Larry Bird

4.1.1. Draft and Contract Negotiations

Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. Despite being drafted, he did not immediately sign with the Celtics. Instead, Bird chose to play out his final season at Indiana State, leading the Sycamores to the NCAA title game. Celtics general manager Red Auerbach publicly stated that he would not pay Bird more than any current Celtics player. However, Bird's agent, Bob Woolf, warned Auerbach that Bird would reject any offers below market value and would simply re-enter the 1979 NBA draft if an agreement wasn't reached before Boston's draft rights expired on June 25. This situation would have made Bird the likely top pick in the next draft. After protracted negotiations, Bird signed a five-year, 3.25 M USD contract with the Celtics on June 8, 1979, making him the highest-paid rookie in sports history at the time. Shortly thereafter, NBA draft eligibility rules were changed to prevent teams from drafting players before they were ready to sign, a rule that became known as the "Bird Collegiate Rule."

4.1.2. Rookie Season and Immediate Impact

In his rookie season (1979-80), Bird made an immediate and profound impact on the Celtics, transforming them into a title contender. The team improved its win total by 32 games from the previous season, finishing first in the Eastern Conference. In his NBA debut against the Houston Rockets on October 12, 1979, Bird recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a 114-106 victory. On November 14, 1979, he achieved his first career triple-double with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 115-111 win over the Detroit Pistons. Nine days later, he scored his first 30-point game, contributing 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists in a 118-103 victory against the Indiana Pacers.

For the season, Bird averaged 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, earning him a selection to the All-Star Team and the Rookie of the Year award. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics were eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers.

4.1.3. Formation of the "Big Three"

Before the 1980-81 season, the Celtics made pivotal moves that would solidify their dominance for years. They selected forward Kevin McHale in the 1980 NBA draft and acquired center Robert Parish from the Golden State Warriors in a trade. These acquisitions, alongside Bird, formed a legendary trio that is widely regarded as one of the greatest frontcourts in NBA history.

4.2.1. Three Consecutive MVP Awards

Bird was named MVP of the 1983-84 season, averaging 24.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He went on to win the MVP award for three consecutive seasons (1984, 1985, and 1986), an unprecedented feat for a forward. As of 2020, only Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain have also achieved this distinction. Bird also finished as the MVP runner-up four times in his career: in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1988.

4.2.2. Championships and Finals Performances

Bird led the Celtics to three NBA championships during his prime.

In the 1981 postseason, behind Bird's leadership and Boston's upgraded roster, the Celtics advanced to the Conference Finals for a rematch with the 76ers. Boston fell behind 3-1 in the series but staged a remarkable comeback, winning the next three games to advance to the Finals against the Houston Rockets. The Celtics won the series in six games, earning Bird his first championship. Bird averaged 21.9 points, 14 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game for the postseason, and 15.3 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 7 assists per game in the Finals. In Game 1 of the 1981 Finals, Bird famously shot the ball, realized it would miss, ran to the baseline, caught his own rebound in mid-air, and scored, a play that became one of his career highlights.

In the 1984 playoffs, the Celtics avenged their previous year's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, winning in five games in the Conference Finals to advance to the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. This marked the first time Bird and Magic Johnson faced each other in the NBA Finals. In Game 4, with the Lakers on the verge of taking a commanding 3-1 series lead, a flagrant foul on Kurt Rambis led to a brawl and disrupted the Lakers' composure. Boston capitalized, winning that game and ultimately the series in seven games. Bird was named Finals MVP for his performance, averaging 27.4 points, 14 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

In the 1986 playoffs, the Celtics lost only one game through the first three rounds en route to a matchup against the Houston Rockets in the Finals. In Game 6 of the Finals, Bird recorded a triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists as the Celtics secured the championship in six games. He averaged 24 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game for the championship round, earning his second Finals MVP award.

4.2.3. Team Dominance (e.g., 1985-86 Celtics)

The 1985-86 Celtics team is widely considered one of the greatest basketball teams of all time. Before the season, the Celtics made a daring trade for Bill Walton, an All-Star center with a history of injuries. This risk paid off, as Walton's acquisition helped Boston achieve a league-best 67 wins. Their home record of 40 wins and 1 loss (97.6% winning percentage) remains the highest in NBA history. Bird's individual performance, averaging 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, contributed significantly to this dominance.

4.3.1. Impact of Back Injuries

In the 1985 offseason, Bird injured his back while shoveling crushed rock to create a driveway at his mother's house. This incident initiated chronic back problems that would plague him for the remainder of his career. His back pain was exacerbated in 1989 during a charity basketball game when Michael Jordan landed on his back. In 1990, Bird underwent surgery to remove a disc from his back. Following the surgery, he often had to wear a brace, similar to a cast, when not playing basketball. The pain was so severe at times that he would lose sensation in his toes. In his final season, it became so difficult for him to stand or sit that he would often lie prone on the floor with a towel during games when he was on the bench. He later admitted that he "hated basketball" during this period due to the constant pain. His doctors indicated that his back problems stemmed from a congenital abnormality in the bone joints connected to his spine, which would have eventually required surgery even without his athletic career.

4.3.2. Final Seasons and Retirement

Bird's 1988-89 season was cut short after only six games due to surgery to remove bone spurs from both of his heels. This also ended his streak of nine consecutive selections to the All-NBA First Team. Despite his debilitating back problems and an aging Celtics roster, Bird maintained his status as one of the league's premier players. In his final three seasons with the Celtics, he averaged over 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists per game, shooting better than 45% from the field, and continued to lead the Celtics to playoff appearances.

After leading the Celtics to a strong 29-5 start in the 1990-91 season, Bird missed 22 games due to a compressed nerve root in his back. His back issues persisted, causing him to miss 37 games during the 1991-92 season. In the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bird missed four of the seven games due to recurring back problems. Even in his final two seasons, when his back was severely compromised, the Celtics held a 71-28 record when he played, compared to a 30-29 record without him, underscoring his continued importance and game-changing ability.

On August 18, 1992, following his participation in the Barcelona Olympics, Bird announced his retirement from the NBA. He referred to this day as the best day of his life. Immediately after his departure, the Celtics retired his iconic jersey number 33.

4.4.1. Shooting and Scoring Ability

Bird was renowned for his exceptional shooting prowess, effective from both mid-range and beyond the three-point line. He was one of the first players in the league to fully utilize the newly adopted three-point line. He possessed a unique shooting form, often described as shouldering the ball, yet consistently delivered accurate long-range shots. Bird was the first player in NBA history to join the 50-40-90 club (shooting 50% or better on field goals, 40% on three-pointers, and 90% on free throws in a single season while meeting the league minimum for makes in each category), a feat he accomplished twice. He also won the NBA Three-Point Shootout contest three consecutive times (1986-1988). Famously, he sometimes practiced shooting three-point shots with his eyes closed. On March 12, 1985, Bird scored a career-high and franchise record 60 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks, just nine days after Kevin McHale set the previous Celtics record with 56 points.

4.4.2. Passing and Playmaking

Bird possessed exceptional court vision and passing skills, making him an outstanding playmaker. He was capable of facilitating the offense, often acting as a "point forward," a player in a forward position who handles the ball and initiates offensive plays, a role that was ahead of its time. His passing ability was so highly regarded that he was often compared to Magic Johnson, considered one of the greatest point guards and passers in NBA history.

4.4.3. Clutch Performance and Basketball IQ

Bird had a remarkable reputation as one of the foremost clutch performers in NBA history, known for excelling in high-stakes, high-pressure situations. His basketball intelligence was extraordinary; he was often described as being able to see everything on the court in slow motion. Celtics coach Bill Fitch nicknamed him "Kodak" because he seemed to record every moment of the game in his mind.

A prime example of his clutch play occurred in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons. With five seconds remaining and Boston trailing by one point, Bird stole an inbound pass from Isiah Thomas, and while falling out of bounds, passed the ball to Dennis Johnson, who converted a game-winning layup with less than a second left. This steal is considered one of the most famous in Celtics history.

Bird was also known for his trash-talking on the court, often telling opponents exactly how and where he would score against them. He famously predicted a game-winning shot against Xavier McDaniel, then after making it, quipped, "Damn, I didn't mean to leave two seconds on the clock." When guarded by Dennis Rodman in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, Bird continually belittled Rodman's defense, at one point asking Pistons coach Chuck Daly to put someone else on him. In a game against the Dallas Mavericks in 1986, he openly told their bench the exact play the Celtics would run and where he would shoot a three-pointer, then executed it perfectly and winked at their bench.

4.4.4. Defense and Rebounding

Despite not being known for elite athleticism, Bird was an effective defender due to his knack for anticipating opponents' moves, making him a strong team defender. He recorded 1,556 career steals and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team three times. He was also an excellent rebounder, capable of aggressively fighting for boards and securing them in crucial moments. His career high for rebounds in a game was 21.

4.4.5. Physical Limitations and Overcoming Them

Compared to the average NBA player, Bird was not physically gifted in terms of athleticism. He had a notably low vertical leap, struggled with running, and was not particularly fast. In his rookie year, his dribbling was often described as awkward and primarily limited to his right hand. However, Bird compensated for these physical limitations with an unparalleled passion, competitive drive, and relentless effort. He developed all the necessary basketball skills to an elite level, despite his perceived weaknesses. His ability to create scoring opportunities and make decisive shots, even with his slow foot speed, was remarkable. He fearlessly attacked the boards and dove for loose balls, demonstrating an intense commitment to winning.

Bird continuously improved his skills throughout his career. His ability to shoot effectively with his left hand, almost as well as his right, was a skill he developed after turning professional. In a 1986 game against Portland, he reportedly told teammates he would only shoot with his left hand until the third quarter, scoring 20 points with his off-hand before finishing with 47 points. His hard work extended to the offseason, where he often trained at his family home. His improved dribbling and exceptional passing skills allowed him to effectively play as a point forward. The frontcourt of Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish is often hailed as the greatest in NBA history.

Bird, along with Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, ushered in an era where guards and forwards could dominate the game, shifting the league's focus from traditional center-dominated play. This transformation profoundly impacted the sport of basketball.

7.1.1. Appointment and NBA Coach of the Year Award

Despite having no prior coaching experience, Bird led the Pacers to a 58-24 record in the 1997-98 season, which was the franchise's best record as an NBA team at the time. He was named the NBA Coach of the Year for his efforts, defying the common adage that great players do not make great coaches. Bird's coaching philosophy was distinct: he avoided yelling at players during practices or games, preferring to empower them to make plays. However, he was notoriously strict about punctuality, once leaving players behind at the airport if they missed the flight departure time for away games, and implementing a rule that players who were late three times in a month would be benched for that game. He emphasized defensive practice, choosing veteran defensive specialist Dick Harter and young former teammate Rick Carlisle as his only two assistant coaches, a notably small staff for the NBA.

7.1.2. Playoff Success and Finals Appearance

Under Bird's coaching, the Pacers pushed the formidable Chicago Bulls to seven games in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals. Bird was known for his stoic demeanor during games; a notable example occurred in Game 4 against the Bulls, when Reggie Miller hit a dramatic game-winning three-pointer with seconds left. While the arena erupted, Bird remained expressionless, arms crossed, because he felt leaving 0.7 seconds on the clock still gave Michael Jordan a chance to retaliate.

Bird then led the Pacers to consecutive Central Division titles in the lockout-shortened 1999 and 2000 seasons. In the 2000 playoffs, the Pacers finally reached the 2000 NBA Finals, where they faced Bird's former rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Despite a strong effort, the Pacers lost the series 4-2, falling short of the championship.

7.1.3. Resignation

True to his word, Bird resigned from his head coaching position shortly after the end of the 2000 season, fulfilling his promise to coach for only three years. He recommended his friend and assistant coach Rick Carlisle as his successor, though Isiah Thomas ultimately took the role. Bird's decision was partly influenced by his persistent back problems, which made it difficult for him to stand for extended periods, a necessity for coaching.

7.2.1. President of Basketball Operations

In the summer of 2003, Bird returned to the Pacers organization, this time as the President of Basketball Operations, responsible for the team's personnel and strategic decisions. His first significant move was to dismiss head coach Isiah Thomas, whose Pacers had failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs for three consecutive years. Bird then hired Rick Carlisle as the new head coach.

7.2.2. NBA Executive of the Year Award

Following the 2011-12 NBA season, Bird was named NBA Executive of the Year, making him the only person in NBA history to win the NBA MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year awards.

7.2.3. Return and Advisory Roles

On the day before the 2012 NBA draft, Bird announced he would be stepping down from his role as President of Basketball Operations, citing health issues as a primary reason. However, he returned to the Pacers as President of Basketball Operations in 2013. He stepped down again in 2017 but remained with the team in an advisory capacity. Bird continued to serve as an advisor until July 2022, when he "stepped back from maintaining an active role with the Indiana Pacers." Nearly a year later, in June 2023, it was announced that the Pacers re-hired Bird to serve as a consultant.