This is the detail of NBA games in which Larry Bird and Michael Jordan played against each other, including head-to-head record, stats average, game highs and game-by-game data both in the Regular Season and Playoffs. Larry Legend is glad that offensive players have a bit more room to strut their stuff. And, lest you think that Birds comments were a one-off, there are some other quotes from the former star about the state of modern basketball. Wolpin has been a fan of the NBA and has been watching for a decade and a half. In June 2012 he resigned from the Pacers front office, just weeks after winning the previous seasons Executive of the Year award. The American greatest basketball still worked as a coach and executive in the NBA, which had indeed led him to get over the low economic lifestyle of his early age, which he had discussed in his several interviews. Stadium Club took a similar route, showcasing borderless photos as their card fronts. These cards commemorate the 13 seasons of glory he had playing for the Boston Celtics. He retired from the NBA in 1992 with a career scoring average of 24.3 points per game. When you think of Larry Bird, long-range shooting probably comes to mind. The query length is limited to 70 characters, Jayson Tatum Passed Celtics Legend Larry Bird 1987 88 Last Night With His 34th 30 Point Game Of The 2022 23 Season, Captain Jack Casino No Deposit Bonus Code, Auburn Tigers Bruce Pearl Targets Annor Boateng for 2024 Recruiting Class. He compressed a nerve root in his back which caused him to miss 22 games that year. The bottom left corner highlights Larrys position, name and team in an almost comic-like blast. The card was likely in the last row for printing and is notorious for centering issues. Larry Bird averages for the NBA season and Playoffs, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and other categories, year by year and career numbers. There are a total of 591,591 baskets. It is clear that both players are great shooters. Allen Iverson Bio: Career, NBA, 76ers, Wife, IG, Net Worth Wiki >>. Cleveland would beat Boston in the 7th game, winning the Eastern Conference. Or fastest delivery Fri, Mar 3. The Celtics went on to win in double-overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers. Ross is the founder of Old Sports Cards and has been collecting sports cards for over 30 years. Tells the Story of the Greatest Basketball player that has ever lived, Larry Bird! Its the sixth card available from his retirement year, and an excellent conclusion for any fans set. His player efficiency rating ranks him at 18th of all time. In 13 . They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Bird was as infamous for his trash-talking as he was famous for his skills on the court. Contact us! To add to this, he has also won three consecutive NBA MVP awards in the year 1984, 1985, and 1986. 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. These cards are easy to come by for under $10, so what better way to honor the year Bird took home the gold medal than with this fine piece of sports memorabilia. On August 8, 1992 Larry Bird would announce his retirement from basketball. He also loves to write about the hobby and has written for Beckett, Topps, SABR and of course, this website. This card shows Larry barreling down the court with the ball, determined to score. His 1990 Fleer card shows a nice shot of Bird in the middle of one of his legendary jumpshots. In 48 foul line attempts, James has made 32, giving him a 66.7% foul line percentage. Teams, players profiles, awards, stats, records and championships. When all was said and done he'd win 3 NBA championships, 3 MVP awards and be named to 12 All-Star teams. When Larry Bird had to retire due to his back surgery in 1992, Commissioner David J. Stern said, Larry Bird has helped define how a generation of basketball fans has come to view and appreciate the NBA.. He initially enrolled at junior college North wood Institute, but dropped out and worked odd jobs like cutting grass, painting benches, striping streets, and driving a garbage truck. He won six NBA Championships and is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame five times. Larry Bird currently has a net worth of $75 million. Bird had signed on to coach under the agreement that he would do it for three years, no more and no less. 33. Head-to-Head: Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson. Larry Bird Once Blew Kevin McHale's Mind in Practice With a Pass Rather Than a Shot Although things didn't follow a straight trajectory from after high school Bird almost left basketball behind during college things ended up working out. I remember Larry having cast-down eyes whenever people made eye contact with him. This is a difficult question to answer, and one that I find difficult to summarize. Larry Legend was just that: a basketball legend. You can own some of these excellent graphics yourself for around $15. Hoops burst onto the basketball card scene in 1989 with its unforgettable design featuring players in an arch-shaped photo. Michael Jordan had a better career than Larry Bird, as Bird had a better winning percentage in his career. Larry Bird rookie cards are not the cheapest in the hobby, and are near the top of the most valuable basketball cards in the hobby. Through that lens, youd probably think that the forward appreciates todays NBA. Massachusetts Sports Betting sites have the Celtics at (+300) to win the Finals this season. / Links. He didnt tell anyone, including his parents, that he was leaving. The Celtics won their first NBA title with Bird (and 14th overall) in 1981; they repeated with title wins in 1984 and 1986. O J Simpson: American Football Player And Actor, Will Muschamp: A Successful Football Coach And Millionaire, Manny Pacquiao: Boxer Businessman And Philanthropist, A Career In Sound Recording: The Technical Skill And Artistic Sensibility You Need To Succeed, Why Journalism Is A Good Career Choice In India, The Highest-Paying Careers To Consider In 2020, The Pros And Cons Of A Career As A Computer Graphic Programmer, Why A Career In Web Development Might Be Right For You, Obstetrics: A Rewarding And Challenging Career, How To Find Out Your Federal Career Wages, 5 Reasons To Use CareerBuilder For Your Job Search. On June 24, 2019, Bird shared NBA Life Time Achievement Award with Jhonson. The couple owns multiple houses and lives a luxurious life of their own. He would win the NBAs Most Valuable Player Award for the third year in a row in the 86 season. My concern 15 years ago was everybodys going to be 6-(foot)-9 like Magic Johnson at the point guard, and the little guys are going to get squeezed out. Then, the NBA released this video today - and it's too good not to share. Knight eventually admitted that his conduct with Bird was one of my greatest mistakes, but the damage was done. Bird averaged 21.3 points, 10.4 assists, and 4.5 steals in 82 games during his rookie season in 1979-80. Larry Bird And Magic Johnson Fighting For The Championship Title He was NBA All-Star for the 12th time and two times got into NBA finals of MVP in 1984 and 1986. NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers are now part owners of MLS franchise Nashville SC, Bucks emerge as frontrunners to sign veteran guard Goran Dragic, Will Bartons Potential Impact on Toronto, 3 things we learned from Kevin Durants debut with the Phoenix Suns, LeBron James out at least three weeks due to right foot tendon injury. Menu Kevin Durant vs other NBA players NBA: NBA Championships Year By Year Records and Stats All-Time Leaders Honors and Awards NBA Teams Teams Head to Head NBA Players Players Comparison Kareem Abdul-Jabbar vs. Steven Adams vs. Bam Adebayo vs. Larry Bird Signed Celtics Green 1985-86 Style Mitchell & Ness N.B.A Basketball Shorts - Larry Bird Authentic. As someone who shone in the rough-and-tumble 1980s, Larry Legend is glad that offensive players have a bit more room to strut their stuff. Additionally, LeBron James has made more three-pointers than Larry Bird in their respective careers. The 91 season did have a true moment of glory for Larry. He averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game over the course of his career, and his 21,791 total points scored was the 11th highest in NBA history at the time of his retirement. The latter inspired his team members, along with millions of basketball fans. The space behind Larrys name looks like a painted basketball, which was kind of an interesting touch to the design, although it does make it harder to read the lettering. Due to the low price of this card, it is an easy one to find autographed, with multiple sources selling signed specimens for around $30. He became the head coach of the Indiana Pacers (despite having no previous coaching experience) in 1997 and was named Coach of the Year after his first season. history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, N.B.A. LarryLand, a theme park devoted to NBA basketball legend Larry Bird, was built in 1987 on the outskirts of French Lick, Indiana. Any true basketball fans collection just wouldnt be complete without Larry. Health problems continued to plague Bird in the 1990 season. 1 min read. This card came out right in the middle of the 80s when Bird and Johnsons rivalry was arguably at its height. This wealth makes him one of the wealthiest people in the NBA. This equates to 37.6%. Nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" and "Larry Legend", Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals . 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. He stepped into a sportsman as a basketball player, which helped him get out of his family troubles. In his several interviews, Larry revealed that his background had always kept him motivated even after all of his success and economic stability at present. For thirteen seasons, Bird put his heart and soul into the game and put fear into every other team. Bird and Johnson even appeared in a commercial for Converse shoes with an epic one-on-one match, playing off of the duos real life rivalry. Standing at 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), he played the small forward and power forward positions. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Dinah was an Indiana state native who went to the same college as Bird. There were only two players with distinct talents, and they had a distinct advantage over the rest. Larry Bird had given up on basketball, but one person still believed he had a future in the game: Bill Hodges. As far as stats go, Larry was the first ever player to shoot 50% or higher on field goals. For our third annual Birdmas celebration, Evil Ted and Basketbawful Productions take you on an exclusive tour of this amazing park, visiting top attractions like Bill Russell Title Town, DJ's Science Circle, and the Larry Coaster. Bird was a 12- time NBA All-Star and was named the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) three . The image would actually be much more impressive as poster than a pocket sized picture. Debilitating injuries plagued Larry for much of 1989. Thats exactly what people are going to say about you. Bill said at that moment, as Larry looked at him, he thought, Thats when I knew I had him.'. Over the course of his 13 seasons with the Celtics, the self-described hick from French Lick cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Larry Bird shooting from the 3-point line. Larry Bird started his basketball career at the Springs Valley High School averaging 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists as a senior on his way to becoming the school's all-time scoring leader. He addressed the subject with his typical candor. He was a three-time NBA champion and a three-time MVP, winning three straight seasons. The 1991 Upper Deck set was beautifully designed with its great action shots and hardwood graphic design along the right and bottom of the cards. Larry Bird has a 23-11 winning record over Michael Jordan, including a 6-0 record in Playoffs. It is second only to the Basketball Hall of Fame, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, and most ESPNzone restaurants in annual attendance for basketball-related tourist attractions. Its not as expensive as other Bird cards but a keeper nonetheless. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Copyright 2023. landofbasketball.com - All rights reserved. They were fierce rivals in college and throughout their NBA careers so Topps was smart to pair them up on this card. As a result of his foul shooting, James has made 7,8 shots from the field for a 73.6% clip. You dont go to college, Larry? Jayson Tatum had a rough first quarter yesterday, but followed that up with 15 in the second and 18 in the third. The two of them were talking about how one of Birds friends was a great high school player, but he was now forgotten since he didnt go to college. Larry legend was married to Janet Condra in 1975, but after a year, they started having issues, which almost led them to be separated. The card is extremely difficult to find in decent condition as copies are riddled with print defects. Omissions? FREE delivery Tue, Mar 7. Bird leads all NBA players with an average of 6.8 assists per 36 minutes and 9.6 boards per game. A 6-foot 9-inch (2.06-metre) forward, he was known for his unflappable confidence and clutch shooting ability, which together created an intimidating presence on the court. Without the assistance of a little-known coach at Indiana State, his Hall of Fame career would never have happened. They faced each other a total of 34 times in NBA games. The commercial was showcasing Converses new weapon basketball shoe line. Similarly, the popular figure earns a decent amount through endorsement deals from companies like Heinz Corporation. Larry Bird Had 1 Requirement When He Returned to Indiana State for His Final College Season And, lest you think that Bird's comments were a one-off, there are some other quotes from the. He has written about the NBA and other sports leagues through various media outlets over the years. Avery practices in the barn. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. They faced each other in the NBA during the 1960s and 1970s, and Johnson won two titles. Im not just a shooter, Im not just a person. However, James averages more rebounds per game and more steals per game than Bird. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. He covers the latest news and stories surrounding the league daily. He was named the NLs Freshman of the Year after playing in his first All-Star game. They were very protective of Bird, who was still recovering from the death of his father. Larry Bird Had 1 Requirement When He Returned to Indiana State for His Final College Season And, lest you think that Bird's comments were a one-off, there are some other quotes from the former star about the state of modern basketball. . In 13 games played in March last season he averaged (32.8) points on (.538) percent from the field and (.447) from deep. Larry Bird was born in 1956 and he celebrates his birthday on December 7 every year. A three from Birds career at a Although the rate is 376, statistics do not tell the complete story. Learn how your comment data is processed. Jayson Tatum has his 34th 30-point game of the season. It would be the first of the three years that Larry would lead The Celtics to win the NBA Championship. Both players have had illustrious careers, with Bird being a 3-time NBA champion and James a 4-time NBA champion. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER. The 1988 Fleer Larry Bird basketball card shows an in-game Larry running down the court with a Laker legend James Worthy close behind. Bill looked Larry in the eyes, said Patrick Wood, writer and director of an upcoming film based on Birds recruitment to Indiana State, to the Indy Star. Teams, players profiles, awards, stats, records and championships. Over 50 schools reportedly recruited him, but he was always predisposed to staying close to home, according to The Crimson Quarry. A close-up, candid shot of Larry fills the front of the card, with a small Boston Celtics logo in the upper right corner. The 1990 Skybox set features full color on both the front and back of the cards. Head-to-Head: Larry Bird vs. Michael Jordan. A black and white gradient is set behind the framing of the picture. He was even listed in the list of 50 best NBA players in 1996 and recorded at No. We sometimes use affiliate links in our content, when clicking on those we might receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Larry Bird's Wife: Social Media Dinah tries her best to avoid it on the day when most celebrities are rocking social media. In terms of shooting percentage, Bird has a higher field goal percentage and three-point percentage than James. His first experience at college left him so disillusioned that he was willing to quit basketball then and there and get a normal job. This is mostly due to the fact that its nearly impossible to find a decent specimen of this card. And while we know that Larry Bird has no problem holding firm on any of his convictions, he doesnt seem to have a problem with the way basketball has changed. Boston Celtics selected Larry in 1978, but he wished to finish his final season at Indiana University, but he didnt join the Celtics. The people of French Lick (Frenchies? Nonetheless, it is interesting to compare Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. This Upper Deck card features Bird fighting off a defender in the post on his way to score. He had to sit out more games in the 91 season than the previous year. Along with Birds entrance into the team, the Celtics game was improved compared to all of the previous season with 32 games. In 1975, Hodges was just a guy who had spent a decade as an assistant coach at Marian, Tennessee Tech, and Armstrong State in Savannah, Georgia, before joining Indiana State. James attempts 27,044 shots and converts 13,643 baskets, resulting in a 25.1 points per game average and a 50.4% shooting percentage. As a result, Larrys family went through an economic struggle. He was one of the players chosen to be on the very first Olympic basketball team from the United States that featured pro NBA playersthe infamous Dream Team. As Bird had proved himself as a star player through his high school achievements, he received a scholarship from Indiana State University in 1974. Besides that, the basketballers career earning in the NBA was$24,070,000. The card features a somewhat bland photo of Bird wearing a Celtics jacket warming up pre-game. Weve brought together some of the best Larry Bird basketball cards out there with this list. Larry Bird played college basketball at Indiana State University, an unheralded program that was completely overshadowed by its in-state counterpart, Indiana University. They also gave a nod to the Dream Team with the USA Basketball logo in the bottom right. Bird again stepped down in May 2017, having constructed teams that qualified for the play-offs in 8 of his 13 seasons in that position, and then took a role in the Pacers organization as a scout and consultant. Because of this, he's one of the most popular players of all-time and one of the most highly collected in the basketball card hobby. In 1998, Larry was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.