When discussing the NBA GOAT, Larry Bird isn’t often at the top of the list. Even though the legendary Boston Celtics player is undoubtedly among the top five players of all time (if not the best10), Michael Jordan and LeBron James usually appear to take the top slots.
The former Celtics coach, general manager, and president Red Auerbach once referred to Bird as the “greatest player to ever put on a uniform.” He also mentioned the reasons why a lot of people won’t feel that way in a different chat.
One of the greatest NBA players to ever wear a uniform is Larry Bird.
Although he was never the NBA’s fastest, flashiest, or most athletic player, Bird was always reliable. Bird could do it all and is arguably the greatest passing forward to have ever played in the NBA. Nobody was better in the middle of the 1980s, as evidenced by his three consecutive MVP awards.
Bird turned the club around as soon as he entered the league in the 1979–80 campaign. With Bird leading the way, the Celtics won 61 games a year after winning 29. Best Rookie of the Year went to him.
Auerbach arranged a franchise-changing trade the next season, which enabled the Celtics to win three titles in a ten-year span. Boston teamed up with the Golden State Warriors after having the first pick in the 1980 NBA Draft. In exchange for veteran center Robert Parish and the third pick, the Celtics traded Golden State that first pick and the No. 13 pick. They chose Kevin McHale at No. 3.
Bird, McHale, and Parish won the first of their three ’80s titles in their inaugural season together. The Celtics made it to the NBA Finals from 1984 to 1987, taking home the championship in 1984 and 1986. Bird was the league MVP in 1984–1986.
Bird was a 12-time All-Star and played in the NBA for 13 seasons. His average was 10.0 rebounds and 24.3 points. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted Bird in 1998.
