On paper, that club had an incredible amount of skill, but not every player was fully fit. The name Larry Bird was one that stuck out. Due to a sore back, the star player for the Boston Celtics was unable to compete in the qualifying round. Given his condition, questions were raised about what Bird could contribute. The Indiana State product appeared impressive in practice, but then-coach Chuck Daly revealed that he had no idea what “The Hick from French Lick” would bring to the team.
“Practice felt pretty good,” Bird stated, as reported by UPI. “I’m hoping to maintain that state for a while. This back is so fickle right now. I’m not sure if it will allow me to pursue my goals.” Bird continued to contribute to Team USA with respectable minutes in spite of such worries. During that time, he was among the players who played an average of eighteen minutes or more each game, averaging eight points and shooting fifty-two percent from the field. After defeating their opponents by an average of 44 points, the Dream Team would take home the gold.
