Kristian Ferrell
Larry Bird is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played in the NBA during the 1980s and early 1990s, a time when the three-point shot was not as popular as it is today. Despite this, Bird was known for his impressive shooting ability, including his three-point shooting. So, how would his three-point shooting ability compare to the players of today's NBA, where the three-point shot is a much more integral part of the game?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| NBA Finals three-point percentage | 42.2% |
| Curry's NBA Finals three-point percentage | 39.5% |
| Three-point shooting average post-injury | 37.2% |
| Damian Lillard's three-point shooting average | 37.2% |
| Three-point shooting average from 1985 to 1992 | 39.8% |
| Ray Allen's three-point shooting average | 40.0% |
| Seasons with at least 20 PPG, 10 RPG & 5 APG | 5 |
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What You'll Learn
Larry Bird's three-point shooting accuracy
Larry Bird is considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. In his prime, Bird had a better three-point percentage than Curry, shooting 42.2% compared to Curry's 39.5%. Bird's accuracy is even more impressive considering he played during the 1980s, when the three-point shot was introduced and frowned upon by most coaches. Despite this, he showcased his long-range abilities during the 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend for years.
Bird's overall shooting accuracy took a dip after he suffered an injury in 1989, causing him to sit out almost the entire season. From 1990 until his retirement in 1992, Bird's shooting percentage was 37.2%, which is still comparable to that of Damian Lillard. If we consider his entire career from 1985 to 1992, Bird's three-point accuracy was 39.8%, similar to Ray Allen's 40.0%.
Bird's shooting abilities extended beyond just three-pointers. He averaged at least 20 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and 5 assists per game in 5 separate seasons, a feat that is tied for the second most in NBA history.
When discussing the greatest shooters, Danny Ainge, a former NBA player and executive, includes Bird alongside Ray Allen, Steve Nash, Drazen Petrovic, and Paul Pierce. Ainge believes that Bird's skills would translate to any era, including today's three-point-heavy NBA. Bird's former teammate, Kevin McHale, also praised his shooting abilities, stating that he was a "fantastic shooter."
In conclusion, Larry Bird's three-point shooting accuracy was exceptional, especially when considering the era in which he played. His career statistics and the testimonies of those who played with and against him solidify his place as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
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Bird's three-point shooting volume
Larry Bird is considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He showcased his long-range game during the 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend for years. In the 1980s, when the three-point line was introduced, Bird's three-point shooting was impressive for his era. However, compared to modern players, his volume of three-point shots was relatively minimal. According to Basketball-Reference.com, many players in today's game take significantly more three-pointers per game than Bird did during his career. For example, James Harden would only need two years to make the same number of 3-pointers as Bird did in his entire career.
Bird's career spanned the early years of the three-point shot, and in those days, it was often viewed negatively by coaches. Many of Bird's three-point attempts were last-second "oh fuck shots," taken because there was no time left on the clock. Despite this, Bird had an impressive three-point percentage, especially in the NBA finals, where he shot 42.2%, better than players like Curry. From 1985 to 1992, he shot 39.8%, comparable to Ray Allen's 40.0%.
Bird's ability to shoot three-pointers was a significant part of his overall game. He could also shoot deep threes and was an excellent passer and mid-range shooter. Experts believe that if Bird played in today's NBA, he would be among the top players in terms of three-point volume and percentage. He is considered by some to be a better overall shooter than Curry when including two-point and one-point shots.
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Bird's three-point shooting in the NBA finals
Larry Bird is considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He played all his NBA finals during the 1980s, a time when the three-point shot was frowned upon by most coaches. Despite this, Bird has a better three-point percentage in the NBA finals than Curry, shooting 42.2% compared to Curry's 39.5%. Bird's impressive shooting form continued throughout his career, averaging at least 20 PPG, 10 RPG, and 5 APG in 5 separate seasons – the second-most in NBA history.
Bird's talent was not limited to three-pointers, as he was also an exceptional passer and mid-range shooter. His skill was such that he could make up for any lack of foot speed or jumping ability. This is supported by statistics, which show that during the 1985-1986 season, Bird shot an impressive 42.3% from the field and 88.2% from the free-throw line.
Bird's three-point shooting was so renowned that it sparked discussions about how well he would have performed in the modern NBA, where the three-point shot is much more prevalent. Some analysts believe that Bird would have excelled in today's game, citing his ability to shoot from deep and his overall versatility as a player. They argue that Bird's shooting volume would have been much higher if he played in the current era, and that he would have been a top contender for MVP awards.
However, it is worth noting that Bird's career took place during the early days of the three-point shot, which was introduced in 1980, his rookie season. As a result, his three-point shooting volume was minimal compared to modern players. For example, James Harden would need only two years to make the same number of three-pointers as Bird did in his entire career.
Despite this, Bird's three-point shooting in the NBA finals remains impressive, and he is remembered as one of the greatest shooters in the history of the game.
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How Bird's three-point shooting would compare in the modern NBA
Larry Bird is considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He played during a time when the three-point line was introduced in 1980, his rookie season, and was often frowned upon by coaches. Despite this, Bird was a prolific three-point shooter, and his career three-point percentage in the NBA finals was 42.2%, which is higher than Stephen Curry's 39.5%.
Bird's three-point shooting would still hold up in the modern NBA. He had the ability to shoot deep threes and was a great mid-range and long-range shooter. In fact, some believe that if Bird played in today's era, he would be towards the top of the league in volume and percentage for three-pointers.
However, it is important to note that the game has evolved, and the mentality around three-point shooting has shifted. The volume of three-pointers taken by players today far surpasses that of Bird's era. For example, James Harden would only need two years to make as many three-pointers as Bird did in his entire career.
That being said, Bird's overall skillset would have allowed him to excel in the modern NBA. He was a great passer, a good post-up player, and a left-handed shooter. Bird's high basketball IQ and ability to think steps ahead would have enabled him to overcome any deficiencies in foot speed or jumping ability.
In conclusion, while the volume of three-point attempts has increased significantly in the modern NBA, Larry Bird's three-point shooting would still be highly effective and likely among the best in the league. His all-around game and basketball IQ would also help him excel in today's era.
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Bird's three-point shooting in comparison to other players
Larry Bird is considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He averaged at least 20 PPG, 10 RPG, and 5 APG in five separate seasons, which is tied for the second most in NBA history. Bird's three-point shooting was particularly impressive, especially considering the era in which he played.
Bird's rookie season was in 1980, the same year the three-point line was introduced. In the early 1980s, the three-point shot was generally frowned upon by coaches, and many three-pointers were taken out of desperation with little time left on the clock. Despite this, Bird had an impressive three-point shooting percentage. In his NBA finals, Bird shot 42.2% from three-point range, which is higher than Curry's 39.5%. From 1985 to 1992, Bird shot 39.8%, which is comparable to Ray Allen's career average of 40.0%.
Some have speculated that if Bird played in today's NBA, he would be among the top players in terms of three-point volume and percentage. Bird's former teammate, Danny Ainge, considers him one of the best shooters he has seen in a lifetime of basketball, alongside Ray Allen, Steve Nash, Drazen Petrovic, and Paul Pierce. Ainge believes Bird's game would have translated well to any era, including the modern NBA with its emphasis on three-point shooting.
Bird's three-point shooting was also praised by John Sterling, a famed Yankees play-by-play broadcaster, who recalled a game against the Hawks where Bird put on an unforgettable shooting display, including a career-high 60-point scoring night. Bird's ability to make difficult shots, such as step-back shots and shots off the dribble, suggests that he could have excelled in the modern NBA, where these skills are highly valued.
While it is challenging to make direct comparisons across different eras, Larry Bird's three-point shooting percentages and the opinions of those who played with and against him suggest that he was one of the best three-point shooters in basketball history. His ability to shoot the three-pointer, combined with his other skills as a passer, mid-range shooter, and post-up player, solidify his place as one of the all-time greats in the NBA.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Larry Bird was a good three-point shooter. He showed his long-range game during the 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend for years.
Larry Bird remains one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. In his NBA finals, Bird had a better three-point percentage than Curry. Bird shot 42.2% while Curry shot 39.5%.
It is difficult to ascertain the exact number of three-pointers made by Larry Bird during his career. However, according to one source, James Harden would need only two years to make as many three-pointers as Bird made in his entire career.
It is hard to say how Bird's three-point shooting would translate to today's NBA, where the entire mentality around three-point shooting has shifted. However, some believe that Bird would be among the top in the league in volume and percentage for threes if he were playing today.
Coaching can significantly influence a player's three-point shooting ability. In the early 1980s, when Bird began his career, the three-point shot was frowned upon by most coaches, and players often took these shots out of desperation. A creative coach could have maximized Bird's skills and encouraged him to develop his three-point shooting further.
