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Larry Bird is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for the Boston Celtics for his entire professional career, leading them to the NBA title three times (1981, 1984, and 1986). Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time and is known for his all-around game, clutch shooting, and trash-talking abilities. He has appeared in various media outside of basketball, including video games and commercials, and his impact on the sport has been significant, with many considering him a superstar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Larry Joe Bird |
| Date of Birth | 7 December 1956 |
| Place of Birth | West Baden Springs, Indiana |
| Nicknames | "The Hick from French Lick", "Larry Legend" |
| Parents | Georgia Marie Kerns, Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird |
| Siblings | Four brothers and a sister |
| High School | Springs Valley High School |
| College | Indiana State University |
| NBA Team | Boston Celtics |
| Position | Forward |
| Jersey Number | 33 |
| Achievements | NBA Rookie of the Year (1979-80), NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) (x3), NBA Finals MVP (x2), All-Star MVP, NBA Coach of the Year (1997-98), NBA Executive of the Year (2012) |
| Known For | Trash-talking, clutch shooting, perfectionism |
| Video Game Appearances | One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird, Jordan vs Bird: One on One, NBA 2K12, NBA Jam |
| Commercials | McDonald's Super Bowl commercial (1991) |
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What You'll Learn
Larry Bird's career as a basketball player
Larry Bird, born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, on December 7, 1956, is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" and "Larry Legend," Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Bird grew up in French Lick, Indiana, and attended Springs Valley High School, where he excelled in basketball, averaging 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4.0 assists as a senior. After graduating high school, Bird received a scholarship to play college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers in 1974. However, he dropped out after less than a month and returned to French Lick. The following year, he enrolled at Indiana State University, where he played for the Sycamores for three years. During his college career, Bird averaged 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, leading the Sycamores to an 81–13 record.
Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. He made his NBA debut on October 12, 1979, and immediately made an impact, leading the Celtics to a 32-win improvement over the previous season. Bird played his entire professional career with the Celtics, spanning 13 seasons. He was known for his all-around game and clutch shooting, redefining the small forward position. During his time with the Celtics, Bird led the team to five NBA Finals appearances and won three NBA championships (1981, 1984, and 1986). He was a 12-time NBA All-Star, won two NBA Finals MVP awards, and was the only forward in league history to win three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player Awards (1984-1986).
Bird was also known for his trash-talking on the court, often predicting his moves to opponents and using psychological tactics to raise his game. He retired from playing in 1992, holding or sharing 27 Celtics records. After his playing career, Bird went on to have a successful coaching and executive career in the NBA, including being named NBA Coach of the Year in 1997-98 and NBA Executive of the Year in 2012.
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Larry Bird's career as a basketball coach
Larry Bird, born in 1956 in West Baden Springs, Indiana, is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Growing up in French Lick, Indiana, Bird was a local basketball star. After a short stint playing college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers, he returned to French Lick and attended a local college before enrolling at Indiana State University in 1975. He had a successful three-year career with the Sycamores, leading them to the 1979 NCAA national championship game.
Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft but elected to stay in college for one more year. He then joined the Celtics in 1979, signalling a new era in basketball. During his playing career, Bird was known for his trash-talking and clutch shooting, becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He brought three championship banners to Boston (in 1981, 1984, and 1986) before retiring in 1992.
After his playing career, Bird transitioned into coaching and became a highly successful NBA coach. He was named NBA Coach of the Year for the 1997-98 season while coaching the Indiana Pacers. Under his leadership, the Pacers reached the 2000 NBA Finals. In 2003, Bird took on a new role as president of basketball operations for the Pacers, a position he held until his retirement in 2012. He was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2012 season.
Bird's impact on the Pacers did not end with his retirement, as he returned to the organization in various advisory roles over the years. He came back as president of basketball operations in 2013 and remained in that role until 2017. Bird then continued to advise the Pacers until July 2022, after which he took a break before returning once again as a consultant.
Throughout his career, Bird has achieved numerous accolades and milestones. He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. His success and influence on the game have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest figures in the history of basketball.
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Larry Bird's career as a basketball executive
Larry Bird is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.
Bird joined the Pacers' front office in 2003 as the team's president of basketball operations. He worked alongside Walsh to rebuild Indiana into a contender. When Walsh moved to the Knicks before the 2008-09 season, Bird took over the team's basketball operations and helped the Pacers end a four-year playoff drought in 2010-11.
Bird was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2012 season. On the day before the 2012 NBA draft, Bird and the Pacers announced that they would be parting ways; he cited health issues among the reasons for his departure.
Bird returned to the Pacers as president of basketball operations in 2013 and remained in that role until 2017. He stepped down from this position but stayed with the team in an advisory capacity until July 2022. In June 2023, it was announced that the Pacers had rehired Bird to serve as a consultant, a role he still holds as of 2025.
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Larry Bird's impact on the NBA
Larry Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His arrival in the NBA with the Boston Celtics in 1979 signalled a new era in basketball, with Bird's all-around game and clutch shooting redefining the small forward position and turning the Celtics back into winners.
Bird is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. He was a 12-time All-Star, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, and a nine-time member of the All-NBA First Team. He led the league in free-throw percentage four times and is one of only three players (and the first non-center) to win three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player Awards. Bird's self-confidence was legendary, and he was known to predict his own high-scoring performances to his opponents.
Bird's impact on the NBA extended beyond his playing career. He was named NBA Coach of the Year for the 1997-98 season and later led the Pacers to the 2000 NBA Finals. He then served as president of basketball operations for the Pacers from 2003 to 2012, during which time he was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2012 season. Bird returned to the Pacers as president of basketball operations in 2013 and remained in that role until 2017, continuing as an advisor until 2022.
Bird's impact on the NBA was also felt through his rivalry with Magic Johnson, which began in college and continued in the revived Celtics-Lakers rivalry in the NBA. The two players are known as "one of the greatest rivalries in sports." Their contests attracted enormous television audiences and helped to revitalise the NBA, with Bird and Johnson's rivalry and their teams' battles for dominance bringing excitement and attention to the league.
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Larry Bird's influence on basketball culture
Larry Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His influence on basketball culture is profound and far-reaching, impacting both the sport itself and the popular perception of it.
Bird's journey to stardom began at Indiana State University, where he led the Sycamores to the NCAA Championship game in 1979, facing off against another basketball legend, Magic Johnson. This rivalry between Bird and Johnson would continue and captivate fans, solidifying Bird's status as an icon of the game.
Bird's influence on the court was unparalleled. During his career, he led the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships (1981, 1984, and 1986) and collected numerous accolades, including being named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. He was also a key member of the original "Dream Team" in 1992, helping to bring home the gold medal for the United States at the Barcelona Olympics.
Bird's playing style was characterised by exceptional shooting, court vision, and basketball IQ. He was also known for his trash-talking, predicting his game-winning shots to opponents and belittling their abilities. This aspect of his game was so renowned that even Michael Jordan, who is considered one of the greatest players ever, acknowledged Bird's influence on his own mental approach to the game.
Beyond his playing career, Bird continued to impact basketball culture. He was named NBA Coach of the Year for the 1997-98 season and later led the Pacers to the 2000 NBA Finals. He also served as president of basketball operations for the Pacers and was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2012 season.
Bird's influence extends beyond the sport itself. His story is one of perseverance and dedication, as he used basketball as an escape from his family troubles and challenging upbringing. This has inspired future generations of basketball enthusiasts and cemented his legacy as a symbol of passion, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
Larry Joe Bird is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Larry Bird played basketball in high school, college, and professionally in the NBA from 1979 to 1992.
Larry Bird was a forward, known for his clutch shooting and all-around game.
Larry Bird played for the Boston Celtics his entire professional career and led them to three NBA titles.
Larry Bird is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. He was also a 12-time All-Star and a nine-time member of the All-NBA First Team.
![Larry Bird (Basketball Card) 1990-91 NBA Hoops - [Base] #39](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8110hDDWXNL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
