Larry Bird

Bird was born December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, to Georgia Marie (née Kerns; 1930–1996){{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}} and Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird (1926–1975), a veteran of World War II and the Korean War.{{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 }} His parents were of Irish, Scottish and Native American descent.{{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 }} Bird has four brothers and a sister.{{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 }}

Bird was raised in nearby French Lick, where his mother worked two jobs to support Larry and his five siblings.{{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 }} Bird has said that being poor as a child still motivates him "to this day."{{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 }} Georgia and Joe divorced when Larry was in high school, and Joe committed suicide in February 1975.{{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 }}

Bird used basketball as an escape from his family troubles, starring for Springs Valley High School (Class of 1974){{cite web |title=Larry Bird |url=https://hoopshall.com/inductees/larry-bird/ |website=Hoopshall |access-date=May 28, 2024 |language=en}} 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.{{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 }} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Bird's youngest brother, Eddie, also played basketball at Indiana State University, where Daniels would coincidentally become an assistant coach to the young Larry once he played there.

Bird received a scholarship to play college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers under head coach Bob Knight in 1974.{{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 }} 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 to be overwhelming. 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 University in Terre Haute in 1975.Bird, Larry (1989), Drive: The Story of My Life. Doubleday, pp. 39–40. {{ISBN|0-385-24921-7}}{{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 }}{{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 }} He had a successful three-year career with the Sycamores, helping them reach the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history with a 33–0 record where they played the 1979 championship game against Michigan State.Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals. HBO, 2010.{{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 }} Indiana State lost the game 75–64, with Bird scoring 19 points but making only 7 of 21 shots.

File:Larry Bird ISU.jpg

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 Earvin "Magic" Johnson, 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. For his college career, Bird averaged 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game,{{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 }} leading the Sycamores to an 81–13 record during his tenure. Bird also appeared in one game for the baseball team, going 1-for-2 with 2 RBI.{{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 }} He graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.{{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 }}

Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. 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 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.{{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 }}{{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 }} 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.

File:Houston Rockets at Boston Celtics 1979-10-12 (Official Scorer's Report) (Larry Bird crop).jpg

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 year before he was drafted and finished first in the Eastern Conference.{{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 }}{{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 }} In his career debut, Bird recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a 114–106 victory over the Houston Rockets.{{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 }} 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.{{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 }} 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.{{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 }} With averages of 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game for the season, he was selected to the All-Star Team and named Rookie of the Year. In the Eastern Conference Finals, Boston was eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Before the 1980–81 season, the Celtics selected forward Kevin McHale in the draft and acquired center Robert Parish from the Golden State Warriors,{{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 }}{{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 }} 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.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }} Behind Bird's leadership and Boston's upgraded roster, the Celtics again advanced to the Conference Finals for a rematch with the 76ers.{{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 }} Boston fell behind 3–1 to start the series but won the next three games to advance to the Finals against the Houston Rockets,{{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 }} winning in six games and earning Bird his first championship. Bird averaged 21.9 points, 14 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game for the postseason and 15.3 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 7 assists per game for the Finals.{{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 }}

At the 1982 All-Star Game, Bird scored 19 points en route to winning the All-Star Game MVP Award.{{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 }} At the end of the season, he earned his first All-Defensive Team selection. Bird eventually finished runner-up in Most Valuable Player Award voting to Moses Malone. In the Conference Finals, the Celtics faced the 76ers for the third consecutive year, losing in seven games.{{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 }} Boston's misfortunes continued into 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.{{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 }}

File:Larry Bird layup.jpg]]

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.{{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}}

Bird was named MVP of the 1983–84 season with averages of 24.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. In the 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 Los Angeles Lakers.{{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 }} 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.{{cite book |last = MacMullan |first = Jackie |title = When the Game Was Ours |date = 2009 |publisher = Mariner |isbn = 978-0-547-39458-9 |page = 136 }} Boston came back to win that game and eventually won the series in seven games. Bird was named Finals MVP behind 27.4 points, 14 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

File:December 1983 One on One Dr J vs Larry Bird advertisement by Electronic Arts (cropped) (cropped).jpg

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.{{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 }} On March 12 of the 1984–85 season, Bird scored a career-high and franchise record 60 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks.{{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 }} The performance came just nine days after Kevin McHale set the previous Celtics record for points in a game with 56.{{cite book |last = MacMullan |first = Jackie |title = When the Game Was Ours |date = 2009 |publisher = Mariner |isbn = 978-0-547-39458-9 |page = 15 }} 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. Boston advanced through the playoffs to earn a rematch with the Lakers, this time losing in six games.{{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 }}

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.{{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 }}

File:Larry Bird Lipofsky.jpg]]

Before the start of the 1985–86 season, the Celtics made a daring trade for Bill Walton, an All-Star center with a history of injury.{{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 }} The risk paid off; Walton's acquisition helped Boston win a league best 67 games.{{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 }} One of Bird's career highlights occurred at the 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.{{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 }}{{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 }}

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.{{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 }} 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.{{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 }}

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.{{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 }} In the playoffs, the Celtics lost only one game through the first three rounds en route to a match-up against the Rockets in the Finals. 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.{{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 }} He averaged 24 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game for the championship round.{{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 }}

The 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.{{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 }}

In 1987, the Celtics made their last Finals appearance of Bird's career, fighting through difficult series against the Milwaukee Bucks and 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.{{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 }} The Celtics fell short in 1988 losing to the 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.{{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 }}

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.{{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 }} The historical rift between the teams, which faced each other several times in championship series of the 1960s, fueled fan interest in the rivalry. 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 offense. A 1980s 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.{{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}}

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."{{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 }}

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.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }} Bird finished with 34 points. His effort helped to overcome a 47-point performance by Atlanta's Dominique Wilkins.{{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 }} 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 season ended after six games when he had bone spurs surgically removed from both of his heels.{{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 }} 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 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 season. During the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the 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.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }}

On August 18, 1992, Bird announced his retirement from the NBA.{{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 }} Following Bird's departure, the Celtics promptly retired his jersey number 33.

{{Tone|section|date=June 2024}}

File:Magic Lipofsky.jpg (pictured) is often credited with popularizing the NBA.]]

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are known to be "one of the greatest rivalries in sports."{{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 }} 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.{{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 }}

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."{{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 }} 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.{{Cite news |date = May 27, 1984 |title = Showdown time in NBA: Unflappable Bird goes against the 'Magic' man |pages = E7 |work = Chicago Tribune }} 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."{{Cite news |last = Johnson |first = Roy |date = May 28, 1984 |title = Two Great Rivalries Resume: Bird-Johnson, Celtics-Lakers |pages = 25 }}

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." 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.

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 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.{{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 }} It was the first time in the United States' Olympic history that the country sent NBA players to compete. The "Dream Team" won the men's basketball gold medal. In eight games, Bird averaged 8.4 points.[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}} Basketball Reference The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame called the team "the greatest collection of basketball talent on the planet."{{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 }}

Bird was voted onto the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team list in 1996,{{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 }}{{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 }} and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.{{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 }}{{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 }} He was inducted into the Hall of Fame again in 2010, as a member of the "Dream Team."{{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 }} In 1999, Bird ranked {{abbr|No.|Number}} 30 on ESPN SportsCentury's list of 50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th century. He played both the small forward and power forward positions.{{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 }} 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.[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.

{{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{{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 }}}}

Bird has been described as one of the greatest basketball players and greatest shooters of all time.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }} He was selected to 12 NBA All-Star teams.{{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 }} Bird won three NBA championships (in 1981, 1984, and 1986) with the Celtics and won two NBA Finals MVP Awards.{{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 }} 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.{{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 }} Bird was also a four-time regular season MVP runner-up in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1988.[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. He is also remembered as one of the foremost clutch performers in the history of the NBA; Bird was known for his excellent play in high-stakes, high-pressure situations.{{cite web |url = https://news.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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }} 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. 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.{{cite news | url=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 | 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 }}

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.{{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 }} Bird was the first player in NBA history to shoot 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.{{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 }} He accomplished this feat twice.{{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 }} Bird won NBA three-point-shooting contests in three consecutive years.{{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 }} He sometimes practiced shooting three-point shots with his eyes closed.

Bird is also remembered as an excellent passer{{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 }} and defender. While he was relatively slow, Bird displayed a knack for anticipating the moves of his opponent, making Bird a strong team defender. He had 1,556 career steals.{{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 }} In recognition of his defensive abilities, Bird was named to three All-Defensive Second Teams.

Bird was widely considered one of Red Auerbach's favorite players as he considered Bird to be the greatest basketball player of all time.{{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 }} Bird's humble roots were the source of his most frequently used moniker, "The Hick from French Lick."{{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 }} Bird was also referred to as "Larry Legend."{{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 }}

Bird was known for his trash-talking on the court and is remembered as one of the most notable trash-talkers of his era.{{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 }}{{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 }} 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 clock.'"{{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 |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 }} 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.{{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 }}

At the 2019 NBA Awards, Bird received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (shared with Magic Johnson).{{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 |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 }} Since 2022, the NBA will award the MVPs for the conference finals; the Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy is named in Bird's honor, while the Western Conference trophy is named after Johnson.{{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 }}

{{Expand section |date=June 2024}}

File:Monumento larry bird.jpg, Boston]]

The Celtics employed Bird as a special assistant in the team's front office from 1992 until 1997.{{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 |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 }} In 1997, he accepted the position of coach of the Indiana Pacers.{{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 }} Bird said that he would be on the job for no more than three years.{{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 }} 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 season,{{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 }} and pushed the Chicago Bulls to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals. He was named the NBA Coach of the Year for his efforts.{{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}} Bird then led the Pacers to consecutive Central Division titles in 1999 and 2000 and a berth in the 2000 NBA Finals. Bird resigned his head coaching position shortly after the end of the 2000 season, following through on his initial promise to coach for only three years.{{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 }}

In 2003, Bird was hired as the Indiana Pacers' president of basketball operations.{{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 }} After the 2011–2012 NBA season, he 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.{{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 }} 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.{{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 }} Bird returned to the Pacers as president of basketball operations in 2013. He stepped down again in 2017, but stayed with the team in an advisory capacity.{{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 }} Bird continued to serve as an advisor until July 2022, when he "stepped back from maintaining an active role with the Indiana Pacers."{{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 }} Nearly a year later in June 2023, it was announced that the Pacers re-hired Bird to serve as a consultant.

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,{{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}} something he has noted before. He stated in 2016, "Sometimes my job really sucks."{{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}}

NBA

• 3× NBA champion ({{nbafy|1981}}, {{nbafy|1984}}, {{nbafy|1986}})
• 2× NBA Finals MVP ({{nbafy|1984}}, {{nbafy|1986}})
• 3× 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 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 ({{nbay|1979|end}})
• NBA All-Rookie First Team ({{nbay|1979|end}})
• 3× NBA Three-Point Contest Champion ({{nasg|1986}}–{{nasg|1988}})
• 2× NBA Three-Point Scoring Leader ({{nbay|1985|end}}, {{nbay|1986|end}})
• 4× NBA Free-Throw Percentage Leader (1984, 1986, 1987, 1990)
• 2× 50–40–90 club ({{nbay|1986|end}}, {{nbay|1987|end}})
• 7× NBA Player of the Month{{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}}
• 15× NBA Player of the Week{{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}}
• Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996
• Selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021{{cite web |url = https://www.nba.com/75/player/larry-bird-1449 |title = Larry Bird | 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 }}
• No. 33 retired by Boston Celtics
• Trophy named in Bird's honor (Larry Bird Trophy) awarded to Eastern Conference Finals MVP (established in 2022){{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 }}
• NBA All-Star Game head coach (1998)
• NBA Coach of the Year ({{nbay|1997|end}})
• NBA Executive of the Year ({{nbay|2011|end}})
• NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)

USA Basketball

• 1977 World University Games gold medal
• 1992 FIBA Americas Championship gold medal
• 1992 Olympic gold medal{{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 }}

NCAA

• 1979 MVC Regular Season Champion
• 1979 MVC Tournament Champion
• Consensus 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)
• AP College Basketball Player of the Year (1979)
• Sporting News College Basketball Player of the Year (1979)
• UPI College Basketball Player of the Year (1979)
• NABC Player of the Year (1979)
• 2× MVC Player of the Year (1978, 1979)
• 2× Consensus first team All-American (1978, 1979)
• 2× AP first team All-American (1978, 1979)
• 2× NABC first team All-American (1978, 1979)
• 2× UPI first team All-American (1978, 1979)
• USBWA first team All-American (1979)
• USBWA second team All-American (1978)
• NABC third team All-American (1977)
• UPI third team All-American (1977)
• 2× first team All-MVC (1978, 1979)
• NCAA total points leader (1979){{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}}
• No. 33 retired by Indiana State Sycamores

Media

• Associated Press Athlete of the Year (1986)
• Sporting News Athlete of the Year (1986){{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}}
• 2× Sporting News NBA MVP (1985, 1986){{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}}
• Sporting News Rookie of the Year (1980){{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}}
• Sporting News NBA 1980s All-Decade First Team{{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}}
• AP NBA 1980s All-Decade First Team{{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}}

Halls of Fame

• Two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee:
• 1998 – individual
• 2010 – member of "The Dream Team"
• National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame (inaugural class of 2006){{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 }}
• U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame (class of 2009 as a member of "The Dream Team"){{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 }}
• FIBA Hall of Fame (class of 2017 as a member of "The Dream Team"){{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 |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 }}
• Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame (inaugural class of 1997)
• National High School Hall of Fame (class of 1995)

• Bird has appeared in three movies, each time playing himself: Blue Chips with Nick Nolte, released in 1994 by Paramount; the Warner Brothers film Space Jam with Michael Jordan and Bill Murray, in 1996; and Celtic Pride with Dan Aykroyd, Daniel Stern, and Damon Wayans, which was also released in 1996.{{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 }}
• 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.{{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}}
• 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.{{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 }}
• 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."{{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}}
• Until July 2023, Twitter's logo was named Larry in honor of Larry Bird.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }}
• Bird is portrayed by Sean Patrick Small in the HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.{{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}}

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.{{Cite web |url = https://www.espn.com/classic/s/add_bird_larry_new.html |title = ESPN Classic - Bird had eye for victory |website = ESPN |access-date = February 24, 2020 |archive-date = April 22, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170422010000/http://www.espn.com/classic/s/add_bird_larry_new.html |url-status = live }}

Bird married Dinah Mattingly in 1989. They have two adopted children: Conner and Mariah.

During his professional career with the Celtics, Bird lived in the Boston suburb of Brookline, Massachusetts.{{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}}

{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1979}}

| style="text-align:left;"| 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;"| 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;"| 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;"| 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;"| 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;"| 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;"| 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;"| 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;"| 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;"| 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;"| 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;"| 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;"| 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

| 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

| 10 || 9 || 28.7 || .423 || .231 || .844 || 7.9 || 4.1 || 2.3 || 0.3 || 13.4

|-

{{S-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1980

| style="text-align:left;"| 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†

| style="text-align:left;"| Boston

| 17 || 17 || 44.1 || .470 || .375 || .894 || 14.0 || 6.1 || 2.3 || 1.0 || 21.9

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1982

| style="text-align:left;"| Boston

| 12 || 12 || 40.8 || .427 || .167 || .822 || 12.5 || 5.6 || 1.9 || 1.4 || 17.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1983

| style="text-align:left;"| 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†

| style="text-align:left;"| Boston

| 23 || 23 || 41.8 || .524 || .412 || .879 || 11.0 || 5.9 || 2.3 || 1.2 || 27.5

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1985

| style="text-align:left;"| 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†

| style="text-align:left;"| Boston

| 18 || 18 || 42.8 || .517 || .411 || .927 || 9.3 || 8.2 || 2.1 || .6 || 25.9

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1987

| style="text-align:left;"| Boston

| 23 || 23 || 44.1 || .476 || .341 || .912 || 10.0 || 7.2 || 1.2 || 0.8 || 27.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1988

| style="text-align:left;"| Boston

| 17 || 17 || 44.9 || .450 || .375 || .894 || 8.8 || 6.8 || 2.1 || 0.8 || 24.5

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1990

| style="text-align:left;"| Boston

| 5 || 5 || 41.4 || .444 || .263 || .906 || 9.2 || 8.8 || 1.0 || 1.0 || 24.4

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1991

| style="text-align:left;"| Boston

| 10 || 10 || 39.6 || .408 || .143 || .863 || 7.2 || 6.5 || 1.3 || 0.3 || 17.1

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1992

| style="text-align:left;"| 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

| 164 || 162 || 42.0 || .472 || .321 || .890 || 10.3 || 6.5 || 1.8 || 0.9 || 23.8

|-

{{S-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1976–77

| style="text-align:left;"| Indiana State

| 28 || {{sort|-|—}} || 36.9 || .544 || {{sort|-|—}} || .840 || 13.3 || 4.4 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || 32.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1977–78

| style="text-align:left;"| Indiana State

| 32 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || .524 || {{sort|-|—}} || .793 || 11.5 || 3.9 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || 30.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 1978–79

| style="text-align:left;"| 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

| 94 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || .533 || {{sort|-|—}} || .822 || 13.3 || 4.6 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || 30.3

|-

{{S-end}}

{{NBA coach statistics legend}}

{{NBA coach statistics start}}

|+Larry Bird coaching statistics

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|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 Conf. Finals

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|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 Conf. Finals

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|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 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}}

• {{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 }}

• Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
• 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

{{Reflist}}

• {{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 }}

{{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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