How Good Was Larry Bird?

https://www.sportscasting.com/how-good-was-larry-bird/



How Good Was Larry Bird?



by Rick Thomason

February 17, 2020



With LeBron James breaking NBA records on what feels like a nightly basis, the debate about the greatest players of all time is a hot topic. James-versus-Michael Jordan will likely remain at the center of this discussion. Yet this also sheds light on other legendary players of the past.

One player will always be ranked near the top of the all-time greats: Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird. Yet younger fans who didn’t witness the Hall of Famer’s career don’t understand what made him so great. Let’s look at Bird’s impressive on-court resume.


Larry Bird’s individual achievements



Bird’s individual numbers alone place him among the most skilled basketball players ever. Over the course of 13 seasons, The forward averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. He also maintained an impressive efficiency, shooting 49.6% from two-point and 37.6% from three-point range during his career.

Bird was arguably at his best when the pressure was on. As a result, he’s often considered the most clutch basketball player ever on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Analysts frequently point to Bird’s triple-double in the final game of the 1986 NBA Finals as the perfect example of his dominance.

The Indiana native earned many individual awards during his career, starting with Rookie of the Year in his first season. Bird went on to win three consecutive MVP awards, from 1983 to 1986. This achievement puts him in rare territory; only two other players in NBA history have won three straight MVPs: Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.

Bird won two Finals MVP awards. He was selected to 12 All-Star teams, 10 All-NBA teams, and three All-Defensive teams. Bird also holds the distinction of being the first player in the so-called 50-40-90 club; in other words, he shot 50% from the floor, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line. Only seven other players have achieved this.


Larry Bird’s Celtics teams



Bird ultimately won three championships with the Celtics, in 1981, 1984, and 1986. While he was undoubtedly the best player on those teams, his supporting casts were nothing to sneeze at. In fact, over the course of his career, six of Bird’s teammates ultimately entered the Hall of Fame: Dave Cowens, Tiny Archibald, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, and Bill Walton.

Those teams, especially the 1985-86 Celtics squad, consistently rank among the greatest ever. Of course, simply amassing talent is no guarantee of a championship. It took a leader as fierce and competitive as Bird to help his teams overcome other all-time great franchises like the Showtime Lakers.


Larry Legend



Bird’s resume easily holds its own against the other all-time greats. Yet a lot of his legacy rests on his status as one of the most legendary players of all time. After all, he didn’t earn the nickname “Larry Legend” for nothing. Bird had a drive to win shared by few players before or since.

This drive manifested in his clutch play. It also came out in one of Bird’s less tangible yet no less important skills: the art of trash talking. The forward had a way of unsettling opponents and getting into their heads, sometimes even leading to fights. This trait has led to the kinds of stories that keep Bird’s legendary status alive today.


bob
MY NOTE: I know this article is preaching to the choir here but our game vs Toronto was rescheduled so here's something to help you keep the edge...

.

Definitely in the top 5 of any first team all time NBA team IMHO. Name 2 better forwards all time that could take him off the list? He actually could have been MVP in 80, 81 and 88. Took the game to new levels and schooled everyone trying to deal with him. I can only imagine the numbers he would put up today with so many 3’s being jacked up?

Hi,
One thing that qualifies him as one of the greatest, besides the other things: I didn't come to play, I came to win.

AK

I am no basketball scholar! But i know that Larry Bird changed the way basketball was played the likes we will never see again!

[quote="bobheckler"]https://www.sportscasting.com/how-good-was-larry-bird/

over the course of his career, six of Bird’s teammates ultimately entered the Hall of Fame: Dave Cowens, Tiny Archibald, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, and Bill Walton.]

He said six but only listed five.  Kevin McHale is the obvious omission.  And although they should not count on this list because their hall 0of fame credentials were established long before they became Celtics -- Pete Maravich and Artis Gilmore -- both played less than a year for the Celtics in the final gasps of their careers.  But nevertheless, they were teammates of Larry Joe on the Celtics.

Would have won at least 2 more in 87 and 88 with the young stud Len Bias, if only.....