Larry Bird is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He had an illustrious career with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s, winning 3 NBA championships and 3 MVP awards. However, there has been some debate among basketball fans, especially on Reddit, about whether Bird is underrated compared to other all-time greats like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.
What are Larry Bird’s career accomplishments?
In his 13-year NBA career from 1979 to 1992, Larry Bird accomplished the following:
- 3 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics (1981, 1984, 1986)
- 3 NBA MVP awards (1984, 1985, 1986)
- 12 x NBA All-Star (1980–1988, 1990–1992)
- All-NBA First Team 9 times (1980–1988)
- 3 x All-Defensive Second Team (1982–1984)
- 1980 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 3 x NBA 3-Point Shootout champion (1986–1988)
- 50-40-90 club (shooting 50% FG, 40% 3PT, 90% FT) twice (1987, 1988)
- NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- No. 33 jersey retired by Boston Celtics
- Career averages of 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, 6.3 assists per game
Statistically, Bird averaged over 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists per game for his career. He excelled as an all-around player who could shoot, rebound, pass and defend at an elite level.
What are some of Larry Bird’s signature moments?
Some of Larry Bird’s most memorable and clutch performances include:
- Winning the first 3 Three-Point Shootout contests he entered (1986-1988).
- Leading the Celtics back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Sixers in the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals.
- Scoring 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks in 1985.
- Hitting the game-winning shot over Bill Laimbeer to win Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals.
- “The Steal” – stealing Isiah Thomas’ inbounds pass to win Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals.
- Coming back early from injury to lead the Celtics to the NBA Finals in 1988.
Bird had a reputation for thriving under pressure and playing his best in the biggest games. His clutch shooting, trash talking, and will to win made him a fan favorite.
How was Bird viewed during his playing career?
During his career in the 1980s, Larry Bird was:
- Considered one of the NBA’s top superstars along with Magic Johnson.
- The face of the Boston Celtics franchise.
- One of the most popular and marketable players in the NBA.
- Renowned for his trash talking and on-court competitiveness.
- Viewed as an excellent all-around player, elite shooter and excellent passer.
- Praised for his high basketball IQ and ability to elevate his play in big games.
Bird was part of a great Celtics-Lakers rivalry with Magic Johnson. Fans and media endlessly debated who was better between Bird and Magic. Bird’s working class style, clutch play and white country boy image also made him popular across America.
How do fans on Reddit view Larry Bird’s legacy?
On Reddit NBA forums like r/nba, Larry Bird’s legacy is debated quite extensively. Here are some of the common views:
- He’s underrated compared to Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.
- One of the craftiest and most skilled players ever, even if he lacked athleticism.
- A clutch performer who steps up in big games and moments.
- An elite shooter and excellent passer.
- Would thrive in any era with his versatile, all-around game.
- Could talk trash and get in opponent’s heads like the mental warfare of Michael Jordan.
- Getting 3 MVPs and 3 rings in a stacked 1980s NBA was an amazing feat.
However, some downplay Bird’s accomplishments by noting:
- He played in a weaker Eastern Conference with older, slower competition.
- Never had to face great teams like Jordan’s Bulls or Isiah’s Pistons in the Finals.
- Won his last two MVPs based more on reputation than actual play.
- Wasn’t the athletic marvel or unstoppable scorer that Jordan was.
How do stats and accomplishments compare to other NBA legends?
Compared to other NBA legends, Larry Bird’s career stats and accomplishments stack up like:
Player | MVPs | Titles | Finals MVPs | All-NBA 1st | Pts/Game |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michael Jordan | 5 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 30.1 |
Magic Johnson | 3 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 19.5 |
Larry Bird | 3 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 24.3 |
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 6 | 6 | 2 | 10 | 24.6 |
Bill Russell | 5 | 11 | N/A | 3 | 15.1 |
Wilt Chamberlain | 4 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 30.1 |
While Larry Legend matches up to Magic and Kareem in MVPs and All-NBA selections, he falls short of Jordan/Russell in rings and behind Jordan/Wilt in scoring average. But 3 MVPs and 3 titles in the ’80s vs. stacked Lakers, Sixers, Pistons teams is hugely impressive.
Would Larry Bird dominate in modern NBA?
There is debate on Reddit and NBA forums if Larry Bird’s game would translate well to the modern NBA. Those who argue he would dominate cite:
- Elite shooting would be even more valuable with 3-point focused offenses.
- Excellent passer and court vision fits modern ball movement.
- Craftiness and high BBIQ would overwhelm many opponents.
- Clutch gene and killer instinct perfect for close games.
However, some argue Bird may struggle with:
- Lack of explosiveness defensively against ultra-athletic scorers.
- Injuries taking toll over long season.
- More variance in shooting.
- Increased scoring burden without vintage big men.
But his skillset and intangibles suggest in his prime, a healthy Bird would be an MVP candidate and elite player today. No one questions his ability to be a versatile 25/10/5 threat and perform in the playoffs. Bird’s game was predicated on skill and IQ over pure athleticism, enabling perhaps the greatest small forward ever to thrive in any era.
Conclusion
The debate on Reddit reflects the enduring intrigue and appreciation for Larry Bird’s legendary career. While occasionally overshadowed by flashier icons like Magic and Jordan, true NBA fans recognize Bird’s versatility, clutch scoring, passing genius and unmatched competitive spirit.
Bird deserves to be in any conversation around the top 10 players ever. Even if not the GOAT, he is certainly no lower than the top 3 small forwards in history behind only LeBron James. For leading the Celtics to 3 championships and matching Magic blow-for-blow in the 80s, Larry Legend will never be forgotten.