Could Larry Bird play in this Era ? No Question.

[@billmaier9314]

What a ridiculous question, anyone who saw Bird play knows he would dominate in any era

[@cirrustate8674]

Larry founded the 50/40/90 club, back in the 80s. If Larry in his prime played today, he'd found a 60/50/95 club.

[@user-pg4ij1vj3x]

His ft wouldnt change cause no matter what the era is free throw is still free throw lol

[@jimmyboy131]

@@user-pg4ij1vj3x Maybe he would get even better? I don't know. Back then he knew he was the best shooter in the league and so maybe he didn't need to improve. If he was competing with guys like Steph Curry then he might try to improve even more. Who knows.

[@JET1970]

That's the best comment on Bird playing today love it

[@echoromeo384]

@@jimmyboy131 when you have to play in the post alot you can't focus on just deep shooting. The game back then was just harder and more physical. Dude was a savage.

[@RVRayRay]

Bird would average 50 in today’s no-defense and soft NBA 😂

[@johannesswillery7855]

If Larry developed his skills in this era he would launch ten threes a game and hit close to half of them. Would take his average to well over 30 per game. Yes he would thoroughly dominate today's game.

[@mattwatts33]

Larry would be top 5 in today’s league. No question. He’s called “legend” for a reason. 🍀

[@TheNBAGoat]

I agree he would be great. Thank you for watching. I hope you can subscribe. There will be other Larry videos.

[@dickortner3551]

He would not be top five in today’s game because he is top-five all time

[@JET1970]

Top 5 Bullshit Larry Bird would be the top Dog in today's game

[@rogernguy]

false

[@RemoWilliams1227]

True that

[@lindydalton768]

The thing that you can't explain or understand by looking at a highlight reel is the type of excitement and amazement that Larry brought to almost every game. It didn't matter what side you were rooting for , it was impossible not to be Blown Away by his skills.

[@TheNBAGoat]

100% correct my friend. I agree totally.

[@qwkimball]

Bird and Magic. I wish I could have told that kid I was then just how insanely spoiled he was watching them match up year after year.

[@iShootFast]

3 straight mvps in a league with Magic , Hakeem , Jordan , Kareem, Moses, Zeke, Dominique…… everyone in the league feared him. He got bored and shot games left handed. In today’s game with the emphasis on the 3 pt shot , no hand-checking, and the pace & spacing of today’s game…. He’d feast. He was just mentally 3 steps ahead of everyone else at all times. Bird was a tough-as-nails basketball savant with a relentless work ethic , and an ultra-competitive mean streak. He was playing chess when the rest of the league was playing checkers.

[@robertmcmaster2453]

I remember Legend doing at LEAST ONE, spin your head around play, per game!!!

[@richardpare3538]

@@TheNBAGoat I was lucky enough to have access to season tickets right behind their bench. Every game I got to see always had a bunch of Larry moves ( or usually a combination of Larry and DJ moves) that stunned you by how smart they were. The best sports entertainment you could ever get, anywhere.

[@irishgrl]

ALL the greats knew how good Bird was....ALL OF THEM. And he played until he just couldn’t any more. A true Warrior. There will never EVER be another Larry Bird. MY TRUE GOAT 🐐.

[@mikeyvance2246]

Here here

[@chuckurso593]

You got that right!

[@youtubemodsaresnowflakelef7692]

@@mikeyvance2246 hear hear*

[@davidgeissler8620]

You are dead on I was a 76er fan and man I couldn't stand Larry bird McHale now I'm older I can really appreciate how good he was I wish I was a Celtic fan man that would've been fun Larry bird the best in my book Jordan first bird second you do know that Jordan never beat bird and the Celtics

[@matts8708]

Players today are stronger, but Larry once told a player with a lot of muscles "those muscles aren't going to help you tonight". He proceeded to drain shots and yell "muscles!" every time he did. I always thought that was a funny story that highlights just how much the game is played mentally, which Larry was simply the best at.

[@broaddusmarines]

That guy was Anthony Mason btw. Anthony Mason later on went on to strike fear with other players in the 90s. Bird (who was past his prime by then) just made fun of him in the late 80s.

[@JET1970]

@@broaddusmarines But Bird was right and mason wrong it is a mental game not a body building game

[@BigcountryReactions]

@@broaddusmarines fyi bird did that to every top defender back then. Ie rodman Payton etc etc

[@RemoWilliams1227]

Absolutely hysterical

[@alzinn8231]

Nzinn73 Larry would be stronger today too. Not the strongest, all the players then would benefit from modern treatment and training. I agree, that the supposed lack of athleticism in 80s basketball is really overportrayed.

[@robdaddy69]

Larry would DOMINATE & score 50pts a game

[@AcuraintegratypeS]

Larry Bird would average 33/12 and 6 in this error unstoppable and I am a huge Laker fan so this is very hard for me to say but I appreciate greatness

[@79thstbelize80]

U mean 32 12 and 9

[@johannesswillery7855]

How great was the Celtics/Lakers rivalry? We lived through a great era!

[@AcuraintegratypeS]

@@johannesswillery7855 this is true I miss the good old days

[@bigblock67camaro]

Magic was great too!! Lots of Greatness from that era!!

[@johannesswillery7855]

@@bigblock67camaro Magic is one of the greatest ever.

[@pputnam100]

I have to tell you, when I read that headline I broke out laughing... it's just such a silly question. Of course he would be a superstar if healthy, there is NO question. First of all, with Bird launching some 5 to 7 threes a game, it would be unreal. He still would be one of the most skilled players in the league, his technique and fundamentals were all time fabulous. Right there with Curry. BUt with one difference, Bird will go down as a greater player than Steph

[@AW-zy1kw]

Agree but Curry is not close to Bird in anything except 3 point shooting. Unless MJ came back at the same time Bird would be king of the league and it would not be close.

[@eternalboss1046]

If Kevin Love can play in this era then Bird could dominate this era. The best modern day comparison I can make to prime healthy Bird is a 6"9" Klay / Jokic hybrid with Chris Paul level leadership.

[@79thstbelize80]

👏👏👏👏👏 bravo

[@arturobandini792]

A better question might be how would players of this era have fared in the 80's?

[@tiagoscaraveli17]

Miserably. They would look like fools.

[@RemoWilliams1227]

​@@tiagoscaraveli17it's weird to think about though because if they played back then they would have came up back then and had to be tougher to even make the league.

[@paulmartinson7200]

no one made his team better than bird, hell he would make his opponents better. best ever.

[@stephenfletcher1579]

There's not only any team in the league now that he could not only start on, there's not a team in the league, that he wouldn't be an all-star on either.

[@leoderosia9279]

The NBA now is wide open , no hand checking and much less congested which would be perfect for bird

[@taylorsmith7582]

Brilliant video!! Very well done!! Major props!! Bird is one of the greatest!! Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Period!!

[@matts8708]

In today's era he'd be shooting more 3s and practicing them more, which he said he didn't really do to much back then since they only took a couple per game. If Larry was taking 5 more 3s per game his scoring average would be higher, and he'd go to the line more in this era where he was pretty much a 90% shooter.

[@stephaniejones6379]

Absolutely, Larry Bird is great hes a team leader a great scorer he could motivate and carry his team he won titles. . Larry brought his A game and won championships both Magic and Jordan both were goats in the league and also have said Larry was a great player both have said they had to work harder playing against Bird, and Jordan said Bird and Magic , made him play harder bc he wanted to win titles like Bird and Magic. Bird would be a great player in Today's league playing as Good or better than top players in this league like Giannis , Kevjn Durant and Harden, Lebraun, Kobie ie post humus, bc hes a superior player like them. Larry is a great talent he would easily be a top 5 player, Larry is a legend who can carry the team and talk trash. Larry can score his head off he will hit his shot each time. If you life depend on a shot, Larry is the man to do it. Bird has won so many all start 3 point shooting , shoot outside. Hes a total shooter . I love Larry and Magic both are great, this man can play believe that. Micheal Jordan is the true goat but Bird and Magic are goats too behind Jordan and they changed basketball and made it a rivalry with the Celtics and Lakers basketball with them was so exciting to watch, go Larry Bird my favorite this man can play, also love McHale and Parish both good players too and DJ,Dennis Johnson played for the celtics.

[@richhahn2443]

One thing never brought up is Bird elevated the play of his teammates. What Bird meant to the Celtics was a lot more than his stats.

[@TheNBAGoat]

I agree. He was an awesome passer, motivator etc. Great team guy that wouldnt let you slip in your play.

[@Amick44]

Many bring it up. Not all, though.

[@bigkw1568]

Greatest SF ever

[@J34xalpha_KING]

No doubt 👍

[@chyoli6220]

Larry was a great basketball player because...
1. Amazing basketball IQ.
2. He is a winner, and HATES to lose.
3. Great hand-eye-coordination.
4. He practiced, practiced, and practiced.
All of the above qualities can be used in ANY era. Regardless of the era, Larry would simply zero in on what he would need to do to win games and then he would get to work by practicing, practicing, and practicing until he was good enough to win games (and he wouldn't stop until he was good enough, regardless how much effort it would take to get there). Winners like Larry Bird are few and far between. Very far between.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Yes, Larrys mentality would just destroy players today who are looking for participation trophies for anything. Thanks for your comment and appreciate you taking the time to watch my video.

[@kevwmobile3238]

Boston improved by 32 games in Birds first year, and the only addition to the Celtics was Bird. Also keep in mind that Bird did all this when assault and battery was allowed in the league with at least half of his career hampered by a bad back. I’m today’s no touch league, Bird would be unstoppable.

[@jimrat201]

LMAO could he play in this era……… he would dominate just like he did back then

[@MrBillFletcherr]

Bird is in the top 5 of ALL TIME.

[@TheSacred55]

OH for Christ's sake - Considering today's pace, the way players take care of their bodies, use of the 3, and defensive rules, the dude would average 40, 15, 12 with 3 steals and 2 blocks and be the MVP of the league. Look at Luka - unlike LJB, he is not a great outside or free throw shooter.

[@lawrencekokjr.1376]

Larry Bird was a stone cold dream killer.
You couldn't do a video on last 5 second game winning shots because it would look like another Bird tribute. 20 years after he retired from play, you can still see the pain in James Worthy's face when he talks about Bird's mastery at the end of the game.
Worthy never backed away from a challenge. He is a warrior with enough rings for a whole hand. He knows.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Larry was a beast. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@TNMUSlC]

If ben simmon who cant even shoot F/T or even under the rim is an All star. Then Bird is a Mega superstar. He would be a max contract player in today leauge

[@TheNBAGoat]

That is completely true. Great point of view and comparison. Thank you for watching and commenting. Taking your time to do so is really appreciated. I hope you subscribe. Id like more smart basketball viewers like this on my channel for good conversation.

[@keokihiga8462]

It’s difficult to compare eras cause of the hand check rule. When defenders could put their hands on an offensive player they could get a lot closer and contest more shots. Also when you can put your hands on an offensive player you can steer them in a direction you want them to go. So without the hand check rule lanes were more congested and it was harder to shoot, in turn 3s were more difficult shots. This is all to say that it’s amazing Larry shot over 40% from 3 because nowadays shooting over 35% is considered good.

[@Elthenar]

One great thing about Bird that few talk about is that Jordan learned how to have an edge from Bird. All of the mind games and trash talk that Bird broke people with, Jordan saw it and decided he needed it in his own arsenal.Jordan became the killer he was in part through mimicking Bird. Also, Bird is the one guy that dominated Jordan and Jordan never got back at.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Im sorry but I dont agree. Jordan already came in with a killer instinct
He might have taken a thing or two from Bird but the Killer 8nstinct he already had.

[@Elthenar]

@@TheNBAGoat Jordan himself said otherwise. He directly credited Bird for making him learn how to get in peoples heads.

[@alecvip7562]

@@TheNBAGoat mj said that bird taught everything he knew about getting in folks heads.

[@someparts]

@@TheNBAGoat You didn't see his first couple years, haha.

[@Kimeikus]

4:32 - I really love this anchoring argument.
“If Bird did awesome against Jordan, and Jordan did awesome against Kobe, and Kobe did awesome up until 5 years ago, there’s no question that Bird would be one of the top players in the league right now.”

[@kentjax3622]

Larry was an incredible baller. I watched him since college and he broke all the stereotype rules that if you can’t jump, can’t run fast and your white then you can’t be a great NBA player, but he proved them all wrong. He was court smart and knew how to outwit and maneuver so man players, great player including MJ. Bird did so much more with so much less then all the other players. He was just a super star player.

[@jeremiahmckenzie5532]

Bird in his prime in this era? You want to question it? Shittttttttttttttttttttttt, he'd be the league's school bus driver.
I REST MY CASE!

[@jimmyboy131]

He'd be the bus driver, the school principal, teacher, and PE coach. Then he'd mop the floor as the janitor.

[@jeremiahmckenzie5532]

@@jimmyboy131 I know, right?

[@johannesswillery7855]

Meth is bad for your teeth.....

[@edinsyracuse1669]

The question should be could today's players keep up with Larry Legend?

[@BigcountryReactions]

No they couldn’t he would demolish them I could see bird on Twitter pregame shit talking lebum tonight I’m gonna get 55 and just like those days he’d have the points by the 3rd qtr and be drinking a beer

[@wendellwright3152]

He would rule today

[@mrho4speed]

To show how good Bird was consider this, in his rookie year Bird was the biggest reason the Celtics improved from a 29 win team to a 61 win team = 32 game improvement. Also besides winning the ROY that year he finished 4th in MVP voting. For the next 8 years in MVP voting Bird was 2,2,2,1,1,1,3 and 2 again. He was on 3 all defensive teams ( 2nd team) and in 1983 ( the first year for the DPOY award) Bird finished tied for third place for the award. Bird led the league in defensive win shares 4 times and was 7 times in the top 5. Bird was once 2nd in DRTG and 6 times in the top ten in DRTG. In Bird's first 9 years, prior to the dual heel surgery and back issues, in games Bird played in the Celtic won 534 games and lost 177 games of the 711 played for a win% of 75.1% This was even higher than Magic's win % during the same time with LA in the weaker western conference ( 74.3% with a 475 win and 164 lost of his 639 games).Bird created the 50-40-90 club and did it 2 seasons in a row, If you look at his 4 seasons of 85 -88 Bird actually averaged 50-40-90 for those four years. This kind of skill level could play in any era!!!

[@yambo59]

what everyone leaves out is Larry played like an alien WITH some serious handicaps - everyone knows he wasnt a high jumper and not very fast or atheletic, ok add to that he had a really bad back and foot surgeries and other bad injuries that todays players would sit out for. Larry was all over the court and gave 100 percent as long as he could until he couldnt play anymore. He had to retire early at 13 years and he accomplished as much or more than other players did in longer careers -- and he had court vision like he had eyes in the back of his head and was an amazing passer. just imagine if Larry had not had all the injuries and could have played longer--!!! Larry in good health could easily hang with todays players NO DOUBT. Hell he hung with the pros WITH all the injuries,. a true legend for so many reasons.

[@holypoop88]

The current era of basketball has been made to favor offensive play since 2004. The NBA specifically stated they wanted to open up the game to allow more scoring opportunities, allow more unimpeded player movement, and to make it easier from perimeter players to attack the rim. Their goal was to have higher scoring games that had been previously bogged down by more physical defense, which they felt was making basketball boring to its audience. Travels and carriers are rarely called today as it would take away from flashy moves and offensive play. Casuals think basketball revolves around athleticism. Larry had the
fundamentals and basketball skill to dominate in any era, and he'd probably be the best player today.

[@J34xalpha_KING]

Bird would be much more dominant in this era. Healthier and a green light for the 3 point shot. Ungaurdable.
Love to see a battle between Bird and Curry
Or even Bird vs Lebron.
#LarryGOAT

[@AKSBSU]

I've also often wondered what Curry's stellar shooting percentages would look like with Gary Payton with hand checking latched onto him. Bird had guys like Mahorn and Rodman swarming and manhandling him when he was hitting a lot of these legendary clutch shots. Actually, Bird didn't have it easy even in college with all-time defensive legend Sidney Moncrief attacking him and thwarting his run at a college championship.

[@tonysopranooo1]

@@AKSBSU watch videos of the defensive back in the 80's... much less pressure on jump shooters that today cause nobody shot 3's like that... all the footage of defenders guarding Bird are like 5 feet away from him lol

[@billmorrison9068]

Bird would kill Lebron.

[@warlock7760]

Bird was unstoppable in the 80's against the hardest defense teams in history. He would demolish today's league that has no defense

[@marthahanley6650]

Larry Bird came from a poor family with six children in total. His mom had to work two jobs. (And yes I know this could be the same for other players). Larry best friend was his dad. He had been really shy and those two went fishing or fixed up motors in the garage in the winter. But he was also an alcoholic. Many have no idea why he quit Indiana with Bobby Knight. Yes, one reason is the school was just too *big* and he couldn't "fit in". He had few friends.
But his life ended when he got a call from his mom. His dad had called her and told her he was a failure as he couldn't pay his child support and she'd be better off with him dead. Of course she tried to plead not to. He hung up and shot himself to death.
This is the real reason he quit college and went back to French Lick totally confused. He even got a job driving a garbage truck. Going to the smaller Indiana college was what he needed.
1.) Bird was the *smartest* man in basketball. He would spend hours studying the angles of the court and his shots from most of them. He played chess while others played checkers.
2.) Bird seemed to know where all his teammates were without looking.
3.) Bird's passing was incredible.
4.) There was only *one* player that he truly hated and that was Bill Lamier. He came from a wealthy family and went to Notre Dame. A lot of players besides Larry would call him a goon. He WANTED to *hurt* you so Larry could never respect him. As Bird said he was a dirty player .. and he didn't even play the game well. For instance when Bird went up for a basket, Laimbeer ha his own feet wrapped around Bird's ankle trying for a sprain. He did this shit not just to Bird.
5.) Larry Bird endured much spoken racial insults behind his back. Blacks could get racist comments but so can white players. Bird received racial insults behind his back. From whom? The league goon, Bill Lambier which was then parroted by Isiah Thomas.
Both had to apologize (the article said). I hope no one talked behind his back about his back about his dad's suicide because I'm sure he would have pummeled him.
It was serious injuries that ended his career early, The taller the man the easier it is to get injured.
It was his back that gave out on him and the back affects all manners of play. Teammates have said it hurt so bad that in the locker room he would just lay on the floor or had trouble getting his shoes. He wore a special plastic back brace for plane rides.
Knee surgery and foot surgery. With his type of play it does wear you down.
From a Bird fan.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Wow, I really appreciate the comment and the time you took to write it on my video. There is so much information here even I didnt know. I thank you, I appreciate it and hope you will subscribe and contribute any time youd like with the knowledge you have. Much appreciated.

[@kuvasz5252]

Larry Bird played the game as a Jedi master. Only Oscar Robinson was comparable in seeing the game in slow motion

[@marthahanley6650]

@@kuvasz5252 And they say Bird "wasn't athletic"?? I beg to differ! Why and how? He lived and breathed basketball and gave life to basketball.
Here is a comment that I didn't think to put in. Well before a game during warm ups the other team would look up and *Bird would be running laps around the seating area of the arena* . The whole way around. This certainly must have to be done to keep his stamina up.

[@pt29999]

It was Rodman and Thomas, not Laimbeer.

[@JosephLupoli]

Outstanding analysis, The NBA Goat!
Although Larry Bird was never a fountain of supreme raw athleticism, he was fast, real fast. And not just just his legs--his brain was fast too. Bird (especially in his prime) had both a lightning-quick first step and he could run the length of the court on a break as fast as anyone else.
Bird could also jump high enough to grab all those rebounds over bigger, more athletic centers and power forewords, plus he could slam-dunk with the best of them.
My main point though (and this is important), is that Bird played in an era where the hand check was allowed, and hard fouls, which often were not whistled, were committed in felony numbers. Even superstars were getting mugged in the paint. NBA games in the late '70's though the mid 90's was played more like rugby, brawls and all.
Fast forward to today's era: The game turned weak. There's the no hand-check rule, plus the referees whistle blows all night like a freight train if players so much as breathe too hard on their opponents, especially in the paint.
Also, todays game lacks old-school team fundamentals. Instead, the game is all about isolation plays--and showboating--lots of showboating. The 15-to-20 foot jumper is now frowned upon because it doesn't sell like a 360 slam-dunk does.
If fact, the game has digressed so much that the league is always looking for Euro talent to fill the gaps.
To conclude, Larry Bird would absolutely feast in today's NBA, and barely break a sweat doing so.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Thank You fro the comment. I really appreciate it. Please check out my Magic Johnson video I just released. Also consider subscribing to my channel it helps me out a lot. Thank You.

[@JosephLupoli]

@@TheNBAGoat , you're very welcome! Magic Johnson is another guy I can write a whole book about. In my opinion, Magic was every bit as good as Larry Bird was, albeit with a different playing style.
Magic had the same drive, the same will-to-win, and the same old-school work ethic that Bird had. I'll be happy to check out your video on him and post a more detailed comment!
Until then, have a great day!

[@JosephLupoli]

Oh, and I just subscribed to your excellent channel. Thank you for reminding me!

[@oldhead2769]

Great insight in this video. This isn't just copy and paste highlights here folks. Gonna be fun making my way through your vids since im not watching the current nba.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Thank You friend. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. I would really appreciate a sub as well.

[@marknegrete6413]

That question is a joke because the 80s were better than the nineties and the 90s were better than the 2000s and all of them are better than now big time

[@rustydaboyrobot]

Players today would do the same thing MJ did
Wait for Bird to retire so he could win some championships.
And who's better than MJ? 😉

[@mikewhite6288]

Larry bird could not only play in this era. He would absolutely use up any player that's out there today. Today's players are a joke compared to what larry play against in his hey days.

[@patrickstewart3446]

Nevermind his basketball skills. He’d completely crush today’s soft NBA stars with his trash talking alone.
😁

[@michaelulbricht9438]

Bird would be better because back then players were allowed to grab and hold. Larry's brain would still be better than anyone's in the game. That was his real weapon. Also, he'd still be the best shooter in the league, launching at least 5 three pointers a game(nothing against Steph Curry, but Bird was 6' 10" and his range and shooting eye are just as good and maybe better). Bird is an "all time great." If Jim Brown played football today he'd be better, too. Some people will always be above the game. Larry is one of those people. Some younger guy asked me if Giannis Antetokounmpo could handle Wilt Chamberlain? I told the younger fellow, "only if Wilt would let him." Secretariat still holds the record for all three triple crown races. I'd say that he could still win a triple crown if he was still alive, three years old, and in shape. Good video, take care and Peace!

[@maxbrazil3712]

A super-genius level court awareness and basketball IQ transcends time. The Bird combined his spectacular hand-eye coordination with tactical genius and outplayed his opponents. Julius Irving said "Larry was a basketball genius. He was a step ahead, a thought ahead, he played the game like a chess game." No higher praise is possible.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Please consider subbing. I would really appreciate knowledgeable people commenting on my videos with their points of view. Thanks for the comment.

[@johnnixon1026]

Excellent view point! Thank you for the thoughtful explanation

[@TheNBAGoat]

No, Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. I really appreciate the discution and active viewers. I hope you consider subscribing.

[@TNMUSlC]

If bird play in this era. He would be a superstar that can play a stretch 4 or 5

[@TheNBAGoat]

100% true

[@granvilledavis8941]

Anyone who is asking if Larry Bird could play in the NBA of today, is completely radically. All the superstars in the area of Bird, Jordan, Magic Johnson, etc. could easily play in the NBA today, without a doubt.

[@J34xalpha_KING]

Bird Jordan and Magic were Titans of the Game. They Ruled then and probably would rule now.

[@johannesswillery7855]

The way things are today, Bird, Magic, Jordan all would be on the same team.....

[@Jarhead-ye8br]

Larry Bird would dominate the league today. He played in the most physically tough era of the NBA

[@TheNBAGoat]

Well yeah it was a tough era but I dont think the 90s all the way to the end were any different. NBA turned soft as heck now... Cant touch anyone.

[@Jarhead-ye8br]

@@TheNBAGoat that's a fact.

[@TNMUSlC]

@@TheNBAGoat Today league takes more skill since you cant hand to check and illegally restrist landing spot.

[@cliffordzellner5917]

Bird would make a lot of rainbow shots in this era.

[@bigblock67camaro]

He would bank some Off the glass after he called them too!!

[@Fallout777]

Oh man Lord Bird would absolutely kill it in this Era. And I'm saying this as a Lakers fan.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Agreed and if you look at my videos there is one like this on Magc as well. You should like it as a Lakers fan. Please consider subbing. It would really help me out.

[@jlobiafra]

With today's nba emphasis on threes and no hand checking bird would average at least 30 a game

[@play712]

Leflop, would ask the ref and security to remove Larry from the game because he said mean things.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Probably would man... hahaha. Made me laugh with that. Yeah its definitely different basketball now and softer players mentally in the league. James would make the league change the rules where trash talk would not be allowed any more because of Larry. I appreciate you watching. Make sure to subscribe to support the channel. Its very important to me I get to 1000k subs.

[@lk5388]

Bird will be the best player in the league in this era

[@louisperez4945]

Top two players ever , ever , Jordan and Bird !!!!

[@matteice2994]

BIRD MAN BABY HE FLY IN ANY WEATHER LEGEND SO GREAT YOU CANT MAKE A MOVIE ABOUT HIM GREAT STORIES IF YOU DID NOT SEE YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE IT HE IS A BAD MAN

[@jimowens381]

If, and I say IF, Bird was any less athletic than other players, he definitely made up for it by being mentally 3 steps ahead of anyone else on the floor. That's what made him great!

[@TheNBAGoat]

That's a very good point. Bird was crazy intelligent on the court, crazy motivated, obsessed you could say. He had a bigger heart than most do now. Thanks for your time you spent on my video. Much appreciated. Please sub if you haven't already. It would help me a ton.

[@lll9416]

most of Birds games were not televised or even videotaped... think of the highlights we cant see!

[@TheNBAGoat]

I never thought of that. Great point.

[@jenmaclean3774]

Facts. My dad was a season ticket holder and I was blessed to watch him play in the old Garden. He was unbelievable, his vision for the game has never been matched.

[@lll9416]

@@TheNBAGoat
if you understand Basketball, you know that today's game would be PERFECT for Larry's skill set!
No handchecking and massive floor spacing would be fertile ground for Bird's killer instinct!
Larry Legend with 2021 rules officiating 36pts 16rb 10ast, NO PROBLEM!

[@billmorrison9068]

Plenty of full-length NBA games from that era on YT

[@randygraham926]

They've changed the rules over the last couple of decades to make it far more difficult to play physical defense. No hand-checking. Touch fouls called on the defender.
That's because the league wants big scoring pyrotechnics -- 3-point bombs, easy drives to the basket, uncontested dunks, etc.
In 1995, the NBA SHORTENED the 3-point line. Bird retired in 1992. He won 3 straight 3-point shooting contests against the best shooters of his era even though Bird didn't consider it an important part of his game. He didn't even try for a 4th title.
This era would make if far easier for Bird to score -- especially with the short 3-point line. (True of several other old-school players as well, including Jordan.)🤔

[@TheNBAGoat]

True. Larry would average over 30 in todays game. Please sub. I would appreciate your insightful comments in my other videos.

[@taylorsmith7582]

Even Magic would totally dominate in this era!! People in this game don’t know how to actually guard the post. When was the last time there was a great post player?!? Hakeem would dominate! Everyone shoots threes nowadays. It’s a marketing thing. Old school basketball would kill today’s game. Ever heard of Kareem? Debate over.

[@sonofnam4418]

Queen James had to surround himself with superstars to win...Bird made everyone around him superstars.

[@TheSportsShowOnTheDamnYoutube]

The amount of 3 Point shots being put up today, he would for sure average 20+ PPG

[@TheNBAGoat]

30s more like it. He averaged over 20 in his day.

[@someparts]

The pace of the game is faster because there is little D until the last 2 minutes of a game. That's what an old head thinks about the NBA today. TWO MINUTES of what the 80s and 90s was the WHOLE GAME.

[@sageariel6085]

It's so disrespectful to even ask that question. It's either coming from people who are either ignorant or prejudice because he's white. Also, for those who say he had no athletic ability obviously didn't see him play in his prime before all of the back injuries. Keep your mouth shut until you study the game and that era of basketball.

[@marknegrete6413]

The game today is straight-up boring

[@TNMUSlC]

I disagree.

[@derekdominguez2068]

At Larry birds peak, you could argue he is the greatest basketball player ever. Within the context of the team. Better than mike, Kareem, wilt, Russell, and for sure lebron. Before his injuries when he won three straight mvps. No one played the small forward position better from a team standpoint. He shot 50/40/90, he as arguably the highest IQ ever, he was the toughest player ever, had the highest pain threshold ever, played harder than anyone ever, and was more dangerous off the ball than with the ball, even though he was lethal with the ball. You could put Larry on any team and he would fit seamlessly with it. With any coach, any offense, and any other great players. Greer front court or backcourt, it doesn’t matter. Many players have said he’s the best player they played against, including one of the GOATs in Kareem. Kareem said Larry was the best player he went against.

[@ValensBellator]

This is why I keep saying the truly transcendent players would be great in any era.

[@jacobscholtissek8337]

my top 10 Alltime looks maybe a bit weird but
1.MJ
2.LB
3.TD
4.Magic
5-8. its share by Bill Russel, Willt, Kareem and LBJ
9. Big O
10. its a clear spot cause you could put so many player on this place
This list is wéird cause i Have some cases you have to fit in and some Player didnt fit all these.
Its a realy Subejtive List but all lists are Subejective so the "official" List

[@pt29999]

Why is Bill Russel in anyone's top 10? Guy shot like 40%, averaged barely 20ppg against short white guys. Yeah, he could play defense, because he was like the 2nd tallest guy in the league at the time. In today's NBA, he would be like Mutombo was in the 90's.

[@jacobscholtissek8337]

@@pt29999 he deserved it but you kind a right the NBA is so old now im think you can put maybe 15-18 Players in the top10 List
for Example There are Kobe, KD, Shaq and many more who should deserve a spot in this.
it is an absolute Subjective think how you measure the greatness and how you dont.
And there is an "official" list out there it is not realy Objective too.

[@unclequack5445]

Right now Bird would come in todays NBA and torch these guys.

[@TheNBAGoat]

100% agree with you, no question. Please subscribe if you haven't already. Helps me a lot and it's free. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@edwardfisher9930]

Peak/prime Larry Bird would be a top 3-5 player in the league easily.. 6-9 forward who could shoot pass and rebound..

[@marcacurso7756]

He could, pass, shoot from anywhere, rebound and play defense. Not only could he play in any era he would be a top player in any era. One of the dumbest comments that made me mad from ignorant fans in the 80's was that people only know about him because he is white and he would be average if he was black. He's amazing regardless of his skin color.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Agreed, Larry would be a crazy pkayer in tpdays NBA. The game changing more towards the 3pt shot would benefit him a lot.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate intelligent insight. Please consider subscribing.

[@donaldhoffman285]

It’s not trash talk when you can back it up! Picking a G.O.A.T becomes a popularity contest but if you study the entire scope of the whole game, Larry Jo would be in the starting five as would Michael and Magic

[@RemoWilliams1227]

Man a 6'9 flamethrower with otherworldly leadership and passing, yes please.

[@RemoWilliams1227]

Sorry forgot to mention mental toughness and was as much a competitor as anyone you can name.

[@garyk76]

They nobody in the league could stop him he's the best small forward ever he'd embarrass lebron really badly

[@TheNBAGoat]

Lebron would complain of cramps and run.

[@cyberpred]

Larry and Magic saved NBA

[@TheNBAGoat]

True and the Jordan took over but Magic and Bird got the whole thing rolling. Great rivalry. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Consider subscribing.

[@timmares8931]

And he’d rack up shooting foul shots in today’s game. 3 pointers. Jump shots. Driving the basket. Guys would back off to not foul and he’d take that open shot all day.

[@TheNBAGoat]

I think so too. Larry would feast 9n this current leauge. Imagine him and his back with the current medical knowledge and equipment. He would be a beast. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. I hope you also consider subscribing. I would really appreciate it.

[@ralphmonday7610]

I coached basketball for years, and I also played. I know the game. I watched Bird in his prime. He's top 5 all time, and he is the greatest small forward to ever play the game. In today's soft defense game, and with the three emphasized, Bird would average 30-40 points per game, somewhere in that range. Never been a forward with his size, intelligence, and skill level. Never. All the greatest players, from Wilt, to Russell, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, you name them, they would still be superstars today. No question.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Agree with you...

[@kepsilog68]

Today's soft era would be apiece of cake with Larry Legend.

[@quintonwhite5078]

They said Luka wouldn't make it......Bird a different animal.

[@hereitisagain4880]

Jordan and Bird did cross paths for a while. Bird swept Jordan twice in the playoffs.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Agreed but at that time Jordan had a team that was nowhere near half as good as the Celtics. Jordan himself was called GOD by Larry so even he saw his greatness. Jordan just had ZERO help.

[@alfredoramos9782]

These youngsters of today who says that Bird is not good enough in today's NBA, either they don't know basketball or they're just jealous of Bird's greatness

[@jaronwallace4953]

Damn right he could play in this era

[@TheNBAGoat]

Agreed

[@johnbates6898]

Larry bird is one of the greatest basketball player hes in the top 3 of all times the biggest trash talker in the league to the opposite team and coaches and he backed it up if him and magic Johnson didn't have their college revile and brought it to the nba i think their wouldn't be an nba magic Johnson and Larry bird saved the NBA

[@TheNBAGoat]

I agree for Larry Top 3. But who is Top 1 and 2 for you ? Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. I hope you subscribed for more videos like this as well.

[@johnbates6898]

@@TheNBAGoat i know chuck taylor is one the other name i forget i have to go back on my research to find it

[@barrymorgan5104]

Put a 25yr old Bird in a time machine and bring him to the NBA of today and he would be MVP from his first year until he retired. Hilarious that it's even a question.

[@bjw3364]

He would be even better than he was then with the no hand check rule ,more 3 point shooting and how soft the NBA is now he would be a monster .

[@TheRAYviewYT]

Bird is the Word!

[@TheNBAGoat]

World class NBA Player for sure and also would dominate in todays soft NBA as well. I really appreciate you watching my video and taking the time to comment. I hope you consider subscribing.

[@leoderosia9279]

Bird was really 6 ft 10

[@erwin021777]

Bird is even quicker and more athletic than Jokic with the same passing ability and IQ.

[@hanskarsseboom3265]

Larry Bird could have played in any era!

[@williamrobinson8867]

Bird would scorch these bench players of today vary few great players

[@williamrobinson8867]

Best allaround player period no contest I don't care any era

[@youtuber3328]

none of the players today AT ALL are anywhere NEAR equal to the #6 best player ever larry bird

[@hubertsang7418]

And to think that he had to readjust his shooting because he had broken a finger before even playing a single game as a pro in Boston.

[@christopherevans9119]

I can answer that question? NOBODY!!! Larry “The Legend” Bird was 2nd to none!!

[@ezsmith3765]

Agreed.

[@phill8005]

If somebody doesnt know Birds graetness they simple dont know basketball.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Mostly young people and young fans have no clue of what they are talking about as to Larry, Michael, Magic and so on. They are blinded only by what they see today, by media and NEVER do any actual research because they are many times too lazy.

[@wpl8275]

Could Gretzky play hockey in this era? Please.

[@HT-sm9dm]

Everyone from that era could play in this era. Nikola Jokic is an MVP in this era. Nuff said.

[@TheNBAGoat]

Jokic is not a bad player even by the 90s era friend. Make sure to subscribe and support. I would really appreciate it and need it.

[@HT-sm9dm]

@@TheNBAGoat are you joking? He’s a perennial MVP in today’s NBA. A perennial MVP candidate. Say that again. In the 90s players like Shaq, David Robinson and even Hakeem didn’t win MVP unless Jordan was retired. Stop. It.