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{{Short description|American basketball player (born 1956)}}
{{for-multi|the Canadian football player|Larry Bird (Canadian football)|the painter|Larry Bird (artist)|the American politician|Larry Byrd}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Larry Bird
| image = Larrybird.jpg
| alt = Bird smiling
| caption = Bird in 2004
| team = Indiana Pacers
| position = Consultant
| league = [[NBA]]
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 9
| weight_lb = 220
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1956|12|7}}
| birth_place = [[West Baden Springs, Indiana]], U.S.
| high_school = [[Springs Valley High School|Springs Valley]]<br />([[French Lick, Indiana]])
| college = [[Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball|Indiana State]] (1976–1979)
| draft_year = 1978
| draft_round = 1
| draft_pick = 6
| draft_team = [[Boston Celtics]]
| career_start = 1979
| career_end = 1992
| career_position = [[Small forward]] / [[power forward]]
| career_number = 33
| coach_start = 1997
| coach_end = 2000
| years1 = {{nbay|1979|start}}–{{nbay|1991|end}}
| team1 = [[Boston Celtics]]
| cyears1 = {{nbay|1997|start}}–{{nbay|1999|end}}
| cteam1 = [[Indiana Pacers]]
| highlights =
;As player:
* 3× [[NBA champion]] ({{nbafy|1981}}, {{nbafy|1984}}, {{nbafy|1986}})
* 2× [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]] ({{nbafy|1984}}, {{nbafy|1986}})
* 3× [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player]] ({{nbay|1983|end}}–{{nbay|1985|end}})
* 12× [[NBA All-Star]] ({{nasg|1980}}–{{nasg|1988}}, {{nasg|1990}}–{{nasg|1992}})
* [[NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|NBA All-Star Game MVP]] ({{nasg|1982}})
* 9× [[All-NBA First Team]] ({{nbay|1979|end}}–{{nbay|1987|end}})
* [[All-NBA Second Team]] ({{nbay|1989|end}})
* 3× [[NBA All-Defensive Second Team]] ({{nbay|1981|end}}–{{nbay|1983|end}})
* [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|NBA Rookie of the Year]] ({{nbay|1979|end}})
* [[NBA All-Rookie Team]] ({{nbay|1979|end}})
* 3× [[NBA Three-Point Contest]] champion ({{nasg|1986}}–{{nasg|1988}})
* [[Associated Press Athlete of the Year|AP Athlete of the Year]] (1986)
* [[NBA anniversary team]] ([[50 Greatest Players in NBA History|50th]], [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team|75th]])
* {{abbr|No.|Number}} 33 [[List of Boston Celtics accomplishments and records#Retired numbers|retired by Boston Celtics]]
* Consensus [[List of U.S. men's college basketball national player of the year awards|National College Player of the Year]] ([[1978–79 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1979]])
* 2× Consensus first-team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1978 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1978]], [[1979 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1979]])
* Third-team All-American – [[National Association of Basketball Coaches|NABC]], [[United Press International|UPI]] ([[1977 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1977]])
* 2× [[Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|MVC Player of the Year]] (1978, 1979)
* 2× First-team All-[[Missouri Valley Conference|MVC]] (1978, 1979)
* No. 33 [[Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball#Retired numbers|retired by Indiana State Sycamores]]
;As coach:
* [[NBA Coach of the year Award|NBA Coach of the Year]] ({{nbay|1997|end}})
* [[NBA All-Star Game head coach]] ([[1998 NBA All-Star Game|1998]])
;As executive:
* [[NBA Executive of the Year Award|NBA Executive of the Year]] ({{nbay|2011|end}})
| stats_league = NBA
| stat1label = [[Point (basketball)|Points]]
| stat1value = 21,791 (24.3 ppg)
| stat2label = [[Rebound (basketball)|Rebounds]]
| stat2value = 8,974 (10.0 rpg)
| stat3label = [[Assist (basketball)|Assists]]
| stat3value = 5,695 (6.3 apg)
| cstats_league1 = NBA
| cwin1 = 147
| closs1 = 67
| HOF_player = larry-bird
| CBBASKHOF_year = 2006
| medal_templates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[basketball]]}}
{{MedalCountry|the {{USA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Olympic Games]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[Basketball at the 1992 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|1992 Barcelona]] | [[Basketball at the 1992 Summer Olympics|Men's Basketball]]}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[FIBA AmeriCup|FIBA Americas Championship]]}}
{{Medal|Gold|[[1992 Tournament of the Americas|1992 Portland]]|[[1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team|Men's basketball]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[World University Games]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[1977 Summer Universiade|1977 Sofia]] |[[Basketball at the 1977 Summer Universiade|Men's Basketball]] }}
}}
'''Larry Joe Bird''' (born December 7, 1956) is an American former professional [[basketball]] player, coach, and executive in the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA). Nicknamed "'''the Hick from French Lick'''" and "'''Larry Legend'''" <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/larry-bird |title=Larry Bird |website=Olympics.com |access-date=February 10, 2025}}</ref> Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He is the only person in NBA history to be named [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]], [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]], [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|Finals MVP]], [[1982 NBA All-Star Game|All-Star MVP]], [[NBA Coach of the Year Award|Coach of the Year]], and [[NBA Executive of the Year Award|Executive of the Year]].<ref name="triple award">{{cite magazine |url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/nba/05/16/larry.bird.pacers.executive.ap/index.html |title = Pacers' Bird named NBA's top exec |magazine = [[Sports Illustrated]] |date = May 16, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120519090133/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/nba/05/16/larry.bird.pacers.executive.ap/index.html |archive-date = May 19, 2012 |quote = "Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird was voted the NBA's Executive of the Year on Wednesday, becoming the first person to win that award, plus the MVP and Coach of the Year honors." }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA" />
Growing up in [[French Lick, Indiana]], Bird was a local basketball star. Highly [[college recruiting|recruited]], he initially signed to play [[college basketball]] for coach [[Bob Knight]] of the [[Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball|Indiana Hoosiers]]. However, Bird dropped out after one month and returned to French Lick and attended a local college. The next year, he attended [[Indiana State University]], ultimately playing three years for the [[Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball|Sycamores]]. Selected by the [[Boston Celtics]] with the sixth overall pick in the [[1978 NBA draft]] after his second year at Indiana State, Bird elected to stay in college and returned for the 1978–79 season. He then led his team to an undefeated regular season. The season finished with a national championship game match-up of Indiana State against [[Michigan State Spartans men's basketball|Michigan State]] and featured a highly anticipated match-up of Bird against Michigan State great [[Magic Johnson]], thus beginning a career-long rivalry that the two shared for over a decade. Michigan State won, ending the Sycamores' undefeated streak.
Bird entered the NBA for the 1979–80 season, where he made an immediate impact, starting at power forward and leading the Celtics to a 32-win improvement over the previous season before being eliminated from the playoffs in the conference finals. Bird played for the Celtics during his entire professional career (13 seasons), leading them to five [[NBA Finals]] appearances and three [[NBA championship]]s. Bird played most of his career with forward [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]] and center [[Robert Parish]], considered by some to be the greatest front court in NBA history.<ref>{{Cite web |last = B |first = Mike |title = Big Threes Beyond the Boston Celtics & Miami Heat: 50 Best Trios in NBA History |url = https://bleacherreport.com/articles/510139-big-threes-beyond-the-boston-celtics-miami-heat-50-best-trios-in-nba-history |access-date = November 2, 2022 |website = Bleacher Report |language = en |archive-date = November 2, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221102234456/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/510139-big-threes-beyond-the-boston-celtics-miami-heat-50-best-trios-in-nba-history |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird was a 12-time [[NBA All-Star]], won two [[NBA Finals MVP]] awards and received the [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award]] three consecutive times ([[1983–84 NBA season|1984]]–[[1985–86 NBA season|1986]]), making him the only forward in league history to do so. Bird was also a member of the gold medal-winning [[1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team|1992 U.S. Olympic basketball team]], known as the "Dream Team". He was inducted into the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] twice as a player—first in 1998 as an individual, and again in 2010 as a member of the "Dream Team." Bird was voted onto the NBA's [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History]] list in 1996, and subsequently the [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team|75th Anniversary Team]] list in 2021.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |url = https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced |title = NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced |website = [[NBA.com]] |access-date = October 26, 2021 |archive-date = October 16, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221016202815/https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced |url-status = live }}</ref> A versatile player at both forward positions, Bird could play both inside and outside, being one of the first players in the league to take advantage of the newly adopted [[three-point line]]. He was rated the greatest NBA [[small forward]] of all time by Fox Sports in 2016.<ref>[https://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/top-10-small-forwards-in-nba-history-061814 Fox Sports: Top 10 small forwards in NBA history] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329213421/https://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/top-10-small-forwards-in-nba-history-061814 |date=March 29, 2020 }}. Fox Sports, October 20, 2016. Retrieved March 29, 2020.</ref>
After retiring as a player, Bird served as head coach of the [[Indiana Pacers]] from [[1997–98 NBA season|1997]] to [[1999–2000 NBA season|2000]]. He was named [[NBA Coach of the Year Award|NBA Coach of the Year]] for the [[1997–98 Indiana Pacers season|1997–98 season]] and later led the Pacers to a berth in the [[2000 NBA Finals]]. In 2003, Bird was named president of basketball operations for the Pacers, holding the position until retiring in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pacers/.../larry-bird.../1 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160308042100/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pacers/.../larry-bird.../1 |url-status = dead |archive-date = March 8, 2016 |work = USA Today |title = Sports Essentials }}</ref> He was named [[NBA Executive of the Year Award|NBA Executive of the Year]] for the 2012 season. Bird returned to the [[Indiana Pacers|Pacers]] as president of basketball operations in 2013,<ref name=return>{{cite web |url = http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/reports-bird-returning |title = Bird Returns |publisher = Indiana Pacers |date = June 26, 2013 |access-date = May 13, 2015 }}</ref> and remained in that role until 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.denverpost.com/2017/05/01/larry-bird-resigns-indiana-pacers-president/ |title = Larry Bird resigns as Indiana Pacers president for second time |work = The Denver Post |date = May 1, 2017 |access-date = June 24, 2021 |archive-date = June 24, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203442/https://www.denverpost.com/2017/05/01/larry-bird-resigns-indiana-pacers-president/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird continued with the Pacers as an advisor until July 2022, then after nearly a year's break returned to the organization in the role of consultant.<ref name="indystar.com">{{cite news |title=Larry Bird returns to help Pacers. Fans have opinions on that, some nice, some not so nice |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2023/06/01/larry-bird-returns-to-indiana-pacers-as-a-consultant/70275671007/ |access-date=July 7, 2023 |agency=IndyStar.com |date=June 1, 2023 |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601132230/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2023/06/01/larry-bird-returns-to-indiana-pacers-as-a-consultant/70275671007/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Early life==
Bird was born December 7, 1956, in [[West Baden Springs, Indiana]], to Georgia Marie (née Kerns; 1930–1996)<ref>{{cite web |title=Georgia Bird, 66, mother of Larry Bird |url=https://latimes.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-georgia-kerns-obit/136330868/ |website=latimes.newspapers.com |access-date=May 28, 2024 |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird (1926–1975), a veteran of [[World War II]] and the [[Korean War]].<ref name=Schwartz1>{{cite web |last = Schwartz |first = Larry |title = Plain and simple, Bird one of the best |url = https://www.espn.com/sportscentury/features/00014096.html |work = ESPN |access-date = July 29, 2013 |archive-date = January 26, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090126195257/http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00014096.html |url-status = live }}</ref> His parents were of [[Irish people|Irish]], [[Scottish people|Scottish]] and [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] descent.<ref>{{Cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=zp1mDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA13 |title = Larry Bird: Hall of Fame Basketball Superstar |first = Jack |last = Kavanagh |date = July 1, 2013 |publisher = Enslow Publishing, LLC |isbn = 9781622851492 |via = Google Books |access-date = June 29, 2020 |archive-date = March 7, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230307083317/https://books.google.com/books?id=zp1mDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA13 |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird has four brothers and a sister.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-12-17-8704030797-story.html |title = EDDIE BIRD HAS A TOUGH ACT TO FOLLOW AT INDIANA STATE |website = Chicago Tribune |date = December 17, 1987 |access-date = February 24, 2020 |archive-date = February 24, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200224220846/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-12-17-8704030797-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
Bird was raised in nearby [[French Lick, Indiana|French Lick]], where his mother worked two jobs to support Larry and his five siblings.<ref name=Schwartz2>{{cite web |last = Schwartz |first = Larry |title = Eye for victory |url = https://www.espn.com/sportscentury/features/00014103.html |work = ESPN |access-date = July 29, 2013 |archive-date = November 27, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111127175835/http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00014103.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird has said that being poor as a child still motivates him "to this day."<ref name=1988flash>{{cite magazine |url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1998/bird/flashbacks/1988flash.html |title = Boston's Larry Bird, in what may be his finest season, gets Red Auerbach's vote—over Bill Russell—as the best ever |magazine = [[Sports Illustrated]] |last = Deford |first = Frank |date = March 21, 1988 |access-date = May 24, 2011 |url-status = bot: unknown |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130930041901/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1998/bird/flashbacks/1988flash.html |archive-date = September 30, 2013 }}</ref> Georgia and Joe divorced when Larry was in high school, and Joe committed [[suicide]] in February 1975.<ref>{{cite magazine |last = Papanek |first = John |title = Gifts That God Didn't Give |url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1124961/4/index.htm |magazine = Sports Illustrated |access-date = July 29, 2013 |date = November 9, 1981 |url-status = bot: unknown |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131109025611/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1124961/4/index.htm |archive-date = November 9, 2013 }}</ref>
Bird used basketball as an escape from his family troubles, starring for [[Springs Valley High School]] (Class of 1974)<ref>{{cite web |title=Larry Bird |url=https://hoopshall.com/inductees/larry-bird/ |website=Hoopshall |access-date=May 28, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> and averaging 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4.0 assists as a senior on his way to becoming the school's all-time scoring leader.<ref name=Schwartz1 /><ref name="Larry Bird: Biography">{{cite web |url = http://www.larrybird.com/Biography.aspx/ |title = Larry Bird: Biography |access-date = June 28, 2013 |archive-date = May 1, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130501094419/http://www.larrybird.com/Biography.aspx/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird wore the jersey number 33 in high school because his brother Mark had previously had it; he kept that number through his college and professional career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tribune-Star |first=Mark Bennett |date=2025-03-06 |title=Mark Bennett: Before he was 'Larry Legend,' Bird shaped by boyhood, book explains |url=https://www.tribstar.com/news/local_news/mark-bennett-before-he-was-larry-legend-bird-shaped-by-boyhood-book-explains/article_55e184f6-faa7-11ef-a259-1fb5303ea62b.html |access-date=2025-05-26 |website=Terre Haute Tribune-Star |language=en}}</ref> According to Bird, he grew up as a huge fan of the [[Indiana Pacers]] in the [[American Basketball Association]] (ABA) and the 6'9 center [[Mel Daniels]], who represented his first exposure to professional basketball.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mel Daniels|url=https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/mel-daniels/|date=September 7, 2012|access-date=October 30, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232645/https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/mel-daniels/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bird's youngest brother, [[Eddie Bird|Eddie]], also played basketball at Indiana State University, where Daniels would coincidentally become an assistant coach to the young Larry once he played there.<ref name="auto" />
==
Bird received a scholarship to play [[college basketball]] for the [[Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball|Indiana Hoosiers]] under head coach [[Bob Knight]] in 1974.<ref>{{cite news |last = Davis |first = Seth |title = When March Went Mad |url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_bonus/03/03/march.mad/index.html |access-date = May 17, 2012 |newspaper = Sports Illustrated |date = March 4, 2009 |url-status = bot: unknown |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130930045637/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_bonus/03/03/march.mad/index.html |archive-date = September 30, 2013 }}</ref> After less than a month on the [[Indiana University]] campus, Bird dropped out of school, finding the adjustment between his small hometown and the large student population of [[Bloomington, Indiana|Bloomington]] to be overwhelming.<ref name=Schwartz1 /> Bird returned to French Lick, enrolling at Northwood Institute (now [[Northwood University]]) in nearby West Baden, and working municipal jobs for a year before enrolling at [[Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball|Indiana State University]] in [[Terre Haute, Indiana|Terre Haute]] in 1975.<ref>Bird, Larry (1989), Drive: The Story of My Life. Doubleday, pp. 39–40. {{ISBN|0-385-24921-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2015/06/25/boston-celtics-draft-2015/ |title = Throwback Thursday: Celtics Draft Larry Bird Sixth Overall |website = Boston Magazine |access-date = December 31, 2015 |archive-date = January 2, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160102055556/http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2015/06/25/boston-celtics-draft-2015/ |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.celticsblog.com/2015/1/7/7507079/the-story-of-how-rookie-phenom-larry-bird-led-the-nbas-greatest |title = The story of how rookie phenom Larry Bird led the NBA's greatest turnaround season |author = Professor Parquet |date = January 7, 2015 |website = CelticsBlog |access-date = December 31, 2015 |archive-date = January 2, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160102055556/http://www.celticsblog.com/2015/1/7/7507079/the-story-of-how-rookie-phenom-larry-bird-led-the-nbas-greatest |url-status = live }}</ref> He had a successful three-year career with the Sycamores, helping them reach the [[NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship|NCAA tournament]] for the first time in school history with a 33–0 record where they played the [[1979 NCAA Division I basketball championship game|1979 championship game]] against [[1978–79 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team|Michigan State]].<ref name="magicbird">''Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals''. [[HBO]], 2010.</ref><ref name=BirdBio>{{cite web |title = Larry Bird Bio |date = January 18, 2021 |url = https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/larry_bird_career_retrospective/s1__32934935#slide_5 |work = Yardbarker |access-date = April 6, 2021 |archive-date = April 10, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210410165929/https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/larry_bird_career_retrospective/s1__32934935#slide_5 |url-status = live }}</ref> Indiana State lost the game 75–64, with Bird scoring 19 points but making only 7 of 21 shots.<ref name=Schwartz1/>
[[File:Larry Bird ISU.jpg|thumb|upright|right|alt=Bird in a basketball uniform, having just shot a ball|Bird warming up for Indiana State]]
The game achieved the highest-ever television rating for a college basketball game, in large part because of the matchup between Bird and Spartans' [[point guard]] [[Magic Johnson|Earvin "Magic" Johnson]],<ref name=Schwartz2 /> a rivalry that lasted throughout their professional careers. Despite failing to win the championship, Bird earned numerous year-end awards and honors for his outstanding play, including the [[Naismith College Player of the Year]] Award.<ref name=BirdBio /> For his college career, Bird averaged 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game,<ref name="Larry Bird">{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/birdla01.html |title = Larry Bird NBA Stats |website = Basketball-Reference.com |access-date = May 13, 2015 |archive-date = May 12, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130512162618/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/birdla01.html |url-status = live }}</ref> leading the Sycamores to an 81–13 record during his tenure.<ref name=BirdBio /> Bird also appeared in one game for the [[Indiana State Sycamores baseball|baseball team]], going 1-for-2 with 2 RBI.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/05/04/larry-birds-college-baseball-career-included-lofty-batting-average/26884387/ |title = Larry Bird's baseball career: A lofty .500 batting average |author = Dana Hunsinger |date = May 4, 2015 |publisher = Indianapolis Star |website = Indystar.com |access-date = December 8, 2016 |archive-date = May 21, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190521210731/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/05/04/larry-birds-college-baseball-career-included-lofty-batting-average/26884387/ |url-status = live }}</ref> He graduated in 1979 with a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in [[physical education]].<ref>{{cite book |last = May |first = Peter |date = 1994 |title = The Big Three |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6owRYSf9llMC&pg=PA41 |___location = New York, NY |publisher = Simon & Schuster |page = 41 |isbn = 978-1-4165-5207-9 |access-date = January 19, 2020 |archive-date = March 7, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230307083327/https://books.google.com/books?id=6owRYSf9llMC&pg=PA41 |url-status = live }}</ref>
==Professional career==
===Boston Celtics (1979–1992)===
====Joining the Celtics (1978–1979)====
Bird was selected by the [[1978–79 Boston Celtics season|Boston Celtics]] with the sixth overall pick in the [[1978 NBA draft]].<ref name="Larry Bird" /> He did not sign with the Celtics immediately; instead, Bird played out his final season at Indiana State and led the Sycamores to the NCAA title game. Celtics general manager [[Red Auerbach]] publicly stated that he would not pay Bird more than any Celtic on the current roster, but Bird's agent [[Bob Woolf]] told Auerbach that Bird would reject any sub-market offers and simply enter the [[1979 NBA draft|1979 draft]] instead, where Boston's rights would expire when the draft began on June 25, and Bird would have been the likely top pick. After protracted negotiations, he signed a five-year, $3.25 million contract with the team on June 8, making Bird the highest-paid rookie in sports history<!-- at the time-->.<ref name=clndbr>{{cite news |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dyxHAAAAIBAJ&pg=1610%2C1503176 |work = The Day |___location = (New London, Connecticut) |agency = Associated Press |last = Braude |first = Dick |title = For $3.25 million, Celtics land Bird |date = June 8, 1979 |page = 33 |access-date = November 14, 2020 |archive-date = June 8, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210608095925/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dyxHAAAAIBAJ&pg=1610%2C1503176 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Larry Bird: Biography" /><ref name=big-three-57>{{cite book |last = May |first = Peter |title = The Big Three |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6owRYSf9llMC&pg=PA57 |access-date = March 21, 2013 |year = 2007 |orig-year = 1994 |publisher = Simon and Schuster |___location = New York |isbn = 978-1-4165-5207-9 |page = 57 |oclc = 86221987 }}</ref> Shortly afterwards, NBA draft eligibility rules were changed to prevent teams from drafting players before they were ready to sign, a rule known as the Bird Collegiate Rule.<ref name=big-three-57 />
====Early success (1979–1983)====
[[File:Houston Rockets at Boston Celtics 1979-10-12 (Official Scorer's Report) (Larry Bird crop).jpg|alt=A box score with Bird's numbers highlighted|thumb|upright=1.3|Bird recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in his NBA debut against the Houston Rockets on October 12, 1979.]]
In his rookie season (1979–80), Bird immediately transformed the Celtics into a title contender. The team improved its win total by 32 games from the [[1978–79 Boston Celtics season|year before he was drafted]] and finished first in the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]].<ref>{{cite web |title = 1978–79 NBA Season Summary |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1979.html |publisher = Basketball Reference |access-date = March 2, 2014 |archive-date = October 14, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131014055415/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1979.html |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name=BR80>{{cite web |title = 1979–80 NBA Season Summary |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1980.html |publisher = Basketball Reference |access-date = March 2, 2014 |archive-date = August 4, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110804024957/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1980.html |url-status = live }}</ref> In his career debut, Bird recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a 114–106 victory over the Houston Rockets.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197910120BOS.html |title = Houston Rockets at Boston Celtics Box Score, October 12, 1979 |publisher = Basketball-Reference |access-date = November 22, 2019 |archive-date = January 2, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200102080327/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197910120BOS.html |url-status = live }}</ref> On November 14, 1979, he recorded his first career triple-double with 23 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in a 115–111 victory over the Detroit Pistons.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197911140BOS.html |title = Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics Box Score, November 14, 1979 |publisher = Basketball-Reference |access-date = November 12, 2019 |archive-date = November 12, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191112112037/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197911140BOS.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Nine days later, Bird recorded his first 30-point scoring game (along with 11 rebounds and 3 assists) in a 118–103 victory over the Indiana Pacers.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197911230BOS.html |title = Indiana Pacers at Boston Celtics Box Score, November 23, 1979 |publisher = Basketball-Reference |access-date = November 22, 2019 |archive-date = March 3, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200303093739/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197911230BOS.html |url-status = live }}</ref> With averages of 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game for the [[1979–80 Boston Celtics season|season]], he was selected to the [[NBA All-Star Game|All-Star Team]] and named [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]].<ref name="Larry Bird" /> In the [[1980 NBA Playoffs|Eastern Conference Finals]], Boston was eliminated by the [[1979–80 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]].<ref name="BR80" />
Before the [[1980–81 NBA season|1980–81 season]], the Celtics selected forward [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]] in the [[1980 NBA draft|draft]] and acquired center [[Robert Parish]] from the [[Golden State Warriors]],<ref>{{cite web |title = Kevin McHale NBA & ABA Stats |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mchalke01.html |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = March 2, 2014 |archive-date = August 5, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110805065633/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mchalke01.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Robert Parish NBA & ABA Stats |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/parisro01.html |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = March 2, 2014 |archive-date = February 24, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110224181056/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/parisro01.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> forming a Hall of Fame trio for years to come; the front-court of Bird, McHale, and Parish is regarded as one of the greatest front-courts in NBA history.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/5-best-players-in-boston-celtics-history-101316 |title = 5 best players in Boston Celtics history |date = October 13, 2016 |website = FOX Sports |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329211345/https://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/5-best-players-in-boston-celtics-history-101316 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nba.com/history/legends/profiles/kevin-mchale |title = Legends profile: Kevin McHale |website = NBA.com |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329211337/https://www.nba.com/history/legends/profiles/kevin-mchale |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/13/expert-panel-warriors-not-greatest-team-of-all-time/ |title = NBA expert panel: Warriors not the greatest of all time, or even No. 2 |date = June 13, 2017 |website = Mercury News |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329225234/https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/13/expert-panel-warriors-not-greatest-team-of-all-time/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Behind Bird's leadership and Boston's upgraded roster, the Celtics again advanced to the [[1981 NBA playoffs|Conference Finals]] for a rematch with the 76ers.<ref name="BR81">{{cite web |title = 1980–81 NBA Season Summary |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1981.html |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = March 2, 2014 |archive-date = August 7, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110807021052/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1981.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Boston fell behind 3–1 to start the series but won the next three games to advance to the Finals against the [[1980–81 Houston Rockets season|Houston Rockets]],<ref>{{cite web |title = 1981 NBA Eastern Conference finals |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1981_ECF.html#BOS-PHI |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = March 2, 2014 |archive-date = March 2, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140302233036/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1981_ECF.html#BOS-PHI |url-status = live }}</ref> winning in six games and earning Bird his first [[List of NBA champions|championship]].<ref name="BR81" /> 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 for the Finals.<ref name="Larry Bird" /><ref>{{cite web |title = 1981 NBA Finals |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1981_finals.html#BOS-HOU |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = March 2, 2014 |archive-date = March 2, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140302232351/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1981_finals.html#BOS-HOU |url-status = live }}</ref>
At the [[1982 NBA All-Star Game|1982 All-Star Game]], Bird scored 19 points en route to winning the [[NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|All-Star Game MVP Award]].<ref name="NBA Bird">{{cite web |title = NBA.com: Larry Bird Bio |url = http://www.nba.com/history/players/bird_bio.html |website = NBA |access-date = March 8, 2014 |archive-date = January 13, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120113101905/http://www.nba.com/history/players/bird_bio.html |url-status = live }}</ref> At the end of the [[1981–82 NBA season|season]], he earned his first [[NBA All-Defensive Team|All-Defensive Team]] selection.<ref name="Larry Bird" /> Bird eventually finished runner-up in [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player Award]] voting to [[Moses Malone]].<ref name="NBA Bird" /> In the [[1982 NBA Playoffs|Conference Finals]], the Celtics faced the [[1981–82 Philadelphia 76ers season|76ers]] for the third consecutive year, losing in seven games.<ref>{{cite web |title = 1982 NBA Playoffs Summary |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1982.html |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = March 8, 2014 |archive-date = July 11, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220711135344/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1982.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Boston's misfortunes continued into [[1982–83 NBA season|the next season]], with Bird again finishing second in MVP voting to Malone and the team losing in the conference semifinals to the Milwaukee Bucks.<ref name="NBA Bird" /><ref>{{cite web |title = 1983 NBA Playoffs Summary |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1983.html |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = March 8, 2014 |archive-date = June 4, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200604201835/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1983.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
====MVP threepeat (1983–1986)====
[[File:Larry Bird layup.jpg|thumb|upright|right|alt=Bird jumping into a layup|Bird in a game against the [[Washington Bullets]]]]
Bird was slated to become a [[free agent]] after the 1983–84 season. In 1983, as part of a collective bargaining agreement, the NBA initially implemented a "hard" [[salary cap]] (meaning total player salaries could not exceed a certain limit) which would not go into effect until the 1984–85 season. The NBA quickly modified this to a "soft cap", meaning the cap could be exceeded in order for a team re-sign its own free agents. This came to be erroneously known as the "Larry Bird Rule"; the Celtics didn't actually invoke the exception to specifically re-sign Bird, as the cap wasn't in effect. Bird signed his seven-year, $12.6 million extension in 1983, before the cap came into effect and the Celtics were actually over the cap in total player salaries (including Bird's extension) at the time the cap was implemented.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/sports-now/story/2010-05-05/sports-legends-revealed-how-did-the-larry-bird-exception-to-the-nba-salary-cap-get-its-name |title=Sports Legends Revealed: How did the 'Larry Bird exception' to the NBA salary cap get its name? |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 5, 2010 |access-date=January 14, 2025}}</ref>
Bird was named MVP of the [[1983–84 NBA season|1983–84 season]] with averages of 24.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.<ref name="Larry Bird" /> In the [[1984 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]], the Celtics avenged their loss from the year before to the Bucks, winning in five games in the Conference Finals to advance to the Finals against the [[1983–84 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles Lakers]].<ref name=84P>{{cite web |title = 1984 NBA Playoffs Summary |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1984.html |publisher = Basketball Reference |access-date = March 20, 2014 |archive-date = July 11, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220711140927/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1984.html |url-status = live }}</ref> In Game 4, the Lakers—led by Bird's college rival Magic Johnson—were on the verge of taking a commanding 3–1 series lead before a flagrant foul was committed on [[Kurt Rambis]] that resulted in a brawl and caused the Lakers to lose their composure.<ref>{{cite book |last = MacMullan |first = Jackie |title = When the Game Was Ours |date = 2009 |publisher = Mariner |isbn = 978-0-547-39458-9 |page = 136 }}</ref> Boston came back to win that game and eventually won the series in seven games.<ref name=84P /> Bird was named [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|Finals MVP]] behind 27.4 points, 14 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.<ref name=84P />
[[File:December 1983 One on One Dr J vs Larry Bird advertisement by Electronic Arts (cropped) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Bird in 1983]]
On December 9, 1984, Bird recorded 48 points to go along with 14 rebounds and 5 assists in a narrow 128–127 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198412090BOS.html |title = Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics Box Score, December 9, 1984 |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = November 22, 2019 |archive-date = June 4, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200604074726/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198412090BOS.html |url-status = live }}</ref> On March 12 of the [[1984–85 NBA season|1984–85 season]], Bird scored a career-high and franchise record 60 points in a game against the [[Atlanta Hawks]].<ref>{{cite web |last = Schwartz |first = Larry |title = Eye for victory |url = https://www.espn.com/sportscentury/features/00014103.html |website = ESPN |access-date = March 29, 2014 |archive-date = September 26, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130926235432/http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00014103.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The performance came just nine days after Kevin McHale set the previous Celtics record for points in a game with 56.<ref>{{cite book |last = MacMullan |first = Jackie |title = When the Game Was Ours |date = 2009 |publisher = Mariner |isbn = 978-0-547-39458-9 |page = 15 }}</ref> At the end of the year, Bird was named MVP for the second consecutive season, behind averages of 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game.<ref name="Larry Bird" /> Boston advanced through the [[1985 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]] to earn a rematch with the Lakers, this time losing in six games.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1985_finals.html |title = 1985 NBA Finals Composite Box Score |website = Basketballreference.com |access-date = December 31, 2015 |archive-date = September 23, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110923012030/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1985_finals.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
During the 1985 offseason, Bird injured his back shoveling crushed rock to create a driveway at his mother's house. At least partially as a result of this, Bird experienced back problems for the rest of his career.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 13, 2023 |title=7 Surprising Larry Bird Facts |url=https://hoopmaestro.com/7-surprising-larry-bird-facts/ |access-date= |website=HoopMaestro |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313205837/https://hoopmaestro.com/7-surprising-larry-bird-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Larry Bird Lipofsky.jpg|thumb|upright|right|alt=Bird holding a basketball, aiming to shoot|Bird playing for the Celtics in the [[1985 NBA Playoffs|1985 NBA playoffs]]]]
Before the start of the [[1985–86 NBA season|1985–86 season]], the Celtics made a daring trade for [[Bill Walton]], an All-Star center with a history of injury.<ref name=86C>{{cite web |title = 1985–86 Boston Celtics |url = http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/challenge_celtics1986.html |work = NBA.com |access-date = March 30, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140414075156/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/challenge_celtics1986.html |archive-date = April 14, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref> The risk paid off; Walton's acquisition helped Boston win a league best 67 games.<ref>{{cite web |title = 1985–86 NBA Season Summary |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1986.html |publisher = Basketball Reference |access-date = March 30, 2014 |archive-date = May 1, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120501203633/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1986.html |url-status = live }}</ref> One of Bird's career highlights occurred at the [[1986 NBA All-Star Game|1986 NBA All-Star Weekend]] when he walked into the locker room at the inaugural [[Three-Point Shootout]] and asked who was going to finish second before winning the shootout.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.espn.com/dallas/nba/columns/story?id=4888727 |title = With Bird in, good things came with 3s |access-date = June 15, 2014 |date = February 5, 2010 |publisher = [[ESPN]] |last = Caplan |first = Jeff |archive-date = January 2, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160102055556/http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/columns/story?id=4888727 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://nesn.com/2011/08/relive-the-moment-larry-bird-wins-inaugural-three-point-contest/ |title = Relive the Moment: Larry Bird Easily Wins Inaugural 3-Point Contest After Asking Field Who Would Finish Second |access-date = June 15, 2014 |date = August 17, 2011 |publisher = [[New England Sports Network]] |archive-date = July 26, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140726181929/http://nesn.com/2011/08/relive-the-moment-larry-bird-wins-inaugural-three-point-contest/ |url-status = live }}</ref><!-- Note that one source claims that he won the first two and then laid down the challenge before winning the third one http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/moments_bird88.html User:TonyTheTiger -->
On November 27, 1985, Bird recorded 47 points to go along with 12 rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a 132–124 victory over the Detroit Pistons.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198511270BOS.html |title = Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics Box Score, November 27, 1985 |publisher = Basketball-Reference |access-date = November 22, 2019 |archive-date = June 4, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200604074724/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198511270BOS.html |url-status = live }}</ref> On March 10, 1986, he scored 50 points to go along with 11 rebounds and five assists in a narrow 116–115 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198603100DAL.html |title = Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks Box Score, March 10, 1986 |publisher = Basketball-Reference |access-date = November 22, 2019 |archive-date = August 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190829020245/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198603100DAL.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
With averages of 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, Bird became just the third player in NBA history to win three consecutive MVP Awards.<ref>{{cite web |title = Larry Legend – Bird wins third straight MVP |url = https://www.espn.com/classic/s/moment010528bird-mvp.html |publisher = ESPN Classic |access-date = March 30, 2014 |archive-date = October 2, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131002102445/http://espn.go.com/classic/s/moment010528bird-mvp.html |url-status = live }}</ref> In the [[1986 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]], the Celtics lost only one game through the first three rounds en route to a match-up against the [[1985–86 Houston Rockets season|Rockets]] in the Finals.<ref name=86C /> In Game 6 of the Finals against the Rockets, Bird recorded a triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists as the Celtics won the Finals in six games.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198606080BOS.html |title = Houston Rockets at Boston Celtics Box Score, June 8, 1986 |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = November 22, 2019 |archive-date = November 16, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171116075408/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198606080BOS.html |url-status = live }}</ref> He averaged 24 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game for the championship round.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1986_finals.html |title = 1986 NBA Finals Composite Box Score |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = December 31, 2015 |archive-date = May 18, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110518193752/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1986_finals.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
The [[1985–86 Boston Celtics season|1985–86 Celtics]] are commonly ranked as one of the greatest basketball teams of all time, with the ''[[Boston Globe]]''{{'}}s Peter May and [[Grantland]]'s [[Bill Simmons]] listing them at number one.<ref>{{cite web |last = Poulard |first = JM |title = The 1985–86 Boston Celtics |url = https://www.warriorsworld.net/2011/08/25/1985-86-boston-celtics/ |date = August 25, 2011 |website = Warriors World |access-date = April 13, 2014 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140414052549/https://www.warriorsworld.net/2011/08/25/1985-86-boston-celtics/ |archive-date = April 14, 2014 }}</ref>
====Falling short (1986–1988)====
In 1987, the [[1986–87 Boston Celtics season|Celtics]] made their last Finals appearance of Bird's career, fighting through difficult series against the [[1986–87 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee Bucks]] and [[1986–87 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit Pistons]]. In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pistons, with five seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and Boston trailing the Pistons 107–106, Bird stole an inbound pass. Falling out of bounds, Bird turned and passed the ball to teammate [[Dennis Johnson]], who converted a game-winning layup with less than a second left. The dramatic play saved the series for the Celtics. When they reached the NBA Finals, the Celtics lost to a dominant Lakers team that had won 65 games during the season. The Celtics ended up losing to the Lakers in six games, with Bird averaging 24.2 points on .445 shooting, 10 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1987_finals.html |title = 1987 NBA Finals Composite Box Score |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = December 31, 2015 |archive-date = August 8, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110808123105/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1987_finals.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The Celtics fell short in 1988 losing to the [[1987–88 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit Pistons]] in six games in the Eastern Conference finals as the Pistons made up from the heartbreak the previous season. 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.<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.nba.com/history/season-recap-index |title = NBA Season Recaps: 1946-2018 |work = NBA |access-date = November 24, 2018 |language = en |archive-date = April 20, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210420043950/https://www.nba.com/history/season-recap-index |url-status = live }}</ref>
====Late career (1988–1992)====
The 1987–88 season was the highest-scoring season of Bird's career. In Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the [[Atlanta Hawks]], Bird shot 9-of-10 from the floor in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points in that quarter and lifting the Celtics to a series-clinching victory.<ref>{{cite news |title = Celtics' Mr. Clutch Downs the Hawks |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/23/sports/nba-playoffs-celtics-mr-clutch-downs-the-hawks.html |newspaper = [[The New York Times]] |date = May 23, 1988 |access-date = May 9, 2022 |archive-date = March 11, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220311115008/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/23/sports/nba-playoffs-celtics-mr-clutch-downs-the-hawks.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Against All Those Hawks, One Bird Is Enough for Celtics |url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-23-sp-2200-story.html |newspaper = [[Los Angeles Times]] |date = May 23, 1988 |access-date = May 9, 2022 |archive-date = May 10, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220510021707/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-23-sp-2200-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = HAWKS CAN'T REWRITE CELTICS' SCRIPT |url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1988-05-24-8801020065-story.html |newspaper = [[The Chicago Tribune]] |date = May 23, 1988 |access-date = May 9, 2022 |archive-date = May 10, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220510021707/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1988-05-24-8801020065-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird finished with 34 points. His effort helped to overcome a 47-point performance by Atlanta's [[Dominique Wilkins]].<ref>{{cite web |title = Legendary Moments in NBA History: Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins battle in Game 7 |url = https://www.nba.com/news/legendary-moments-larry-bird-dominique-wilkins-celtics-hawks-1988-game-7 |publisher = [[National Basketball Association]] |date = May 22, 2018 |access-date = May 9, 2022 |archive-date = May 10, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220510021707/https://www.nba.com/news/legendary-moments-larry-bird-dominique-wilkins-celtics-hawks-1988-game-7 |url-status = live }}</ref> Wilkins remarked, "The basket was like a well. I couldn't miss. He couldn't miss. And it went down to the last shot of the game. Who was going to make the last shot? That's the greatest game I've ever played in or seen played." The Celtics failed to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in five years, losing to the Pistons in six games during the Eastern Conference Finals.
Bird's [[1988–89 NBA season|1988–89 season]] ended after six games when he had bone spurs surgically removed from both of his heels.<ref>{{cite magazine |title = The Bird is Grounded |url = https://vault.si.com/vault/1988/11/28/the-bird-is-grounded-the-struggling-celtics-have-lost-larry-bird-to-bone-spurs-until-at-least-march |magazine = [[Sports Illustrated]] |date = November 28, 1988 |access-date = May 9, 2022 |archive-date = May 10, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220510022505/https://vault.si.com/vault/1988/11/28/the-bird-is-grounded-the-struggling-celtics-have-lost-larry-bird-to-bone-spurs-until-at-least-march |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird returned to the Celtics in 1989, but debilitating back problems and an aging Celtic roster prevented him from regaining his prime form. Nonetheless, during the final years of his career, Bird maintained his status as one of the premier players in the game. In his final three seasons with the Celtics, Bird averaged over 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists per game, shot better than 45% from the field, and led the Celtics to playoff appearances.
After leading the Celtics to a 29–5 start to the [[1990–91 NBA season|1990–91 season]], Bird missed 22 games due to a compressed nerve root in his back, a condition that eventually led to his retirement. Bird had off-season surgery to remove a disc from his back, but his back problems continued and Bird missed 37 games during the [[1991–92 NBA season|1991–92 season]]. During the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the [[1991–92 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland Cavaliers]], Bird missed four of the seven games due to recurring back problems.
During Bird's final two seasons when he had serious back problems, the Celtics went 71–28 when he played. Without Bird, they had a 30–29 record, further demonstrating his importance and game-changing ability while on the court.<ref>{{cite web |title = The Boston Celtics had a 10-12 record without Larry Bird in 1990-91. |url = https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask?q=celtics+record+without+larry+bird+90-91 |publisher = StatMuse |access-date = September 9, 2023 |archive-date = October 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231008073737/https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask?q=celtics+record+without+larry+bird+90-91 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = 1990-91 Boston Celtics Roster and Stats |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1991.html |publisher = Basketball-Reference.com |access-date = September 9, 2023 |archive-date = October 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231008073732/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1991.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = The Boston Celtics had a 20-17 record without Larry Bird in 1991-92. |url = https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask?q=celtics+record+without+larry+bird+91-92 |publisher = StatMuse |access-date = September 9, 2023 |archive-date = October 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231008073734/https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask?q=celtics+record+without+larry+bird+91-92 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = 1991-92 Boston Celtics Roster and Stats |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1992.html |publisher = Basketball-Reference.com |access-date = September 9, 2023 |archive-date = August 23, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230823130303/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1992.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
On August 18, 1992, Bird announced his retirement from the NBA.<ref>{{cite news |title = Bird Bids Farewell, Retires From Celtics |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1992/08/19/bird-bids-farewell-retires-from-celtics/c6856473-4bdf-4901-9cc5-48f1681924a4/ |newspaper = [[The Washington Post]] |date = August 19, 1992 |access-date = May 9, 2022 }}</ref> Following Bird's departure, the Celtics promptly retired his jersey number 33.
==Rivalry with Magic Johnson==
{{Tone|section|date=June 2024}}
[[File:Magic Johnson Steve Lipofsky.jpg|thumb|Bird's rivalry with [[Magic Johnson]] ''(pictured)'' is often credited with popularizing the NBA.]]
Larry Bird and [[Magic Johnson]] are known to be "one of the greatest rivalries in sports."<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last = Bonk |first = Thomas |date = August 19, 1992 |title = Celtics' Larry Bird Leaves League He Helped Rescue |pages = WA1 |work = Los Angeles Times }}</ref> Their rivalry began in college, when Bird and Indiana State lost to Johnson and Michigan State in the NCAA Championship game. Their rivalry continued on in the revived [[Celtics–Lakers rivalry]] in the NBA. Either the Celtics, led by Bird, or the Lakers, led by Magic, were present in every NBA Finals series in the '80s, with Bird and Magic meeting thrice. Magic got the upper hand against Bird, beating him in 1985 and 1987, while Bird beat Magic in 1984.<ref>{{Cite web |title = NBA & ABA Champions |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/ |access-date = December 13, 2022 |website = Basketball-Reference.com |language = en |archive-date = March 20, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320191403/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
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 three-point line at the buzzer for a narrow 115–114 Lakers victory at [[Boston Garden]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/fc/pgl.cgi?player=birdla01&year=1988 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120730215557/http://www.basketball-reference.com/fc/pgl.cgi?player=birdla01&year=1988 |url-status = dead |archive-date = July 30, 2012 |title = Celtics-Lakers Box Score |website = Basketball Reference }}</ref> The historical rift between the teams, which faced each other several times in championship series of the 1960s, fueled fan interest in the rivalry. Bird and Magic's presence on the court was only a small part of their contribution to basketball, as their rivalry changed the landscape of the NBA, transforming it from a "struggling, barely profitable league into a highly visible, financial and marketing dream for teams and players alike."<ref name=":0" /> Many people realized that the emergence of these two stars was linked with the rise in popularity of the NBA, as the NBA started to market towards these two stars.<ref name=":0" />
The apparent contrast between the two players and their respective teams seemed scripted for television, as they were polar opposites in nearly every way conceivable. Bird was White, Johnson was Black; Bird was an introvert from a small town playing in blue-collar Boston, while Johnson was the gregarious personification of the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles; Bird's Celtics played gritty, physical, defence-first basketball, whereas Johnson ran the Lakers' fast-paced [[Showtime (basketball)|Showtime offense]]. A 1980s [[Converse (shoe company)|Converse]] commercial for its "Weapon" line of basketball shoes (endorsed by both Bird and Johnson) reflected the perceived dichotomy between the two players. In the commercial, Bird is practicing alone on a rural basketball court (in reality the court was one Bird had made on the property in French Lick that he had purchased for his mother), when Johnson pulls up in a sleek [[limousine]] and challenges him to a one-on-one match.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmkwzqG4How |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/GmkwzqG4How |archive-date = October 28, 2021 |title = Converse Commercial (1986) with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson |website = YouTube |date = June 3, 2010 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Journalists speculated that Bird and Magic represented different contrasts, such as clashes between Celtics and Lakers, between East and West, and between Blacks and Whites. But, as one journalist would say, "They looked different, perhaps, but take a chainsaw to their souls and they were fraternal, if not identical, friends."<ref>{{Cite news |last = Montville |first = Leigh |date = June 12, 1987 |title = Friends, foes for life: Bird's and Magic's relationship always something special |work = Boston Globe }}</ref> Watching Bird play was like watching Magic play, as they both shared this talent that the league had never seen before. They each had charisma, deft shooting touch, extraordinary passing skills, and team-oriented mindset that ignited their team and the crowd.<ref>{{Cite news |date = May 27, 1984 |title = Showdown time in NBA: Unflappable Bird goes against the 'Magic' man |pages = E7 |work = Chicago Tribune }}</ref> This style of play was starting to influence a new horde of fans as they would sit and "marvel at what they [Bird and Magic] can do" while giving younger kids "a different perspective of the game."<ref>{{Cite news |last = Johnson |first = Roy |date = May 28, 1984 |title = Two Great Rivalries Resume: Bird-Johnson, Celtics-Lakers |pages = 25 }}</ref>
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 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."<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-02-05-sp-1105-story.html |title = Bird's Garden Party : Celtics Make It a Magical Night for Larry Legend |website = [[Los Angeles Times]] |date = February 5, 1993 |access-date = June 23, 2021 |archive-date = June 24, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204649/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-02-05-sp-1105-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
==National team career==
During the summer of 1992, Bird joined [[Magic Johnson]], [[Michael Jordan]], and other NBA stars to play for the [[United States men's national basketball team]] in that year's [[1992 Summer Olympics|Olympics]] in [[Barcelona]], Spain.<ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/best_team_i_ever_covered/07/10/mccallum.dream.team/index.html |title = Dream Team a star-studded sight to behold for gazers on, off court |magazine = Sports Illustrated |date = July 20, 2011 |access-date = June 28, 2013 |url-status = bot: unknown |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140427135245/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/best_team_i_ever_covered/07/10/mccallum.dream.team/index.html |archive-date = April 27, 2014 }}</ref> It was the first time in the United States' Olympic history that the country sent NBA players to compete. Although head coach [[Chuck Daly]] initially suggested that Jordan captain the team, he declined and so Bird and Magic Johnson held the co-captainship of the [[1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team]].
The "[[1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team|Dream Team]]" won the men's basketball gold medal. In eight games, Bird averaged 8.4 points.<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/players/larry-bird-1.html Larry Bird International Stats] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126025451/https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/players/larry-bird-1.html|date=November 26, 2022}} [[Sports Reference|Basketball Reference]]</ref> The [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] called the team "the greatest collection of basketball talent on the planet."<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/tag/1992-united-states-olympic-team |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100818075707/http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/tag/1992-united-states-olympic-team |url-status = dead |archive-date = August 18, 2010 |title = The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame - Hall of Famers |date = August 18, 2010 |access-date = December 2, 2018 }}</ref>
==Player profile==
Bird has been described as one of the greatest basketball players and greatest shooters of all time.<ref name="nba.com1">{{cite web |url = http://www.nba.com/history/legends/profiles/larry-bird |title = Legends profile: Larry Bird |website = NBA |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329211844/https://www.nba.com/history/legends/profiles/larry-bird |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/06/22/whos-the-best-small-forward-of-all-time-larry-bird-or-lebron-james/ |title = Who's The Best Small Forward Of All Time: Larry Bird Or LeBron James? |date = June 22, 2016 |website = CBS Boston |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329211337/https://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/06/22/whos-the-best-small-forward-of-all-time-larry-bird-or-lebron-james/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1745748-lebron-james-michael-jordan-larry-bird-julius-erving-are-best-3-players-ever |title = LeBron James: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Julius Erving Are 3 Best Players Ever |first = Adam |last = Fromal |website = Bleacher Report |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329211339/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1745748-lebron-james-michael-jordan-larry-bird-julius-erving-are-best-3-players-ever |url-status = live }}</ref> He was selected to 12 NBA All-Star teams.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.foxsports.com/southwest/gallery/who-has-made-the-most-nba-all-star-game-appearances-of-all-time-021519 |title = Who Has Made The Most NBA All-Star Game Appearances of All-Time |date = February 15, 2019 |website = FOX Sports |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329211343/https://www.foxsports.com/southwest/gallery/who-has-made-the-most-nba-all-star-game-appearances-of-all-time-021519 |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird won three NBA championships (in 1981, 1984, and 1986) with the Celtics<ref name="biography.com"/> and won two NBA Finals MVP Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.cnn.com/2014/12/08/us/larry-bird-fast-facts/index.html |title = Larry Bird Fast Facts |date = December 8, 2014 |website = CNN |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = April 11, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190411211004/https://www.cnn.com/2014/12/08/us/larry-bird-fast-facts/index.html |url-status = live }}</ref> He won three consecutive regular season MVP awards; as of 2020, the only other players to accomplish this feat are [[Bill Russell]] and [[Wilt Chamberlain]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/heat-index/2016/05/10/nba-mvp-steph-curry-joins-list-multiple-time-winners/84188984/ |title = NBA MVP award: Steph Curry on list of multiple-time winners |website = AZCentral |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 7, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230307083332/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/heat-index/2016/05/10/nba-mvp-steph-curry-joins-list-multiple-time-winners/84188984/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird was also a four-time regular season MVP runner-up in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1988.<ref>[https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/james-harden-joins-exclusive-group-with-third-mvp-runner-up-finish/3wcnt3c1xn4f1omjan4d6u0zh Sporting News: James Harden joins exclusive group with third MVP runner-up finish] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604074659/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/james-harden-joins-exclusive-group-with-third-mvp-runner-up-finish/3wcnt3c1xn4f1omjan4d6u0zh |date=June 4, 2020 }}. Sportingnews.com, June 25, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2020.</ref>
Bird scored 24.3 points per game in his career on a .496 field goal percentage, an .886 free throw percentage, and a .376 percentage on three-point shots. Bird had an average of 10.0 rebounds per game for his career and 6.3 assists.<ref name="nba.com">{{cite web |url = https://www.nba.com/history/players/bird_summary.html |title = Larry Bird Summary |website = NBA |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329232438/https://www.nba.com/history/players/bird_summary.html |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Bird was the first player in NBA history to shoot [[50-40-90 club|50% or better on field goals, 40% on three-pointers, and 90% on free-throws]] in a single NBA season while achieving the league minimum for makes in each category.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.opencourt-basketball.com/50-40-90-club-expanding/ |title = The 50-40-90 Club Could Be Expanding |date = January 2, 2018 |website = OpenCourt-Basketball |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329225117/https://www.opencourt-basketball.com/50-40-90-club-expanding/ |url-status = live }}</ref> He accomplished this feat twice.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.foxsports.com/wisconsin/story/statuesday-malcolm-brogdon-50-40-90-club-milwaukee-bucks-012219 |title = StaTuesday: Bucks' Malcolm Brogdon on pace for rare 50-40-90 season |website = FOX Sports Wisconsin |date = January 22, 2019 |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329211341/https://www.foxsports.com/wisconsin/story/statuesday-malcolm-brogdon-50-40-90-club-milwaukee-bucks-012219 |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird won NBA three-point-shooting contests in three consecutive years.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.celticsblog.com/2014/10/30/7087479/larry-legends-three-point-shootout-three-peat |title = How Larry Bird won the first 3 All-Star shootouts |first = Professor |last = Parquet |date = October 30, 2014 |website = CelticsBlog |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329225400/https://www.celticsblog.com/2014/10/30/7087479/larry-legends-three-point-shootout-three-peat |url-status = live }}</ref> He sometimes practiced shooting three-point shots with his eyes closed.<ref name="nba.com"/>
Bird is remembered as one of the foremost [[Clutch (sports)|clutch performers]] in the history of the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]]; Bird was known for his excellent play in high-stakes, high-pressure situations.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/05/25/17/who-is-the-most-clutch-player-in-nba-history |title = Who is the most clutch player in NBA history? |date = May 25, 2017 |website = ABS-CBN News |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329225728/https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/05/25/17/who-is-the-most-clutch-player-in-nba-history |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://bleacherreport.com/articles/514471-kobe-bryant-larry-bird-michael-jordan-and-the-10-best-closers-in-nba-history |title = Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and the 10 Best Closers in NBA History |first = Nicholas |last = Goss |website = Bleacher Report |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329211338/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/514471-kobe-bryant-larry-bird-michael-jordan-and-the-10-best-closers-in-nba-history |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.nba.com/magic/ranking-clutch-history-2-20180207 |title = Ranking 10 Most Clutch Players in NBA History |date = February 7, 2018 |website = Orlando Magic |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 30, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190330000848/https://www.nba.com/magic/ranking-clutch-history-2-20180207 |url-status = live }}</ref> [[Pat Riley]] (who had coached the LA Lakers featuring Magic Johnson against Bird's Celtics in three NBA Finals), when asked about his opinion of the best clutch performer, said "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose [[Michael Jordan]]. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird." <ref>{{Cite web |last=Beslic |first=Stephen |date=2022-01-28 |title=Pat Riley decides between Michael Jordan and Larry Bird to take the last shot |url=https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/pat-riley-decides-between-michael-jordan-and-larry-bird-to-take-the-last-shot |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=Basketball Network - Your daily dose of basketball |language=en}}</ref>
Bird is also remembered as an excellent passer<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.sbnation.com/2017/12/15/16780624/lebron-james-history-lesson-larry-bird-triple-doubles |title = Professor LeBron delivered a history lesson on Larry Bird's legendary game |first = Chris |last = Greenberg |date = December 15, 2017 |website = SBNation |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329223323/https://www.sbnation.com/2017/12/15/16780624/lebron-james-history-lesson-larry-bird-triple-doubles |url-status = live }}</ref> and defender.<ref name="biography.com"/> While he was relatively slow, Bird displayed a knack for anticipating the moves of his opponent, making Bird a strong team defender.<ref name="nba.com1"/> He had 1,556 career steals.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/STL_career.html |title = Career Leaders and Records for Steals |website = Basketball Reference |access-date = July 11, 2010 |archive-date = July 16, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100716122005/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/stl_career.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> In recognition of his defensive abilities, Bird was named to three All-Defensive Second Teams.<ref name="nba.com1"/>
Bird was known for his [[Trash talk|trash-talking]] on the court and is remembered as one of the most notable trash-talkers of his era.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/boston-celtics/talking-talk-86-celtics-trash-talking-tale |title = Talking the talk: An '86 Celtics trash-talking tale |date = January 20, 2016 |website = NBC Sports Boston |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329223541/https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/boston-celtics/talking-talk-86-celtics-trash-talking-tale |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/05/larry-bird-trash-talk-story-kevin-mchale-dan-patrick-show |title = Kevin McHale shares a classic Larry Bird trash talk story |date = May 1, 2018 |website = USA Today |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329225606/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/05/larry-bird-trash-talk-story-kevin-mchale-dan-patrick-show |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird was known for telling his opponents how and where in the court he would score against them; [[Xavier McDaniel]] recounted that Bird predicted a game-winning shot against him, then "shot a shot right in my face and was like 'Damn, I didn't mean to leave two seconds on the [[Shot clock|clock]].'"<ref>{{Cite web |title = On This Day 22 Years Ago, the NBA's Best Trash Talker Retired |url = https://www.boston.com/sports/celtics-blog/2014/08/18/on_this_day_22_years_ago_the_nbas_best_trash_talker_retired/ |access-date = February 2, 2023 |website = www.boston.com |date = August 18, 2014 |language = en-US |archive-date = February 2, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230202201351/https://www.boston.com/sports/celtics-blog/2014/08/18/on_this_day_22_years_ago_the_nbas_best_trash_talker_retired/ |url-status = live }}</ref> When playing against [[Dennis Rodman]], a player known for his defensive abilities, in the 1987 Eastern Conference finals, Bird continually belittled Rodman's ability, at one point asking [[Chuck Daly]], Detroit's head coach, to send in someone up to the task of guarding him.<ref>{{Cite web |date = April 23, 2020 |title = Dennis Rodman recounts how Larry Bird schooled him in '87 playoffs |url = https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/22/nba-boston-celtics-dennis-rodman-larry-bird-east-finals-1987/ |access-date = February 2, 2023 |website = Celtics Wire |language = en-US |archive-date = February 2, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230202201517/https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/22/nba-boston-celtics-dennis-rodman-larry-bird-east-finals-1987/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Knowing that Bird used such chirping to raise his own game, [[Chicago Bulls]] superstar [[Michael Jordan]] discouraged his rookie teammate [[B.J. Armstrong]] not to respond to Bird, saying "Not a single person. Not one word. No one talk to Larry Bird". Jordan has since dubbed "Larry Bird is the greatest trash-talker and mind-game player of all time. He taught me everything I know about getting in folks' heads".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tan |first=John Jefferson |date=2024-02-20 |title=Michael Jordan made the Bulls follow one rule when facing Larry Bird: "Not a single person. Not one word" |url=https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/michael-jordan-made-the-bulls-follow-one-rule-against-larry-bird |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=Basketball Network - Your daily dose of basketball |language=en}}</ref>
Bird was widely considered one of Red Auerbach's favorite players as he considered Bird to be the greatest basketball player of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1998/bird/flashbacks/1988flash.html |title = A Player for the Ages |date = March 21, 1988 |access-date = June 26, 2005 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130404102817/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1998/bird/flashbacks/1988flash.html |archive-date = April 4, 2013 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Bird's humble roots were the source of his most frequently used moniker, "The Hick from French Lick."<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.sportingnews.com/us/us/nba/photos/larry-bird-photos-classic-boston-celtics-legend-indiana/11ffr6pyv6yeu1jzstf3k1f38w |title = Larry Bird in photos: The 'Hick from French Lick' becomes Celtics legend |website = Sporting News |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329230148/http://www.sportingnews.com/us/us/nba/photos/larry-bird-photos-classic-boston-celtics-legend-indiana/11ffr6pyv6yeu1jzstf3k1f38w |url-status = dead }}</ref> Bird was also referred to as "Larry Legend."<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nba.com/history/players/bird_summary.html |website = NBA |title = Larry Bird Summary |access-date = June 3, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090429004945/http://www.nba.com/history/players/bird_summary.html |archive-date = April 29, 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref> [[Michael Jordan]] himself considers the description 'God disguised as Michael Jordan' as his favorite complement since it came from Bird (after Game 2 of the Celtics' first-round series against the Bulls during the 1986 playoffs when Jordan scored 63 points in a 135-131 Celtics win). Jordan has since said "Larry Bird's comments gave me credibility. Up to that point I was still perceived as a hotshot rookie, not a real player. When Bird acknowledged my performance, I became a player. I still wasn't up to his level, but I was now a player who was marked as a star, a potential Hall of Famer depending upon how I took those comments. Off the court, Larry Bird intimidated me because of who he was, what he had accomplished. And the fact that he was Larry Legend".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Acedera |first=Shane Garry |date=2024-09-13 |title=Michael Jordan on Larry Bird's 'God disguised as Michael Jordan' comments: "Larry Bird's comment gave me credibility" |url=https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/michael-jordan-on-larry-birds-god-disguised-as-michael-jordan-comments |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=Basketball Network - Your daily dose of basketball |language=en}}</ref> In another example of how Bird was respected as one of the NBA's all-time greats, Jordan deferred to Bird and Magic Johnson for co-captainship of the [[1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team]].
===Legacy===
Bird was voted onto the [[NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team]] list in 1996,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/10-reasons-still-love-larry-bird-60th-birthday-120716 |title = 10 reasons we still love Larry Bird on his 60th birthday |website = FOX Sports |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329211348/https://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/10-reasons-still-love-larry-bird-60th-birthday-120716 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=birdsummary>{{cite web |url = http://www.nba.com/history/players/bird_summary.html |title = Larry Bird Summary |publisher = NBA |access-date = May 13, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150502141802/http://www.nba.com/history/players/bird_summary.html |archive-date = May 2, 2015 |url-status = dead }}</ref> and inducted into the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] in 1998.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/03/sports/pro-basketball-a-bashful-larry-bird-joins-hall-of-fame.html |title = PRO BASKETBALL; A Bashful Larry Bird Joins Hall Of Fame |first = Mike |last = Wise |date = October 3, 1998 |access-date = March 29, 2019 |website = [[The New York Times]] |archive-date = March 30, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190330002303/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/03/sports/pro-basketball-a-bashful-larry-bird-joins-hall-of-fame.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/tag/larry-j-bird |title = The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – Hall of Famers |website = Hoop Hall |date = December 7, 1956 |access-date = May 13, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090829080355/http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/tag/larry-j-bird |archive-date = August 29, 2009 }}</ref> He was inducted into the Hall of Fame again in 2010, as a member of the "Dream Team."<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/1992-dream-team-inducted-into-hall-of-fame/ |title = 1992 Dream Team Inducted into Hall of Fame |website = CBS News |date = August 14, 2010 |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329230017/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/1992-dream-team-inducted-into-hall-of-fame/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In 1999, Bird ranked {{abbr|No.|Number}} 30 on [[ESPN]] SportsCentury's list of [[SportsCentury#SportsCentury: Top 50 American Athletes of the 20th Century (Original series)|50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th century]]. He played both the small forward and power forward positions.<ref name="biography.com">{{cite web |url = https://www.biography.com/people/larry-bird-9213087 |title = Larry Bird |website = Biography.com |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = January 16, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190116050230/https://www.biography.com/people/larry-bird-9213087 |url-status = live }}</ref> Universally recognized as an all-time great player, Bird was placed at the power forward position on an NBA all-time starting five roster with fellow superstars [[Magic Johnson]] (point guard), [[Michael Jordan]] (shooting guard), [[LeBron James]] (small forward), and [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] (center) in 2020.<ref>[https://www.sacbee.com/sports/article246099995.html It started in Sacramento: LeBron James, back in NBA Finals, makes our all-time starting 5] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113205904/https://www.sacbee.com/sports/article246099995.html |date=November 13, 2020 }}. The Sacramento Bee, September 30, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.</ref>
{{quote box|width=30em|align=left|quote=Larry, you only told me one lie. You said there will be another Larry Bird. Larry, there will never, ever be another Larry Bird.|salign=right|source=-Magic Johnson, as quoted at Bird's retirement party<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nba.com/history/Classic_NBA_Quotes_Index.html |publisher = NBA |title = Classic NBA Quotes |access-date = September 12, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091201214524/http://www.nba.com/history/Classic_NBA_Quotes_Index.html |archive-date = December 1, 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref>}}
At the [[2019 NBA Awards]], Bird received the [[NBA Lifetime Achievement Award]] (shared with Magic Johnson).<ref>{{cite web |title = Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Receive NBA Lifetime Achievement Award |url = https://people.com/sports/nba-awards-2019-larry-bird-magic-johnson-lifetime-achievement/ |website = [[People (magazine)|People]] |date = June 24, 2019 |access-date = June 24, 2019 |archive-date = March 8, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210308073329/https://people.com/sports/nba-awards-2019-larry-bird-magic-johnson-lifetime-achievement/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Since 2022, the NBA will award the MVPs for the conference finals; the [[NBA Conference Finals Most Valuable Player Award|Eastern Conference Finals MVP]] trophy is named in Bird's honor, while the Western Conference trophy is named after Johnson.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://nba.nbcsports.com/2022/05/12/nba-to-name-conference-finals-mvps/ |title = NBA to name conference finals MVPs |publisher = [[NBC Sports]] |date = May 12, 2022 |access-date = May 18, 2022 |archive-date = June 10, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220610165832/https://nba.nbcsports.com/2022/05/12/nba-to-name-conference-finals-mvps/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
In October 2021, as part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary, Bird was honored as one of the 75 greatest players of all time, by being named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> To commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary, ''[[The Athletic]]'' ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named Bird as the seventh greatest player in NBA history.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3112879/2022/02/10/nba-75-at-no-7-larry-bird-was-a-legendary-all-around-player-who-won-3-titles-with-the-celtics-and-changed-the-league/ | title=NBA 75: At No. 7, Larry Bird was a legendary all-around player who won 3 titles with the Celtics — and changed the league | access-date=March 11, 2023 | archive-date=March 11, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311004319/https://theathletic.com/3112879/2022/02/10/nba-75-at-no-7-larry-bird-was-a-legendary-all-around-player-who-won-3-titles-with-the-celtics-and-changed-the-league/?source=rss | url-status=live | last1=Kravitz | first1=Bob | work=The New York Times | date=October 11, 2022 }}</ref>
==Coaching and executive careers==
{{Expand section |date=June 2024}}
[[File:Monumento larry bird.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Bronzed shoes on a plaque with text describing Bird's basketball accomplishments|A Larry Bird plaque at [[Quincy Market]], [[Boston]]]]
The Celtics employed Bird as a special assistant in the team's front office from 1992 until 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/larry-bird-hangs-it-up |title = Larry Bird hangs it up |website = History.com |date = November 16, 2009 |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329223805/https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/larry-bird-hangs-it-up |url-status = live }}</ref>
In 1997, Bird accepted the position of head coach of the [[Indiana Pacers]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/10/sports/bird-shoots-for-coaching-greatness-with-the-pacers.html |title = Bird Shoots for Coaching Greatness With the Pacers |first = Ira |last = Berkow |date = August 10, 1997 |access-date = March 29, 2019 |website = The New York Times |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329233606/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/10/sports/bird-shoots-for-coaching-greatness-with-the-pacers.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird said that he would be on the job for no more than three years.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-06-04-0006040151-story.html |title = After the NBA Finals, Larry Bird Will Quit as Indiana's Coach. His Competitiveness Has Taken Its Toll. But Don't Bet That He Won't Be Back. |date = June 4, 2000 |first = Malcolm |last = Moran |website = Chicago Tribune |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329223956/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-06-04-0006040151-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Despite having no previous coaching experience, Bird led the Pacers to a 58–24 record—the franchise's best as an NBA team at the time—in the [[1997–98 NBA season|1997–98 season]],<ref name="nba.com2">{{cite web |url = https://www.nba.com/pacers/history/franchise_history.html |title = Year by Year with the Pacers |website = Indiana Pacers |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329230710/https://www.nba.com/pacers/history/franchise_history.html |url-status = live }}</ref> and pushed the eventual champions Chicago Bulls (led by superstar [[Michael Jordan]] and head coach [[Phil Jackson]]) to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals.<ref name="nba.com2"/> The 1997–98 team is considered one of the best in Pacers' franchise history, and Bird was named the [[NBA Coach of the Year Award|NBA Coach of the Year]] for his efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2017 |title=Larry Bird stepping down from Pacers post |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19264939 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329211340/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19264939 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |access-date=March 29, 2019 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Bird then led the Pacers to consecutive Central Division titles in [[1998–99 NBA season|1999]] and [[1999–2000 NBA season|2000]], and a berth in the [[2000 NBA Finals]] where they lost to the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] (coached by Phil Jackson) in six games.<ref name="nba.com2"/> Bird resigned his head coaching position shortly after the end of the 1999–2000 season, following through on his initial promise to coach for only three years. He was succeeded in that capacity by [[Isiah Thomas]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.virginiafirst.com/sports/bird-time-to-do-something-else/703742948 |title = For 2nd time, Hall-of-Famer Bird resigns as Pacers president |first = Michael |last = Marot |date = May 1, 2017 |website = Virginia First |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329225356/https://www.virginiafirst.com/sports/bird-time-to-do-something-else/703742948 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
In 2003, Bird was hired as the [[Indiana Pacers]]' president of basketball operations.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/04/28/larry-bird-pacers-president/101027102/ |title = Larry Bird resigns as Pacers president, Kevin Pritchard to take over |website = USA Today |access-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-date = March 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190329230243/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/04/28/larry-bird-pacers-president/101027102/ |url-status = live }}</ref> One of Bird's first acts as Pacers president was to replace Isiah Thomas with [[Rick Carlisle]] as head coach, due to the team's underachievement under Thomas. From 2006 onwards, Bird overhauled the roster by trading away veterans while making savvy draft picks, since the Pacers were a small-market team that could not chase expensive free agents.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-16 |title=Pacers' Bird named NBA Executive of the Year |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7938330/indiana-pacers-larry-bird-named-nba-executive-year |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> After the [[2011–12 NBA season|2011–2012 NBA season]], when the Pacers secured the No. 3 seed in the East and had the fifth-best record (42–24) in the league, Bird was named [[NBA Executive of the Year]], becoming the only man in NBA history to win the NBA MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://sports.yahoo.com/news/pacers-larry-bird-nba-executive-180548406--nba.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120712223528/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/pacers-larry-bird-nba-executive-180548406--nba.html |archive-date = July 12, 2012 |title = Pacers' Larry Bird is NBA Executive of the Year |date = July 12, 2012 |website = Yahoo! Sports |access-date = March 29, 2019 }}</ref> On the day before the [[2012 NBA draft]], Bird and the Pacers announced that they would be parting ways; he said that health issues were among the reasons for his departure.<ref>{{cite news |title = Indiana Pacers part ways with Larry Bird |url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-pacers-part-ways-with-larry-bird/ |publisher = CBS |agency = AP |access-date = April 5, 2021 |archive-date = June 4, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200604074659/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-pacers-part-ways-with-larry-bird/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird returned to the Pacers as president of basketball operations in 2013.<ref name="return" /> He stepped down again in 2017, but stayed with the team in an advisory capacity.<ref>{{cite web |title = Bird Steps Down; Pritchard Named President of Basketball Operations |url = http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/bird-steps-down-pritchard-named-president-basketball-operations |website = NBA |access-date = May 2, 2017 |date = May 1, 2017 |archive-date = May 11, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170511150547/http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/bird-steps-down-pritchard-named-president-basketball-operations |url-status = live }}</ref> Bird continued to serve as an advisor until July 2022, when he "stepped back from maintaining an active role with the Indiana Pacers."<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Zucker |first1 = Joseph |title = Larry Bird No Longer Has an Active Role with the Pacers, Confirms Kevin Pritchard |url = https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10043316-larry-bird-no-longer-has-an-active-role-with-the-pacers-confirms-kevin-pritchard |website = [[Bleacher Report]] |access-date = January 24, 2023 |date = July 26, 2022 |archive-date = January 24, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230124171721/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10043316-larry-bird-no-longer-has-an-active-role-with-the-pacers-confirms-kevin-pritchard |url-status = live }}</ref> Nearly a year later in June 2023, it was announced that the Pacers re-hired Bird to serve as a consultant.<ref name="indystar.com"/> As of 2025, Larry Bird still holds his position as a consultant for the Indiana Pacers. Larry has recently been noted as "disappearing" from the sport. One reason according to him, is not being in a front-facing role such as a head coach, means that he doesn't have to face public scrutiny,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Nate |date=2025-01-18 |title=Why Larry Bird Has Disappeared From The Public Eye |url=https://www.nickiswift.com/1760979/why-larry-bird-disappeared-from-public-eye/ |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=Nicki Swift |language=en-US}}</ref> something he has noted before. He stated in 2016, "Sometimes my job really sucks."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Nate |title=Larry Bird's most telling quotes after not retaining Frank Vogel |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2016/05/05/larry-birds-most-telling-quotes-after-not-retaining-frank-vogel/83973624/ |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Awards and honors==
'''NBA'''
* 3× [[NBA champion]] ({{nbafy|1981}}, {{nbafy|1984}}, {{nbafy|1986}})
* 2× [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]] ({{nbafy|1984}}, {{nbafy|1986}})
* 3× [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player]] ({{nbay|1983|end}}–{{nbay|1985|end}})
* 12× [[NBA All-Star]] ({{nasg|1980}}–{{nasg|1988}}, {{nasg|1990}}–{{nasg|1992}})
* [[NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|NBA All-Star Game MVP]] ({{nasg|1982}})
* 9× [[All-NBA First Team]] ({{nbay|1979|end}}–{{nbay|1987|end}})
* [[All-NBA Second Team]] ({{nbay|1989|end}})
* 3× [[NBA All-Defensive Second Team]] ({{nbay|1981|end}}–{{nbay|1983|end}})
* [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|NBA Rookie of the Year]] ({{nbay|1979|end}})
* [[NBA All-Rookie First Team]] ({{nbay|1979|end}})
* 3× [[NBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Shootout|NBA Three-Point Contest Champion]] ({{nasg|1986}}–{{nasg|1988}})
* 2× [[List of NBA annual 3-point scoring leaders|NBA Three-Point Scoring Leader]] ({{nbay|1985|end}}, {{nbay|1986|end}})
* 4× [[List of NBA annual free throw percentage leaders#Annual leaders|NBA Free-Throw Percentage Leader]] ([[1983–84 NBA season|1984]], [[1985–86 NBA season|1986]], [[1986–87 NBA season|1987]], [[1989–90 NBA season|1990]])
* 2× [[50–40–90 club]] ({{nbay|1986|end}}, {{nbay|1987|end}})
* 7× [[NBA Player of the Month and Week#Notable Records|NBA Player of the Month]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Players of the Month |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/pom.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* 15× [[NBA Player of the Month and Week#Notable Records|NBA Player of the Week]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Players of the Week |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/pow.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Named one of the [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History]] in 1996
* Selected to the [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]] in 2021<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.nba.com/75/player/larry-bird-1449 |title = Larry Bird <nowiki>|</nowiki> NBA's 75 Anniversary |publisher = NBA |access-date = October 21, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211021185434/https://www.nba.com/75/player/larry-bird-1449 |archive-date = October 21, 2021 |url-status = live }}</ref>
* No. 33 [[List of Boston Celtics accomplishments and records#Retired numbers|retired by Boston Celtics]]
* Trophy named in Bird's honor (Larry Bird Trophy) awarded to [[NBA conference finals MVP awards|Eastern Conference Finals MVP]] (established in 2022)<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-unveils-redesigned-larry-obrien-bill-russell-trophies-announces-new-conference-finals-mvp-awards/ |title = NBA unveils redesigned Larry O'Brien, Bill Russell trophies, announces new conference finals MVP awards |website = CBSSports.com |date = May 12, 2022 |access-date = May 12, 2022 |archive-date = May 22, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220522093053/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-unveils-redesigned-larry-obrien-bill-russell-trophies-announces-new-conference-finals-mvp-awards/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
* [[NBA All-Star Game head coach]] ([[1998 NBA All-Star Game|1998]])
* [[NBA Coach of the Year Award|NBA Coach of the Year]] ({{nbay|1997|end}})
* [[NBA Executive of the Year Award|NBA Executive of the Year]] ({{nbay|2011|end}})
* [[NBA Lifetime Achievement Award]] ([[2019 NBA Awards|2019]])
'''USA Basketball'''
* [[1977 Summer Universiade|1977 World University Games]] gold medal
* [[1992 Tournament of the Americas|1992 FIBA Americas Championship]] gold medal
* [[Basketball at the 1992 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|1992 Olympic]] gold medal<ref name = "Dream Team">{{cite web |title = 1992 United States Olympic Team |publisher = Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |url = https://hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/1992-united-states-olympic-team |access-date = January 6, 2021 |archive-date = March 31, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220331040701/https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/1992-united-states-olympic-team |url-status = live }}</ref>
'''NCAA'''
* [[1978–79 Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball team|1979 MVC Regular Season]] Champion
* [[1979 Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball tournament|1979 MVC Tournament]] Champion
* Consensus [[List of U.S. men's college basketball national player of the year awards|National Player of the Year]] (1979)
** [[John R. Wooden Award]] (1979)
** [[Naismith College Player of the Year]] (1979)
** [[Oscar Robertson Trophy]] (1979)
** [[Adolph Rupp Trophy]] (1979)
** [[Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year|AP College Basketball Player of the Year]] (1979)
** [[The Sporting News Men's College Basketball Player of the Year|''Sporting News'' College Basketball Player of the Year]] (1979)
** [[UPI College Basketball Player of the Year]] (1979)
** [[NABC Player of the Year]] (1979)
* 2× [[Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|MVC Player of the Year]] (1978, 1979)
* 2× Consensus first team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1978 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1978]], [[1979 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1979]])
** 2× [[Associated Press|AP]] first team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1978 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1978]], [[1979 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1979]])
** 2× [[National Association of Basketball Coaches|NABC]] first team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1978 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1978]], [[1979 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1979]])
** 2× [[United Press International|UPI]] first team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1978 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1978]], [[1979 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1979]])
** [[U.S. Basketball Writers Association|USBWA]] first team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1979 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1979]])
* [[U.S. Basketball Writers Association|USBWA]] second team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1978 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1978]])
* [[1977 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|NABC third team All-American (1977)]]
* [[1977 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|UPI third team All-American (1977)]]
* 2× first team All-[[Missouri Valley Conference|MVC]] (1978, [[1978–79 Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball team|1979]])
* [[College basketball|NCAA]] [[Basketball scorekeeping|total points]] leader (1979)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Points Men's Yearly Leaders and Records |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/leaders/men/pts-player-yearly.html |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* No. 33 [[Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball#Retired numbers|retired by Indiana State Sycamores]]
'''Media'''
* [[Associated Press Athlete of the Year]] (1986)
* [[Sporting News Athlete of the Year|''Sporting News'' Athlete of the Year]] (1986)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-19 |title=History of The Sporting News' Athlete of the Year awards: Full list of past winners, 1968-2023 {{!}} Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/archives/news/sporting-news-athlete-year-awards-full-list-past-winners/b5057b347246de26b7015930 |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-us}}</ref>
* 2× [[The Sporting News|''Sporting News'']] NBA MVP (1985, 1986)<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Sporting News MVP Award Winners |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/tsn_mvp.html |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[The Sporting News|''Sporting News'']] Rookie of the Year (1980)<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award Winners |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/tsn_roy.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[The Sporting News|''Sporting News'']] NBA 1980s All-Decade First Team<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-28 |title=The 1980s All-Decade Team {{!}} Sporting News Canada |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nba/news/the-1980s-all-decade-team/hsxyp0oubis51est67xoi12o1 |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-ca}}</ref>
* [[Associated Press|AP]] NBA 1980s All-Decade First Team<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-17 |title=Rivals Magic, Bird highlight AP's 1980s all-decade NBA team |url=https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-philadelphia-76ers-boston-celtics-los-angeles-lakers-7e2e0e88f74fc5f39a9d1c4282fb7ba6 |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
'''[[Halls of Fame]]'''
* Two-time [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] inductee:
** 1998 – individual
** 2010 – member of "The Dream Team"<ref name = "Dream Team" />
* [[National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame]] (inaugural class of 2006)<ref>{{cite web |url = https://collegebasketballexperience.com/members/larry-bird/ |title = Larry Bird |publisher = National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame |access-date = January 6, 2021 |archive-date = February 28, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210228091804/https://collegebasketballexperience.com/members/larry-bird/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
* [[U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame]] (class of 2009 as a member of "The Dream Team")<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.teamusa.org/Hall-of-Fame/Hall-of-Fame-Members/1992-US-Olympic-Mens-Basketball-Team |title=1992 U.S. OLYMPIC MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM - Team USA.org |access-date=May 26, 2022 |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815212801/https://www.teamusa.org/Hall-of-Fame/Hall-of-Fame-Members/1992-US-Olympic-Mens-Basketball-Team |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[FIBA Hall of Fame]] (class of 2017 as a member of "The Dream Team")<ref>{{cite web |url = http://fiba.basketball/news/2017-class-of-fiba-hall-of-fame-dream-team |title = 2017 Class of FIBA Hall of Fame: Dream Team |date = September 5, 2017 |publisher = FIBA |access-date = January 6, 2021 |archive-date = April 15, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220415051919/https://www.fiba.basketball/news/2017-class-of-fiba-hall-of-fame-dream-team |url-status = live }}</ref>
* [[Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame#Members|Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame]] (inaugural class of 1997)
* [[National High School Hall of Fame]] (class of 1995)
==In popular culture==
* Bird has appeared in three movies, each time playing himself: ''[[Blue Chips]]'' with [[Nick Nolte]], released in 1994 by [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]; the [[Warner Brothers]] film ''[[Space Jam]]'' with [[Michael Jordan]] and [[Bill Murray]], in 1996; and ''[[Celtic Pride]]'' with [[Dan Aykroyd]], [[Daniel Stern (actor)|Daniel Stern]], and [[Damon Wayans]], which was also released in 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0083399/ |title = Larry Bird |website = [[IMDb]] |access-date = May 13, 2015 |archive-date = April 8, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150408074849/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0083399/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
* A fictionalized version of Bird appears in the [[DIC Entertainment]] animated series ''[[Captain N: The Game Master]]'' episode "Pursuit of the Magic Hoop", voiced by Canadian actor [[Garry Chalk]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/09/feature_10_strangest_moments_in_captain_n_the_game_master |last=Scullion |first=Chris |title=Feature: 10 Strangest Moments in ''Captain N: The Game Master'' |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=September 21, 2019 |access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref>
* Bird's likeness has appeared in several video games. In ''[[One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird]]'', Bird plays opposite [[Julius Erving]] in a game of one-on-one. A sequel, ''[[Jordan vs Bird: One on One]]'', was a 1988 basketball video game. In 2011, Bird was featured on the cover of ''[[NBA 2K12]]'', alongside [[Magic Johnson]] and [[Michael Jordan]]. Bird is also a playable character in the revamped ''[[NBA Jam (2010 video game)|NBA Jam]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://kotaku.com/5638224/your-nba-jam-rosters-are-set |title = Your NBA Jam Rosters Are Set |website = Kotaku.com |date = September 15, 2010 |access-date = May 13, 2015 |archive-date = October 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006104003/http://kotaku.com/5638224/your-nba-jam-rosters-are-set |url-status = live }}</ref>
* In a [[McDonald's]] commercial from 1991 (first aired during the [[Super Bowl]]), Bird and [[Michael Jordan]] have a trick shot contest, in which the winner got Jordan's lunch and the loser had to watch the winner eat. In a commercial during [[Super Bowl XLIV]], [[Dwight Howard]] and [[LeBron James]] challenge each other at trick shots for a [[McDonald's]] lunch. After they finish, clapping is heard, then the camera pans to the crowd, and Bird says "Great show, guys. Thanks for lunch." Howard and James share a confused look. Howard asks, "Who was that?" James replies, "I have no idea."<ref>{{cite web |title = FULL VERSION: McDonald's Commercial with LeBron James and Dwight Howard | date=February 7, 2010 |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmrTDZy3f2M |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/PmrTDZy3f2M |archive-date = October 28, 2021 |via = YouTube |access-date = April 16, 2011 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* Until July 2023, [[Twitter]]'s logo was named Larry in honor of Larry Bird.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/twitter-logo-named-larry-bird-005145351.html |title = Twitter's Logo Is Named After Larry Bird |work = [[Yahoo! Sports]] |first = Eric |last = Freeman |date = August 2011 |access-date = March 1, 2012 |archive-date = October 19, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171019085639/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/twitter-logo-named-larry-bird-005145351.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first = Stephen |last = Sheehan |title = Larry Bird is Always on Twitter Even Without Having an Account |date = April 5, 2020 |work = Sportscasting.com |url = https://www.sportscasting.com/larry-bird-is-so-legendary-twitter-named-its-logo-after-him/ |access-date = April 29, 2022 |archive-date = June 24, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220624222210/https://www.sportscasting.com/larry-bird-is-so-legendary-twitter-named-its-logo-after-him/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=July 23, 2023 |title=Elon Musk: Twitter rebrands as X and kills off blue bird logo |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66284304 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811032839/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66284304 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Bird is portrayed by Sean Patrick Small in the [[HBO]] series ''[[Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2023/08/21/Sean-Patrick-Small-Larry-Bird/4401692378122/|title=Sean Patrick Small: 'My jaw hit the floor' over 'Winning Time' Larry Bird episode|last=Topel|first=Fred|work=[[United Press International]]|date= August 21, 2023|access-date=June 8, 2024}}</ref>
==Personal life==
In 1975, Bird married Janet Condra. They remained married for less than a year. Following an attempted reconciliation, Bird and Condra had a daughter, Corrie, in 1977.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Larry |title=ESPN Classic - Bird had eye for victory |url=https://www.espn.com/classic/s/add_bird_larry_new.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422010000/http://www.espn.com/classic/s/add_bird_larry_new.html |archive-date=April 22, 2017 |access-date=February 24, 2020 |website=ESPN}}</ref>
Bird married Dinah Mattingly in 1989. They have two adopted children: Conner and Mariah.<ref name="auto1" />
During his professional career with the Celtics, Bird lived in the Boston suburb of [[Brookline, Massachusetts]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benbow |first=Julian |date=June 28, 2011 |title=Bird's ties to Boston still strong |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/celtics-blog/2011/06/28/birds_ties_to_b/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627160019/https://www.boston.com/sports/celtics-blog/2011/06/28/birds_ties_to_b/ |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |access-date=June 27, 2022 |website=Boston.com}}</ref>
==Career statistics==
===NBA statistics===
{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y}}
====Regular season====
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1979}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1979–80 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| '''82''' || '''82''' || 36.0 || .474 || .406 || .836 || 10.4 || 4.5 || 1.7 || .6 || 21.3
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|1980}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1980–81 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| '''82''' || '''82''' || 39.5 || .478 || .270 || .863 || 10.9 || 5.5 || '''2.0''' || .8 || 21.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1981}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1981–82 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 77 || 58 || 38.0 || .503 || .212 || .863 || 10.9 || 5.8 || 1.9 || .9 || 22.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1982}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1982–83 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 79 || 79 || 37.7 || .504 || .286 || .840 || '''11.0''' || 5.8 || 1.9 || .9 || 23.6
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|1983}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1983–84 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 79 || 77 || 38.3 || .492 || .247 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .888* || 10.1 || 6.6 || 1.8 || .9 || 24.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1984}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1984–85 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 80 || 77 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 39.5* || .522 || '''.427''' || .882 || 10.5 || 6.6 || 1.6 || '''1.2''' || 28.7
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|1985}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1985–86 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| '''82''' || 81 || 38.0 || .496 || .423 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .896* || 9.8 || 6.8 || '''2.0''' || .6 || 25.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1986}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1986–87 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 74 || 73 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''40.6'''* || .525 || .400 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .910* || 9.2 || '''7.6''' || 1.8 || .9 || 28.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1987}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1987–88 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 76 || 75 || 39.0 || '''.527''' || .414 || .916 || 9.3 || 6.1 || 1.6 || .8 || '''29.9'''
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1988}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1988–89 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 6 || 6 || 31.5 || .471 || ... || '''.947''' || 6.2 || 4.8 || 1.0 || .8 || 19.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1989}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1989–90 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 75 || 75 || 39.3 || .473 || .333 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .930* || 9.5 || 7.5 || 1.4 || .8 || 24.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1990}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1990–91 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 60 || 60 || 38.0 || .454 || .389 || .891 || 8.5 || 7.2 || 1.8 || 1.0 || 19.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1991}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1991–92 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 45 || 45 || 36.9 || .466 || .406 || .926 || 9.6 || 6.8 || .9 || .7 || 20.2
|- class=sortbottom
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| '''Career'''<ref name="Larry Bird"/>
| 897 || 870 || 38.4 || .496 || .376 || .886 || 10.0 || 6.3 || 1.7 || 0.8 || 24.3
|- class=sortbottom
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| '''All-Star'''<ref name="Larry Bird"/>
| 10 || 9 || 28.7 || .423 || .231 || .844 || 7.9 || 4.1 || 2.3 || 0.3 || 13.4
|-
{{S-end}}
====Playoff statistics====
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1980 NBA Playoffs|1980]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1979–80 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 9 || 9 || 41.3 || .469 || .267 || .880 || 11.2 || 4.7 || 1.6 || 0.9 || 21.3
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| [[1981 NBA Playoffs|1981]]†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1980–81 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 17 || 17 || 44.1 || .470 || .375 || .894 || '''14.0''' || 6.1 || 2.3 || 1.0 || 21.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1982 NBA Playoffs|1982]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1981–82 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 12 || 12 || 40.8 || .427 || .167 || .822 || 12.5 || 5.6 || 1.9 || '''1.4''' || 17.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1983 NBA Playoffs|1983]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1982–83 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 6 || 6 || 40.0 || .422 || .250 || .828 || 12.5 || 6.8 || 2.2 || 0.5 || 20.5
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| [[1984 NBA Playoffs|1984]]†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1983–84 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| '''23''' || '''23''' || 41.8 || '''.524''' || '''.412''' || .879 || 11.0 || 5.9 || '''2.3''' || 1.2 || '''27.5'''
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1985 NBA Playoffs|1985]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1984–85 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 20 || 20 || 40.8 || .461 || .280 || .890 || 9.1 || 5.8 || 1.7 || 1.0 || 26.0
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"| [[1986 NBA Playoffs|1986]]†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1985–86 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 18 || 18 || 42.8 || .517 || .411 || '''.927''' || 9.3 || 8.2 || 2.1 || .6 || 25.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1987 NBA Playoffs|1987]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1986–87 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| '''23''' || '''23''' || 44.1 || .476 || .341 || .912 || 10.0 || 7.2 || 1.2 || 0.8 || 27.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1988 NBA Playoffs|1988]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1987–88 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 17 || 17 || '''44.9''' || .450 || .375 || .894 || 8.8 || 6.8 || 2.1 || 0.8 || 24.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1990 NBA Playoffs|1990]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1989–90 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 5 || 5 || 41.4 || .444 || .263 || .906 || 9.2 || '''8.8''' || 1.0 || 1.0 || 24.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1991 NBA Playoffs|1991]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1990–91 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 10 || 10 || 39.6 || .408 || .143 || .863 || 7.2 || 6.5 || 1.3 || 0.3 || 17.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1992 NBA Playoffs|1992]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1991–92 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 4 || 2 || 26.8 || .500 || .000 || .750 || 4.5 || 5.3 || 0.3 || 0.5 || 11.3
|- class=sortbottom
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| '''Career'''<ref name="Larry Bird"/>
| 164 || 162 || 42.0 || .472 || .321 || .890 || 10.3 || 6.5 || 1.8 || 0.9 || 23.8
|-
{{S-end}}
==== Career-highs in regular season ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Stat
! High
! Opponent
! Date
|-
| Points, game
| [[List of National Basketball Association players with most points in a game|60]]
| Atlanta Hawks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|March|12}}
|-
| Points, half {{small|(2nd)}}
| 37
| Atlanta Hawks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|March|12}}
|-
| Points, half {{small|(1st)}}
| 34
| Cleveland Cavaliers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1986|March|18}}
|-
| Points, quarter {{small|(3rd)}}
| 24
| vs. Indiana Pacers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1983|March|30}}
|-
| Points without a <br /> free throw, quarter {{small|(3rd)}}
| 19
| Atlanta Hawks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|March|12}}
|-
| Consecutive points {{small|(end of game)}}
| 16
| Atlanta Hawks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|March|12}}
|-
| Field goal percentage
|
|
|
|-
| Field goals made
| 22
| Atlanta Hawks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|March|12}}
|-
| Field goals made
| 22
| vs. New York Knicks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1987|April|12}}
|-
| Field goals made, half {{small|(2nd)}}
| 15
| Atlanta Hawks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|March|12}}
|-
| Field goals made, half {{small|(1st)}}
| 15
| vs. Washington Bullets
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1988|January|27}}
|-
| Field goals made, quarter {{small|(3rd)}}
| 10
| vs. Indiana Pacers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1983|March|30}}
|-
| Field goals made, quarter {{small|(1st)}}
| 10
| vs. Washington Bullets
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1988|January|27}}
|-
| Field goal attempts
| 36
| Atlanta Hawks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|March|12}}
|-
| Field goal attempts
| 36
| vs. Chicago Bulls
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1991|March|31}}
|-
| Field goal attempts, half {{small|(2nd)}}
| 23
| Atlanta Hawks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|March|12}}
|-
| Free throws made, none missed
|
|
|
|-
| Free throws made, one missed
| 16–17
| vs. Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|April|12}}
|-
| Free throws made
| 16
| vs. Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|April|12}}
|-
| Free throw attempts
| 17
| vs. Atlanta Hawks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1981|December|11}}
|-
| Free throw attempts
| 17
| vs. Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|April|12}}
|-
| Three-point field goals made
| 7
| vs. Dallas Mavericks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1988|April|3}}
|-
| Three-point field goals made
| 7
| vs. Indiana Pacers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1991|March|4}}
|-
| Three-point field goal attempts
| 10
| three
| times
|-
| Rebounds
| 21
| at Philadelphia 76ers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1980|November|1}}
|-
| Rebounds
| 21
| at Los Angeles Lakers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1981|February|11}}
|-
| Rebounds
| 21
| at Denver Nuggets
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1981|December|29}}
|-
| Rebounds
| 21 {{small|(OT)}}
| at Washington Bullets
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1982|March|16}}
|-
| Offensive rebounds
|
|
|
|-
| Defensive rebounds
| 18
| at Chicago Bulls
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1980|December|13}}
|-
| Defensive rebounds
| 18
| vs. Indiana Pacers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1991|November|20}}
|-
| Assists
| 17
| at Golden State Warriors
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1984|February|16}}
|-
| Assists
| 16
| vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1990|March|21}}
|-
| Assists, half {{small|(1st)}}
| 14
| at Golden State Warriors
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1984|February|16}}
|-
| Steals
| [[List of National Basketball Association players with most steals in a game|9]]
| at Utah Jazz
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|February|18}}
|-
| Steals
| 8 {{small|(OT)}}
| at New Jersey Nets
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|October|25}}
|-
| Steals
| 8
| vs. New Jersey Nets
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1986|January|3}}
|-
| Blocked shots
|
|
|
|-
| Turnovers
| 10
| at New York Knicks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1979|November|17}}
|-
| Minutes played
|
|
|
|}
====Career-highs in playoffs====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Stat
! High
! Opponent
! Date
|-
| Points
| 43
| vs. Detroit Pistons
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|May|8}}
|-
| Points, half {{small|(2nd)}}
| 30
| vs. Detroit Pistons
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|April|30}}
|-
| Points, quarter {{small|(1st)}}
| 24
| vs. Atlanta Hawks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1988|May|11}}
|-
| Field goal percentage
|
|
|
|-
| Field goals made
| 17
| vs. Detroit Pistons
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|May|8}}
|-
| Field goals made
| 16
| vs. New York Knicks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1984|May|2}}
|-
| Field goals made, quarter {{small|(1st)}}
| 10
| vs. Atlanta Hawks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1988|May|11}}
|-
| Field goal attempts
| 33
| vs. Detroit Pistons
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|May|8}}
|-
| Free throws made, none missed
| 14—14
| vs. Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1984|May|17}}
|-
| Free throws made, one missed
| 14–15
| vs. Detroit Pistons
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|April|30}}
|-
| Free throws made
| 14
| vs. Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1984|May|17}}
|-
| Free throws made
| 14
| vs. Detroit Pistons
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|April|30}}
|-
| Free throws made, half {{small|(2nd)}}
| 12
| vs. Detroit Pistons
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|April|30}}
|-
| Free throw attempts
| 15
| vs. Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1984|May|15}}
|-
| Free throw attempts
| 15
| vs. Los Angeles Lakers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1984|May|31}}
|-
| Free throw attempts
| 15
| at Los Angeles Lakers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1984|June|3}}
|-
| Free throw attempts
| 15
| vs. Detroit Pistons
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1985|April|30}}
|-
| Free throw attempts
| 15
| at Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1987|May|10}}
|-
| Three-point field goals made
| 5
| at Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1986|May|18}}
|-
| Three-point field goal attempts
| 6
| vs. Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1986|May|15}}
|-
| Three-point field goal attempts
| 6
| at Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1986|May|18}}
|-
| Rebounds
| 21
| at Philadelphia 76ers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1980|April|23}}
|-
| Rebounds
| 21
| vs. Houston Rockets
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1981|May|5}}
|-
| Rebounds
| 21
| vs. Houston Rockets
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1981|May|7}}
|-
| Rebounds
| 21 {{small|(OT)}}
| at Los Angeles Lakers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1984|June|6}}
|-
| Offensive rebounds
| 9
| at Los Angeles Lakers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1984|June|6}}
|-
| Defensive rebounds
| 19
| at Philadelphia 76ers
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1980|April|23}}
|-
| Assists
| 16
| vs. New York Knicks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1990|April|28}}
|-
| Assists, half
| 11
| vs. New York Knicks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1990|April|28}}
|-
| Steals
| 6
| at Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1983|May|1}}
|-
| Blocked shots
| 4
| at Washington Bullets
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1984|April|21}}
|-
| Turnovers
| 10
| vs. Chicago Bulls
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1981|April|7}}
|-
| Minutes played
| 56 {{small|(2 OT)}}
| at Milwaukee Bucks
| {{Dts|format=mdy|1987|May|10}}
|}
===College statistics===
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1976–77 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1976–77]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1976–77 Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball team|Indiana State]]
| 28 || {{sort|-|—}} || 36.9 || '''.544''' || {{sort|-|—}} || '''.840''' || 13.3 || 4.4 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || '''32.8'''
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1977–78 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1977–78]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1977–78 Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball team|Indiana State]]
| 32 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || .524 || {{sort|-|—}} || .793 || 11.5 || 3.9 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || 30.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1978–79 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1978–79]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1978–79 Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball team|Indiana State]]
| '''34''' || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || .532 || {{sort|-|—}} || .831 || '''14.9''' || '''5.5''' || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || 28.6
|- class=sortbottom
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| '''Career'''<ref name="Larry Bird"/>
| 94 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || .533 || {{sort|-|—}} || .822 || 13.3 || 4.6 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || 30.3
|-
{{S-end}}
==Head coaching record==
{{NBA coach statistics legend}}
{{NBA coach statistics start}}
|+Larry Bird coaching statistics
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1997–98 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1997}}
|82||58||24||{{Winning percentage|58|24}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2nd in Central||16||10||6||{{Winning percentage|10|6}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in [[1998 NBA Playoffs|Conf. Finals]]
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1998–99 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1998}}
|50||33||17||{{Winning percentage|33|17}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1st in Central||13||9||4||{{Winning percentage|9|4}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in [[1999 NBA Playoffs|Conf. Finals]]
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1999–2000 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1999|trunc=y}}
|82||56||26||{{Winning percentage|56|26}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1st in Central||23||13||10||{{Winning percentage|13|10}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in [[2000 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]]
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:left;"|'''Career'''
| ||214||147||67||{{Winning percentage|147|67}}|| ||52||32||20||{{Winning percentage|32|20}}
|-
{{s-end}}
==Publications==
* {{cite book |first1 = Larry |last1 = Bird |first2 = Earvin |last2 = Johnson |first3 = Jackie |last3 = MacMullan |title = When the Game Was Ours |year = 2009 |publisher = Houghton Mifflin Harcourt |isbn = 978-0547225470 }}
==See also==
* [[
* [[List of NBA career scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career assists leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career steals leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career turnovers leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career free throw percentage leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career triple-double leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff assists leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff rebounding leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff steals leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff triple-double leaders]]
* [[List of NBA single-game scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NBA single-game steals leaders]]
* [[List of NBA annual minutes leaders]]
* [[List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 2000 points and 1000 rebounds]]
* "[[Saturday Morning Fun Pit]]", a 2013 episode of ''[[Futurama]]'' featuring Bird voice acting as a cartoon clone version of himself
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==Further reading==
* {{cite book |editor1-last = MacCambridge |editor1-first = Michael |year = 1999 |title = ESPN SportsCentury |chapter = Larry Bird: Bird of Prey |___location = New York |publisher = Hyperion-ESPN Books |isbn = 978-0786864713 |pages = [https://archive.org/details/espnsportscentur00macc/page/253 253–254] |chapter-url-access = registration |chapter-url = https://archive.org/details/espnsportscentur00macc/page/253 }}
* {{cite book |last = May |first = Peter |year = 2007 |orig-year = 1994 |title = The Big Three: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish: The Best Frontcourt in the History of Basketball |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6owRYSf9llMC |___location = New York |publisher = Simon and Schuster |access-date = March 21, 2013 |isbn = 978-1-4165-5207-9 |oclc = 86221987 }}
==External links==
{{Sister project links|Larry Bird|wikt=no|b=no |n=no|v=no |species=no |voy=no |s=no}}
* {{Basketballstats|nba_historical=larry_bird|bbr=b/birdla01}}
* {{Basketballhof|larry-bird}}
* [http://www.nba.com/history/players/bird_bio.html NBA profile]
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{{NABC Player of the Year}}
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{{NBA50}}
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{{Oscar Robertson Trophy}}
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{{UPI College Basketball Player of the Year}}
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}}
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{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bird, Larry}}
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