After protracted negotiations, Bird inked a five-year, $3.25 million contract with the team on June 8, making him the highest-paid rookie in sports history. There is no denying the greatness of Wilt Chamberlain and a superior length was a major reason he was unstoppable. Both Dinah and Larry studied at Indiana State University. [28] On November 14, 1979, Bird recorded his first career triple-double with 23 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in a 115111 win over the Detroit Pistons. For 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, from 1979-80 through 1991-92, Bird personified hustle, consistency and excellence in all areas of play as a scorer, a. 8. McHale is known as one of the best post players in NBA history due to his great footwork and arsenal of moves. For these reasons, the other badges you should consider upgrading are Bullet Passer, Post Playmaker, and Special Delivery. The team improved its win total by 32 games from the year before he was drafted and finished first in the Eastern Conference. [115] Bird then led the Pacers to consecutive Central Division titles in 1999 and 2000 and a berth in the 2000 NBA Finals. The reason the Bobcats took a risk on this extremely raw player was due to his freakish wingspan. [54], With averages of 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, and 2 steals per game, Bird became just the third player in NBA history to win three consecutive MVP Awards. Larry Bird was born in West Baden, Indiana. That wingspan is the same size that the 75 Shawn Bradley had. This will provide a huge boost in the attributes under this category. [citation needed] The apparent contrast between the two players and their respective teams seemed scripted for television: Bird, the introverted small-town hero with the blue-collar work ethic, fit perfectly with the throwback, hard-nosed style of the Celtics, while the stylish, gregarious Johnson ran the Lakers' fast-paced Showtime offense amidst the bright lights and celebrities of Los Angeles. [74], Bird and Magics 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. Bird's basketball prowess earned him an athletic scholarship to Indiana University, where he was to play for legendary coach Bob Knight. Bird returned to the Pacers as president of basketball operations in 2013,[6] and remained in that role until 2017. Homepage Mock Drafts. It seems like Leonard is only starting to scratch the surface of what he can do with such freaky physical attributes. Dinah Mattingly (1989-Present) - Larry Bird married his second wife Dinah Mattingly in 1989. Larry Joe Bird (born December 7, 1956) is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). When they reached the NBA Finals, the Celticshampered by devastating injurieslost to a dominant Lakers team that had won 65 games during the season. He was a great post scorer and could dominate the paint like a big man. Whether it be to reach for a block, getting into passing lanes, or poking balls away, extra length is a determining factor for a great defender. Bird averaged 10.0 rebounds per game in his career. Signing with the Celtics for a then-record $650,000 a year, Bird justified his salary right out of the gate, averaging 21.3 points per game and claiming Rookie of the Year honors for the 1979-80 NBA season. Your submission has been received! Find out more. Pippen could pass like a point guard, rebound like a power forward, and score like a shooting guard. Available in 3DM (Rhino), OBJ (NURB), SKP(Sketchup)formats, Dimensions.com is a project by Fantastic Offense, Dimensions is a project by Fantastic Offense. [49] In Game 6 of the Finals series, Bird recorded a triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists as the Celtics won the Finals series 4 games to 2 against the Rockets. Prince will not go down in any record books, but ask some of the games best who the toughest defender they faced is, and Tayshaun Princes name will be be right up there. Per 48 minutes that number would be 8.6 blocks a game and the next closest to him is Mark Eaton at only 5.3. [133], During his professional career with the Celtics, Bird lived in the Boston suburb of Brookline, Massachusetts.[134]. Clutch Shooter Shot attempts made during the final moments of the fourth quarter or overtime receive a large boost. That is a 12% increase in wingspan from his height. It seems every time he steps on a court he is a threat for a triple double, and a lot of that can attributed to his ridiculous wingspan. McHale stood 610 and was reported to have a colossal wingspan that stretched to 80. [73] This style of play was starting to influence a new hoard 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. Nicknamed "Larry Legend" or "The Hick from French Lick," Bird played the small forward and power forward positions. Drafted by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft after his second year at Indiana State, Bird elected to stay in college and returned for the 19781979 season. [39][41], Bird was named MVP of the 198384 season with averages of 24.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. ", "LeBron James: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Julius Erving Are 3 Best Players Ever", "Who Has Made The Most NBA All-Star Game Appearances of All-Time", "NBA MVP award: Steph Curry on list of multiple-time winners", Sporting News: James Harden joins exclusive group with third MVP runner-up finish, "Who is the most clutch player in NBA history? Brand thwarted the pre-draft analysis that claimed he would be too small to have a sustainable career in the NBA. Larry Bird's wife, Dinah Mattingly, is his high school sweetheart who got engaged and married the former NBA legend in 1989. Along with Johnson, who also entered the NBA in 1979 with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bird was a key figure in revitalizing the league in the 1980s. He was voted onto the NBA's 50 Greatest Players in NBA History list in 1996, and consequently the 75th Anniversary Team list in 2021. [48], Before the start of the 198586 season, the Celtics made a daring trade for Bill Walton, an All-Star center with a history of injury. Many NBA bigs, including Larry Bird and Bill Walton, believe there's a negative relationship between height and longevity. All Rights Reserved. You said there will be another Larry Bird. USA. He complemented his all-around game with accurate outside shooting and unmatched bravado. Fade Ace This provides a shot boost to post fadeaways. Bird had an average of 10.0 rebounds per game for his career and 6.3 assists. 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. The other shooting badges you should look to upgrade are Catch & Shoot, Corner Specialist, Difficult Shots, Fade Ace, Slippery Off-Ball, and Volume Shooter. Wingspan is a key measurement because it allows a player of a lesser stature to compete with players who may be physically taller than them. [90] Bird won three consecutive regular season MVP awards; as of 2020, the only other players to accomplish this feat are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. The losses of Moses Malone (60 years old), Darryl Dawkins (58), Anthony Mason (48), Christian Welp (51) and Jack Haley (51) all in the last year are a reminder of Bird's and others' contemporaries and peers during their playing days passing away far too young. So, when selecting a physical profile for your player, I suggest choosing the combination of strength and agility. Unlike the other popular wing players of his generation, such as Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, and Dominique Wilkins, Bird did not have the hops to jump over opponents. A persons wingspan is the measurement from the tips of one finger to the other. You can use it on Post Spin Technician to allow your player to be more effective inside the paint. [91] Bird was also a four-time regular season MVP runner-up in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1988. [120] He continued to serve as an advisor until July, 2022, when he "stepped back from maintaining an active role with the Indiana Pacers". [86] He had 1,556 career steals. Top 15 Most Impressive Wingspans In NBA History, 10 WCW Character Transformations That Made No Sense, 10 Wrestlers Vince McMahon Signed From The AWA (& Turned Them Into Stars), Dominik Mysterio Speaks About Where His "Prison Dom" Character In WWE Came From. Bol is 15th all time in blocked shots with 2,086, but he did that in only 11,698 minutes. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not state or reflect the views of PEx Online Community Corp. i remember when duncan and kg had an altercation, tim was looking up at KG. Unless you allot more points to finishing attributes, you will only have one potential upgrade for finishing badges. It's an entirely different game when you're Six-Nine." Bird has appeared in three movies, each time playing himself: Bird's likeness has appeared in several video games. Anonymous. [101] In recognition of his defensive abilities, Bird was named to three All-Defensive Second Teams. It was Larry Bird's height that made his basketball skills so remarkable. He is the only player in NBA history to have more blocks than points (2,086 blocks vs. 1599 points). His name is imprinted twice in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and besides being named Player of the Year frequently, he has received coach for the Year and Executive of the Year awards. At the age of 19, Biyombo averaged 2.8 blocks per 36 minutes and showed some promise. When they mention length, they are not talking about a players height, but more so his wingspan. Durant is a prime example that elite length, when combined with elite skills, make a truly special player. . Break Starter Deep outlet passes attempted immediately after grabbing a defensive rebound are more likely to connect. As for the defense/rebounding class, set the interior defense, offensive rebound, and defensive rebound to around 10 points below the upper limit. 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. Mourning was blessed with God given length, but it was his heart and passion for the game that ultimately made him one of the best that ever stepped on an NBA court. By visiting Celeb Heights you agree to its. Although he announced his departure around that time, he reclaimed his post as team president in the summer of 2013. [117] After the 20112012 NBA season, Bird 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. Special Delivery Improves the chances of connecting with an alley-oop pass and increases the shot percentage of teammates who receive a flashy pass from the player. What does stand out is Maxiells stature. Coming into the league, many pundits wondered if Mourning could be a starting center at only 69. [36] Boston fell behind 31 to start the series but won the next three games to advance to the Finals against the Houston Rockets,[37] winning in six games and earning Bird his first championship. Bird stands 6-foot-9, and his listed weight during his playing days was 220 lbs. [67] Wilkins remarked, "The basket was like a well. 3. He is also the youngest player to reach 1,000 rebounds, and each benchmark from that point through to 9,000 rebounds. [42], On December 9, 1984, Bird recorded 48 points to go along with 14 rebounds and 5 assists in a 128127 win over the Atlanta Hawks. In, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 21:21. Springs Valley in French Lick, Indiana, Draft: Scaled 2Ddrawings and 3Dmodels available for download. Larry Bird's Height 6ft 9 (205.7 cm) Former American basketball player, who played with The Boston Celtics. Then you have a player like Dwyane Wade who is 65, but has a wingspan of 610. [33][34][35] Behind Bird's leadership and Boston's upgraded roster, the Celtics again advanced to the Conference Finals for a rematch with the 76ers. Larry, there will never, ever be another Larry Bird. Thus, you have to upgrade the Break Starter badge. [133], Bird married Dinah Mattingly in 1989. But dont let Birds efficient scoring distract you from the fact that he was proficient in the other aspects of his game. Kahit sa imports coming into the PBA, after the official measurement, they are suddenly 2 inches shorter, heee. Howard makes up for his height with an elite wingspan that measures 75. Former American basketball player, who played with The Boston Celtics. Updated daily. Falling out of bounds, Bird turned and passed the ball to teammate Dennis Johnson, who converted a game-winning 2-point layup with less than a second left. Volume Shooter Gives an additional boost to shot attributes to every subsequent shot attempted after the player has already taken a handful of shots. This is another case of parents being relatively short to their son. During the 1980s, either Boston or Los Angeles appeared in every NBA Finals. Scottie Pippen stood 68 inches, but had a wingspan of 73, which is modest in comparison to some of the other players on this list, but Pippen used that length to its full extent. Ideally, you should be able to select a player archetype that excels in finishing, shooting, playmaking, and defense/rebounding to make the best Larry Bird build in NBA 2K22. At either end of the spectrum, the measurement would be considered elite. West only stood 62 which would make his wingspan 9.5% greater than his height. Wilt Chamberlain is part of many extraordinary tales and finding accurate data on the legendary big man is no small feat. Astrological Sign: Sagittarius, Article Title: Larry Bird Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/athletes/larry-bird, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: April 20, 2021, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. Larry Bird played the small forward and power forward positions at a height of 6'9" (2. . 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. He also had a career high of 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks on March 12, 1985. Have you heard of the 50-40-90 club? Larry Bird starred at Indiana State University before joining the NBA's Boston Celtics in 1979. Anthony Davis is one of the leagues biggest stars. 2002 NBA Pre Draft Measurement 2002 NBA Pre-Draft Camp Measurements Player Ht. [70], In 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. 2. This is a player who has shot 50% from the field, 40% from 3 point land, and 90% from the line. Alonzo Mourning had a decorated NBA career as a seven-time all-star who had two Defensive Player of the Year awards and one NBA title. [27], Before the 198081 season, the Celtics selected forward Kevin McHale in the draft and acquired center Robert Parish from the Golden State Warriors,[31][32] 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. Height: 5 feet 5 inches (167 cm) Weight: 56 kg (123 lb) Eye Colour: Hazel: Hair Colour: Golden: Shoe Size: N/A: Martial Status: Married: Husband: Larry Bird . The next year he attended the smaller Indiana State University, ultimately playing three years for the Sycamores. Because of this, you can just focus on what Bird was exceptionally good at. With his freakish physical attributes, the future seems in very good, and large, hands. 1 Answer. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? [43] Boston came back to win the game, eventually winning the series in seven. Bird won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics besides being a three-time NBA MVP, twelve-time NBA All-Star, and two-time Finals MVP. Name: Larry Bird Birth Year: 1956 Birth date: December 7, 1956 Birth State: Indiana Birth City: West Baden Springs Birth Country: United States Gender: Male Best Known For: Basketball icon Larry. With his added length, Durant is able to get the ball in a position that is very hard to defend. The season finished with a national championship game match-up of Indiana State against Michigan State and featured a highly anticipated match-up of Bird against Michigan State great Magic Johnson, thus beginning a career-long rivalry that the two shared for over a decade. All Rights Reserved. He considered Bird to be the greatest basketball player of all time. The four-time NBA scoring champ is a player who uses his impressive wingspan to gain an advantage on the offensive side of the court. home/away, monthly, etc More Larry Bird Basketball Reference pages. [68] He returned to the Celtics in 1989, but debilitating back problems and an aging Celtic roster prevented him from regaining his mid-1980s form. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Catch & Shoot The badge increases the shooting percentage of a player attempting a three-pointer immediately after receiving a pass. Larry Bird was such a player. Despite no previous coaching experience, he led the Pacers to a 58-24 record the franchise's best at the time in the 1997-98 season and was named the NBA Coach of the Year. Answer (1 of 14): Jordan supposedly being shorter than his listed 6'6 NBA height is not unfounded, as he was listed at 6'4 for the 1992 Olympics. [96], Bird is also remembered as an excellent passer[100] and defender. When he was on fire from the three-point line or mid-range, no one can stop him. w/out shoes Ht. For three consecutive years, from 1984 to 1986, Bird was named the NBA's MVP, and in 1990, he hit a milestone by reaching 20,000 career points. Along with Larry Bird, and Robert Parish, McHale formed the most dominant front line in NBA history. . 2. He finished his career with sterling averages of 24.6 points and 10 rebounds per game. To put that in perspective, number 10 is legendary Robert Parish and he put up only 300 more blocks than Bol in his career, but it took him 45,704 minutes. [8], 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,[11] a rivalry that lasted throughout their professional careers. As an alternative to relying on badges for in-game boosts, you can target improving many of your attributes as soon as possible. [29] On November 23, Bird recorded his first 30-point scoring game (along with 11 rebounds and 3 assists) in a 118103 win over the Indiana Pacers. Bird excelled in almost all facets of basketball. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Honestly, all of them fit Bird so well. [56] Bird averaged 24 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game for the championship round. Great height does not necessarily equate elite wingspan. The couple . [3], 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. The reason for doing so is not just due to Bird being a proficient shooter and facilitator, but also because you will find out later that increasing the height will decrease these attributes. [77], Bird was voted onto the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team list in 1996,[78][79] and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. His other playmaking strengths include quick and flashy passes. As listed, his height is 6 ft 9 inches (2.06m), and his weight is 220lb (100kg). Brand was the #1 overall pick in 1999 out of Duke. [13], Larry used basketball as an escape from his family troubles, starring for Springs Valley High School and averaging 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists as a senior on his way to becoming the school's all-time scoring leader. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. [20] For his college career, he averaged 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game,[21] leading the Sycamores to an 8113 record during his tenure. Howard has used that wingspan to become an elite rebounder and shot blocker. Take for instance Yao Ming, who stood an impressive 76, but his wingspan was actually smaller than his height at 75 inches. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Dirk can't be 6'10. [2] Bird was a 12-time NBA All-Star, won two NBA Finals MVP awards and received the NBA Most Valuable Player Award three consecutive times (19841986), making him the only forward in league history to do so. As the big three start to fade out in San Antonio, Leonard will become the face of the franchise. This has lead some to believe that he is still growing, while most believe it is just a case of the Pelicans stretching the truth a little. . Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Friday, March 3, 6:45PM. [62], Despite the intensity of their rivalry, Bird and Johnson became friends off the court. Bird returned to the Pacers in 2003 as president of basketball operations. Nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" and "Larry Legend", Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Data Provided By Their friendship blossomed when the two players worked together to film the Converse commercial, which depicted them as archenemies. If it goes, it goes.". Former NBA coach Hubie Brown had this to say about McHale: "He was totally unstoppable because of his quickness, diversification of moves and the long arms that gave him an angle to release the ball over a taller man or more explosive jumper." Bismack Biyombo was selected 7th overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Charlotte Bobcats at the tender age of 18. The "Dream Team" won the men's basketball gold medal. .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}Remembering Just Fontaine and His World Cup Record, The Man Behind the First All-Black Basketball Team, 8 Times Brothers Have Faced Off in a Championship, Every Black Quarterback to Play in the Super Bowl, Soccer Star Christian Atsu Survived an Earthquake. [4] After retiring as a player, Bird served as head coach of the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000. This entry could be part of Ripleys Believe it or Not. [110], The Celtics employed Bird as a special assistant in the team's front office from 1992 until 1997. Part of the reason, he admits, was his own fatalistic view of what the future would bring. DiamondLobby is owned and operated by Rank Zero LTD, Company Number 10507049, and is a registered trade mark (UK00003715943). [121], In 1975, Bird married Janet Condra. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Magic got the upper hand against Bird, beating him in 1985 and 1987, while Bird beat Magic in 1984. The Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship thrice under his work, making Bird the NBA Most Valuable Player three times. Rondo also poses very large hands at 9.5 inches long, and 10 inches wide. He is also the last player to win three straight MVP awards. 2", "Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics Box Score, December 9, 1984", "Relive the Moment: Larry Bird Easily Wins Inaugural 3-Point Contest After Asking Field Who Would Finish Second", "Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics Box Score, November 27, 1985", "Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks Box Score, March 10, 1986", "Larry Legend Bird wins third straight MVP", "Houston Rockets at Boston Celtics Box Score, June 8, 1986", "Converse Commercial (1986) with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson", "Bird's Garden Party: Celtics Make It a Magical Night for Larry Legend", "Against All Those Hawks, One Bird Is Enough for Celtics", "Legendary Moments in NBA History: Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins battle in Game 7", "Bird Bids Farewell, Retires From Celtics", "Dream Team a star-studded sight to behold for gazers on, off court", "The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame - Hall of Famers", "10 reasons we still love Larry Bird on his 60th birthday", "PRO BASKETBALL; A Bashful Larry Bird Joins Hall Of Fame", "The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Hall of Famers", "1992 Dream Team Inducted into Hall of Fame", It started in Sacramento: LeBron James, back in NBA Finals, makes our all-time starting 5, "Who's The Best Small Forward Of All Time: Larry Bird Or LeBron James? Larry Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. That length has made him one of the best point guard defenders. Larry Bird was 6'9" no wingspan numbers but he had average looking arms. [8] Bird's parents were of Irish, Scottish and some Native American descent. He is a 66 player, and he's held his own thanks to a 260 pound base and a 73 wingspan. Charles Barkley was measured at 6 ft 4 5/8, Jordan is anywhere from 6 ft 4 to 6 ft 4 1/2. It was Larry Bird's height that made his basketball skills so remarkable. [64][65][66] Bird finished with 34 points. Not since Bill Russell squared off against Wilt Chamberlain had professional basketball enjoyed such a marquee matchup. Larry Bird Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. The most accurate reports found that West had an 81 inch wingspan, which would translate to 69. 3. Post Spin Technician Attempting to perform post spins or drives result in more effective moves, and lessens the chances of getting stripped by opponents. [7], Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, to Georgia (ne Kerns) and Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird, a veteran of the Korean War. Remarkably Leonards wingspan may not be his freakiest attribute, as that would go to his hand size. After leading the Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2000, he stepped down as head coach. Any data prior to that is not a guarantee, and much of it is urban legend that grew a life of its own. The 7'3 wing span is 11.5% greater than his height. [26][27] In his career debut, Bird recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a 114106 win over the Houston Rockets.