Legends profile: Larry Bird

Larry Bird, one of the NBA’s most iconic players of all time, was a standout in Boston.

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Every now and then, a player emerges who can genuinely be referred to as a superstar. Larry Bird was one of those players.

Bird epitomized hard work, consistency, and excellence in every aspect of the game during his 13-season stint with the Boston Celtics from 1979-80 to 1991-92. Whether as a scorer, passer, rebounder, defender or team player, and notably as a clutch performer, Bird was exceptional. Such was his self-confidence that he would stride up to the opposing team’s bench before the game began and forecast a personal 40-point performance.

He was an incredibly lethal shooter, often training on 3-pointers with his eyes shut. Among his peers, perhaps only Earvin “Magic” Johnson was regarded as a superior passer and was a player with whom he would forever be closely associated. Bird was one of the toughest players, known for diving into crowds and jumping over press tables to retrieve loose balls.

Bird exemplified “Celtics Pride.” He was a dignified, self-assured, and diligent player who flourished under pressure and motivated his teammates to surpass their limits. Similar to Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, John Havlicek, and Dave Cowens, Bird was a modest individual who never sought the limelight, instead, he was a player who amplified the talents of those around him. However, even those iconic players did not pack Boston Garden, dazzle fans, and control games in the way Bird did.

Bird was instrumental in reviving a struggling Celtics franchise, which had been plagued by poor performances and low attendance in the late 1970s. As the core player of a strong team, Bird led the Celtics to win three NBA championships and 10 Atlantic Division titles. Beyond his three championship victories, Bird amassed a remarkable array of personal accolades. He became the first non-center and only the third player to secure three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player Awards. He was named to the All-Star team 12 times, won the NBA Finals MVP twice and was selected for the All-NBA First Team nine times. He also topped the league in free-throw percentage on four occasions.

Celtic fans and basketball purists of all affiliations regarded Bird, a relentless perfectionist, as a hero. His career was filled with awe-inspiring last-minute feats, from seemingly impossible reverse layups to miraculous 35-foot bombs over multiple defenders, which continually left his followers amazed.

“When Bird retired in 1992 due to a painful back condition, after winning a gold medal with the original Dream Team at the Barcelona Olympics, Commissioner David J. Stern said, ‘Larry Bird has helped shape the perspective and admiration of a generation of basketball fans towards the NBA,'”

The legend of Bird originated in the small town of French Lick, nestled in the corn fields of Indiana, where he lived a simple, spartan lifestyle with his family. French Lick, with a population of 2,059, saw most of its residents attending the home games of Springs Valley High School in a state that highly values high school basketball. The attendance often hit 1,600, all of whom were there to watch the blond-haired, sharp-shooting Larry Joe Bird, who was known for his peculiar smile.

Bird rose to stardom during his junior year, after a sophomore season cut short by a broken ankle. His team, Springs Valley, had an impressive 19-2 record, and Bird’s performance made him a local sensation. Supporters were always ready to provide transportation for his parents, who couldn’t afford their own vehicle. As a senior, Bird ascended to the top of the school’s scoring charts, and his final home game drew an audience of about 4,000 spectators.

Bird struggled with the transition to college life. Initially, he was an Indiana Hoosier under the tutelage of renowned coach Bobby Knight, but he eventually left the team and school. His journey continued at the local junior college, Northwood Institute, which he also left. Ultimately, Bird enrolled at Indiana State, which had a less intense atmosphere than Indiana, a constant Big Ten force and national title competitor. Indiana State had recorded 12-14 records in the two preceding years.

When Bird joined Indiana State, home-game attendance was approximately 3,100. However, much like his time in Springs Valley, Bird’s presence alone significantly increased crowds and improved the team’s reputation. During his first season, he averaged over 30 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Sycamores. As a result, season-ticket sales increased threefold, TV stations aired clips of Bird in lieu of commercials, and students even skipped class to queue for tickets eight hours before the game started.

The most popular sport in Terre Haute was “Larry Bird Ball.”

Bird’s senior year saw the Sycamores undefeated and achieving the No. 1 spot, only to be dethroned by a Michigan State team with 6-foot-9 guard Earvin “Magic” Johnson in the 1979 NCAA Championship Game, one of basketball’s most viewed battles. Bird received the title of 1978-79 College Player of the Year and left Indiana State as the NCAA’s fifth top scorer. During Bird’s three-year stint, the Sycamores secured a record of 81-13.

In the 1978 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics chose him, hoping that Bird, who had qualified for the NBA after his junior year, might skip his senior season – but they were willing to wait even if he didn’t. During the 1977-78 season, the Celtics had a dismal 32-50 record, their worst since the 1949-50 season. The Celtics’ record further declined to 29-53 when Bird decided to go back to Indiana State for another year. However, Bird finally joined the Celtics for the 1979-80 season and ignited one of the most remarkable single-season revivals in NBA history.

The 1979-80 Celtics elevated their game by 32 matches, achieving a 61-21 record and reclaiming their division’s top spot. Bird, who participated in all 82 games, was the team’s leader in scoring with an average of 21.3 points per game, rebounding with an average of 10.4 rebounds per game, steals with a total of 143, and minutes played with a total of 2,955. He was also second in assists with an average of 4.5 per game and 3-pointers with a total of 58. Even though Johnson had an impressive debut season with the NBA-champion Los Angeles Lakers, Bird outshone him by being named Rookie of the Year and making his first of 12 appearances at the All-Star Game.

A trade, considered by many as the most uneven in NBA history, was made during the off-season with Golden State. This trade led to Boston acquiring center Robert Parish and a future first-round pick, who turned out to be Kevin McHale. They joined Larry Bird and veteran Cedric Maxwell in a frontcourt that propelled the Celtics to win the 1981 championship.

The Boston Celtics overcame a memorable Eastern Conference final against Philadelphia, recovering from a 3-1 deficit and securing victories in the final three games. They then went on to win the title against Moses Malone’s Houston Rockets in a six-game NBA Finals. Bird once more led the team in points with an average of 21.2 per game, rebounds with 10.9 per game, steals with a total of 161, and minutes played, totalling 3,239.

Not only did fans fill Boston Garden, selling out the last 541 games of Bird’s career, but they also packed arenas nationwide to see Bird’s skills in action. Bird, along with Magic, was a key player in reviving the NBA, aiding the league in embodying its new motto, “NBA Action: It’s FAN-tastic.” Within just two seasons, fans, coaches, and players had a clear understanding of Bird’s game: impressive stats and stellar performances. Bird’s focus and composure were unparalleled. He was unflappable and virtually invincible. The countless hours he spent honing his shot during his younger years bore significant fruits in the NBA. No other player in his time could match Bird in terms of shooting skill or consistency.

Bird first appeared on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1981-82, marking the first of three consecutive appearances. Despite not being the fastest or the best individual defender, his anticipation and understanding of the game set him apart as a team defender. Observers noted his ability to foresee plays even before they unfolded, despite his relative slowness and less-than-stellar one-on-one defense.

Bird came in second place to Moses Malone for the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, a position he would also hold the following year. In the 1982 NBA All-Star Game, Bird contributed 19 points, 12 of which were part of the East’s final 15, earning him the game’s MVP trophy. However, it wasn’t until the 1983-84 season that the Celtics made it back to the NBA Finals. At this point, Bird was scoring an average in the mid-20s and averaging more than seven assists per game. He also successfully completed nearly 90 percent of his free-throw attempts.

Bird, a cunning defensive player, made his most notable steal during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Detroit in 1987. The Celtics were one point behind at 107-106 with only five seconds left on the clock, when Bird intercepted an inbounds pass from Isiah Thomas and passed it to Dennis Johnson. Johnson’s successful layup secured the victory for Boston. The Celtics then moved on to the NBA Finals for the fourth year in a row after winning the intense seven-game series. They faced the Lakers for the third time, however, it was Los Angeles who emerged victorious after six games.

Bird, who was now 30 years old, was dealing with a deteriorating back condition and foot issues. Although these health problems would prevent him from securing a fourth championship ring, he was far from done with his heroic performances.

In the 1987-88 season, Bird made history as the first Celtic to register a 40-20 game, achieving 42 points and 20 rebounds in a match against Indiana. That year, he averaged an all-time personal best of 29.9 points per game, narrowly missing out on a 30-point average by just five points. Bird also secured his third consecutive 3-point shootout championship, an accomplishment later equaled by Craig Hodges of the Chicago Bulls from 1990-92.

In the seventh game of the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals against Atlanta, Bird had a notable fourth-quarter face-off with the Hawks’ Dominique Wilkins. Despite suffering from bronchial pneumonia, Bird managed to score 20 points in the final quarter, outperforming Wilkins and leading the Celtics to victory. However, the Celtics were defeated by the Pistons in the conference finals.

In 1988-89, Bird’s participation was restricted to six games due to a surgery to remove bone spurs from both his heels. The subsequent year saw Bird marking the third-longest streak of successful free-throw attempts in NBA history, with 71 in a row. A compressed nerve root in his back caused Bird to sit out 22 games in the 1990-91 season, and ultimately led to his retirement. During a first-round series in the same year, Bird sustained a severe bruise on his face from a second-quarter fall in Game 5 against Indiana. Despite his back pain, Bird returned in the third period, aiding the Celtics in their thrilling 124-121 win. A disk was extracted from his back after the season concluded, although it brought little relief.

Bird’s final year was the succeeding year. His ongoing back issues caused him to sit out 37 games. However, in a game against Portland in March, televised across the nation, Bird gave an astounding final performance. He racked up 16 points in the fourth quarter alone, which included the Celtics’ final nine points and a game-leveling 3-pointer with a mere two seconds remaining. The Celtics triumphed over Portland 152-148 after a double overtime. Bird’s individual tally for the game was 49 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists, and four steals.

“Anytime you have Bird on the floor, anything can happen,” Portland’s Clyde Drexler told the Boston Herald after the game.

In a rare blunder in his career, Bird missed a simple layup in overtime that could have led to a tie in Game 4 of a playoff series with Cleveland that spring. The Cavaliers ultimately triumphed in seven games, while Boston lost three out of four games due to Bird’s back condition that prevented him from playing.

Bird’s career was nearing its conclusion, but not without one final accomplishment: winning a gold medal as a part of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team. This team reigned supreme in the competition in Barcelona, captivating millions of sports fans with their exceptional performance.

As the 1992-93 NBA season was about to begin, Bird made the decision that he could no longer continue. He announced his retirement as a player on August 18, 1992. Bird’s career ended after 897 games, during which he scored 21,791 points (averaging 24.3 points per game), made 8,974 rebounds (averaging 10.0 rebounds per game), and achieved 5,695 assists (averaging 6.3 assists per game). His shooting record stood at .496 from the field and .886 from the free-throw line. Upon retirement, he ranked fifth in all-time free-throw shooting, trailing behind Mark Price, Rick Barry, Calvin Murphy, and Scott Skiles.

Bird was named a special assistant in the Celtics’ front office, with limited duties that included some scouting and player evaluation. In reality, he spent most of the next five years in Florida, playing golf and taking it easy. He did some commercials and appeared in a few films, including Michael Jordan’s Space Jam.

However, he was primarily bored. He longed for the competition, and as the years passed, his desire to rejoin the NBA in a more involved role intensified. Ultimately, when the Celtics fell into a slump that bottomed out in 1996-97, Bird chose to dive in. Once the Celtics appointed Rick Pitino as the new president and coach of the franchise, Bird understood that his role in Boston would be minimal. Thus, he severed the ties and returned home.

Bird was appointed as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers on May 12, 1997. Despite his lack of coaching experience, the Pacers did not hesitate to entrust Bird with this responsibility.

“Bird embodies everything I’ve strived to achieve here,” stated Donnie Walsh, who was the Pacers president at that time. “I aimed to unify the high school, college, and professional basketball spheres when I began here, and Bird represents that. I also sincerely think that he has the potential to be an exceptional coach.”

“He possesses the ability to unify people. His words draw you into his universe. That’s the essential role of a coach.”

Bird humorously hoped he could correctly draw the Xs and Os in the huddle, and jokingly stated that he didn’t include himself in any plays. Regardless, he tackled his new role with his usual unassuming confidence.

“He stated, “Although I’m a novice in this coaching field, I believe I can accomplish the tasks effectively. I possess utmost confidence that I am capable of managing these players and executing the required strategies to win games.”

Bird performed commendably during his three-season stint as a coach. In his initial season, the Pacers, led by Reggie Miller, were defeated by the defending champions, the Chicago Bulls and their star player, Jordan, in a challenging seven-game conference finals series.

In the 2000 NBA Finals, the Pacers were defeated by the Lakers in a six-game series. The Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, secured their first of three consecutive titles with this victory.

The Coach of the Year in 1997-98, Bird, stepped down from his position as Pacers’ coach following Indiana’s Finals appearance. Bird, a keen outdoorsman, has a multitude of interests including country music, auto racing, golf, and the St. Louis Cardinals. In addition, he owns a hotel/restaurant in Terre Haute called “Larry Bird’s Boston Connection,” which doubles as a display area for many of his trophies and awards.

He became a part of the Pacers’ front office team in 2003, taking on the role of the team’s president of basketball operations. He collaborated closely with Walsh to transform Indiana into a competitive team. When Walsh took up a similar post with the Knicks prior to the 2008-09 season, Bird assumed full control over the Pacers’ basketball operations. His leadership contributed to the Pacers breaking their four-year playoff drought in 2010-11. In 2012, he was honored with the NBA Executive of the Year award, making him the only person in NBA history to win the Most Valuable Player, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year awards.

Bird resigned as the Pacers’ president of basketball operations after the 2011-12 season, attributing his decision to health concerns. He had been ready to leave the team following the 2010-11 season, satisfied with the Pacers’ positive trajectory. His eventual exit had been a topic of conversation between him and owner Herb Simon for several years.

In 2013, Bird resumed his role with the Pacers, but stepped down in 2017 to take on an advisory role for the franchise.