Larry Bird finished above Magic Johnson in the NBA MVP Voting in 8 of their games. In comparison, Magic Johnson’s stats are 19.5, 7.2, and 11.2, respectively. However, Magic’s passing was better, with an average of 10.5 assists per game or more nine times in his career.
Larry Bird was a better scorer, outside shooter, and rebounder than Magic Johnson, but he had the upper hand in the passing department. He averaged 10.5 assists per game or more nine times in his career.
Earvin Johnson and Larry Bird were destined to be rivals at first glance. Bird was a black man with an infectious smile, a penchant for “showtime”, and a connoisseur of basketball. However, Magic Johnson was a better player in defensive categories, defensive BPM, and defensive.
Phil Jackson would pick Larry Bird over Magic Johnson because he had the better shot and could shoot from the outside. However, when taken together, Magic Johnson was overall a slightly better player than Larry Bird when looking at advanced stats.
Former NBA superstar Tracy McGrady chimed in on the debate about who was the better player between Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. McGrady said that Larry was the better player because he could do more, such as shoot from the outside.
In conclusion, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were destined to be rivals, but their rivalry is rooted in their shared passion for basketball and their shared goals.
📹 Bird vs. Magic – Greatest Rivalry In Sports History
This is a look back at one of the greatest sports rivalries of all time. Follow Nonstop Sports • Instagram …
Is Larry Bird the greatest shooter ever?
The reputation of Larry Bird as an NBA legend may be more substantial than suggested by his statistical record, particularly given the limited number of three-point shots he attempted during his prime. Bird attempted a minimum of three three-pointers per night on three occasions throughout his career, yet achieved a mere 37% success rate. From the area, he attempted to shoot 6 times. In the estimation of H/H analyst Per Urbina, Ray Allen is regarded as the foremost candidate for the designation of the second-greatest shooter in NBA history.
Did Larry ever beat Magic?
In the 1990s, Los Angeles and Boston reached every NBA Finals, with Johnson and Bird facing off three times in the championship series. Johnson won two of the three matchups, becoming two of the greatest players of all time and ultimately in the Hall of Fame. Despite their friendship and appreciation, fans from that era remain entrenched in their stances, with fans either on Team Magic or Team Bird. This article provides stats for these basketball legends to add facts to the debates.
Did Larry Bird ever average 30 points?
In 1987-88, Celtics forward John Bird made history by recording a 40-20 game with a 42-point, 20-rebound effort against Indiana. He averaged 29. 9 points that year, a career-high, and won his third consecutive 3-point shootout title. In the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals against Atlanta, Bird scored 20 points in a memorable shootout with Dominique Wilkins, leading the Celtics to victory despite bronchial pneumonia. However, the Celtics fell to the Pistons in the conference finals.
Bird’s surgery to remove bone spurs from both heels limited him to six games in 1988-89. The following year, he posted the third-longest free-throw streak in NBA history. In 1990-91, he missed 22 games due to a compressed nerve root in his back, which eventually forced his retirement. Despite a bruised face and back, Bird returned in the third period to lift the Celtics to an emotional 124-121 victory.
Who was a better player Larry Bird or Michael Jordan?
Larry Bird demonstrated proficiency in a multitude of athletic disciplines, including shooting, rebounding, and passing. This made him a valuable teammate, as he was able to adapt his skills to the needs of the team. His abilities were more transferable to other players, and his ability to perform under pressure was on a par with Jordan’s.
Who is the 3 richest NBA player?
The top 10 richest NBA players of all time, as determined by CelebrityNetWorth, include Michael Jordan, with an estimated net worth of $2. 6 billion; Magic Johnson, with an estimated net worth of $800 million; LeBron James, with an estimated net worth of $700 million; and Junior Bridgeman, with an estimated net worth of $600 million. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world and, as a result, one of the wealthiest. Many current and former players have already become millionaires.
How many 3 point attempts did Larry Bird take?
NBA star Bird, a rookie when the three-pointer was introduced in the 1979-80 season, concluded his professional basketball career with a total of 649 successful three-point field goals out of 1, 727 attempts, resulting in a field goal percentage of 37%. Sixth He led the league in three-pointers made on two occasions, with 82 in the 1985-86 season and 90 in the 1986-87 season. Green, a player who has been 32 years of age for the majority of his career, attempted an average of 2. 6 three-pointers per game and attempted at least 2. 6 three-pointers in a minimum of five of his 13 seasons.
Is Larry Bird the best small forward of all time?
Bird, a legendary NBA player, is considered an all-time great due to his all-around skills as a shooter, scorer, rebounder, and playmaker. He has won two NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, six All-NBA 1st Team selections, 14 All-Stars, four Olympic gold medals, one Olympic MVP, one World Cup gold medal, and one World Cup MVP. Bird’s NBA rank is 8th in scoring, 64th in blocks, 82nd in assists, 96th in rebounds, and 125th in steals.
Were Larry Bird and Magic Johnson ever friends?
It is not uncommon for former archrivals in the National Basketball Association (NBA) to form unexpected friendships after the conclusion of their professional careers. They engage in discourse pertaining to their shared Midwestern values, affinity for competition, and the fortuitous friendship that was forged following the conclusion of their respective careers.
Who made more money, Larry Bird or Magic Johnson?
Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Patrick Ewing were some of the NBA players who have achieved significant salary milestones. Bird earned $5 million in 1991-92, Johnson $10 million in 94-95, Ewing $15 million in 95-96, Jordan signed a contract worth over $20 million and $30 million in a season in 1996-97, and Jordan set the record for the largest 1-year contract in NBA history in 1997-98. Kobe Bryant and LeBron James also reached significant milestones, with James becoming the third in 2016-17.
Was Larry Bird the greatest of all time?
Bird is a legendary basketball player and shooter who has been selected to 12 NBA All-Star teams, won three NBA championships with the Celtics, and won two NBA Finals MVP Awards. He was also a four-time regular season MVP runner-up in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1988. Bird is known for his excellent play in high-stakes, high-pressure situations and was honored as one of the 75 greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in October 2021.
Bird scored 24. 3 points per game in his career, with an average of 10. 0 rebounds per game and 6. 3 assists. He 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. Bird won NBA three-point-shooting contests in three consecutive years and sometimes practiced shooting three-point shots with his eyes closed.
Bird was also an excellent passer and defender, with 1, 556 career steals and being named to three All-Defensive Second Teams. He was widely considered one of Red Auerbach’s favorite players, and his humble roots were the source of his most frequently used moniker, “The Hick from French Lick”. Bird was also referred to as “Larry Legend”.
📹 Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird: Who should be on the NBA Mount Rushmore? | First Take
Watch Part 1: https://youtu.be/ZBfXAslUG2c Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins and Max Kellerman debate which player should …
You cant have Magic without Bird. You cant have Bird without Magic. How can these people say Magic belongs on there when Bird was literally the mirror image. How can you have Magic over Bird when Bird was the #1 player on his team from the second he came into the league. Magic Johnson didnt have the leadership role of the Lakers till a few years in, Kareem did. Likewise, how can you have Bird up there without Magic? I dont care what anyone says, with what both of them did together for the game, they both deserve to be up there, just not without the other. Far too intertwined.
The disrespect them boys are showing Bird is insane, lmao. Magic Johnson himself has conceded that Larry Bird was the only player who ever put fear in him, who made him cry on the bus when they lost. y’all put some respect on that mans name. The best basketball player ever to come out of Indiana and the best Small Forward ever not named Lebron James. It’s like they forget that Bird was better in every single statistical category outside of his assists, and his passing ability was only slightly lesser than Magic, who was a generational type passer. Go watch Larry’s passing highlights and then try to tell me that a huge skill gap between those two.
Max is right about almost everything related to basketball if I’m being honest. Stephen A. just has his opinion, but Max always give more analysis and things to back it up. Stephen A. acts like he knows everything and think’s Max is tripping half the time when he’s the one who’s trippin. Magic didn’t deserve those MVP’s over Jordan in ’89 and Barkley or Jordan in ’90. Still he had 3 MVP level top 3 player in the NBA seasons after Bird’s back gave out after ’88.
Kellerman is on point here. My team in those days was Dr. J and the 76ers and Bird was the guy I feared the most from the get go… Bird’s 5 or 6 prime years were just off the charts in and what he did in elevating the Celtics from the disaster of the year before was a testament to that. It was all Bird who changed the attitude of that team in one single year. Bird was simply the man the moment he started playing in the league. The Celtics would have won more if not for the great 76ers teams in those days btw. The West was the weaker division with the East having 4 of the best teams overall (Bucks in there too). Ok Magic might have had a better overall career (debatable) but there’s no disputing who was better in their prime…
I really would like someone to explain to me why lebron is considered better than Bird. Like all jokes aside, I think lebron is considered better by most, but I havent seen as much defense for Bird. Can someone please make a compelling case for Bird, cuz I know his stats, but I never watched him growing up.
Russell Lebron both incredible – all great players tbh So many theories and stories that could be written Bird avoided injuries Magic avoided hiv Bird / magic 3 / 4 years younger how would that affect MJ’s career All players Russell Wilt Bird Lebron Magic etc playing rules they have now Really impossible to say But MJ the greatest athlete for sure
People dont remember this. In the 80s, the Western Conference was weak thats why Magics Lakers would always automatically get into the finals. In the east, the Birds Celtics and Dr. Js 76ers always have to fight it out from early 80s to mid 80s. And those were the Top 3 teams from 1980 to 1985. Hence Magics Lakers has an advantage there.
Both were unique. In my mind the greatest two players in NBA history. I did grow up in the 80s though so I may be bias. Can you imagine how many championships either one of them would have won and MVPs, if they were from different eras and didn’t play against each other. I have a lot of respect for both of them.
The best Mt Rushmore take I’ve ever seen: Bill Simmons said that on his Mt. Rushmore, one of the heads is split down the middle with half of bird’s face and half of Magic’s face, since they’ve always been linked together and they collectively saved the NBA in the 80s. You can’t compare them directly since they did different things. But appreciate them both equally
My Top 10 All-Time Favorite Players 1. Michael Jordan 2. Kawhi Leonard 3. Paul George 4. Lou Williams 5. Dwyane Wade 6. Penny Hardaway 7. Larry Bird 8. Charles Barkley 9. Tracy McGrady 10. Montrezl Harrell The 10th one is shaky. If Montrezl leaves the Clippers for more money, I’m putting Pat Beverley to replace him. Pat Bev is the new Gary Payton. Even 9th is shaky. When I told my bro T-Mac is my 9th favorite, he was shocked. I don’t even think T-Mac is a HoFer. He’s a good dude though. You know who is my 2nd favorite player to watch YouTube highlights from behind MJ? It’s actually Penny. He’s a joy to watch when he played for Orlando. His game is so smooth. He’s the greatest what ifs? I honestly think he would’ve finished higher in all-time rankings over Kobe! I own bobbleheads for Kawhi, PG13, and Lou and I’m perfectly happy never getting any more. I might get one for Penny because it actually looks like him. It’s well-done. Maybe also for Larry Bird like Jackie MacMullan does with her college Bird bobbleheads. Most bobbleheads for MJ looks awful. I’ll only buy Jordan Brand stuff but not actual stuff with Jordan. The Michael Jordan Mythology will live on forever though like Star Wars. Memorabilia for MJ will always be there forever and ever like Bruce Lee, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Kurt Cobain, and Tupac Shakur posters.
I think its a bit like Kobe and Shaq. In their primes, most people will take Shaq over Kobe…In fact EVERYBODY will take Shaq in his prime over almost anybody in NBA history but in the totality of their careers, we all acknowledge that Kobe had a better career mostly because of the extra two championships
Nzinn73 Larry was my guy growing up, but to be fair, Magic focused on being a distributor more prior to 87, I think, according to the Showtime book. After that, Pat Riley wanted him to be more offensive minded and he got a chance to show what he could do offensively. I think they were pretty close, Magic Saud it well when he said Larry was the better forward and he was the better guard. That’s pretty accurate, I think. Larry was the better shooter, they were close in passing. I think Larry was probably better defender. It’s close. And I would say Larry was a unique player, so was Magic.
1. Michael Jordan 2. Kareem 3. Lebron James 4-6. Bird 4-6. Magic 4-6. Kobe 7. Bill Russell 8. Wilt Chamberlain 9. Shaq 10. Tim Duncan Honorable Mentions: (Not really in order) Hakeem the Dream Oscar Robertson Karl Malone Jerry West Dr. J Elgin Baylor Kevin Durant John stocktan Allen Iverson Charles Barkley Kevin Garnett PLZ don’t be toxic in the comments, this is just my opinion, it is not a fact. It’s just my top 10
Bird all day. There is no one who was definitively better than Larry legend. There’s no player he doesn’t measure up to, not even Michael. He was definitely better than magic. Magic was a genius passer, but bird was genius everything. Passing, scoring, rebounding, shooting, and dominated his opponents psychologically just like mike. And just like magic, he played the game like a chess player.
Since when was the Lakers vs Celtics 80’s Rivalry, seen as lopsided? From a talent perspective they were evenly matched on both the Front & Backcourt with tremendous depth on the bench. Insanely High I.Q teams, spearheaded by Top 5 All Time Greats. There’s a reason why we don’t say the Lakers & Celtics were stacked because their rosters canceled each other out everytime they faced each other. It virtually came down to Magic vs Bird every time!
According to the national park service: “The four presidents on Mt Rushmore were chosen to represent the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation, respectively”. Therefore, here’s who should be on the NBA Mt Rushmore Birth: Bill Russell – In the early days of the league, no one had eve seen anyone as dominant (especially defensively) than Russell Growth: Michael Jordan – Michael’s rise to superstardom grew the popularity of the NBA tremendously Development: Magic Johnson – One of the greatest leaders/teammates of all time. Developed his game very early on and helped develop those around him Preservation: LeBron James – Inspired a whole new generation of basketball players (AD, Luka, etc) preserving the league for many years to come
What I like about Bird and Magic, is that they both almost averaged a triple double only coming a few rebounds or assist short per game while averaging not that many shots per game. They both played team basketball. But it didn’t hurt that Magic had another player on MR in Kareem. I’m only going to say Bird was better because look at who they had to go against in the East, the first part of the decade 5 years playing Philly, then the latter half of the decade battling it out with Detroit in the playoffs. Then having to play the stacked Lakers, let’s not forget Worthy & Kareem were 1st overall draft picks.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson has a lot of respect with each other. Before MJ exist in nba, they considered each other the best nba player. Prime- Bird Longevity- Magic Teamwork- Magic Great impact on team- Bird They both have to be in mt. rushmore. Starting all time great lineup(not in order) (Positionless basketball) 1.Jordan 2. Lebron 3. Magic 4. Bird 5. Kobe This lineup will kill todays all star teams.
I’m taking Bird without a hesitation in my mind. not even close. Kareem was the best player on that lakers team. Magic is still an all time great but eh. also i hated his smile lol. seriously laker fans can’t have it both ways, can’t tell me Magic is better and Lakers were better in the 80s AND that the celtics had the better constructed team. stop it. i’m taking kareem and worthy over mchale, parish and DJ any day. they did get more injuries in the later 80s too. kareem and magic themselves will say Bird was a beast
I think this depends on what you’re looking at. As a Mount Rushmore of ability some people may not want to include Bird. However, if you look at what people have done for the NBA, three people have to be on it, and that’s Jordan, Magic, and Bird, because they brought the NBA to a level it never would have been otherwise. I’m not even sure who else might belong on there, maybe Russell for the fourth. Basketball is what it is today because of those three. You even hear it when Jordan talks about Magic and Bird. I think he holds them in special regard for what they did for the game.
Both were unique and both were “The GREATS” Magic was unique because he was a 6’9″ point guard who could play center and his passing game was amazing! He even looked good doing it! Bird was unique in that he didn’t look pretty like Magic but that is what made it work for him. You didn’t see things coming. His clutch prowess, his outside shooting both left and right hands, his steels, leadership, assists and rebounds made him extraordinary. How many guys made a bucket while going out of bounds and shoots over the backboard? None! Think of how he positioned himself to steel the ball against Isiaih Thomas to win the game at the last seconds of the game. Strategically smart! Kareem said it best about Bird, “He’s a basketball genius.” Magic Johnson said, “there will never be another Larry Bird!” Michael Cooper said you couldn’t rest when defending Larry. You never knew what he was going to do. The guys who played against him would say, “he’s unique.”
Larry Bird was the first ever 50-40-90 player and he was a 6’9″ going on 6’10″ small forward. The first great stretch forward that could run the offense when called upon. He averaged fewer assists because he was the small forward. Conversely, Magic averaged fewer rebounds because he was the point guard.
There will never be a clear winner between magic and bird in my opinion. You have to look much closer on these two because they were both facilitators rather than offensive juggernaut like mj. Magic definitely has the entertainment/showtime factor off the court whereas Bird was the polar opposite with the quiet stoic personality. But whenever I look at Bird’s highlights I am reminded of how showtime and flashy his game was with so much wow factor just as good as magic’s. The only way to edge Magic past Bird would be his ability to entertainment people off the court bringing more fans to the game and Bird’s back injury which but short his peak years. To me they’re still equal.
I gotta agree with Max. Magic was a great player, but I appreciate Birds peak beyond Magics. They both are the greatest to play at their position. But Bird as a player was better. How is Bird not unique? Bird is a top5 shooter of all time. He also is a top10 passer of all time. Magic wasnt that much better than Bird at passing the ball. Yes, Bird was unique.
Here is my Rushmore and why. Bill Russell Jerry West They put the NBA on the map played and represented the game with class during there careers and after Larry Bird Magic Johnson They saved the NBA in its darkest era MJ he carried the torch and maybe the most gifted player of all times. All are in top ten and excellent players in there era. Honerable mention Kobe
Bird and Magic should both be on Mount Rushmore of NBA, because at the time they enter the NBA the league was in the hole games were Televised on Tape delay and the TV rating for was down. These two men saved and revived the game. Magic on west coast and Bird on east coast. They help create the NBA of today.
3:34 yeah but what does that have to do with being a better player. Overall I agree with Max on this one, from 1980 to 1988 Bird individually had the accolades and the team accomplishments to say that he was better than Magic, what really separated them was the 1991 finals where Magic took a team without Pat Riley and Kareem Abdul Jabbar to the finals but we don’t know how thing would have went if Bird never went hurt in the 1988/89 season
” Larry Bird’s game wasn’t unique”. Someone please tell SAS about youtube and send him some highlights. I like SAS but considering his track record ( didn’t he say last week Stockton was nowhere near Isiah Thomas level? Then this week Stockton is ranked higher on the ESPN all time rankings lol ) analyzing players and coaches as well as his absolutely atrocious record predicting wins in the regular season and playoffs you just can’t take him seriously anymore. He is a bonafide farse when it comes to basketball ( and MMA, baseball, hockey, golf, etc, etc).
Both but if I had to pick it one it would be Bird. He simply could do everything the game asked from him at either an extremely high level or at a high level. The guy practically had no weaknesses in his game and if it weren’t for his injuries the debate for who is the goat would be far more interesting than it is today.
The one we really need to look at Kareem Abdul Jabbar – Again, his career is without question the most suspect, if we were to compare him against Jordan, Magic, Russell & LeBron. But no one wants to have the conversation. People just unconsciously throw out 6 MVPS & 6 Rings as if they’re equivalent to other the Top 5 players accomplishments. My Mount Rushmore – MJ, Magic, Russell, LeBron. It’s been general consensus that Bird would always be permanently placed at 5th or 6th. So I don’t know why Larry Bird is in the Mount Rushmore Conversation. Even though, I know at his peak he was better than Magic.
Magic: Ben Simmons of the day but not as good defensively and some other minor tweaks in which Magic is better Bird: a more efficient and better defender version of Luka Doncic clear who is a better player, Magic was lucky to be in LA, center of hollywood, and was the media darling, had much better teammates overall (Kareem, Worthy, Michael Cooper, Bryan Scott, vs. Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Bill Walton, Dennis Johnson)
During their prime match up together from 1980 to 1990, Bird had the slight advantage (stats, awards, etc) as an individual . Larry Bird was the best player on a winning team in the NBA from 1980 to 1988. Had Magic’s career not been cut short by HIV, he would have caught up in the early to mid 90’s where Bird would be already old and retired.
If Kareem is on mount Rushmore,then how can magic be better than Bird. Give bird Kareem Abdul-Jabbar instead of Robert parish and let that soak in? Give bird worthy or wilkes instead of ainge? Wilkes,worthy, Kareem took the scoring and defensive load of off magic. Bird was far superior to magic offensively for sure and defensively they are even further apart. “Bird steals it!” How many times? Within the team structure of Boston bird LED his team in points rebounds and assists and steals, ft%for starters, for most of his career. Magic led in assists only 2nd or 3rd in scoring, 2nd or 3rd in rebounds depending on the year. Bird was on the wings just as much as magic and he still got double digit rebounds, offensive rebounds huuuggee difference.
Peak bird is a better scorer rebounder defender and overall a more well rounded legend magic is only a better facilitator than bird in my opinion (even tho magic is better i would say bird is underrated as a facilitator as he is one of if not the best passing forward of all time) so in my opinion larry bird in his prime was better than magic johnson in his prime but magic had a greater career with better teams
Two things. One, I think players should be divided into tiers. Bird, Magic, Duncan, et al, are all in an elite tier. Saying one is definitively better than the other is a fruitless argument, and even if there were some separation, it would by the tiniest margins. Tier 1 could be Mt Rushmore, Tier 2, the next 10, Tier 3, the next 15 and so on. Two, these tier rankings should be before and after the ABA merger. There are not many that got to watch the likes of Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlin and players of the earlier eras in their peak primes, and those that did and could compare to players since, saw them in a league that had 8 to 12 teams and lack of talent depth we see post merger.
I love Max’s thoughts. Magic overally was better but in their primes Bird was a bit better conpared to Magic’s prime. But I always think that they are equals. In every list I put them equally. Magic was greater in his whole career but Magic did not reach the peak Bord reached. Magic had a better squad compared to Bird, Magic had more chips, Bird had a harder road to the finals. Magic was a better passer, bird was a better scorer, Magic was the best at his position, Bird was a better mental player.
bird is so slept on these days… there are so many nba players that proclaimed how bird overall skillwise was a player but magic is the one with better career, that’s it. Idk why stephen a disrespect in a such manner bird and is not giving credit where credit is due. the guy averaged 30 10 6 back then, other than MJ, he was the definition of clutch. just saying that if you are bringing magic’s name up so should bird’s. One is not that better than the other. the best players rivalry in the modern nba history
RUSSELL. MAGIC. BIRD. JORDAN. In addition to their game, just as important is their impact on the game and overall legacy, not necessarily who are simply the Top 4 best players of all-time. Russell’s impact is immeasurable and rightfully gains more appreciation as each year passes. Magic & Bird saved the NBA and elevated it to unforeseen heights. Jordan took the NBA into the stratosphere. I love Kareem. I love Lebron. But their respective impact on the game does not come close to these four legends and what they did for the NBA and game of basketball overall. THIS is the perspective that pundits need to be taking. Sure, folks will continue to debate, but is it really necessary? Nah.
Boston was deep and Boston had several Hall of Fame players…. but from day 1 until the end Bird was better than all of them and was the MAN on that team. Magic was the first of his kind and was clearly big time from day 1… If one makes Mt. Rushmore so does the other…. hahaha. They’ll always be mentioned together
Magic had the following Hall of Fame players. Kareem, Bob McAdoo, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy, and 8 time defensive all NBA player Michael Cooper. Bird Had Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish, Dennis Johnson. Bird is the better basketball player, magic just has more accomplishments because his teams were loaded.
I understand that Bill Russell is great, but I myself can’t put him on the Mount Rushmore for the simple fact that he played a way different game than others. He had no 3 second violation so he could camp the paint the entire game, there was literally nobody except Wilt and Elgin Baylor that could rival his athleticism. From a individual player standpoint, not taking championships into consideration, I would put Magic there over him.
Max wins this argument. He’s 100% correct. A prime Bird at his peak was better than prime Magic at his peak. Magic was able to sustain his level of play longer than Bird because Bird had devastating injuries to his Achilles and back…..but in their playing days, before the injuries, Bird was widely considered the better player. And the fact that Stephen A doesn’t think Bird’s game was unique is absolutely laughable. There was no other 6-9 forward in the history of the league who had done the things Bird could do up until that time. He could stretch the floor with his deep shooting ability, and he was (and still is) the greatest passing forward in the history of the game.
Amazing no body remember Samuel Jones who played shooting guard for the Boston Celtics . He won 10 out 11 titles next to Bill Russell who won 11 titles, John Havilcek won 8 straight titles he played smallforward for Boston . I love Bird and Magic as players leaders Magic edge Bird out slightly on this one Bird is a Legend who help paved the way for this generation players .
That’s a tough debate, Bird was better offensively a better rebounder, and a better defender. Magic got him 5 to 3 in chips and 3 to 2 in FMVPs. To give some context though Bird played in a more difficult east. The west had no other real contenders. Houston slipped in twice once led by Moses Malone and another Hakeem, but nobody consistent. The East had Philly as a big threat early on and then the Pistons late in the 80s. That was the difference. Magic got 9 opportunities while Bird only got 5 as a result. We know factually, that if Magic was in the East he would not have made it out 2 of his 9 times since he lost to Philly in 83 and Detroit in 89.
Fellas…In Bird’s 1st season when he took The Celtics from 29 wins the previous season to 61 in his rookie year….no Robert Parrish, no Kevin McHale, no Dennis Johnson, no Danny Ainge. The ONLY difference between the 79 Celtics and the 80 Celtics..was Larry Bird. Bird had NO help (other than Cedric Maxwell) on that 80 team..and still took them to The Conference Finals. Magic had Kareem, Otis Nixon, Michael Cooper, Bob McAdoo, Jamal Wilkes on the 80 team that won The NBA Title in his rookie season.
how about a Mount Rushmore for who did the most for the NBA? 1. George Mikan 2. Dr J 3. Magic/Bird 4. Jordan these five did the MOST to popularize the NBA. without them basketball would be as popular as NASCAR or bull riding: something thats popular in America but ignored everywhere else. NBA reached a global market because of them
Magic and bird should be 2-faced together on the mount Rushmore for their NBA revive/ Goat rivalry; Next to Bill and Wilt 2-faced for their old school Goat defense vs Goat offense (respectively) rivalry; Next to LBJ and Kareem 2-faced for being longevity Goats; Next to MJ and Kobe 2-faced for G.O.A.T. 2-way assassins. First of each pair silvered. Second of each pair bronzed. LBJ gold. Kareem platinum. MJ Diamond -Case Closed
At one point before Jordan won a title Magic was considered the greatest player of all time bird was a great player but is he even the greatest small forward and before you say he was a better all round player then Lebron should be the goat and magic played all positions and played center in the finals
Perkins won a championship as a Celtic and not only is he taking Magic over Bird,but he BLATANTLY ignores Max and only responds to Smith as if him and Smith are the only 2 in the convo..Its 100% black vs white from Perkins and SAS perspective ..Its so obvious that it’s almost comical..Its a fact that during both their primes, Birs was better,.no debate is even neccessary..His prime consisted of 28ppg/10rbs/7asts, 3 MVPs in a row, while shooting 50%, 40% 3s & 90%FTs all during his prime plus the eye test proves him to be a little better, and the eye test is more important than stats and accolades imo,..Magic had the better career and was better for a longer period of time..but during both their primes, Bird>Magic without question
Larry Bird won the MVP three years in a row. Magic Johnson played 11 full seasons (2 under 38 games). In those 11 full seasons, he was an all star all 11 seasons, went to the Finals 9 times, and got the chip 5 times. They both had short careers due to Bird’s injuries and Magic’s illness. Think about these things when you talk about greatness.
0:38 well it depends on which year we are talking about, because in the 1984 finals the Lakers were the favorites to win and even the Celtics themselves admitted that they stole that one, in 1985 Boston were the favorites and after the Memorial Day Massacre it was a miracle that the Lakers came back to beat them in 6, in 1986 even though they did not meet, the Celtics were better than the Lakers and in 1987 that series went 6 games even though the Lakers were the clear favorites and Larry Bird had a bad back, Kevin McHale played the entire playoffs with a broken foot. It was hard to pick who was better DEFINITIVELY.
Birds better, he had to go thru a tougher conference had less help than Magic and was considered the better player at their best, not to mention he’s better in every category except passing (even tho Bird was amazing at that too) I use to have Magic over Bird too but u gotta look at context and bird edges it for me
The Lakers had an all-star starting lineup and a very good bench. The Celtics bench was not that great. Which means the starters had to play more minutes to win games and get worn down over the course of a season. Cedric Maxwell was there for one championship. These people didn’t do their homework and it’s their only job.
Saying Bird wasn’t unique is completely inane. Circa 1980 (Bird’s rookie season), the only other player in NBA history who even came remotely close to matching Bird’s most famous shooting/rebounding/passing/IQ attributes at big(ger) player positions was Rick Barry, and that’s about it. Bird was compared to Rick Barry by a Boston scout when he was at Indiana State, but suffice it to say even Rick Barry wasn’t a match for Bird in terms of rebounding or distance shooting (and honestly, probably not even passing although Barry was an excellent passer).
The discussion is over Larry Bird did all his stuff with a shattered knuckle a bad back bad Achilles and went through a whole laundry list of injuries some of which he came into the NBA with and still dominated the league. Also did it with his left hand and double vision. Put every other Superstar in the NBA including Michael next to that and they cannot top it or match. MAYBE they could. LARRY BIRD DID.
Magic couldn’t guard Stockton or I. Thomas or other small PGS. Did Stephen A. Said Bird wasn’t unique? Could Dr. J or Elgin Baylor shoot 3pters or average 7 assists in their primes and shoot and pass lefty or righty? Ric Barry could but couldn’t rebound or post up or scrap like Bird. Both were unique, transcendent players, just like Kareem, Hakeem, MJ, and on and on. Some players can’t be replicated.
Full Disclosure. Life Long Boston Celtics fan of 40 years so I want that known before I type word one. Dennis John was on the decline and tho good FAR from whom he was as a Seattle superstar. Other then McHale Magic had (in my view the best of all time in Kareem) Worthy, Cooper, and Wilks an more all of which were better then Parrish, and Maxwell and Ainge. I agree 1000% with Max at their best Bird was BETTER then Magic an Magic would tell you this…. Pat Riley told people this when he said for his life/soul he wants BIRD taking the shot….. I think Bird being white honestly under plays what a Bad man Bird was when he was in his primce before his back went out. Lineup for Lineup the Laker’s had far more all star’s and hof and all star talent…… Celtics won on Grit, Defense, playing grimy, and Bird. To say Bird was not unique makes Stephen A look like a jack@ss and I am not a Stephen A hater.
All they do is debating on who is or was better than who. They never talk about teams. I was too young when Bird’s celtics or Magic’s Lakers played, they could talk about how those team played, their game plan, their roster, their coach, which other teams were dominant in this Era and what made those 2 teams above everybody else. That would be pretty interesting. We all know those two were great players, there is no need to debate for decades who was better, honestly I could’nt care less. All those LeBron/Jordan/GOAT/top5 mount Rushmore debate are so boring. This is not basketball.
Magic Johnson is the goat let me tell you why most of you would agree that he’s the best point guard ever I would ask you what is the most important position on a basketball team most would say point guard Magic Johnson what’s the best LeBron plays like magic triple doubles magic was Showtime you had to see him play he the goat
Larry Bird peak from 1984-1988 was better than Magics peak. Bird was the best player in the world for that time. Magic had a longer prime level. To me, they are Peanut Butter, and Jelly. 1a 1b, reverse it. Doesn’t matter. They are a package deal. Both deserve to be on the Mt Rushmore together. As it should be. Period…
I give it to Bird in the head to head debate Scoring-Bird the better outside shooter but Magics better inside. But I think Bird is better inside than Magic is outside. Bird on defense and Magic is clearly the better passer but Bird is a better passer than Magic is defender. Also Magic had better talent around him and his competition wasn’t as tough.
Magic played no defense and was not a great scorer nor closer. Bird was Very good on defense and made 3 second team all nab defense teams and may be (along with jordan) the gratest clutch shooter/scorer of all time. Magig had a top 3 player of all time Kareem on his team with that unstoppable sky hook. Bird had Robert parish at Center. Magic’s teams had more talent, less competition in the west. Bird’s celtics had to face the great sixers, pistons teams, and then even Jordan early in his career. Bird was better and is top 3-4 player of all time…He and Jordan are the two greatest I have seen. Lebron is a great all around player but not a finisher or clutch shooter like those two…not even close. Durant is much better at that than Lebron.
I don’t get it, Bird was better than Magic from every angle. Magic was a better assister, but Bird was also exceptional at passing. Bird was a better scorer, rebounder, defender, and clutch player. Perhaps a notch under as a passer or perhaps even equal at vision, but his job never was to handle the ball like Magic. And Magic literally had a top 3 greatest player of all time on his team in Kareem who has his own GOAT argument. Bird had a great team, but HE was the piece that made them such a great team, sort of like Jordan on the Bulls.
The Lakers should have never went back to back, (Phantom foul on Kareem), & if it wasn’t for Tragic Magic, the Lakers should have been 3-0 in Finals against Celtics. But then again there is that 1986 Celtics team!! Although I agree with some of what Max is talking about, I disagree with evaluating someone’s prime years over their longevity. He does that in boxing too when he compares Pacquiao over Mayweather. I evaluate someones whole career, not just their primitive years.
Once again_ SAS needs to just close his mouth. Boston didnt have a Loaded Roster. Not one #1 pick on the team_ except Walton_ that was for just 1season Lakers started THREE #1 picks for almost 15seasons_ Worthy_ Magic_ Kareem. And in ’87 Klays dad joined the team. He was a number one pick. Byron Scott was a #4 pick. Plus Michael Cooper and AC Green.
Magic had better team mates. Kareem and Worthy and Bob McAdoo and Mychael Thompson were all #1 draft picks. Cooper was a DPOY award winner. Bird never got to play with a DPOY player. The only #1 pick Bird got to play with was Bill Walton and Walton was only healthy for 1 year 1986 and that team is considered one of the greatest teams ever. Bird and the Celtics played in the East and the East was a much stronger conference. See Dave Heeren’s “Basketball Abstract” were the East vs West – all teams included dominated the West for every year for all ten years of the 80’s. For Bird’s first 9 years in the MVP vote Bird was 4,2,2,2,1,1,1,3 and 2nd again. Magic was not on the list, 11, 8, 3,3,2, 3, 1, and 3 again. Bird finished higher in 8 of these 9 seasons. Bird was all NBA first team his first 9 seasons. Magic in his first 3 years was not first team all NBA. Magic was not on the 2nd team all NBA until his 3rd season and was finally on the first team all NBA in his fourth season. Research defensive wins shares and DRTG and it will be clear Bird was the better defender. Bird in 1983 finished tied for 3rd place for the DPOY award. Bird created the 50-40-90 shooting club. Magic never had a 50-40-90 season. Magic was more popular, and did not have the injuries, but Bird was the better player.
Bird was the best all around shooter ever, arguably the best passer of his generation (no worse than a close #2 if you give the edge to Magic), a stone cold killer who demanded excellence from his teammates and got it, and a higher rebounds per game career average than Patrick Ewing. His game isn’t unique? Perk and SAS are idiots.