Watching Bird during his hey day was phenomenal!!! Broken, bloodied, hurt, the LEGEND always delivered!! My GOAT!! The hick from french lick Larry "LEGEND" Bird!!!!
And a Legend as humbled as him, is some i never saw since. Especially not from todays players!❤. I miss the real competition, hug and love fest left and right👎.
Larry was a basketball beast!!!!! He played until he could not play anymore! This was back when they played basketball.... These days you cannot touch the other player without a whistle. BOO, hiss!! Mr. Davis has good videos. Thank YOU young man....... I can recall the Celtics being on TV a lot..... An NBA superpower. Just look at the banners...... He won a three-point contest and did not take his warm up jacket off And he would drain it!!!! Over time their has been a few athletes who would talk trash, Bird, Ali, Joe Namath, and L. Taylor to name a few..... Their skills put them at a different level. BUT they could back it UP.. Talk is cheap...... The old timers would say, you want to know how good I am, just watch!!!! My favorite Larry story is when he shot the entire first three quarters left-handed... AND still had a load of points..... He could make shots no one else seemed able to make!!! Plus Larry was a great passer. Bird could play in any era. As long as his body held up, he could play. I think he would be good for 30 points in this day & age. Play in any era, I thought of Chamberlain. Witt was a basketball monster and scoring machine. His fade-away hook was unstoppable. Just put two points on the score board!!!! Thanks for this man........
I'm old school and I've always said since I was a small boy to now and I'm in my '50s mid '50s but I've always said my whole life and I still stand by it today you give me two players of my choosing and you can pick my other three and I'll still wear your ass out by 30 points Am I two players would be Larry Bird and Michael Jordan defense alone you'll be lucky to score 40 points That's two of the best defensive players ever ever ever ever and just with those two players our score will be in 120 range you ain't going to do that with anybody else every shot you shoot is going to be stripped stolen smack back six rows deep you ain't going to get s*** off without it being contested and you won't be able to stop either one of them on offense and I'm talking about them in their prime in any era you want to go anytime. You want to go pick anybody you want I don't care you can have Steph Curry you can have whoever you want I'm still going to wear your ass out cuz anything Steph Curry can do Larry do even better he was taller stronger told you what he was going to do and still did it and you couldn't stop it
@glennbentley5990 even when Bird was in his last few years of his career with his back so screwed up that he had a hard time just getting dressed out to play, they still couldn’t shut him down. And I’m talking about some of the best defenders that have ever played the game, he could/would lite their asses up.
Rodman is just still upset about guarding Larry and hearing his comment to Coach Daly, "Who’s guarding me, Chuck? Is anyone guarding me? You better get someone on me or I’m gonna go for 60."
The players today would cry playing any of those greats.. Couldn’t handle not getting six feet of space to shoot a three. The game was beautiful back then
Funny story.. Larry at age 60 walks on during a pacers practice wearing a suit and tie.. drops 10 3 pointers in a row in front of the whole team then sits down like nothing happened.. look up the videos of the pacer players telling the story
For those that think Larry Bird was not as good as he really was and never had the chance to see him play this comment is for you. Remember in this comment I am just highlighting Larry's NBA accomplishments. Little know thing about Larry to those that never saw him play , he could effect the outcome of a game and never take a shot thats how devastating his passing skills were. Here is one thing that most fans (people) either don't know or try to ignore, prior to Larry joining the NBA there was no such thing as a three point line, that came in when Bird was starting his first year of his NBA career. Just think about it, what would todays game be without the three point line or if the line was one foot farther out like it was when it was first introduced. Food for thought. At that time it was not about the individuals stats it was about the win. But if you need some stats here you go: Here are some of Larry Bird's notable career achievements and statistics: Three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986); Two-time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986); Three-time NBA MVP (1984-86); 12-time NBA All-Star (1980-88, 1990-92); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1980-88); All-NBA Second Team (1990); Three-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team (1982-84); NBA Rookie of the Year (1980); NBA All-Rookie Team (1980); Three-time NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986-88); Career-high in points: 60 (March 12, 1985) -- tied for franchise record with Jayson Tatum; Named NBA Coach of the Year (1998); and Named NBA Executive of the Year (2012). Larry Bird, was the first player to accomplish the 50-40-90 achievement, and one of two players to achieve the feat in multiple seasons. Career averages: 24.3 points per game 10.0 rebounds per game 6.3 assists per game 88.6% free throw percentage 49.6% field goal percentage 37.6% 3-point percentage Now we can't forget that Bird famously played with two injured ankles and a notoriously cranky back that forced him to lay down on the floor during practice breaks. After season-ending foot surgery just six games into the 1988-89 season James Worthy, who played against both Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, said, I'd much rather play. against Michael Jordan than Larry Bird. Jordan made you look slow, but Bird made you look stupid.
I have to say,he is what a basketball player is. Besides Larry had the mentality that you were paid to play. So you give it your all. Glad to have come from that generation.
Larry is one of maybe 30 or 40 players who could dominate and thrive in any era! Yes, a lot of old school players would not do well in today's game, and a lot of today's players would not do well in yesterday's game. But Larry Bird's game translates perfect to todays no defense, league. I just would love to see Larry shooting with today's floor spacing.! Oh, my God! Larry Legend with the infinite go ahead to shoot all the 3's he wants?? Come on, guys, be real!
@@Don-er1qf 80’s Celtics and lakers and the 90’s rockets and bulls would anihalate the league. I say the rockets because they had the best center of the era and 3 dead eye 3 pint shooters
1st time hearing your reaction, young brother...mad respect 4 your bb history acumen. Your reaction skills are really good. Us old farts seen these a 100 times. We here for your reaction. So always pause and comment. I'm watching you!
Good to see you back. You are exactly right about Larry playing in an era that just didn't shoot 3s much, and consequently, Bird averaged LESS THAN 2 THREE-POINTERS A GAME (I believe the number is 1.8 per game). Also, while you were right about Larry's best shot being his fadeaway, imagine playing now with ZERO HAND-CHECKING (started during LeBron's second season) vs. the legal hand-checking played on Larry back when he played? One could EASILY see Bird averaging 5-10 PPG more, or around 30 PPG +/- vs. his 25 PPG (24.3 PPG actual) in today's NBA. Just being able to hoist up 3s would fall right into Larry's wheelhouse, because you know Larry's trash-talking swagger and confidence would be a horror show for opposing defenders.
Keep Showing These 80's Players & Games. Your Helping The Younger One's SEE How & Real Basketball Should Be Played Like. Maybe Then The Owners/Coaches/Players Will Give Back What The People Want. I Really Hope This Kind Of NBA Go's Broke. The Only Ones That Can Afford To Even Go And Watch Are Just The Rich & Soft. They Should Just Call It "N?A Soft Show". All It Is Now Is 3 Point & Dunking Show That Your NOT Aloud To Guard/Touch. And You Sure Don't Have To Use Your Brain To Out Wit Each Other Out There Playing. And Glad To see Ya Back.
@@AyySolid Who's the Goat 🐐 of Basketball 🏀??? Just a suggestion, here are 8 great videos that make suggestions to who is the greatest. Of course everyone is going to have their opinion/favorite. So that you don't have to track them down. All 8 of these videos are great and about 3 years old. Lebron has the most views and Larry Bird is 2nd out of the list👇. I personally enjoyed Larry Birds the most. Not only is he in the conversation of who's the goat 🐐. He won Gold 🥇 *(with his NBA Rivals like Magic and MJ)* at the Olympics, became a Head Coach, then went upstairs to the Head Office.... running everything!! Larry's GENUINE friendship with Magic Johnson was awesome to see, on and off the court. Oh yeah, Larry also had *Rookie of the Year* as well 😎 "Making the Case" by Clayton Crowley Tim Duncan; Feb 2020, 495k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/1sRSpQ78Y3c/w-d-xo.html Larry Bird; Feb 2020, 632k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/Pxf4RzocHN8/w-d-xo.html Magic Johnson; March 2020, 304k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/sp3qAXOzY5k/w-d-xo.html Wilt Chamberlain; April 2020, 323k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/Ybm_ql373GM/w-d-xo.html Kareem Abdul-Jabar; May 2020, 429k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/ddVb8U4UhZ0/w-d-xo.html Bill Russell; June 2020, 252k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/WHT8x-AO290/w-d-xo.html Michael Jordan; July 2020, 428k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/vqq5d_4umFM/w-d-xo.html Lebron James; Sept 2020, 839k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/gk2F3dKb1uQ/w-d-xo.html "
I like your valuation of Bird at the end of this, young sir. I'm not into arguing about GOAT status (though Mahomes might change my mind), so I tend to think of the absolute elite class instead, everyone who deserves to be in a GOAT conversation. So I'll put it this way, If I were someone drafting a team from that pool against others, I'd draft Bird first, if I could. Not just to have him, but to make sure I'd never have to face that pain in the ass. Magic got that shit right, there will be many great players, but there's never going to be another Bird - and in my youth, I was a Lakers fan!
As much as Larry is known for his shooting I believe that he would completely change todays game because his post play would force the game to collapse back toward the paint.
To be honest Rodman is the one that would probably have to play in Europe. All he could do was rebound and defend and in this soft era he would be in constant foul trouble and his attitude would have him constantly getting technical fouls
Ya know I'm a white boy that was 19yrs old when Larry and the Indiana st. Sycamores played magic and the Michigan st. In the 1979 NCAA Championship. But I will have to admitt that I was a college basketball fanatic, I grew up in north Carolina and the ACC was the $#!+..!! I watched all the professional finals. I knew Larry was real good but until the last few years I didn't know just how good. "WOW" Larry is so good every where I didn't realize how good a passer and everywhere aspect of basketball..thankyou for educating me...!!!
I completely agree with the sentiment, but to be fair to modern NBA players, you literally can't be bleeding while you play. The refs will stop the game if they see someone bleeding. It's an actual rule.
I don't know what the highest number of 3 pointers is, what the percentage per shot per game is... but in his career Larry hit 649 3 pointers. And won the 3 point contest 3 years in a row.
If Bird played today? With the lax rules, the wide open spacing, medical and nutritional advances?? He'd average a high 30+ point triple double and win multiple MVP's. Without colluding with other players to win chips. If Dennis Rodman played today, he'd be in the WNBA as a bench player.
good shooting is still good shooting no mater what era you in.. and that fadeaway is lethal.. defense is mostly lazy these days.. are there good defenders.. Sure, a few. but you aint seeing the bad boy pistons mauling people like they did back in the day.
The reason Bird was great is because he was not the most athletic or talented player but yet he constantly beat the most athletic and talented players out there. He beat them with court awareness and IQ. He could not run the fastest but would out think his opponents, and play mind games.
Second time Dennis Rodman said something about Bird, years ago said if Bird was black he wouldnt get the hype he was getting.JJ Reddickhead talking crap too.
The only weakness to birds game was athleticism and that's not even a skill it's a attribute that cannot be controlled. What would Jordan or James to with birds athleticism and what would he do with theirs
Rodman was one of my favorite players but I think when he said that he was just being an ass , because everyone knows how Rodman was acting at that time
you know there is a video of one of the Pacers players talking about how at 60 Larry comes into practice and picks up the ball and hits 9 or 10 3's in a row and then goes and sits down like nothing special happened. do you know how many players can still ball at 60?
That's not the same thing as balling. By that standard (I'm 59) I can still "ball". I have tarsal tunnel syndrome so I can't run or jump anymore, all I can do is walk around and shoot. I still have fun but can't actually play. An elementary school kid could beat me now.
There have been unathletic players excel throughout history. Chris Paul, Paul pierce, luka doncic, jokic, for example and there r plenty more. People forgot bird is 6’9 probably 6’10 with shoes on he ain’t a little guy either. With that high release.
Larry would do even better today, because there is more separation enforced or a foul is called. The game is much less physical. No fights, no holding or rough moves on other players.
A lot of his talk would get a tech in today's league but otherwise you have a 6 foot 9 or maybe 10 Luka. He can get his own shot, rebound, and pass. That works in any era. 40 years in medical advances and modern load management ideas would probably add at least a few seasons to his career.
The 1980's NBA was far more physical than today's soft NBA and it was the most talent rich decade of the NBA in my opinion. The short list of players that Bird played against goes like this; Magic, Jordan, Thomas, Moses Malone, Sampson, Olajuwon, Rodman, Kareem, Dr. J, Moncrief, Dominique, Drexler, Gilmore, Karl Malone, Bernard King, Barkley, Gervin, and James Worthy to name just a few. I think if Bird played in today's soft NBA, he would average 30 ppg/10apg and would be a perennial 50/40/90 player. 🏀💯✌️
Larry would definitely be great just as he was back then he was a tough s*** talking homie that would back up everything he said he has one of the best mixtapes I think I've ever saw other than Jordan but when you see Larry pass the way he did it's like he barely touched the ball but he pass it perfectly bumped his face up and came out still killing it not a whole quarter with his opposite hand talk about Larry the goat Legend
In the NBA ...to say that a Legend like Larry Bird could only play in the European league is straight up Disrespect!!! Believe me Rodman meant it that way! I remember when he was just a rookie coming from the projects. Rodman has had a prob with Larry Bird ever since he served him! It was the first & only time a white man got the best of him! lol Only reason I even mention that part is because that's what Rodman always said....was why he got so pissed off at Bird!
Rodman was young and upset. Him talking about the European League back then was an insult. Nowhere on the planet was basketball as strong as in the States back at that time. Thomas had to back his player up as capt of the team. There was a bizarre press event with Thomas and Bird--neither looked thrilled to be dealing with the media circus. It was a moment, and then everyone moved on.
Rodman said what he said back in the day cuz he'd just been beaten. The comment about the European League was about a month ago. I'm thinking maybe Rodman wanted to feel relevant and be talked about and saw the attention JJ got for his silly comments.
@@cindyknudson2715 Too true. He was young--I think he was still a rookie--and hurting. Immature, but he was a kid still playing video games. I remember the press event--media driven circus.
I am going to keep after you until you react to Bill Russell OR explain why he and his 11 titles don't really matter. As said, I agree with Arnold "Red" Auerbach. If Bird and Russell were in the same draft, you draft Russell and sell everything you own to get Bird. And no one ever seems to get that Bird's passing and his shooting style were very similar. He goes into his motion and it might be a pass or he might shoot the ball. You didn't know. Just like Russell only blocked 10% of the shots he could. That is why guys like Oscar and Jerry and Elgin quintuple-pumped to get Russell to commit. Never happened. Russell was too quick. HE made shooters commit before HE committed to the leap. To the block.
I think Rodman is a good hearted, but crazy, soul, off the court. I think Solid is giving him a bit too much. I believe, strongly, that Rodman is salty, after almost 3 decades, that Bird cooked his ass bad, consistently. He was back then. He is now.
When Larry fractured his cheek... already suffering with a career ending back injury (except Larry is tougher than anyone in the NBA), after 2 achilles repair jobs.... SNUCK back in the game.. And won. Sorry. No one is THAT...especially today's NBA players. Larry is a legend for many, many reasons. That's a biggie, there.
All Rodman did. I think intentionally, was shine a spotlight on Larry Bird. They start watching videos of him. Larry Bird IS basketball. As a overall team player. You can pick ANY player of ANY era to put up against him. Especially the first 8 seasons. Whom ever you pick. Will need flawless team play. To even have a chance. Individual play wont be enough. Aka MJ. Scores 63 points in a playoff game. 😮 Larry Bird said it was God disguised as MJ. Still went home a loser. 86' and 87' broomed out of the building back to back seasons. 0-3 0-3 Listen to MJ speech about Bird retiring. Comments like Good Im glad. Im tired of seeing your face. 😂😂😂 team player baby. For a team sport. LB is a top 3 player Individually, Number one team player of all time.
How many Bronze Medal LeBoss brought home with him?? Kobe had to step in to get another Gold! This should show you these Euro and others country are not far behind if at all. Rodman again makes no sense. Like if Larry was black, if Bird was black, he would be Jordan before MJ entered the league. 🍀33 with his skills together with more athleticism= a one man show. Rodman, it makes no sense again!❤.
YES Larry Legend could play in And Dominate in ANY Era! He can play LEFT HANDED!!! Now here's the Ultimate Question: "Who of any of the greats could play in Larry Birds Era AND who of them can play Off-Handed?!?" Who?!? Ain't No One Answered it yet!!! Tell me cause IF you think 'your player is The GOAT?!? IS he able to do the 2 things I asked?!?
Russell, Wilt, Oscar, Jerry and Bellamy. Russell and Wilt were superhuman. Russell won 2 high school state titles, 2 NCAA titles including 60 games in a row, an Olympic gold medal, 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons, 12 All NBA awards, and so many more. He was 6'10", weighed 215-240, had an 84"wingspan, was among the top 3 high jumpers in the world, was a 440 sprinter in 49 seconds, and a member of the 400 yard relay team. He and Bird were the two smartest NBA players of all time.
If Larry had the medicine, therapy, etc...that today's players have, he would dominate the league! No one could stop him before. Besides the fact that so many players these days are crybabies, soft, looking for the foul call, and not very tough by older days standards. Larry was a tough, rough, mf'er, and not many of today's players would be able to guard him. Jordan couldn't. Jordan, for all his legend, never beat Larry! In today's no-defense league, Larry would go nuts with scoring!
The white guy bias comes out when people that aren’t old enough to have watched him play decide he couldn’t compete in todays game. (Sorry, 15 minutes of TH-cam highlights is not enough to understand how dominant Bird was) Too big problems with that argument. He was a dominant player in an era when stronger and faster players were allowed to physically knock him around and they still couldn’t slow him down. (Skinny tall white kids like Shawn Bradley normally struggle in the NBA for this reason). In todays game Bird would average at least 35 points a game rather than 25-30 because you can’t touch him with todays rules. The other thing the critics miss is that he was dominating very athletic players from that era like Dominque Wilkins, Charles Barkley, Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, James Worthy and Dennis Rodman. I bet nobody would claim the players I just listed couldn’t compete in today’s game, so it makes no sense to claim a guy they could not stop would not compete in the modern game.
Just to be clear: Jokic and Luka they played the last European tournament and didn't win. They didn't even come close. If Larry had played, no matter what team, he would have won. I don't talk about play well, I don't talk about reach the final. He would have won. Period.
See, this is the problem with the "goat" conversation. I think MJ said it the best, they are different eras with different rules. You can't compare them. I think he missed a little bit. ALL of these GOATS played their era and adapted! They adapted. Larry, Magic, MJ, Barkley, Duncan, Isah(and many others I missed!!). They would all have adapted to their time and still killed. It wasn't just physical. It was mental. They were winners. They would figure it out. No doubt. Personally Bird is a legend forever, but MJ was the goat.
I agree with you that Larry (Legend) Bird is top five in any era, that’s a no brainer. If he were playing in this era and in this league, please. He would average 50+ a game. Really, think about it. You can’t put your hands on him or it’s a foul, he’d have 20+ points a game from the free throw line. He’d probably still average double digit rebounds a game and he’d probably average around 6 or 8 assists a game. But I believe Dominique Wilkins is one of those players that could transition to any era and also probably DrJ. As far as LeBron James, hell no. His soft crybaby ass would never make it in the 70’s and 80’s bruiser ball era. Don’t remember who he was playing against, but LeBron came flying down the court, took off from about a step or two in front of the FT line and a defender jumped but he jumped away from LeBron waived his arms in the air and yelled out, and LeBron just flat out blew the dunk. Then he ran straight up to official raising hell about not getting the foul call. Dude was two feet away from him when he jumped, his air didn’t even make contact with him, but LeBron continued to cry about he should have gotten the foul call.
No. Dennis Rodman was jealous. He knows Bird was a better player and it eats at him. He also said if Bird had been black, he'd just be another player. But what can you expect from the good friend of the North Korean dictator.
Bird would dominate today because of his basketball IQ. He would rip apart defenses in ways they never thought of.
‼️💯 🦅Bird is the Goat 🐐 💯‼️
Larry Legend
GOAT"S GOAT
Watching Bird during his hey day was phenomenal!!! Broken, bloodied, hurt, the LEGEND always delivered!! My GOAT!! The hick from french lick
Larry "LEGEND" Bird!!!!
And a Legend as humbled as him, is some i never saw since. Especially not from todays players!❤. I miss the real competition, hug and love fest left and right👎.
ABSOLUTELY!!!
Larry wasn't that fast for a reason, he knew where everyone was before he got to the end of the court
@@Don-er1qf Exactly.
For sure, he could play in any era and it would be so much fun watching him.
I wish I could seen more
@@AyySolid I grew up watching him. It was constantly astounding. Still gives me goose bumps thinking about it.
@wishingb5859 I’m saying I just watch it in videos and I’m like COME ON MAINN THAT HE CAJT KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH THIS MAIN
Larry was a basketball beast!!!!! He played until he could not play anymore! This was back when they played basketball.... These days you cannot touch the other player without a whistle. BOO, hiss!! Mr. Davis has good videos. Thank YOU young man....... I can recall the Celtics being on TV a lot..... An NBA superpower. Just look at the banners...... He won a three-point contest and did not take his warm up jacket off And he would drain it!!!!
Over time their has been a few athletes who would talk trash, Bird, Ali, Joe Namath, and L. Taylor to name a few..... Their skills put them at a different level. BUT they could back it UP.. Talk is cheap...... The old timers would say, you want to know how good I am, just watch!!!!
My favorite Larry story is when he shot the entire first three quarters left-handed... AND still had a load of points..... He could make shots no one else seemed able to make!!! Plus Larry was a great passer. Bird could play in any era. As long as his body held up, he could play. I think he would be good for 30 points in this day & age. Play in any era, I thought of Chamberlain. Witt was a basketball monster and scoring machine. His fade-away hook was unstoppable. Just put two points on the score board!!!! Thanks for this man........
Thank you for this. ❤ Larry Legend videos never get old!
Remember Bird won the 3pt contest 3 times in a row.
I'm old school and I've always said since I was a small boy to now and I'm in my '50s mid '50s but I've always said my whole life and I still stand by it today you give me two players of my choosing and you can pick my other three and I'll still wear your ass out by 30 points Am I two players would be Larry Bird and Michael Jordan defense alone you'll be lucky to score 40 points That's two of the best defensive players ever ever ever ever and just with those two players our score will be in 120 range you ain't going to do that with anybody else every shot you shoot is going to be stripped stolen smack back six rows deep you ain't going to get s*** off without it being contested and you won't be able to stop either one of them on offense and I'm talking about them in their prime in any era you want to go anytime. You want to go pick anybody you want I don't care you can have Steph Curry you can have whoever you want I'm still going to wear your ass out cuz anything Steph Curry can do Larry do even better he was taller stronger told you what he was going to do and still did it and you couldn't stop it
Add Magic,, Robinson and Dr.J and you have a starting five that would dominate any era, throughout that era.
@glennbentley5990 even when Bird was in his last few years of his career with his back so screwed up that he had a hard time just getting dressed out to play, they still couldn’t shut him down. And I’m talking about some of the best defenders that have ever played the game, he could/would lite their asses up.
Nice to have you back Solid 🥰
Glade to be back
Rodman is just still upset about guarding Larry and hearing his comment to Coach Daly, "Who’s guarding me, Chuck? Is anyone guarding me? You better get someone on me or I’m gonna go for 60."
The players today would cry playing any of those greats.. Couldn’t handle not getting six feet of space to shoot a three. The game was beautiful back then
Jokic has high skills levels like Bird, but Bird had Swag.
Funny story.. Larry at age 60 walks on during a pacers practice wearing a suit and tie.. drops 10 3 pointers in a row in front of the whole team then sits down like nothing happened.. look up the videos of the pacer players telling the story
Bird/Magic/MJ are my favorites...in no particular order....loved the 80's
For those that think Larry Bird was not as good as he really was and never had the chance to see him play this comment is for you. Remember in this comment I am just highlighting Larry's NBA accomplishments.
Little know thing about Larry to those that never saw him play , he could effect the outcome of a game and never take a shot thats how devastating his passing skills were. Here is one thing that most fans (people) either don't know or try to ignore, prior to Larry joining the NBA there was no such thing as a three point line, that came in when Bird was starting his first year of his NBA career. Just think about it, what would todays game be without the three point line or if the line was one foot farther out like it was when it was first introduced. Food for thought.
At that time it was not about the individuals stats it was about the win. But if you need some stats here you go:
Here are some of Larry Bird's notable career achievements and statistics:
Three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986); Two-time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986); Three-time NBA MVP (1984-86); 12-time NBA All-Star (1980-88, 1990-92); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1980-88);
All-NBA Second Team (1990); Three-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team (1982-84); NBA Rookie of the Year (1980); NBA All-Rookie Team (1980); Three-time NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986-88);
Career-high in points: 60 (March 12, 1985) -- tied for franchise record with Jayson Tatum; Named NBA Coach of the Year (1998); and Named NBA Executive of the Year (2012).
Larry Bird, was the first player to accomplish the 50-40-90 achievement, and one of two players to achieve the feat in multiple seasons.
Career averages:
24.3 points per game
10.0 rebounds per game
6.3 assists per game
88.6% free throw percentage
49.6% field goal percentage
37.6% 3-point percentage
Now we can't forget that Bird famously played with two injured ankles and a notoriously cranky back that forced him to lay down on the floor during practice breaks. After season-ending foot surgery just six games into the 1988-89 season
James Worthy, who played against both Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, said, I'd much rather play. against Michael Jordan than Larry Bird. Jordan made you look slow, but Bird made you look stupid.
100%!!!
I have to say,he is what a basketball player is. Besides Larry had the mentality that you were paid to play. So you give it your all. Glad to have come from that generation.
Larry is one of maybe 30 or 40 players who could dominate and thrive in any era! Yes, a lot of old school players would not do well in today's game, and a lot of today's players would not do well in yesterday's game. But Larry Bird's game translates perfect to todays no defense, league.
I just would love to see Larry shooting with today's floor spacing.! Oh, my God! Larry Legend with the infinite go ahead to shoot all the 3's he wants??
Come on, guys, be real!
I could pick the old school team that if in their prime today would be untouchable
@@Don-er1qf 80’s Celtics and lakers and the 90’s rockets and bulls would anihalate the league. I say the rockets because they had the best center of the era and 3 dead eye 3 pint shooters
I like Dennis, but he's insane so you have to take that into account.
Especially when he buddies up with Kim jong UN,lost all respect for him
His comment wasn't crazy, it was stupid
He's just mad Bird destroyed him
😂😂😂 True!
Larry Bird, knew the value of mental warfare
Good point!
gotta remember Bird grew up without a 3pt line, he had to add that to his arsenal.
1st time hearing your reaction, young brother...mad respect 4 your bb history acumen. Your reaction skills are really good. Us old farts seen these a 100 times. We here for your reaction. So always pause and comment. I'm watching you!
Good to see you back. You are exactly right about Larry playing in an era that just didn't shoot 3s much, and consequently, Bird averaged LESS THAN 2 THREE-POINTERS A GAME (I believe the number is 1.8 per game). Also, while you were right about Larry's best shot being his fadeaway, imagine playing now with ZERO HAND-CHECKING (started during LeBron's second season) vs. the legal hand-checking played on Larry back when he played? One could EASILY see Bird averaging 5-10 PPG more, or around 30 PPG +/- vs. his 25 PPG (24.3 PPG actual) in today's NBA.
Just being able to hoist up 3s would fall right into Larry's wheelhouse, because you know Larry's trash-talking swagger and confidence would be a horror show for opposing defenders.
Keep Showing These 80's Players & Games. Your Helping The Younger One's SEE How & Real Basketball Should Be Played Like. Maybe Then The Owners/Coaches/Players Will Give Back What The People Want. I Really Hope This Kind Of NBA Go's Broke. The Only Ones That Can Afford To Even Go And Watch Are Just The Rich & Soft. They Should Just Call It "N?A Soft Show". All It Is Now Is 3 Point & Dunking Show That Your NOT Aloud To Guard/Touch. And You Sure Don't Have To Use Your Brain To Out Wit Each Other Out There Playing. And Glad To see Ya Back.
I’ll keep going I appreciate the support
@@AyySolid Who's the Goat 🐐 of Basketball 🏀??? Just a suggestion, here are 8 great videos that make suggestions to who is the greatest. Of course everyone is going to have their opinion/favorite. So that you don't have to track them down.
All 8 of these videos are great and about 3 years old. Lebron has the most views and Larry Bird is 2nd out of the list👇.
I personally enjoyed Larry Birds the most. Not only is he in the conversation of who's the goat 🐐. He won Gold 🥇 *(with his NBA Rivals like Magic and MJ)* at the Olympics, became a Head Coach, then went upstairs to the Head Office.... running everything!! Larry's GENUINE friendship with Magic Johnson was awesome to see, on and off the court. Oh yeah, Larry also had *Rookie of the Year* as well 😎
"Making the Case" by Clayton Crowley
Tim Duncan; Feb 2020, 495k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/1sRSpQ78Y3c/w-d-xo.html
Larry Bird; Feb 2020, 632k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/Pxf4RzocHN8/w-d-xo.html
Magic Johnson; March 2020, 304k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/sp3qAXOzY5k/w-d-xo.html
Wilt Chamberlain; April 2020, 323k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/Ybm_ql373GM/w-d-xo.html
Kareem Abdul-Jabar; May 2020, 429k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/ddVb8U4UhZ0/w-d-xo.html
Bill Russell; June 2020, 252k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/WHT8x-AO290/w-d-xo.html
Michael Jordan; July 2020, 428k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/vqq5d_4umFM/w-d-xo.html
Lebron James; Sept 2020, 839k 👀's - th-cam.com/video/gk2F3dKb1uQ/w-d-xo.html "
I like your valuation of Bird at the end of this, young sir. I'm not into arguing about GOAT status (though Mahomes might change my mind), so I tend to think of the absolute elite class instead, everyone who deserves to be in a GOAT conversation. So I'll put it this way, If I were someone drafting a team from that pool against others, I'd draft Bird first, if I could. Not just to have him, but to make sure I'd never have to face that pain in the ass. Magic got that shit right, there will be many great players, but there's never going to be another Bird - and in my youth, I was a Lakers fan!
As much as Larry is known for his shooting I believe that he would completely change todays game because his post play would force the game to collapse back toward the paint.
Larry legend schooled Dennis rodman
To be honest Rodman is the one that would probably have to play in Europe. All he could do was rebound and defend and in this soft era he would be in constant foul trouble and his attitude would have him constantly getting technical fouls
"All he could do was rebound and defend".
What, no gourmet cooking?
Ya know I'm a white boy that was 19yrs old when Larry and the Indiana st. Sycamores played magic and the Michigan st. In the 1979 NCAA Championship. But I will have to admitt that I was a college basketball fanatic, I grew up in north Carolina and the ACC was the $#!+..!! I watched all the professional finals. I knew Larry was real good but until the last few years I didn't know just how good. "WOW" Larry is so good every where I didn't realize how good a passer and everywhere aspect of basketball..thankyou for educating me...!!!
Larry is in Top 10 in every Era and...
he is leading that chart.
Bird today, with these rules and medical advancements! Smh unstoppable 35-10-10 avg! My opinion
Welcome back bro!
Appreciate it!
How many players today have blood on their faces, bodies, and jerseys during a game still playing? None.
I completely agree with the sentiment, but to be fair to modern NBA players, you literally can't be bleeding while you play. The refs will stop the game if they see someone bleeding. It's an actual rule.
This was in the 80’s that’s why.
There’s been plenty of instances where players get cut then get back in the game. They’re just not allowed to play while actively bleeding
Exactly... frickin tough 80s...now you can't touch or you just flop 😂
The NBA instituted a no blood on the court rule after Magic's HIV disclosure.
Bird was the best passer I have ever seen
60 yeat old Bird was jacking 3's....He still got it. put a prime Bird in today's game and let him make some adjustments and he would do well.
A ghost with a basketball
Larry would dominate in any era.
I don't know what the highest number of 3 pointers is, what the percentage per shot per game is... but in his career Larry hit 649 3 pointers. And won the 3 point contest 3 years in a row.
If Bird played today? With the lax rules, the wide open spacing, medical and nutritional advances?? He'd average a high 30+ point triple double and win multiple MVP's. Without colluding with other players to win chips.
If Dennis Rodman played today, he'd be in the WNBA as a bench player.
good shooting is still good shooting no mater what era you in.. and that fadeaway is lethal.. defense is mostly lazy these days.. are there good defenders.. Sure, a few. but you aint seeing the bad boy pistons mauling people like they did back in the day.
Bird was incredible and being a NY Knicks fan I hated that. You are right about the Euro league not being that much below the NBA as far as quality.
since Bird is TOP TWO ALL TIME, then yea, he can play anyplace, anytime, anywhere.. and anyhow he pleased.
The Bird would feast in this era. Can't physically touch him? Phhht...he's from the era of hand check and if you flopped players would laugh at you.
If you made a starting team, Bird is on it.
The reason Bird was great is because he was not the most athletic or talented player but yet he constantly beat the most athletic and talented players out there. He beat them with court awareness and IQ. He could not run the fastest but would out think his opponents, and play mind games.
I'm sure Larry Bird today could shoot more 3 pointers than most of the pro's today 😅
Ask yourself, would RODMAN be able to play in today's league? No! Rodman TRIED to play against Bird...Rodman isn't even in the conversation.
for real if ANYTHING the Euro league is TOUGHER than the NBA today. physically tougher, more fundies.. more chemistry within the teams.
If Bird is in the Euro league then Rodman would be pumping gas in South Chicago somewhere.
There's a reason why the best European players aspire to make the NBA.
Second time Dennis Rodman said something about Bird, years ago said if Bird was black he wouldnt get the hype he was getting.JJ Reddickhead talking crap too.
in all fairness bird is in his mid 60's
Ya, he'd only average 14, 5 and 8 now.
If I remember correctly, when he turned 60, he went in before a team practice and shot something like 10 3s in a row.
The only weakness to birds game was athleticism and that's not even a skill it's a attribute that cannot be controlled. What would Jordan or James to with birds athleticism and what would he do with theirs
Give the man 1 k he's grinding ......cmon
Rodman was one of my favorite players but I think when he said that he was just being an ass , because everyone knows how Rodman was acting at that time
you know there is a video of one of the Pacers players talking about how at 60 Larry comes into practice and picks up the ball and hits 9 or 10 3's in a row and then goes and sits down like nothing special happened. do you know how many players can still ball at 60?
That's not the same thing as balling. By that standard (I'm 59) I can still "ball". I have tarsal tunnel syndrome so I can't run or jump anymore, all I can do is walk around and shoot. I still have fun but can't actually play. An elementary school kid could beat me now.
There have been unathletic players excel throughout history. Chris Paul, Paul pierce, luka doncic, jokic, for example and there r plenty more. People forgot bird is 6’9 probably 6’10 with shoes on he ain’t a little guy either. With that high release.
Larry would do even better today, because there is more separation enforced or a foul is called. The game is much less physical. No fights, no holding or rough moves on other players.
A lot of his talk would get a tech in today's league but otherwise you have a 6 foot 9 or maybe 10 Luka. He can get his own shot, rebound, and pass. That works in any era. 40 years in medical advances and modern load management ideas would probably add at least a few seasons to his career.
If you haven't seen him yet look at the college Goat Pete Maravich. 44.2 ppg no 3 point line and only played 3 years!!!
And larry dissed him as a teammate one time.
The 1980's NBA was far more physical than today's soft NBA and it was the most talent rich decade of the NBA in my opinion. The short list of players that Bird played against goes like this; Magic, Jordan, Thomas, Moses Malone, Sampson, Olajuwon, Rodman, Kareem, Dr. J, Moncrief, Dominique, Drexler, Gilmore, Karl Malone, Bernard King, Barkley, Gervin, and James Worthy to name just a few. I think if Bird played in today's soft NBA, he would average 30 ppg/10apg and would be a perennial 50/40/90 player. 🏀💯✌️
Larry would definitely be great just as he was back then he was a tough s*** talking homie that would back up everything he said he has one of the best mixtapes I think I've ever saw other than Jordan but when you see Larry pass the way he did it's like he barely touched the ball but he pass it perfectly bumped his face up and came out still killing it not a whole quarter with his opposite hand talk about Larry the goat Legend
In the NBA ...to say that a Legend like Larry Bird could only play in the European league is straight up Disrespect!!! Believe me Rodman meant it that way! I remember when he was just a rookie coming from the projects. Rodman has had a prob with Larry Bird ever since he served him! It was the first & only time a white man got the best of him! lol Only reason I even mention that part is because that's what Rodman always said....was why he got so pissed off at Bird!
Dennis should go to Europe and see how his game is.
If Larry played today, it would still be the same. Luka is slow but he does whatever he wants on the court.
Rodman was young and upset. Him talking about the European League back then was an insult. Nowhere on the planet was basketball as strong as in the States back at that time. Thomas had to back his player up as capt of the team. There was a bizarre press event with Thomas and Bird--neither looked thrilled to be dealing with the media circus. It was a moment, and then everyone moved on.
Rodman said what he said back in the day cuz he'd just been beaten. The comment about the European League was about a month ago.
I'm thinking maybe Rodman wanted to feel relevant and be talked about and saw the attention JJ got for his silly comments.
@@cindyknudson2715 Too true. He was young--I think he was still a rookie--and hurting. Immature, but he was a kid still playing video games. I remember the press event--media driven circus.
Rodman is right. LB would be playing in the Euro League today, not the NBA. But LB is in his sixties...
Think about how many of today’s players could have played in the 80’s and 90’s!
“I bet you can’t”
Wilt Chamberlain could also 100% play in any era. Bird is still my favorite player of all time, but Wilt The a Stilt was built differently.
I am going to keep after you until you react to Bill Russell OR explain why he and his 11 titles don't really matter. As said, I agree with Arnold "Red" Auerbach. If Bird and Russell were in the same draft, you draft Russell and sell everything you own to get Bird.
And no one ever seems to get that Bird's passing and his shooting style were very similar. He goes into his motion and it might be a pass or he might shoot the ball. You didn't know. Just like Russell only blocked 10% of the shots he could. That is why guys like Oscar and Jerry and Elgin quintuple-pumped to get Russell to commit. Never happened. Russell was too quick. HE made shooters commit before HE committed to the leap. To the block.
I think Rodman is a good hearted, but crazy, soul, off the court. I think Solid is giving him a bit too much. I believe, strongly, that Rodman is salty, after almost 3 decades, that Bird cooked his ass bad, consistently. He was back then. He is now.
When Larry fractured his cheek... already suffering with a career ending back injury (except Larry is tougher than anyone in the NBA), after 2 achilles repair jobs....
SNUCK back in the game..
And won.
Sorry. No one is THAT...especially today's NBA players.
Larry is a legend for many, many reasons. That's a biggie, there.
I think Dennis is trying to stay in the news by saying something so outrageous, true or not, he's making the news.
If a bird would’ve been in the European league today, where the hell does that put Rodman he definitely wasn’t any better than Larry
All Rodman did. I think intentionally, was shine a spotlight on Larry Bird. They start watching videos of him. Larry Bird IS basketball. As a overall team player. You can pick ANY player of ANY era to put up against him. Especially the first 8 seasons. Whom ever you pick. Will need flawless team play. To even have a chance. Individual play wont be enough. Aka MJ. Scores 63 points in a playoff game. 😮 Larry Bird said it was God disguised as MJ. Still went home a loser. 86' and 87' broomed out of the building back to back seasons. 0-3 0-3 Listen to MJ speech about Bird retiring. Comments like Good Im glad. Im tired of seeing your face. 😂😂😂 team player baby. For a team sport. LB is a top 3 player Individually, Number one team player of all time.
Dennis Rodman was jealous because he couldn't guard him
Oh my goodness. Playing against Larry would be like taking a knife to a gun fight. I don't gamble, but id bet my life on Larry. Just saying 😎
How many Bronze Medal LeBoss brought home with him?? Kobe had to step in to get another Gold! This should show you these Euro and others country are not far behind if at all. Rodman again makes no sense. Like if Larry was black, if Bird was black, he would be Jordan before MJ entered the league. 🍀33 with his skills together with more athleticism= a one man show. Rodman, it makes no sense again!❤.
Jokic, paul pierce, tim Duncan and luka...bird would do better than all of them ..case closed.
YES Larry Legend could play in And Dominate in ANY Era! He can play LEFT HANDED!!! Now here's the Ultimate Question: "Who of any of the greats could play in Larry Birds Era AND who of them can play Off-Handed?!?" Who?!? Ain't No One Answered it yet!!! Tell me cause IF you think 'your player is The GOAT?!? IS he able to do the 2 things I asked?!?
My starting five Bryant Jordan Bird Rodman and Shaq. Who could beat that?
Russell, Wilt, Oscar, Jerry and Bellamy. Russell and Wilt were superhuman. Russell won 2 high school state titles, 2 NCAA titles including 60 games in a row, an Olympic gold medal, 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons, 12 All NBA awards, and so many more. He was 6'10", weighed 215-240, had an 84"wingspan, was among the top 3 high jumpers in the world, was a 440 sprinter in 49 seconds, and a member of the 400 yard relay team. He and Bird were the two smartest NBA players of all time.
If Larry had the medicine, therapy, etc...that today's players have, he would dominate the league! No one could stop him before. Besides the fact that so many players these days are crybabies, soft, looking for the foul call, and not very tough by older days standards. Larry was a tough, rough, mf'er, and not many of today's players would be able to guard him. Jordan couldn't. Jordan, for all his legend, never beat Larry! In today's no-defense league, Larry would go nuts with scoring!
LeBron couldn't play against Larry. Larry would be in his head by the end of the 1st qtr.
The white guy bias comes out when people that aren’t old enough to have watched him play decide he couldn’t compete in todays game. (Sorry, 15 minutes of TH-cam highlights is not enough to understand how dominant Bird was) Too big problems with that argument. He was a dominant player in an era when stronger and faster players were allowed to physically knock him around and they still couldn’t slow him down. (Skinny tall white kids like Shawn Bradley normally struggle in the NBA for this reason). In todays game Bird would average at least 35 points a game rather than 25-30 because you can’t touch him with todays rules. The other thing the critics miss is that he was dominating very athletic players from that era like Dominque Wilkins, Charles Barkley, Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, James Worthy and Dennis Rodman. I bet nobody would claim the players I just listed couldn’t compete in today’s game, so it makes no sense to claim a guy they could not stop would not compete in the modern game.
How many players of today can go back and play in any era ..... none
You won't really appreciate Bird as much unles you watched in that era come to town and demolish your home team.
Just to be clear: Jokic and Luka they played the last European tournament and didn't win. They didn't even come close. If Larry had played, no matter what team, he would have won. I don't talk about play well, I don't talk about reach the final. He would have won. Period.
Bird and Joker the same? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. They were completely different players.
See, this is the problem with the "goat" conversation. I think MJ said it the best, they are different eras with different rules. You can't compare them. I think he missed a little bit. ALL of these GOATS played their era and adapted! They adapted. Larry, Magic, MJ, Barkley, Duncan, Isah(and many others I missed!!). They would all have adapted to their time and still killed. It wasn't just physical. It was mental. They were winners. They would figure it out. No doubt. Personally Bird is a legend forever, but MJ was the goat.
And that's what makes it a great conversation. There is no correct answer.
@@badcoach2000 you got me there! Have a good one!
I agree with you that Larry (Legend) Bird is top five in any era, that’s a no brainer. If he were playing in this era and in this league, please. He would average 50+ a game. Really, think about it. You can’t put your hands on him or it’s a foul, he’d have 20+ points a game from the free throw line. He’d probably still average double digit rebounds a game and he’d probably average around 6 or 8 assists a game.
But I believe Dominique Wilkins is one of those players that could transition to any era and also probably DrJ. As far as LeBron James, hell no. His soft crybaby ass would never make it in the 70’s and 80’s bruiser ball era. Don’t remember who he was playing against, but LeBron came flying down the court, took off from about a step or two in front of the FT line and a defender jumped but he jumped away from LeBron waived his arms in the air and yelled out, and LeBron just flat out blew the dunk. Then he ran straight up to official raising hell about not getting the foul call. Dude was two feet away from him when he jumped, his air didn’t even make contact with him, but LeBron continued to cry about he should have gotten the foul call.
😄 Le _no_
FACT Larry would not even be able to ride the bench today. Sorry he is in his late 60s and has a bad back.
NDR
Rodman getting stupid again?
Larry Legend was a cadaver hoarder. If he played in this Vagisil ointment soft league there would be a lot of players with panic disorder.
No. Dennis Rodman was jealous. He knows Bird was a better player and it eats at him. He also said if Bird had been black, he'd just be another player. But what can you expect from the good friend of the North Korean dictator.
Most ignorant topic, of course he could. Any top player can play in any era. Great players play great.
I would like to watch you more if you didn't talk so much ,