Gervin, Pete Maravich, World B Free and many more, that many younger fans never seen.
The talent went deep down the bench on those old Sixers, Celtics, Lakers, and Pistons team.
Great Era. Look forward to seeing more on your channel.
Bird and Magic performed open heart surgery on the NBA that was in its death throws, and brought it back to life.
Let's talk about Elgin Baylor. He was Michael Jordan before there was Michael Jordan.
@@babaoriley3549 before him...Oscar Robertson
Great way to put it, 'the older i get the more i appreciate him'. That just means that as you learn more about the game, you realise and appreciate true greatness.
Start missing the days when the players were respectable people
@@RK-jc5ey No truer words spoken friend. And that goes for all sports and all walks of life. What went wrong?
Greatest small forward to ever play the game. Aside from him and Magic, no player before or after have possessed a higher basketball iq. Therefore , the bar was raised with them two and Jordan capping things off with wanting to be at the pinnacle, chasing them down and reaching for top spot , and earning the edge through his will, determination, and freak athleticism. Larry Bird is goat material, and top 5 all time list at the least. He was top dog in the strongest era.
small forward ? he was six eight.
go back to the kitchen lady..
First year I remember in the NBA was 1986. Have been saying it 4 years. Bird is the most under appreciated player of the last 50 years. He would make most stars of today look silly. His defense alone would shut down today's players. A healthy back would have rendered him immortal.
Larry was and is simply the best! He beat them all! People should have given him his due long ago! He’s so cool he doesn’t even give a crap. Now they true security!
You beat me by an hour!
I think he was the 2nd best. No shame in being #2 to MJ.
I am as big a fan of Larry Bird as can be, but MJ is the GOAT.
@@irishgrl great minds!
@@doronstauber7285 well we can agree to disagree. Bird to me is #1 and then it’s a long tie for everyone else.
@@doronstauber7285
How can MJ be #1 when he kept losing to Bird?
🤦♀️
I was a die hard Celtics fan in the 80s. I still remember when her hurt is back. I knew he would never be the same. I think everyone knew, but they just wanted to hope he would've come back. He did have mo moments that would still leave you shaking your head. But, I knew when they playoffs came , he would never be able to perform at a high level for 7 games. If his career wasn't cut short, he'd be mentioned along the greatest of all time. He's still in the top 5 in my book
I had The pleasure to watch Bird just cut up every teams defensive plans . I remember listening to the game on the radio with my dad (the gamewas being aired on cable back then and we couldn't afford the sports channel) he stole the ball and subsequently won the game. Wow!! Great game. What a great player thanks for the trip back to my childhood .
This is a terrific video!! Thank you for posting it. I lived in Boston during the Bird/Magic years. I don't follow sports anymore, but I sure do have memories of the Celts vs the Pistons and the Lakers in the playoffs. Amazing competition and amazing games.
bird clips do give me goosebumps. Just an amazing, folksy legend who could get the job done. Also, not standing around pumping himself after the games on tv or in endorsement ads. He was purely about the competition. He enjoyed that the very most. I won; WE beat you, and you are second place today, go home to mother and whine, mentality.
Thanks brother. I'm not a big sports fan at all, but you put this down in a way that anyone can appreciate what you love about this sport. Well done man!
I genuinely think Bird gets overlooked because everything about him is just goofy. He's one of the best of all time.
He was actually much more athletic than he ever got credit for, he just couldn't jump. But he didn't need to.
Hes not overlooked at all, hes in many peoples top 10 players of all time list.
If he's not in ppls top 3 then yes hes overlooked
He was like 7'2" he never needed to jump much
He was very proud of the fact that he could compete at such a high level not being able to run or jump. Bahahaha......
As someone who wasn't a fan of the Celtics during those years, Bird used to just rip out our hearts, but man, you could not deny he was absolutely one of the very best! Now I enjoy watching the old footage and just appreciate how great he really was.
I grew up watching Larry Bird play pro basketball.. and I never missed a game.. let me explain, I really didn't like to watch basketball, it just didn't do nothing for me,, but the first time I saw Larry Bird Play,,, man the feeling of awe N excitement it gave me to see a man take basketball to a place by itself and perform at a level all his own keep me on the edge of my seat and just plan blew me away.. I couldn't get enough of Bird playing Basketball.. I knew without doubt I was watching the greatest of the GREAT,, hands down. Just absolutely everything he did was above and beyond anything anyone has ever seen or will see again.. I laugh when people say Larry couldn't jump.. cause that Bird has Flew and flown higher than any Bird has ever flown before.. god bless you Larry Bird and thank you. And thank God for Blessing is all with his very Best Basketball Angel..
Great! Thanks! What most people don't realize is that Bird was 6' 9" but played with the agility and speed of a guard! Also - these highlights show just how bad today's NBA is!
He was closer to 6'11, at that time they didn't update players height after college.
Larry could play every position on the floor. So could Magic. They were just great basketball players.
@@p.j.4738 You're right. In those photos of him next to Magic, who's also 6'9 ,
he looks noticeably taller .
Agility yes. Speed no. What Bird had was a surgeon's skill and the anticipation of a prophet. He knew what was gonna happen before it happened. That's how he made up for a lack of footspeed and hops. Amazing player. A great in any era.
Bird had the most beautiful touch on the ball, whether it was dribbling, shooting and especially passing. Luka has the same style, it's beautiful.
Honestly I see a lot of Bird in Jokic too, especially in the playmaking department. Jokic ain’t as flashy as Larry but very few are
@@specialknees6798 in the play making I agree, he has that soft touch
Love any videos from that era. Graduated high school in '86, and Larry and crew made it fun to be a fan in New England, in spite of that whole Patriots-getting-their-ass-handed-to-them-in-the-Superbowl. And Buckner. Can't forget Buckner. Go Celtics.
Excellent video. I have watched hours of Bird highlights and documentaries. You found some interviews and even a few pass highlights to McHale I had never seen. I definitely agree with you about his basketball IQ and work ethic carrying him far past his athletic ability. Honestly it's what I find the most impressive about him, skill over athleticism.
Watched any other hoopers?
@Emerald Coast TinT unfounded? What is the question founded in? Can I not ask if he’s researched other players as well? Don’t be so defensive.
@Emerald Coast TinT you’re making some huge leaps and bounds on what I may think about a variety of topics and then begin to argue based on a position you assume I have just on asking a question about other hoopers. Seems like you have an answer that’s in search of a problem. But I’ll provide some insight. It’s hard to compare eras, players that played in spaces with hand checking had to deal with that….players who played in era of not having handchecking had to equally deal with that reality. Imagine how hard it is to play defense today without it just as it is hard to think of how people scored with it. You’re trying to compare something that can never be measured. Enjoy the game for what it is today and for what it used to be without making it a stick measuring contest. Life is all about changes, and the game will continue to change to appease viewers….it’s the capitalistic way.
@@JCMthebrand I watched the documentary on Stephon Marbury, Vince Carter, the fab 4 on ESPN+, Pistol Pete vids, The Last Dance of course, I hate Christian Laetner on ESPN+, Requiem for the Big East on ESPN+, etc. I am from the North East, and remember watching Bird when I was in elementary and middle school, then Jordan came and I watched every playoff game those years. I remember watching the Dream Team happen live, I collected all the McDonalds super size cups you could get back then. There are so many great hoopers, but I think Larry is the overachiever being so much less the athlete the great Jordan, Kobe, or Lebron is. I don't care who is the best really, he's my favorite because of that.
@@JCMthebrand ua-cam.com/video/C727koGJaPo/v-deo.html
There is a point, certain players hit almost a "god like" mode/level, and he is on that tier. Not many. You all know who they are, but definitely divine or almost sinister the way he schooled people. Black, white, yellow, didnt matter, Bird was there to play and beat you. That's it. Race never mattered, which is what we could all learn
i hate this lesson... it's dismissive, simplistic, almost childish... less important things have mattered, this does too
@@notimportant3686 you salty?
Couldn't agree more with this post!! 👏🏿👏🏿👍🏿
@@dcg590 you silly?
Stop! Larry was a great player yes. But "god like"? Stop with the BS.
For those who are too young to have experienced the game in the 1980's and early 90's. Before you can fully appreciate how good players like Bird and Magic and Michael etc. were you have to undrstand how fast and intense the game was back then. Maybe the players of today could rise to that level of play but it's not the same game today as it was back then. On a side note: Being from Boston and going into the Garden with my brother who was a Lakers fan we were lucky to make it out alive. Good times...
Michael Jordan was a sight to behold, but Larry Bird will always be my favorite. I was a die hard Celtics fan in the 1980s. Bird, McHale, Parish, Ainge...damn, the 80s Celtics were the Edmonton Oilers of basketball and Larry Bird was Wayne Gretzky. All around team player and scary good. Ah, I miss the 1980s sports teams.
Then in the 90’s you jumped ship to the Chicago bulls ? And in the 2000’s the Lakers ? And now you are a Warriors fan ??? Lucky guess??? LOL 😂
@@YouCanChangeYourWorldToday Actually, with the exception of hockey (and really after 2005, it was mostly just olympic hockey), I moved away from sports by the middle of the 90s.
@@guibox3 nice 👍 I was only kidding budd. I’m 30 and finally letting go of sports and focusing on other aspects of my personal life. I’m only following nfl right now and everything else is gone. I was a big sports fanatic since I was 10 years old. Time for a change ! ✌️🧠
Good point. I think Lakers were more like Edmonton Oilers as they were so fast paced. Lakers with Magic had best fast break ever... The Gretzky comparison is good though Magic is the other half. Gretzky is half Bird and Half Magic
9:54 Isaiah pushing Larry's head in the tunnel, awesome
My favorite is when Isiah tells the story of the steal on Open Court
Not too many people probably remember Johnny Most, the announcer, but he had a great voice. Once had him as a substitute teacher in High School. Yes - dating myself. Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish were all fabulous players.
Best basketball IQ ever.
Michael may intimidate you with his skill and physical ability, you know what he's going do to you, but Larry destroys you because he was not supposed to.
He was unpredictable!
not supposed to? the man is 6'10, can shoot and pass better than anyone on your team, out hustled and played hard, gave 100% effort on both sides of the court, had a damn near unstoppable fade away. why do people keep acting like the whiteboy cant ball?
@@Teddy-se8qb exactly, he had plenty of athleticism, Just a different type of athleticism.
Agreed. Larry would not just beat people. He would demoralize them. MJ very much did the same, and they are both the cream of the crop.
Best all around basketball player..... of all time. Period.
BTM, awesome tribute to Larry Bird. I think the 80s and 90s NBA was the best ever. Theres no defense in todays NBA.
Bill Walton's a great story teller. Great voice, great enthusiasm. What's not to like?
I cannot stand Bill Walton... when he does a PAC-12 basketball game he goes on some ridiculous unrelated tangents.
@Alex Schultz ...couldn't agree more. Plus he's kind of a dick to his broadcast partner(s).
Blue collar player…tough
He is an interesting guy, was crazy athletic in his prime
@@EastAtlanaSanta - Yeah, he can get carried away.
Ur show is 100% ! I can tell your heart is into this. The motivation is on display, thank you for sharing your personality and enthusiasm for the game of basketball with people like me, who has 2 left feet.