Rajon Rondo is currently one of the best point guards in the league. He made the All-Star team 12 times and was named the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in 1982. 8. It was the first time the two star players would face each other in a head-to-head battle, and it began a friendship and rivalry that would span both players' careers. [92] Bird is also remembered as one of the foremost clutch performers in the history of the NBA; he was known for his excellent play in high-stakes, high-pressure situations. Many NBA bigs, including Larry Bird and Bill Walton, believe there's a negative relationship between height and longevity. You will often hear basketball pundits state that a player has great length. An elite wingspan is considered as a measurement that is 6.5% greater than the players height. Larry Legend, The Hick from French Lick, Kodak, The Great White Hope are nicknames for Larry Bird. Post Playmaker When the player passes out of the post or coming off an offensive board, the recipient receives a shot boost. Bird excelled in almost all facets of basketball. [121], In 1975, Bird married Janet Condra. West only stood 62 which would make his wingspan 9.5% greater than his height. [40] Boston's misfortunes continued into the next season, with Bird again finishing second in MVP voting to Malone and the team losing in the Conference Semifinals to the Milwaukee Bucks. [25], In his rookie season (19791980), Bird immediately transformed the Celtics into a title contender. 2. I've got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end. There were also stories that he would walk up to opponents and tell them where he was going to attempt a game-winning shot. The summer of 1992 marked the first time the United States sent professional athletes to the Olympic Games. [111] In 1997, Bird accepted the position of coach of the Indiana Pacers[112] and said he would be on the job for no more than three years. 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. During the 1980s, either Boston or Los Angeles appeared in every NBA Finals. He has seen his points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and field goal percentage increase in each of his first three seasons in the league. As for the defense/rebounding class, set the interior defense, offensive rebound, and defensive rebound to around 10 points below the upper limit. [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. The team improved its win total by 32 games from the year before he was drafted and finished first in the Eastern Conference. They each had charisma, deft shooting touch, extraordinary passing skills, and team-oriented mindset that ignited their team and the crowd. [91] Bird was also a four-time regular season MVP runner-up in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1988. At 66 years old, Larry Bird height is 206 cm . 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. Larry Bird cemented his legacy in the sport by leading the Boston Celtics to three championships in the 1980s. Additionally, the three-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection stood out in that end of the court. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. To help you operate in the lane, this guide discusses the most effective post moves in NBA 2K22. Height. Redick is 6'4 tall and has a wingspan of 6'3. Because that was usually how the Hall of Famer took over games. DiamondLobby is owned and operated by Rank Zero LTD, Company Number 10507049, and is a registered trade mark (UK00003715943). Bird was one of the greatest players ever in crunch time, making four buzzer-beaters throughout his career. They have two adopted children, Conner and Mariah. He is also the youngest player to reach 1,000 rebounds, and each benchmark from that point through to 9,000 rebounds. In 1997 Bird accepted the head coach position with the Indiana Pacers, a move that returned him to his home state. But Don't Bet That He Won't Be Back", "Larry Bird stepping down from Pacers post", "For 2nd time, Hall-of-Famer Bird resigns as Pacers president", "Larry Bird resigns as Pacers president, Kevin Pritchard to take over", "Pacers' Larry Bird is NBA Executive of the Year", "Indiana Pacers part ways with Larry Bird", "Bird Steps Down; Pritchard Named President of Basketball Operations", "Larry Bird No Longer Has an Active Role with the Pacers, Confirms Kevin Pritchard", NBA unveils redesigned Larry O'Brien, Bill Russell trophies, announces new conference finals MVP awards - CBS Sports.com, 1992 U.S. OLYMPIC MENS BASKETBALL TEAM - Team USA.org, "2017 Class of FIBA Hall of Fame: Dream Team", "FULL VERSION: McDonald's Commercial with LeBron James and Dwight Howard", "Twitter's Logo Is Named After Larry Bird", "Larry Bird is Always on Twitter Even Without Having an Account", "ESPN Classic - Bird had eye for victory", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Larry_Bird&oldid=1142161893, Trophy named in Bird's honor (Larry Bird Trophy) awarded to Eastern Conference Finals MVP (established in 2022), 1992 Olympic gold medal (U.S. national team). He was a raw athlete out of the Democratic Republic of Congo, having only picked up the sport at the age of 16. Jason Maxiell was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the 1st round of the 2005 draft. He led the league in rebounds twice and during the 2000s he averaged 10.2 rebounds a game. [96] Bird was the first player in NBA history to shoot 50% or better on field goals, 40% on three-pointers, and 90% on free-throws in a single NBA season while achieving the league minimum for makes in each category. [62], Despite the intensity of their rivalry, Bird and Johnson became friends off the court. He chose to return to Indiana State for one more year and led the Sycamores to the NCAA championship game against the Michigan State Spartans, a team led by another future NBA superstar, Ervin .css-47aoac{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#A00000;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-47aoac:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}"Magic" Johnson. While standing 77, Bols wingspan was an unheard of 86. His elite wingspan has allowed him to dominant the game over the last 10 years, and he has carved himself out a Hall of Fame worthy career. Underscoring his place in the game's history, he was named one of the NBA's Top 50 players in 1996, and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. Here's what the science reveals. However, Bird's height seems to come at a cost -- a cost he's well aware of and doesn't try to hide from. [104], Bird was known for his trash-talking on the court and is remembered as one of the most notable trash-talkers of his era. Tall NBA Players Who Had Relatively Short Parents 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. Larry Bird | Bio-married, divorce, affair, children - Playerswiki Bird is one of the best shooters in the history of the sport. [71], Journalists speculated that Bird and Magic represented different contrasts, such as clashes between Celtics and Lakers, between East and West, and between Blacks and Whites. He stood 6 feet, 11.25 inches tall, with a wingspan of 7 inches, 5.25 inches, and possessed the Combine's longest hands at 10 inches. To put that in perspective, his hands are larger than that of LeBron James. Pippen could pass like a point guard, rebound like a power forward, and score like a shooting guard. [10], He was raised in nearby French Lick, where his mother worked two jobs to support Larry and his five siblings. Bird was rated the greatest NBA small forward of all time by Fox Sports in 2016. Same with Amare who's listed at 6'10 but measured at 6'8 1/2. What he showed us is that truly elite stats can be produced by some with almost no talent, but insanely freaky physical attributes. It was Larry Bird's height that made his basketball skills so remarkable. 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. Doubleday, pp. 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.[1]. That length has made him one of the best point guard defenders. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are known to be "one of the greatest rivalries in sports. Kahit sa imports coming into the PBA, after the official measurement, they are suddenly 2 inches shorter, heee. [86], Bird was widely considered one of Red Auerbach's favorite players. [120] He continued to serve as an advisor until July, 2022, when he "stepped back from maintaining an active role with the Indiana Pacers". Other vital statistics like weight or shoe size measurements have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or social media. 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. DraftExpress - Larry Bird DraftExpress Profile: Stats, Comparisons, and Note, this is done in an automated way, so we apologize for any errors, & please. [7], Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, to Georgia (ne Kerns) and Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird, a veteran of the Korean War. Join our newsletter! The next year he attended the smaller Indiana State University, ultimately playing three years for the Sycamores. Dwight Howard is one of the premiere big men of the modern area, but stands at only 610. Boston Celtics, 1st round (6th pick, 6th overall), 1978 NBA Draft, Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 1998 (Full List), More Larry Bird pages at Sports Reference. He couldn't miss. He is a 66 player, and he's held his own thanks to a 260 pound base and a 73 wingspan. Both Dinah and Larry studied at Indiana State University. 1 Answer. I'm not lying awake at night thinking about it. 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. [19][20] Indiana State lost the game 7564, with Bird scoring 19 points but making only 7 of 21 shots. When Jordan played it was an open secret that players lied about their heights. Do you have a sports website? Larry Bird (Larry Legend; The Hick from French Lick) Position: Forward 6-9, 220lb (206cm, 99kg) School: Indiana State (Men) Draft: Boston Celtics, 1st round (6th pick, 6th overall), 1978 NBA draft. .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. Indiana State University, High School: Or write about sports? Then you have a player like Dwyane Wade who is 65, but has a wingspan of 610. home/away, monthly, etc More Larry Bird Basketball Reference pages. [99] He sometimes practiced shooting three-point shots with his eyes closed. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Find out for yourself how a player like him would fare against this generations crop of basketball players by developing the best Larry Bird build in NBA 2K22. 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. With his added length, Durant is able to get the ball in a position that is very hard to defend. This will give your shooting attributes a bit of a boost. But, his biggest skill was his defense. Celtics booed off floor after blowing 28-point lead, Randle's game-winner runs Knicks' win streak to eight, Durant passes Robertson for 13th on NBA scoring list, Grizzlies' Brooks: 'I don't like Draymond at all', Magic's Isaac undergoes season-ending surgery, Suns vs. Bulls odds, picks, predictions, bets. 4. NBA 2K23 Larry Bird Packs Card Challenge - vhpg.com [53] On March 10, 1986, Bird scored 50 points to go along with 11 rebounds and 5 assists in a 115116 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. [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. [9] He has four brothers and a sister. Larry Bird Dimensions & Drawings | Dimensions.com He's closer to 7'1 I think. Prior to Bird's second year, the Celtics acquired center Robert Parrish from the Golden State Warriors and drafted Kevin McHale. 4:15 pm ET. In 1999, he was listed at No. Best Larry Bird Build 2k22 Next Gen (Exact Height, Weight & Wingspan It was Larry Bird's height that made his basketball skills so remarkable. 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. An option for your characters secondary skill is playmaking. Get to know Larry Bird: Stats, records and more - RSN [105][106] He was known for telling his opponents how and where in the court he would score against them; Xavier McDaniel recounted that Bird predicted a game-winning shot against him, then "shot a shot right in my face and was like 'Damn, I didn't mean to leave two seconds on the clock. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. What that actual measurement was, we may never know. 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. Larry Bird NBA 2K23 Rating (All-Time Boston Celtics) - 2KRatings.com But if youre a fan of Birds game, then there are ways to customize your character to dominate on the court like the former Celtics superstar. McHale stood 610 and was reported to have a colossal wingspan that stretched to 80. As morbid as the subject is, Bird doesn't really duck away from it and what it means for him and his family. CelebHeights.com Rob Paul 2004-2023. The reality is that Pippen did a lot of things that made Jordan a better player. Brand was the #1 overall pick in 1999 out of Duke. [102] Bird's humble roots were the source of his most frequently used moniker, "The Hick from French Lick". He complemented his all-around game with accurate outside shooting and unmatched bravado. What Mourning lacked in height, he made up for with a massive 76 wingspan. In setting your players potential, be sure to maximize shooting and playmaking attributes, particularly the mid-range shot, three-point shot, free throw, pass accuracy, and ball handle. 2002 NBA Pre Draft Measurement 2002 NBA Pre-Draft Camp Measurements Player Ht. To round out the finishing, shooting, and playmaking categories, put some points on close shot, driving layup, driving dunk, and post hook. This ratio is one of the higher percentages for players who have played in the NBA. Bird was also a member of the gold medal-winning 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team known as the "Dream Team". Larry Bird stands 6'9" tall and weighs 220 pounds during his NBA playing days. 3. [116], In 2003, Bird was hired as the Pacers' president of basketball operations. [133], Bird married Dinah Mattingly in 1989. Taller individuals have more growth hormone, which accumulates more damage and dysfunction at a faster pace, and tend to have shorter life expectancies due to rapid aging. Best Known For: Basketball icon Larry Bird won three MVP awards and three NBA championships during his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics. 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. A 6-foot-9 forward who could dribble, pass and shoot the way Bird could made him one of the greatest NBA players we've ever seen and will ever see. At 68, Brand is undersized as an NBA power forward, but has made up for it with a giant wingspan that measures 75. 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. [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. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. This is another case of parents being relatively short to their son. 5. A confirmation email has been sent. In his career, Bol averaged 3.3 blocks a game, in just 18.7 minutes. All Rights Reserved. Brand thwarted the pre-draft analysis that claimed he would be too small to have a sustainable career in the NBA. The Hick from French Lick was the first ever to join the club. Clutch Shooter Shot attempts made during the final moments of the fourth quarter or overtime receive a large boost. That season, the Celtics posted a 61-21 record and defeated the Houston Rockets to take the first NBA championship of Bird's career. These heights are still well below the NBA average and well below Kareem's height of 7'2". But I recommend opting for defense/rebounding instead. inWest Baden,Indiana By visiting Celeb Heights you agree to its. Springs Valley in French Lick, Indiana, Draft: [8][14], Bird's youngest brother, Eddie Bird, also played basketball at Indiana State University. He was named NBA Coach of the Year for the 19971998 season and later led the Pacers to a berth in the 2000 NBA Finals. Mourning has the most blocks in NBA history for a player under 70 feet tall with 2,356 (11th on the all-time list). 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. 6'9" (2.06m) WEIGHT. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. More player info [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. Unfortunately, a trade-off with this player archetype is that there will be fewer points available for the others. Bismack Biyombo was selected 7th overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Charlotte Bobcats at the tender age of 18. The three-time MVP helped redefine the position and his battles with Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers is the standard for NBA rivalry even today. [101] In recognition of his defensive abilities, Bird was named to three All-Defensive Second Teams. Larry Bird NBA 2K23 Nationality: United States Team: All-Time Boston Celtics Archetype: 2-Way 3-Level Point Forward Position: SF / PF Height: 6'9" (206cm) | Weight: 220lbs (99kg) Jersey: #33 Prior to NBA: Indiana State University Ranks #8 out of 459 All-Time NBA Players Ranks #31 out of all NBA Players on 2K Compare Larry Bird Badges 3 4 23 9 39 West was known for his extremely quick jump shot, and when coupled with his length, it formed one of the deadliest jump shots in NBA history. One report claims McHale could tie his shoes without having to bend over. What he used was his strength and court sense to outmaneuver and outrebound opponents. larry bird height and wingspan - harryeklof.com [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. Coming into the league, many pundits wondered if Mourning could be a starting center at only 69. Following his retirement in 1992, Bird became a successful head coach and front-office executive with the Indiana Pacers. That is an 11% increase on his height. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Something went wrong while submitting the form. With Wilt being the most dominant force of his era, it lends to the theory that his wingspan was truly elite. It seems like Leonard is only starting to scratch the surface of what he can do with such freaky physical attributes. 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. 30 on ESPN SportsCentury's list of 50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th century. Bird had an uncanny ability of reading and anticipating opponents passes that helped him record 1.7 steals per game throughout his career. He was a great post scorer and could dominate the paint like a big man. 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. The Celtics ended up losing to the Lakers in six games, with Bird averaging 24.2 points on .445 shooting, 10 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game in the championship series. Larry Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. The average NBA basketball game lasts between two and two and a half hours. This is a very scary thought for a lot of NBA players, both past and present. [8] Bird's parents were of Irish, Scottish and some Native American descent. These include Blinders and Deadeye. Dinah Mattingly (1989-Present) - Larry Bird married his second wife Dinah Mattingly in 1989. In Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, Bird shot 9 of 10 from the floor in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points in that quarter and lifting the Celtics to a series-clinching victory over Atlanta. 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. Of course, there are some who prefer using a player based on his archrival, Magic Johnson. Bird also led the Celtics in rebounding, with an average of 10.4 per game, as well as in steals and minutes played. 4. 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 . [76] The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame called the team "the greatest collection of basketball talent on the planet". 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. USA. Their friendship blossomed when the two players worked together to film the Converse commercial, which depicted them as archenemies. Larry, there will never, ever be another Larry Bird. It's an entirely different game when you're Six-Nine." According to our Database, He has no children. That's the greatest game I've ever played in or seen played." "She hates it when I say that. Larry Bird has dated - Janet Condra - Larry Bird was previously married to his high school sweetheart Janet Condra with whom he had a daughter named Corrie. [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. Height 1 Feet 9.5 Inch Weight 100 kg Personal Info Date of Birth 1956, December 7 Age 65 Years Old Famous Name Country United States US Facts Birth Name Larry Joe Bird Net Worth $55 million Currently Married Yes Birth Country West Baden Springs, Indiana Married to Dannah Mattingly Famous Name Larry Past married if any Janet Condra Children Yes [47], During the 1985 offseason, Bird injured his back shoveling crushed rock to create a driveway at his mother's house. Wilt Chamberlain is part of many extraordinary tales and finding accurate data on the legendary big man is no small feat. Shooting badges will allow you to convert more field goal attempts from anywhere outside the key. Bird was already known after two years in the league for consistent, clutch scoring and tenacious defense, which seemed especially uncanny as he was not particularly fast on his feet; instead, Bird developed a reputation for not merely responding to his opponents' moves but anticipating how they would unfold ahead of time. Bird is universally regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. "[70] Their rivalry began in college, when Larry Bird and Indiana State lost to Magic Johnson and Michigan State in the NCAA Championship game. 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. Catch & Shoot The badge increases the shooting percentage of a player attempting a three-pointer immediately after receiving a pass. This ratio is one of the higher percentages for players who have played in the NBA. Unfortunately, thats not possible and some sacrifices will have to be made. However, the sharpshooting forward felt some trepidation about the size of the Hoosier campus and withdrew from school, enrolling at Indiana State the next year. Honestly, all of them fit Bird so well. To put that into perspective that is only one inch shorter than Shaq's wingspan. Johnson and the Spartans triumphed, but Larry Bird left Indiana State that year with the USBWA College Player of the Year Award, the Naismith Award and the Wooden Award.
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