Not many NBA players have entered the league with the same level of confidence that Larry Bird had, and he followed it up with more. Until injuries affected him later in his career, Larry Legend was an unstoppable force in college and during a significant portion of his professional career. The best thing about his game was that he was aware of it and let his opponents know it as well.
Legend has it that he would talk trash to opponents, but confidence like that can only be attained by exceptional skill, and Bird had both. In his first six NBA seasons, the Boston Celtics player averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds per season, turning into a consistent All-Star from his rookie year on. And as Bird once said in an interview, he knew he would be able to accomplish that only a few days after joining the league.
“After graduating from college, I went to the pros and wondered, ‘How’s he going to do? He won’t be fast enough, he won’t be able to rebound, or he won’t be able to execute his jumpshot in the professional ranks. And it took me, at most, three days following rookie camp to realize that this league is worthless. I could participate in this league and win it hands down.
Following his NBA draft selection, Bird went on to win three championships in a row. From 1984 to 1986, he also earned three seasons as League MVP. During that time, he would go on to win the NBA championship twice more, solidifying his status as one of the greatest ever. In the end, Larry Bird will always be known for being the guy who actually followed through on his promise to destroy the NBA.
