Larry Bird discussion

Undeniably the best player in the game and arguably playing the best ball in his career, Larry Bird led one of the best teams in history to the championship in 1986. Known as a big game player with the ability to rise in the clutch, he also displayed a versatility that few others could match. His sharp shooting, pin-point passing, court sense, hustle and grit were all on display here in the 1986 Finals -- evidenced by the fact that he almost averaged a triple-double in this six-game series (24pts, 9.5 asts, 9.7 rebs).

[URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RZojveJhJ8&feature=PlayList&p=7F95FC33E153D2BC&index=0"]Game 1[/URL]

Larry Bird=the most clutch assasin of alltime. he and jordan must have destroyed so many dreams around the league.unfortunatley rockets were one of them.

That man was a friggin monster. And he had SO MUCH swag, it's hilarious. A country white boy, from the 70's / 80's who had SWAG and confidence that he could toy with you and knew he was gonna kill you. Gotta love it. He just knew how to beat people plain and simple on the basketball court. Shame his career didn't last longer. Cut short due to neck and back injuries. With that said he certainly got alot of mileage considering how many times he went deep into the playoffs.

[QUOTE=Da_Realist]Undeniably the best player in the game and arguably playing the best ball in his career, Larry Bird led one of the best teams in history to the championship in 1986. Known as a big game player with the ability to rise in the clutch, he also displayed a versatility that few others could match. His sharp shooting, pin-point passing, court sense, hustle and grit were all on display here in the 1986 Finals -- evidenced by the fact that he almost averaged a triple-double in this six-game series (24pts, 9.5 asts, 9.7 rebs).

[URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN8MaDwgroo"]Game 1[/URL][/QUOTE]


Thanks, that was awesome. :applause:

Before I was a Jordan fan, I was a huge Bird fan. This brought back a lot of good memories. I remember thinking how I was kind of upset the Rockets made it instead of the Lakers that year because I knew the Celtics had the Lakers beat. They were just so dominant in '86. I know that is stating the obvious, but if you actually didn't see it, then here is more confirmation.
Would've been a good rubber match after the previous two years though. Too bad that came the next year with the spectacular and equally, if not more so, dominant '87 Lakers. Bad news for the Celts and Larry of course, and almost the end of the road as Larry broke down soon after.

Watching this game I was struck by two things:

1. Just how often Bird attacked the player with the ball on the defensive end, and how he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time on D. He stripping, stealing, breaking things up left and right. I always remembered him playing his own idea of defensive basketball and not bending mentally to usual defensive positions and practices like almost every other defensive player I have seen, and he was seemingly everywhere without getting called for anything. He seemed to get his nose dirty in so many defensive possessions and I think that has always been an underrated part of why his teams always were the best in college and the pros. And a big part of why his overall impact on a game is so much greater than, arguably, all but a few players.

2. Just how quick he was to get the ball in the hands of the player on his team in the best position to score. I mean, who thinks to throw the ball full court without seemingly even looking up the court, AT ALL? That extra split second of awareness was a huge thing that made Bird so great, kind of like Wayne Gretzky in hockey. Their minds were often faster than the game itself. Magic, same thing. Once again, seems obvious, but to see it is to truly believe. Every position, his idea was to get it into the Chief or Mchale, or to whoever any way he could as often and varied as possible. It was just demoralizing to the other team as shown in this vid by some of the Rocket's reactions.

We sometimes forget in this era of high flying players that in basketball SO much time is spent in half court sets; moving without the ball, finding the open man, getting the ball to him quickly and in the right place to score as easily as possible.
In the 5 on 5 NBA game, half court "winning" basketball relies mostly on these things, and often negates a lot of what athleticism could hypothetically bring to the table. (That being said athleticism can elevate "winning basketball" i.e. MJ, but Bird had enough to get by in almost any situation in a 5 on 5 game)
Watching this, I am now convinced a Kobe and Lebron, etc. would beat Bird and any player other than MJ, (and maybe even Bird and him as well in a 2 on 2 game), but I am also convinced watching this he was a better "winning" player than either in a 5 on 5 game. He just was like a chess master, who had one objective of making every move pertient to winning and the final score.
Lebron may get there, but Larry Legend was just such a great example of what makes "team" sports so great. He was able to use the other 4 players (and 9 really) like pieces on his chessboard regardless of physical limitations, though his physical limitations were not as limited as some think. His ability to sneak in passing lanes, box out, etc. almost made up for whatever limitations there were though.

I loved watching him (and Magic) then, and now, as their games are so rich and full of life. But for different reasons than why almost all other players are fun to watch.

Larry Legend was a true master of the game. What an incredible figure in basketball history.

#33. :bowdown:

[QUOTE=BIZARRO]...[/QUOTE]

GREAT description of Larry's game. Repped. :applause:

If Larry was black, he would be the GOAT hands down.

My second favorite player of all time. A killer. People who didn't see him have no idea how good this guy was. It's a travesty when people start mentioning guys like Dirk in the same sentence. Bird was one of the only guys in history who could drop 35/15/13 plus the game-winner and you wouldn't be surprised. Complete bad-ass.

[QUOTE=Loki]My second favorite player of all time. A killer. People who didn't see him have no idea how good this guy was. It's a travesty when people start mentioning guys like Dirk in the same sentence. Bird was one of the only guys in history who could drop 35/15/13 plus the game-winner and you wouldn't be surprised. Complete bad-ass.[/QUOTE]

While not as good as Bird, I still think Dirk is the closest to Bird we have right now. That's not saying he is very close to Bird, it just means that Bird really was that special that he really he almost incomparable. The smartest and maybe the most well-rounded player ever. Nothing he couldn't do on the court. And before someone says "wasn't athletic enough to be a great fast-break player", just take a look at Josh Howard and other athletic players in the league, and then watch some Boston games from the 80's. Bird just knew how to run a break, when to pass, when to fake, and also was great at starting a break.

[URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDj0SiOdoxw&feature=PlayList&p=7F95FC33E153D2BC&index=1"]Game 2[/URL]

[QUOTE] People who didn't see him have no idea how good this guy was.[/QUOTE]

Like you?

[QUOTE=Loki]My second favorite player of all time. A killer. People who didn't see him have no idea how good this guy was. It's a travesty when people start mentioning guys like Dirk in the same sentence. Bird was one of the only guys in history who could drop 35/15/13 plus the game-winner and you wouldn't be surprised. Complete bad-ass.[/QUOTE]

Nah, Dirk is right there, he is so underrated by today's fans it is almost comical. As for Bird, ABSOLUTE killer, 4th best player of all time IMO (Jabbar/Jordan/Magic/Bird). And, IMO, the '86 Celtics team was the best team of all time. '87 Lakers, '91 and '96 Bulls, and '00 Lakers fans are going to argue but, again, it is my opinion.

[QUOTE=eliteballer]Like you?[/QUOTE]

I actually knew when I posted that that you'd chime in with such a comment. I expected it yesterday, though -- you're getting old, eliteballer. :oldlol: And no, I meant people who haven't even seen any games of his, not necessarily people who didn't see it live.

[quote]Nah, Dirk is right there[/quote]

No, he's not. Not at all. He's definitely underrated, but he can't see Bird.

[quote=Da Realist]Game 2[/quote]

:oldlol:

Unbelievable. Look at the fake and pass at 3:46. :oldlol: Bird wasn't a tremendous athlete, but his hand-eye coordination was elite and his general quickness (on foot fakes, ball fakes, hand-speed, first step etc.) was [i]very[/i] good.

How close or far apart would Lebron, CP3, Duncan be in comparison to Bird?

[QUOTE=TmacsRockets]How close or far apart would Lebron, CP3, Duncan be in comparison to Bird?[/QUOTE]

assuming he is physically on par with current times, then he would be better than all in my humble opinion.

Yes, he would be imo. With Kobe/Lebron not far behind, but clearly behind.

[QUOTE=TmacsRockets]How close or far apart would Lebron, CP3, Duncan be in comparison to Bird?[/QUOTE]

No Tmac? :confusedshrug:

[QUOTE=picc84]No Tmac? :confusedshrug:[/QUOTE]

You actually believe I am a T-mac fan?

:pimp:

Bird today

NBA comparison: Mike Dunleavy Jr

no way. He would get in a fight today because he talks way to much trash and someone would break his bones and he'd have a career ending injury. Nah but really he probably be unstoppable on offense, while being a 2nd defense defender. basically a better dirk that can drive and post

Yes he would.

back then they sere slower than now-n-day's......Kobe would own him, imo.....this is a very tought era, he played in an era which was easier.....altho, he still had to go threw lakers/76ers/pistons......

[B]Yes :rolleyes:

-With Todays [COLOR="blue"]No Handchecking [/COLOR] allowed it would [U]Easy for him to get his Fadeway Shots Off as [I]Post Up Shooter [/I]All Day Long[/U]...

-Same would go with his 3-Point FG%, It would be [U]Easier to Get his 3pointers[/U]...Can you Imagine [U]No Handchecking on Bird [/U] in his [U]3-Point Attempts[/U]? It would be laughable :rolleyes:

-With [COLOR="Blue"]Todays Zone Defenses[/COLOR] he would be benefied even more [U]Locating him self with The Greatest Full Court and Defensive Court Awaeness of All Time to Anticipate for Steals [/U]etc making his [U]SPG Avg Rise[/U].

-His [U]Passing and APG Avg would raise [/U]to about 8-9 APG with Ease benefiting with the actual [COLOR="blue"] Away Man Defense and Zone Defense there is Today (

[QUOTE=Sir Charles][B]Yes :rolleyes:

-With Todays No Handchecking Allowed it would easy for him to get his Fadeway Shots Off as Post Up Shooter All Day Long...

-With Todays Zone Defenses he would benefit even Locating him self with The Greatest Full Court and Defensive Court Awaeness of All Time to anticipate for Steals etc making his SPG Avg Rise

-His Passing Assist Avg would raise to about 8-9 APG with ease with Away Man Defense there is Today

-His Rebounding would be around the same 10 RPG, excpet he would be around 240 lbs with todays weight lifting programs.

A 6`9 1/ 2 ft 240 lbs SF that can Shoot like the Best SGs, Post Up and Rebound like a Powerforward, Think and Pass like a PG and Was the Clutchest Player Ever (no hating on West and Jordan but Bird had the edge there)

Also..

*In todays Slow Paced Game "Bird Thinking and Way Of Playing" would have more impact than 80s Faster Pace (when Players knew how to movel with or without the ball and where quicker at average, weighed less etc).

*The League would be Slowly Falling to "The Bird Trap" easier than Before :pimp: :oldlol:

Expect these stats for 8-10 seasons:

28-32 PPG (50-54% FG), 10-12 RGP; 8-9 APG, 90% FT, 40% 3-Point, 2-3 SPG

*That ofcourse if he plays in the West if he plays in the East expect a rise for 8-10 Season on those Stats[/B][/QUOTE]
shut up bish thats like saying nash would be 150 lbs in the old days

[QUOTE=Sir Charles][B]Yes :rolleyes:

-With Todays No Handchecking Allowed it would easy for him to get his Fadeway Shots Off as Post Up Shooter All Day Long...

-With Todays Zone Defenses he would benefit even Locating him self with The Greatest Full Court and Defensive Court Awaeness of All Time to anticipate for Steals etc making his SPG Avg Rise

-His Passing Assist Avg would raise to about 8-9 APG with ease with Away Man Defense there is Today

-His Rebounding would be around the same 10 RPG, excpet he would be around 240 lbs with todays weight lifting programs.

A 6`9 1/ 2 ft 240 lbs SF that can Shoot like the Best SGs, Post Up and Rebound like a Powerforward, Think and Pass like a PG and Was the Clutchest Player Ever (no hating on West and Jordan but Bird had the edge there)

Also..

*In todays Slow Paced Game "Bird Thinking and Way Of Playing" would have more impact than 80s Faster Pace (when Players knew how to movel with or without the ball and where quicker at average, weighed less etc).

*The League would be Slowly Falling to "The Bird Trap" easier than Before :pimp: :oldlol:

Expect these stats for 8-10 seasons:

28-32 PPG (50-54% FG), 10-12 RGP; 8-9 APG, 90% FT, 40% 3-Point, 2-3 SPG

*That ofcourse if he plays in the West if he plays in the East expect a rise for 8-10 Season on those Stats[/B][/QUOTE]

you are the most annoying poster on ISH and you don't make any sense you idiot.

[QUOTE=TmacsRockets]You actually believe I am a T-mac fan?

:pimp:[/QUOTE]

I guess the tmac in the name, avatar, and all the posts about him threw me off. :ohwell:

IMO, if his body was up to par as the players in the league in terms of speed and quickness (not like he was the fastest player in his era), he would still be a top player... best? i would say one of the best. he would still score...

Bird? Looks like a white stiff to me. What's his vert? I bet he can't even do a windmill slam. He'd probably be a really good D-league player though.

[QUOTE=stephanieg][I][B]Bird? Looks like a white stiff to me[/B][/I]. What's his vert? I bet he can't even do a windmill slam. He'd probably be a really good D-league player though.[/QUOTE]

i agree with that, but.....he is one of the 6 best ever to play the game....

[QUOTE=Sir Charles][B]Yes :rolleyes:

-With Todays [COLOR="blue"]No Handchecking [/COLOR] allowed it would [U]Easy for him to get his Fadeway Shots Off as [I]Post Up Shooter [/I]All Day Long[/U]...

-Same would go with his 3-Point FG%, It would be [U]Easier to Get his 3pointers[/U]...Can you Imagine [U]No Handchecking on Bird [/U] in his [U]3-Point Attempts[/U]? It would be laughable :rolleyes:

-With [COLOR="Blue"]Todays Zone Defenses[/COLOR] he would be benefied even more [U]Locating him self with The Greatest Full Court and Defensive Court Awaeness of All Time to Anticipate for Steals [/U]etc making his [U]SPG Avg Rise[/U].

-His [U]Passing and APG Avg would raise [/U]to about 8-9 APG with Ease benefiting with the actual [COLOR="blue"] Away Man Defense and Zone Defense there is Today (

[QUOTE=stephanieg]Bird? Looks like a white stiff to me. What's his vert? I bet he can't even do a windmill slam. He'd probably be a really good D-league player though.[/QUOTE]

[img]http://www.nfhell.com/images/frustration.jpg[/img]

absolutely

[B]For all You Idiots Underrating Bird go Check This Whole Game Out Part 1-6[/B]

[B]Game 2, 1986 NBA Finals

Part 1[/B]

[url]http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=WKA5wjiI37Q[/url]

:banghead: :hammerhead:

[QUOTE=big baller]i agree with that, but.....he is one of the 6 best ever to play the game....[/QUOTE]
He's being facetious.

Yes he would, the only he cant possibly do is posterize, but he could do pretty much everything else, his clutch play is just superb, and IMO he's the 2nd best player all-time.

Quite possibly. Bird could be the best in any area if he so desired.

[QUOTE=GOBB]Bird today

NBA comparison: Mike Dunleavy Jr[/QUOTE]

:roll:

[QUOTE=Loki]
:oldlol:

Unbelievable. Look at the fake and pass at 3:46. :oldlol: Bird wasn't a tremendous athlete, but his hand-eye coordination was elite and his general quickness (on foot fakes, ball fakes, hand-speed, first step etc.) was [i]very[/i] good.[/QUOTE]

I LOVE that step-back three at 2:55. That's a dagger to the heart right there. :applause:

[QUOTE=big baller]back then they sere slower than now-n-day's......Kobe would own him, imo.....this is a very tought era, he played in an era which was easier.....altho, he still had to go threw lakers/76ers/pistons......[/QUOTE]

this man played against Michael Jordan, Isiah, Dr. J, Marques Johnson, James Worthy and Dominique. they look slow to you? Bird would wear Kobe's a$$ much worse than Pierce did. GTFOH.

[QUOTE=Loki]I actually knew when I posted that that you'd chime in with such a comment. I expected it yesterday, though -- you're getting old, eliteballer. :oldlol: And no, I meant people who haven't even seen any games of his, not necessarily people who didn't see it live.



No, he's not. Not at all. He's definitely underrated, but he can't see Bird.



:oldlol:

Unbelievable. Look at the fake and pass at 3:46. :oldlol: Bird wasn't a tremendous athlete, but his hand-eye coordination was elite and his general quickness (on foot fakes, ball fakes, hand-speed, first step etc.) was [i]very[/i] good.[/QUOTE]

[B]0.38 - 0.41 = Bird`s Major Schooling on an Agil-Quick Hakeem..Hilarious :roll: :confusedshrug: [/B]

[B]Bird between ages 23 and 30 (79-86) was not as slow as people think anyhow Bird is the Games Greatest SF because he has the whole package:

Can Rebound like a PF (I`ve seen him rebound againt guys like Worthy, Mahorn, Buck Williams, Kevin Willis etc)

Can Pass and See Like a PG: Just look at the clips...

Can Shoot like the Best SGs Ever and in the Clucht the Best Ever.

Gets his FTs

One of the Greatest Team -Defenders Ever

The Greatest Court Awareness Ever

The Greatest Eye Coordination Ever

Shoot and Pass with Both Hands

Bird in todays league would school even more than back. The rules favor his style of game even more: Slow Paced (Bird`s Home), No Handchecking (Bird`Posts Up Freely Gets Foulled More, Shoots 3s when he is hot freeley), Passing is Easier in a Zone Defense it just takes 1 guard to go past once his opponent and the rest are not tightly guarded etc[/B]

[QUOTE=Sir Charles][B]Read and learn. And Yes he would weight 240 lbs. Bird was not stocky built but he was thick boned, way stronger than most people think (I`ve seen him outrebound guys like Buck Williams, James Worthy, Kevin Willis etc) with the weight lifting he would have a stronger upper body with his boxing out skills and the actual No Physical Play in the NBA it would be easier for him to Rebound. With todays No Man to Man Defense he would get his Post Up Shots Easier and finally With the Actual Biggest Lie Ever = The Zone Defense...it would be very easy for him to Pass, Create and Make others Better since most of his Teamates would be Loose for him to find them and finally No Handchecking Bird in a 3-Point Attempt? = Laughable...[/B]

[B][COLOR="Green"]Bird was All but his Looks, An Assasing Hidden inside the Nerdy Country Boy Look [/COLOR][/B]

[B]He Looked So Slow Yet he Avg 29.9 PPG and a Career 23-24 when the Handchecking Was The Common
He Didnt Look Like the Strongest Yet he Avg 10 Rebounds Per Game in Time Where Physical Play Was Allowed
He Didn`t Look so Agil, Yet he Averaged 1.7 SPG (Court Awareness, Playing Chess While Everybody is Playing Checkers)
He Didn`t Look like an NBA Player, Well Go Ask Dr.J about that :oldlol: [/B][/QUOTE]
ur stupid u mean with supplements they had weights 30 years ago too idiot