Larry Bird

Boston Celtics legend and three-time champion whose rivalry with Magic Johnson revived the NBA in the 1980s.

Larry Joe Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana in 1956 and grew up in poverty following his father's suicide. He attended Indiana State, leading them to the 1979 NCAA Championship game against Magic Johnson's Michigan State — the most watched college basketball game in history. Boston drafted him 6th overall in 1978 and he spent his entire 13-year career at the Celtics (1979–1992), scoring 21,791 points at 24.3 per game with 10.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists. He won 3 championships (1981, 1984, 1986) and 3 consecutive league MVPs (1984, 1985, 1986) — only the third player in NBA history to achieve this. His 1985–86 season — 25.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 6.8 apg on 50-40-90 shooting splits — is considered the most complete individual season in Celtics history. His rivalry with Magic Johnson revived the NBA commercially and culturally during the 1980s. His top speed of 39.2 km/h was unremarkable — his genius lay in anticipation, shooting and court vision. He played 34,443 regular season minutes across 897 games. He won the 3-Point Contest three consecutive times (1986–1988). A back injury forced his retirement at 35. He later coached Indiana Pacers (Coach of Year 1998) and served as team president.

Exceptional shooter, passer, and basketball IQ with fierce competitiveness

Considered one of the greatest players ever, helped revitalize the NBA alongside Magic Johnson

• NBA Champion 1981, 1984, 1986 (Boston Celtics)
• NBA MVP 1984, 1985, 1986
• Finals MVP 1984, 1986
• All-Star 12x
• All-NBA First Team 9x
• 3-Point Contest Champion 1986, 1987, 1988
• Olympic Gold 1992 (Dream Team)
• Rookie of Year 1980