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Larry Bird
Larry Bird
Position(s):
Small forward		 Jersey #(s):
33
Born: December 7, 1956 (1956-12-07) (age 51)
West Baden Springs, Indiana
Career information
Year(s): 1979–1992
NBA Draft: 1979 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6
College: Indiana State
Professional teams
Career stats
Points     21,791
Assists     5,695
Steals     1,556
Stats @ Basketball-Reference.com
Career highlights and awards
Basketball Hall of Fame

Larry Bird (born Lawrence Joseph Bird on December 7, 1956) is a retired American NBA basketball player, widely considered one of the best players of all time, and one of the best clutch performers in the history of sports. The three basketball positions normally employed by organized Basketball teams are guard forward and center The small forward, or colloquially the three, is one of the five positions in a regulation Basketball game In team Sports the squad number, shirt number, jersey number, sweater number, or uniform number is the Number Events 43 BC - Marcus Tullius Cicero assassinated 1696 - Connecticut Route 108, one of the oldest highways Year 1956 ( MCMLVI) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. West Baden Springs is a town in French Lick Township, Orange County, Indiana, United States. In an organised Sports league, a season is the portion of one Year in which regulated Games of the sport are in session The NBA Draft is an annual North American event in which the National Basketball Association 's (NBA thirty teams (29 in the United States and one in 1979 NBA Draft produced some of the best names in NBA history including Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Bill Cartwright, Sidney Moncrief This is a List of Athletic Conferences of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA Indiana State University ( ISU) is a Public university that is located in Terre Haute Indiana, United States. The Boston Celtics are an American professional Basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, playing in the Atlantic Division of the Points in Basketball are used to keep track of the score in a game In Basketball, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score by field goal, meaning that he or she was "assisting" In Basketball, a steal occurs when a defensive player legally gains control of the ball from an offensive player The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June The 1981 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1980-81 NBA season, pitting the Boston Celtics The 1984 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1983-84 NBA season. The 1986 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1985-86 NBA season. The National Basketball Association staged its first All-Star Game in the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. The National Basketball Association Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1969 NBA Finals. The All-NBA Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor bestowed on the best players in the league following every NBA season The All-NBA Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor bestowed on the best players in the league following every NBA season The NBA All-Defensive Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor given since the 1968–69 NBA season to the best defensive players during the regular The National Basketball Association's Rookie of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1952–53 NBA season, to the The NBA All-Rookie Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor given since the 1962–63 NBA season to the top Rookies during the regular The Three-point Shootout is a National Basketball Association All-Star Weekend contest held on the Saturday before the All-Star Game. The 50 Greatest Players in National Basketball Association History (also referred to as the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team or NBA's Top 50) were chosen The Oscar Robertson Trophy is given out annually to outstanding men's College basketball players by the United States Basketball Writers Association. Events 43 BC - Marcus Tullius Cicero assassinated 1696 - Connecticut Route 108, one of the oldest highways Year 1956 ( MCMLVI) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Basketball is a team Sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet (3 m In US- Sports terminology " clutch " means performing well under extreme pressure [1] Drafted into the NBA sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird started small forward and power forward for thirteen seasons, teaming with legendary center Robert Parish and forward Kevin McHale. The NBA Draft is an annual North American event in which the National Basketball Association 's (NBA thirty teams (29 in the United States and one in The Boston Celtics are an American professional Basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, playing in the Atlantic Division of the The 1978 NBA Draft was notable for the selection of Indiana State 's Larry Bird. The small forward, or colloquially the three, is one of the five positions in a regulation Basketball game Power forward is a position in the sport of Basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF" Robert Lee Parish (born in Shreveport Louisiana) is a retired American Basketball center. For other people of the same name see Kevin McHale (disambiguation Kevin Edward McHale (born December 19 1957 is an American former Due to back problems, he retired as a player from the NBA in 1992. The 1991–92 NBA season was the 46th season of the National Basketball Association. Bird was voted to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team[1] in 1996 and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame[2] in 1998. The 50 Greatest Players in National Basketball Association History (also referred to as the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team or NBA's Top 50) were chosen Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in downtown Springfield Massachusetts, honors players who have shown exceptional skill at Basketball Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Bird served as head coach of the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000. The 1997–98 NBA season was the 52nd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1999–2000 NBA season was the 54th season of the National Basketball Association. In 2003, he assumed the role of president of basketball operations for the Pacers, which he currently still holds. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar.

Contents

Biography

Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, the son of Georgia Kerns and Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird. West Baden Springs is a town in French Lick Township, Orange County, Indiana, United States. He grew up in both West Baden and the adjacent town French Lick, which earned him the nickname "the Hick from French Lick" in his later basketball career. French Lick is a town in French Lick Township, Orange County, Indiana, United States. Financial troubles would plague the Bird family for most of Larry's childhood. In a 1988 interview with Sports Illustrated, Bird recalled how his mother would make do on the family's meager earnings: "If there was a payment to the bank due, and we needed shoes, she'd get the shoes, and then deal with them guys at the bank. Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar) Sports Illustrated is an American Sports Magazine owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. I don't mean she wouldn't pay the bank, but the children always came first. "[3] Bird sometimes was sent to live with his grandmother due to the family's struggles. Bird told Sports Illustrated that being poor as a child "motivates me to this day. Sports Illustrated is an American Sports Magazine owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. "[3]

The Bird family's struggle with poverty was compounded by the alcoholism and personal difficulties of Joe Bird. Poverty (also called penury) is deprivation of common necessities that determine the quality of life including food clothing shelter and safe Drinking water, and Alcoholism is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions In 1975, after Bird's parents divorced, his father committed suicide. Divorce or dissolution of marriage is the termination of a Marriage.

In spite of his domestic woes, by the time he was a high school sophomore, Bird had become one of the better basketball players in French Lick. High school is the name used in some parts of the world (in particular Scotland, North America and Australia) to describe an institution He starred for French Lick/West Baden's high school team, Springs Valley High School, where he left as the school's all-time scoring leader. Springs Valley Junior-Senior High School is a Secondary school located in French Lick Indiana. Bird's high school coach, Jim Jones, was a key factor to Bird's success. "Jonesie', as Bird called him, would come help Bird and his friends practice any day of the week. [4] Bird would always be in the gym early, shoot in between classes, and then stay late into the evening. He quit both football and baseball to focus on the sport he loved, basketball.

Collegiate career

See also: List of college men's basketball players with 2000 points and 1000 rebounds

Bird received a basketball scholarship to Indiana University in 1974. The men's Division I collegiate basketball players who have reached both 2000 points and 1000 rebounds in their respective careers Numbers in italicized bold Indiana University is the flagship campus of the Indiana University system. Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. However, he was overwhelmed by the size of the campus and number of students and, as he would later admit in his biographies, wasn't mentally ready for this stage of life. Bird was also treated poorly by an established IU star, Kent Benson; as Bird recalled, the other upperclassmen of the team treated him well. Michael Kent Benson (born December 27, 1954 in New Castle Indiana) is a retired American collegiate and professional Basketball player [5] He dropped out of Indiana, went home to French Lick, and worked for the Street Department (the department did pick up garbage once a week, but also repaired roads, removed snow, mowed lawns, etc. ) for a year. [6] He played AAU basketball for Hancock Construction [7] and, after that year, decided to enroll Indiana State University, where he was coached by Bob King. Indiana State University ( ISU) is a Public university that is located in Terre Haute Indiana, United States. Bob King is a retired College basketball coach He was head coach at the University of New Mexico from 1962 to 1972 and Indiana State University from

King suffered a stroke prior to the 1978–79 season and assistant Bill Hodges was promoted to head coach. Hodges had been scouting Bird and really wanted him to play for ISU. Bird led the Sycamores to the NCAA championship game in 1979, his senior season, only to lose to the Michigan State University Spartans, who were led by his future NBA rival, Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Michigan State University ( MSU) is a co-educational public Research university in East Lansing, Michigan USA. The Sycamores finished the season 33–1. That year, Bird won the USBWA College Player of the Year, Naismith and Wooden Awards, given to the year's top male college basketball player. The Oscar Robertson Trophy is given out annually to outstanding men's College basketball players by the United States Basketball Writers Association. The Naismith College Player of the Year award named for Basketball inventor James Naismith, is given annually by the Atlanta Tipoff Club to College The John R Wooden Award is an award given annually to the most outstanding men's and women's college Basketball players After his three seasons at Indiana State, he left as the fifth-highest scorer in NCAA history. The National Collegiate Athletic Association ( NCAA, often pronounced "N-C-Double-A" is a voluntary association of about 1200 institutions conferences organizations Bird finished his collegiate career with an average of 30. 3 points per game.

Marriage and fatherhood

Prior to attending Indiana University, Bird married his high-school girlfriend, Janet Condra. Indiana University, founded in 1820, is a nine-campus University system in the state of Indiana. [8] The marriage lasted only 11 months, but produced a daughter, Corrie. In 1998, Corrie Bird appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and revealed that she was Bird's daughter from his first marriage though Larry had denied paternity until the mid 80's. The Oprah Winfrey Show is a United States syndicated Talk show, hosted and produced by its namesake Oprah Winfrey, and is the highest-rated She discussed her longing to connect with her father, who she had not seen in 17 years. Corrie's story was also shown on 20/20 and was run as an article in the September 4, 1998 issue of Sports Illustrated. 20/20 is an American television Newsmagazine broadcast on ABC since June 6, 1978. Events 476 - Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Sports Illustrated is an American Sports Magazine owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Corrie, like her father, played basketball in high school and attended Indiana State University, graduating with a degree in elementary education. Indiana State University ( ISU) is a Public university that is located in Terre Haute Indiana, United States.

1979–1981: Immediate impact

The Boston Celtics selected the 6'9", 220-pound Bird 6th overall in the 1978 NBA Draft, even though they were uncertain whether he would enter the NBA or remain at Indiana State to play his senior season. The Boston Celtics are an American professional Basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, playing in the Atlantic Division of the The 1978 NBA Draft was notable for the selection of Indiana State 's Larry Bird. Bird ultimately decided to play his final college season, but the Celtics retained their exclusive right to sign him until the 1979 NBA Draft, because of the NBA's "junior eligible" rule that existed at that time (allowing a collegiate player to be drafted when the player's original "entering" class was graduating and giving them one calendar year to sign them, even if they went back to college). 1979 NBA Draft produced some of the best names in NBA history including Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Bill Cartwright, Sidney Moncrief Shortly before that deadline, Bird agreed to sign with the Celtics for a US $650,000 a year contract, making him at the time the highest-paid rookie in the history of the NBA. The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been For the Walt Disney Pictures film about Jim Morris, see The Rookie (2002 movie. Shortly afterwards, the NBA draft eligibility rules were changed to prevent teams from drafting players before they were ready to sign. The rule is called the Bird Collegiate Rule.

Larry Bird's impact on the Celtics was immediate. The Celtics were 29–53 during the 1978–79 season, but with Bird the team improved to 61–21 in the 1979–80 season, posting the league's best regular season record. The 1978–79 NBA season was the 33rd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1979–80 NBA season was the 34th season of the National Basketball Association. Bird's collegiate rival, Magic Johnson, also had entered the NBA in 1979, joining the Los Angeles Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA team based in Los Angeles, California. In 1980, despite a strong rookie season from Johnson, Bird was named the league's Rookie of the Year and was voted onto the Eastern Conference All-Star team (an honor he would receive for each of his 12 full seasons in the NBA). The National Basketball Association's Rookie of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1952–53 NBA season, to the The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams and organized in three divisions of five teams each For the 1980 season, Bird led the Celtics in scoring (21. 3 points/game), rebounding (10. 4 rebounds/game), steals (143), and minutes played (2,955) and was second in assists (4. 5 assists/game) and three-pointers (58). Though Boston was beaten by the more athletic Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference finals that year, Bird's addition to the team had renewed the promise of Celtic glory. The Philadelphia 76ers (also known as the Sixers for short are a professional Basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Following Bird's first season, the Celtics acquired center Robert Parish and the 3rd pick in the 1980 NBA Draft via a trade with the Golden State Warriors (in exchange for the 1st and 13th picks in the draft). The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Robert Lee Parish (born in Shreveport Louisiana) is a retired American Basketball center. The 1980 NBA Draft took place on June 10, 1980. It featured College and other players being selected for NBA teams The Golden State Warriors are an American professional Basketball team based in Oakland, California. After the Warriors took Joe Barry Carroll with the 1st pick and the Utah Jazz chose Darrell Griffith second, the Celtics selected University of Minnesota power forward Kevin McHale. See also List of college men's basketball players with 2000 points and 1000 rebounds Joe Barry Carroll (born July 24, 1958 in Pine Bluff The Utah Jazz is a professional Basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Darrell Steven Griffith, also known by nickname Dr Dunkenstein, (born June 16 1958 in Louisville Kentucky) is a retired American The University of Minnesota Twin Cities ( U of M or The U) is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system. Power forward is a position in the sport of Basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF" For other people of the same name see Kevin McHale (disambiguation Kevin Edward McHale (born December 19 1957 is an American former With Bird at small forward, the additions of Parish and McHale gave Boston one of the most formidable frontcourts in the history of the NBA. The small forward, or colloquially the three, is one of the five positions in a regulation Basketball game The three would anchor the Celtics throughout Bird's career.

In his second season, Bird led the Celtics into the playoffs, where they faced off for a second consecutive year with Julius Erving's Philadelphia 76ers. The 1980–81 NBA season was the 35th season of the National Basketball Association. Julius Winfield Erving II (born February 22 1950 and raised in Roosevelt New York) commonly known by the nickname Dr The Philadelphia 76ers (also known as the Sixers for short are a professional Basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Bird helped the Celtics overcome a 3–1 deficit by winning the last 3 games by 2, 2, and 1 point margins, propelling them into the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Houston Rockets in six games. The 1981 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1980-81 NBA season, pitting the Boston Celtics The Houston Rockets are an American professional Basketball team based in Houston Texas. It would be the first of three championships in Bird's career, as well as the first of his five Finals appearances.

1982–1987: MVPs, championships and the rivalry

See also: Lakers-Celtics rivalry

The additions of Bird and Johnson rejuvenated the NBA, which had suffered from low attendance and minimal television interest through much of the 1970s. Lakers-Celtics Rivalry or Celtics-Lakers Rivalry is a rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, two of the most storied Basketball Immediately upon their entry into the league, the two players became repeating presences in the NBA Finals. Johnson's Lakers won the championship in 1980, Bird's Celtics captured the NBA title in 1981, and Johnson's Lakers wrested it back in 1982. The 1980 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1979-80 NBA season. The 1981 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1980-81 NBA season, pitting the Boston Celtics The 1982 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1981-82 NBA season, the top level of competition in Bird and Johnson first dueled in the 1979 NCAA title game; as professional basketball players, they would face off numerous times during the 1980s, including the NBA Finals of 1984, 1985 and 1987. The 1984 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1983-84 NBA season. The 1985 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1984-85 NBA season. The 1987 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1986-87 NBA season. Lakers versus Celtics, and specifically Bird versus Magic, quickly became one of the greatest rivalries in the history of professional sports.

In 1984, the Celtics defeated the Lakers in a seven-game Finals, winning game seven 111–102. Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Bird averaged 27 points and 14 rebounds a game during the series, earning the award of Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP). The National Basketball Association Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1969 NBA Finals. Bird was also named the league regular season MVP for that year. In 1985, however, the Lakers avenged the loss, defeating the Celtics in game 6 of the Finals in the Boston Garden. Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) The Boston Garden was a famous Arena built in 1928 in Boston Massachusetts. That year, the NBA again named Bird the league MVP.

Boston would have another great season the next year, with help from another Hall of Famer, Bill Walton. William Theodore "Bill" Walton III (born November 5 1952 is a retired American Basketball player and current Television Sportscaster Walton had been refused by the Lakers, and as a last chance, called Celtics president and general manager Red Auerbach. Arnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach (September 20 1917 &ndash October 28 2006 was a Basketball coach of the Washington Capitols, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks Auerbach was initially unwilling to take a risk on Walton, who had been plagued for years by foot injuries. But Bird, who happened to be in Auerbach's office at the time of Walton's call, urged him to sign Walton, saying that if Walton felt he was healthy enough to play, it was all Bird needed to hear.

With Walton backing up Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, the Celtics would return to the finals in 1986, albeit not against Johnson and the Lakers, who lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Houston Rockets. The 1986 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1985-86 NBA season. The Houston Rockets are an American professional Basketball team based in Houston Texas. The 1986 Celtic team, which finished the regular season 67–15 and defeated the Rockets in six games, is generally considered to be the best of Bird's career. Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) Bird again was named the Finals' MVP for that year, averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists per game for the series. He also won his third consecutive league MVP award, a feat matched only by the great Celtic center Bill Russell and the dominant Wilt Chamberlain, who played for Philadelphia and Los Angeles. William Felton "Bill" Russell (born February 12 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana) is a retired American professional Basketball Wilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain (August 21 1936&ndashOctober 12 1999 nicknamed Wilt the Stilt, The Big Dipper, and Chairman of the Boards

In 1987, the Celtics made their last Finals appearance of Bird's career, fighting through difficult series against the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons but as they reached the NBA Finals, the Celtics, plagued by devastating injuries, lost to a dominant Lakers team which had won 65 games during the season. Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar) The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional Basketball team based in Milwaukee Wisconsin. The Detroit Pistons are a team in the National Basketball Association based in the Detroit metropolitan area The Celtics ended up losing to the Lakers in six games. The Celtics would fall short in 1988 losing to the Pistons in 6 games in the Eastern Conference Finals as the Pistons made up from the heartbreak the previous season. Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar) Between them, Bird and Johnson captured eight NBA championships during the 1980s, with Magic getting five and Bird three. During the 1980s, either Boston or Los Angeles appeared in every NBA Finals.

Throughout the 1980s, contests between the Celtics and the Lakers—both during the regular season and in the Finals—attracted enormous television audiences. The first regular season game between the Celtics and the Lakers in the 1987-88 season proved to be a classic with Magic Johnson banking in an off balance shot from near the 3-point line at the buzzer for a 115-114 Lakers win at Boston Garden. The historical rift between the teams, which faced each other several times in championship series of the 1960s, fueled fan interest in the rivalry. Not since Russell squared off against Chamberlain had professional basketball enjoyed such a marquee matchup. The apparent contrast between the two players and their respective teams seemed scripted for television: Bird, the introverted small-town hero with the blue-collar work ethic, fitted perfectly with the throwback, hard-nosed style of the Celtics, while the stylish, gregarious Johnson ran the Lakers' fast-paced "Showtime" offense amidst the bright lights and celebrities of Los Angeles. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West A 1986 Converse commercial for its "Weapon" line of basketball shoes (endorsed by both Bird and Johnson) reflected the perceived dichotomy between the two players. Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) In the commercial, Bird is practicing alone on a rural basketball court when Johnson pulls up in a sleek limousine and challenges him to a one-on-one match. A limousine (or limo) is a longer than normal Luxury car. The chassis may have been extended by the manufacturer or by an independent coach builder traditionally

Despite the intensity of their rivalry, Bird and Johnson became friends off the court. Their friendship blossomed when the two players worked together to film the 1986 Converse commercial, which depicted them as archenemies. Johnson appeared at Bird's retirement ceremony on February 4, 1993 and emotionally described Bird as a "friend forever. Events 211 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus dies leaving the Roman Empire in the hands of his two quarrelsome sons Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar) "

1988–1992: The twilight years

In 1988, Bird had the best statistical season of his career, but the Celtics failed to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in four years, losing to the Pistons in six games during the Eastern Conference Finals. Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar) Bird started the 1988–89 season with Boston, but ended his season after six games to have bone spurs surgically removed from both of his heels. The 1988–89 NBA season was the 43rd season of the National Basketball Association. He returned to the Celtics in 1989, but debilitating back problems and an aging Celtic roster prevented him from regaining his mid-1980s form. Nonetheless, through the final years of his career, Bird maintained his status as one of the premier players in the game. He averaged over 20 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists a game in his last three seasons with the Celtics, and shot better than 45% from the field in each. Bird led the Celtics to playoff appearances in each of those three seasons.

Bird's body, however, continued to break down. He had been bothered by back problems for years, and his back became progressively worse. After leading the Celtics to a 29-5 start to the 1990-91 season, he missed 22 games due to a compressed nerve root in his back, a condition that would eventually lead to his retirement. The 1990–91 NBA season was the 45th season of the National Basketball Association. He had off-season surgery to remove a disc from his back, but his back problems continued and he missed 37 games during the 1991–92 season. The 1991–92 NBA season was the 46th season of the National Basketball Association. During the 1992 Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers Bird missed 4 of 7 games in the series due to his back problems. The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams and organized in three divisions of five teams each The Cleveland Cavaliers (also known as the Cavs) are a professional Basketball team based in Cleveland Ohio.

Olympic medal record
Men's basketball
Competitor for the Flag of the United States United States
Gold 1992 Barcelona National team

In the summer of 1992, Bird joined Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and other NBA stars to play for the United States basketball team in that year's Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Basketball has been played consistently at the Summer Olympic Games since 1936 with demonstration events in 1904 and 1924 The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event held in Barcelona, In 1989 the FIBA allowed professional NBA players to participate in the Olympics for the first time Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17 1963 is a retired American professional Basketball player and active businessman The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The United States men's national basketball team is the representative for the United States of America in international men's Basketball. The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event held in Barcelona, Barcelona ( Catalan bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish baɾθeˈlona is the capital and most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It was the first time in America's Olympic history that the country sent professional basketball players to compete. The "Dream Team" won the men's basketball gold medal. The United States men's national basketball team is the representative for the United States of America in international men's Basketball.

Following his Olympic experience, on August 18, 1992, Bird announced his retirement as an NBA player. Events 293 BC - The oldest known Roman temple to Venus is founded starting the institution of Vinalia Rustica. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) He finished his career with averages of more than 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists per game, while shooting 49. 6% from the field, 88. 6% from the free throw line and 37. 6% from three-point range. Following Bird's departure, the Celtics promptly retired his jersey number "33".

NBA career after retirement

The Celtics employed Bird as a special assistant in the team's front office from 1992 until 1997. In 1997, Bird accepted the position of coach of the Indiana Pacers. Despite having no previous coaching experience, Bird led the Pacers to an Eastern Conference championship in 2000 and two Eastern Conference runner-up finishes the previous two seasons. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. He was named the NBA Coach of the Year for the 1998 season. The National Basketball Association's Coach of the Year is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1962–63 NBA season. The 1997–98 NBA season was the 52nd season of the National Basketball Association.

Bird resigned as Pacers coach shortly after the end of the 2000 season. The 1999–2000 NBA season was the 54th season of the National Basketball Association. In 2003, he returned as the Pacers' President of Basketball Operations, where he oversees team personnel and coaching moves, as well as the team's draft selections. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar.

Coaching record

Indiana Pacers

Legacy

"Larry, you only told me one lie. You said there will be another Larry Bird. Larry, there will never, ever be another Larry Bird. " — Magic Johnson, as quoted at Bird's retirement party. [9]

Bird's humble roots led to his most frequently used moniker, "The Hick From French Lick". Other observers called him "The Great White Hope". Bill Simmons of ESPN's Page Two column refers to Bird as "the Basketball Jesus. Bill Simmons (born September 1969 is a columnist for Page2 on ESPN "

Player profile

Bird, a versatile wing man who played the power forward and small forward positions, is considered as one of the greatest wing players of all time, to which his twelve All-Star team nominations are a testament. The versatile, sharpshooting Bird made his name stepping up his performance in critical situations, and is credited with a long list of dominating games, buzzer beaters and clutch defensive plays. is a Manga series by Takehiko Inoue. The series debuted on the web and was later published in print format by Shueisha, being serialized in its He won two NBA Finals MVP and three regular-season MVP awards, something only five other players in the history of the NBA have accomplished. He won them all in a row, a feat only shared by Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. William Felton "Bill" Russell (born February 12 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana) is a retired American professional Basketball Wilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain (August 21 1936&ndashOctober 12 1999 nicknamed Wilt the Stilt, The Big Dipper, and Chairman of the Boards

Bird possessed an uncanny and unparalleled ability to anticipate and react to the strategies of his opponents. His talent for recognizing the moves of opponents and teammates prompted his first coach with the Celtics, Bill Fitch, to nickname him "Kodak", because he seemed to formulate mental pictures of every play that took place on the court. William Fitch (born May 19 1934 in Davenport Iowa) is an American former NBA coach who has been successful in making teams playoff Eastman Kodak Company ( is an American multinational Public company which produces imaging and photographic materials and equipment

Bird scored 24. 3 points per game in his career on a high . 496 field goal average, a stellar . 886 free throw average (9th best all-time) and a 37. 6 percentage on 3-point shots. Bird was also a good rebounder (10. 0 rebound career average) and an excellent playmaker (6. 3 assist career average). His multidimensional game made him a consistent triple-double threat; Bird currently ranks fifth all-time in triple-doubles with 59, not including the 10 he recorded in the playoffs. A triple-double is a Basketball term defined as an individual performance in a game in which a player accumulates double-digit totals (i A triple-double is a Basketball term defined as an individual performance in a game in which a player accumulates double-digit totals (i Bird's lifetime player efficiency rating (PER) is 23. 5, 16th all-time, a further testament to his all around game. [10] Bird's high free throw percentage is due in no small part to the fact that when he was a boy, he used to shoot 200 free throws before school, every day, according to a late 1990s Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance commercial with Larry himself.

Bird is also remembered as an excellent defender. While he was neither fast or quick-footed, and could not always shut down an individual player one-on-one, he consistently displayed a knack for anticipating the moves of his opponent, allowing him to intercept passes and create turnovers. His 1,556 career steals ranks 27th all-time. [11] Unspectacular but effective defensive moves, such as jumping into a passing lane to make a steal or allowing his man to step past and drive to the hoop, then blocking the opponent's shot from behind, were staples of Bird's defensive game. In recognition of his defensive abilities, Bird was named to three All-Defensive Second Teams.

Bird's competitive nature often emerged in nearly constant trash-talking on the court. Trash-talk is a form of boast or Insult commonly heard in competitive situations (such as Sports events Some notable examples follow:

Personal Life

Prior to attending Indiana State University, Bird married his high-school girlfriend, Janet Condra. Indiana State University ( ISU) is a Public university that is located in Terre Haute Indiana, United States. [14] The marriage lasted only 11 months, but produced a daughter, Corrie, born on August 14, 1977.

In 1998, Corrie Bird appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and revealed that she was Bird's daughter from his first marriage though Larry had denied paternity until the mid 80's. The Oprah Winfrey Show is a United States syndicated Talk show, hosted and produced by its namesake Oprah Winfrey, and is the highest-rated She discussed her longing to connect with her father, who she had not seen in 17 years. Corrie's story was also shown on 20/20 and was run as an article in the September 4, 1998 issue of Sports Illustrated. 20/20 is an American television Newsmagazine broadcast on ABC since June 6, 1978. Events 476 - Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Sports Illustrated is an American Sports Magazine owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Corrie, like her father, played basketball in high school and attended Indiana State University, graduating with a degree in elementary education. Indiana State University ( ISU) is a Public university that is located in Terre Haute Indiana, United States.

On October 31, 1989, Bird married Dinah Mattingly. The couple has two adopted children, son Connor and daughter Mariah.

Memorable moments

Bird is remembered as one of the foremost clutch performers in the history of the NBA. Few players have performed as brilliantly in critical moments of games.

Memorable games

In popular culture

See also

Footnotes

  1. ^ a b Larry Bird summary NBA. List of National Basketball Association players who have scored 60 or more points in a single game com.
  2. ^ http://www.hoophall.com/halloffamers/bird.htm
  3. ^ a b CNN/SI - 33: Larry Bird enters the Hall of Fame
  4. ^ Bird, Larry (1989), Drive: The Story of My Life. Doubleday, p. 28. ISBN 0-385-24921-7
  5. ^ <Bird, Larry (1989), Drive: The Story of My Life. Doubleday, p. 35. ISBN 0-385-24921-7
  6. ^ Bird, Larry (1989), Drive: The Story of My Life. Doubleday, pp. 39-40. ISBN 0-385-24921-7
  7. ^ Bird, Larry (1989), Drive: The Story of My Life. Doubleday, p. 40. ISBN 0-385-24921-7
  8. ^ A Rhinoceros Among The Gazelles - New York Times
  9. ^ NBA.com
  10. ^ Career Leaders and Records for Player Efficiency Rating - Basketball-Reference.com
  11. ^ Career Leaders and Records for Steals - Basketball-Reference.com
  12. ^ NBA.com Happy 50th, Larry Legend
  13. ^ Bird, Larry (1989), Drive: The Story of My Life. Doubleday, p. 87. ISBN 0-385-24921-7
  14. ^ A Rhinoceros Among The Gazelles - New York Times
  15. ^ Sports Illustrated, June 21, 2005
  16. ^ August 18, 1992 California Angels at Boston Red Sox Play by Play and Box Score - Baseball-Reference. Events 524 - Godomar, King of the Burgundians defeats the Franks at the Battle of Vézeronce. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 293 BC - The oldest known Roman temple to Venus is founded starting the institution of Vinalia Rustica. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) com
  17. ^ Felon gets longer sentence to match Bird jersey, published October 20, 2005
  18. ^ Bird 33 Boys - Athletic - Free Shipping Both Ways & 365-Day Return Policy
  19. ^ Larry Bird - IMDB.com Profile
  20. ^ LFO "Summer Girls"
  21. ^ SongMeanings | lyrics | Dispatch - Just Like Larry

External links

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Alfred Lee		 Naismith College Player of the Year (Men)
1979		 Succeeded by
Mark Aguirre
Preceded by
Phil Ford		 John R. Wooden Award (Men)
1979		 Succeeded by
Darrell Griffith
Preceded by
Phil Ford		 NBA Rookie of the Year
1979-80		 Succeeded by
Darrell Griffith
Preceded by
Nate Archibald		 NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player
1982		 Succeeded by
Julius Erving
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Moses Malone		 NBA Most Valuable Player
1983-84
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Magic Johnson
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Moses Malone
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar		 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player
1984
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Magic Johnson
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Dwight Gooden		 Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year
1986		 Succeeded by
Ben Johnson
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Larry Brown		 Indiana Pacers Head Coach
1997–2000		 Succeeded by
Isiah Thomas
Alfred "Butch" Lee (born December 5 1956) is a retired Puerto Rican -born American professional Basketball player The Naismith College Player of the Year award named for Basketball inventor James Naismith, is given annually by the Atlanta Tipoff Club to College Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Mark Anthony Aguirre (born December 10 1959 in Chicago Illinois) is a retired American Basketball player in the National Basketball Association. Phil Jackson Ford Jr (born February 9 1956 in Rocky Mount North Carolina) is a retired American professional Basketball player The John R Wooden Award is an award given annually to the most outstanding men's and women's college Basketball players Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Darrell Steven Griffith, also known by nickname Dr Dunkenstein, (born June 16 1958 in Louisville Kentucky) is a retired American Phil Jackson Ford Jr (born February 9 1956 in Rocky Mount North Carolina) is a retired American professional Basketball player The National Basketball Association's Rookie of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1952–53 NBA season, to the The 1979–80 NBA season was the 34th season of the National Basketball Association. Darrell Steven Griffith, also known by nickname Dr Dunkenstein, (born June 16 1958 in Louisville Kentucky) is a retired American Nathaniel "Tiny" Archibald (born September 2 1948 New York City is a retired American professional Basketball player The National Basketball Association staged its first All-Star Game in the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Julius Winfield Erving II (born February 22 1950 and raised in Roosevelt New York) commonly known by the nickname Dr Moses Eugene Malone (born March 23 1955 in Petersburg Virginia) is an American former National Basketball Association (NBA Basketball player who The 1983–84 NBA season was the 38th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1984–85 NBA season was the 39th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1985–86 NBA season was the 40th season of the National Basketball Association. Moses Eugene Malone (born March 23 1955 in Petersburg Virginia) is an American former National Basketball Association (NBA Basketball player who Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr; April 16 1947 is an American athlete and retired professional Basketball player widely considered The National Basketball Association Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1969 NBA Finals. Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr; April 16 1947 is an American athlete and retired professional Basketball player widely considered Dwight Eugene Gooden (born November 16, 1964 in Tampa Florida) also known as Doc Gooden or Dr The first Athlete of the Year award in the United States was initiated by the Associated Press (AP in 1931. Athletics For an extensive coverage see 1986 in athletics (track and field Auto Racing Benjamin Sinclair "Ben" Johnson CM (b December 30, 1961) is a Canadian former sprinter, who enjoyed a high-profile Lawrence Harvey Brown (born September 14 1940 in Brooklyn, New York, United States) is the head coach of the National Basketball Association Isiah Lord Thomas III (nicknamed "Zeke" (/aɪˈzeɪə/ born April 30 1961 is an American retired professional Basketball player most renowned as the
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