Bird is the only player I can think of who can score effectively in every way imaginable: finger rolls, fade aways, spot up jumpers, running jumpers, hook shots, tear drops, rainbow shots, dunks, catch and shoot, double clutch, etc. and even bank shots with the opposite hand. He had so many offensive tools in his arsenal and an ability to use any of them to adapt to any situation.
8:28 is classic. You know they were talking to each other about how Bird was tearing shit up that night .. 'Oh he hit another one! He must be on 50 points by now .. the guy can't fucking miss ... he's got it again, look ... I bet he even hits this ... OHHHH SHIIIIT HE DID'
Those players caught reprimands for all that, but fuck. Shows you just how good this guy was. Professional basketballers, on the other team, fucking losing it .. it just doesn't happen. Bird was incredible.
i dont understand arguements on youtube like do you honestly see another persons comment and get inraged by it? like why dont you just watch the video and not give a dam about the comments
I bet if there's a stat about players shooting with his off-hand, Larry Legend leads them by a mile. Bird writes with his left hand and shoots with his right hand.
It kills me when I hear a Jordan jocker say that Jordan was a better shooter than Bird. Few players are in Bird's league of shooting and Jordan ain't one of them!
My favorite Bird game is the one where he scored 40 points against the Blazers while carrying a beer in one hand and a box of popcorn in the other the entire game. There's a reason he's called Larry Legend.
I'm so excited ... i just can't hide it ... to quote the Pointer Sisters. The shot that Bird hits at 2:44 of this video was one of at least three last-minute bombs he made that night in Landover, MD, to beat the Wash. Bullets. I was at that game. The one at 2:44 was ruled (correctly) a 2-pointer, but it was enough. The Celts were down 1 at the end of the 2nd OT, and the buzzer sounded as the ball was coming down. Bird scored 46 that night. Fans of both teams walked out of the arena in amazement
@jason60152 Iverson is a better ball-hog, but Bird is better in every other category of basketball than Me, Myself and I'verson, guess that's why he's playing in some shit hole in Turkey, huh? Don't compare that broke-dick wannabe to a real basketball player, fucker can't even start for the Pistons, that's pretty sad.
@MerkinMuffly Hey man listen don't disrespect the game and shit on AI like that where the fuck are you from? AI revolutionized the game, was the biggest trendsetter even and was one of the greatest players of all-time and Larry Bird HIMSELF said AI was a great player so who the fuck are you? He was a 4 time scoring champ, all-star and won an MVP. And you call him a wanna-be baller and have the nerve to be uploading videos? Fuck outta here! AI= One of the top 20 greatest EVER!
arguably one of the greatest shooters of all time... and he played his whole career with a right (shooting) hand that was mangled by a softball accident BEFORE his rookie season. He claimed that his shooting was "never as good" after that. Makes one think... what if he played WITH A FULLY HEALTHY HAND?
Someone needs to put together all of Bird's dunks and make a compilation. I know he could dunk and when he was young he actually dunked on people but a chronological dunk compilation would be cool. If I knew how and had the resources, I would.
Most young people or people that know nothing about Bird think he just sat out there and jacked up 3 pointers all the time. By todays standards, he didn't shoot many threes. I think he is known so well for the 3 ball was because A) He could shoot it and shoot it well B) He won three straight three point shoot outs and C) He was the first guy to shoot tres up in someones face, off balanced, from deep whereever and however... He just hit them.
@CLewey44 Very true, Bird didn't shoot or like to shoot a lot of 3s, he believed in feeding the big men in the post, but he would shoot 3s to keep a defender honest so they couldn't lay off him to double a big man in the post.
Labeling Bird the Best white player ever is quite insulting, although understandable. There have not been that many outstanding white players since his retirement, with Stockton, Gasol, Nowitzki, Nash, Ginobili just to name a few. Nowitzki obviously being the best of the "next Birds." Disregarding the skin color (save for racial honor/pride) Bird is no doubt the GREATEST ever to play the game.
Bird is the greatest EVER!!! With what LITTLE athletic ability he had he made up for with his basketball IQ and shot. What player besides Bird that cant jump or run with the brothers can win 3 straight MVPS, 3 titles, be on the dream team, rookie of the year over Magic Johnson and THEN after playing days are over win coach of the year. Yeah Birds the greatest. I'd take a healthy Larry Bird over any player ever to start my dream team.
Fully agreed. As a Boston sports fan Bird was the consummate player who gave it his all. Everyone could learn how to better themselves in their profession whatever that profession is by watching Larry Bird and following his work habits
I bet Bird was very frustrating to guard. Especially if you were someone who viewed him as just some slow white boy that can only shoot a little bit and that's it.
Wow, great video. I like that you put a lot of lesser seen shots from other highlight videos.
Is he the greatest shooter? Maybe, maybe not, but one difference is that he could shoot with a guy right in his face from the hash and in. Other "shooters" had to have a good look.
Bird didn't need a good look. He just needed to see the rim at some point while going for the shot and it had a good chance of going in.
Arguebly hes the greatest shooter ever. He was an incredible at the shots he could make but id have to say Kobe Bryant is the greatest shooter ever. You have to consider all the shot he could make from odd angles that Larry Bird couldnt make because of Larry's lack of athleticism!!! Theres not a shot Larry could make more consistently than Kobe! Larry Bird is the most impressive player of all time to me because of his lack of athleticism. How did he manage to make shots without jumping.
@jaywilson18 Kobe over Bird? Look at their shooting % Bird was a more consistent shooter than Kobe (50% vs 45%) and have you ever seen all the game tying and game winning chances that Kobe has missed? Kobe has jacked up more bad shots in those situations than anyone. Remember his 6 of 24 shooting peformance in game 7? Bird is also a better free throw shooter and 3 point shooter. Can Kobe shoot with his left hand? Bird is better by far.
@mrho4speedL No doubt, Kobe is 36/115 in game winning shots, if you just count his terrible shooting in the playoffs he's even worse: 7/25, 28%. The Kobe clutch Myth has been exposed for what it is, the guy is terrible in clutch situations. Just goes to show you that if you jack up enough shots, something is bound to go in.
@MerkinMuffly Thanks for those numbers!! I've seen Kobe ignore (or not see) wide open teammates with much better shots, while he has hoisted terrible shots trying to be the hero for his own benefit at the team's expense. While Bird loved to win games and hit the shot to do it, he would not hesitate to pass to the open teammate for the best chance to win the game. Thats why Bird has the highest winning % of any NBA player ever at over 70% (Russell = 69% Jordan =68%). Bird put his team first.
@schnooks17 No link, it is from "Kings of the court" book by Alan Minsky published in 1995.The winning % for Bird is stated on page 82. I have a special Chicago Tribune with every game Jordan played in and his % was just over 68%. I read a book on Bill Russell and per the appendix his winning % was just over 69%. Considering the hundreds of great NBA players to be at the top of the list is quite an achievement!!
Larry Bird's the one player that'll never have to call bank. If he banked it in, it was intentional. Add Tim Duncan to that list if you don't count 3's.
Bird says that he was a better shooter before joining the NBA. He injured his index finger while playing softball and ever since then that finger is crooked like hell. The guy is a miracle athlete.
I love how he moves...as if its hes just playing around...he makes it look like hes just shooting around before a game with alot of those. I think he was the most complete player since oscar robertson. Even more so than Magic...
I'm sorry but larry bird WAS A BETTER clutch shooter than MJ. I'd trust larry to score just as much as MJ. Bird is an all around greatest ever. He's in my top 5 all time.
First off Bird is a legend...but after 86' he went cold...no more rings...for whatever reason he stalled out...Out of Michael Magic & Bird...Bird is the best shooter...Magic is the best Playmaker...and Jordan was the Biggest Winner.
@MerkinMuffly Yeah i know he suffered from back problems the last years...and i understand he lost a few finals too..So yeah Larry had his chance at 4 or 5 rings...the competition was just amazing that he was up against.
@MrSlik25 If you recall he was suffering from severe injuries and was playing on sheer will. Most players would have retired by then. Also his best teammate (McHale) was also suffering from lasting injuries.
Had Len Bias stayed alive, Celtics would've probably won 1-2 more championships before Bird retired.
As for the Biggest Winner, no one can compare to Bill Russell.
We were lucky that once upon in time we could see Bird, Jordan AND Magic playing in the same league.
@nasoszeppos I agree...i know he was hurting...and he made at least three trips to the finals and lost...I know Russell has the most rings in league history..but read my comment again and you will see that it says Jordan is the biggest winner out of the three...Its a factual statement...Len Bias would have went down as the Michael Jordan in Green...believe that...he would have had a legendary career and made Jordan less bigger than he was...Good feedback keep it comein...no homo.
@MrSlik25 Yes, Bias was that good, and if had been there in 86 McHale probably wouldn't have suffered and then played on the broken foot that ruined his career. Bias with Bird as his mentor would have been unstoppable. How many titles would the Lakers have won if there 2nd overall pick, James Worthy died? Try 0 against the Celtics, Worthy killed them with his quickness.
@MerkinMuffly How many would Mike have won if Magic didn't secretly have HIV in the 91' Finals..(Couldn't Possibly focus)??....Scottie wasn't there??...if Paxson missed??....if Kerr missed..??...Pistons could have had 4 straight.
@MrSlik25 Only reason Bulls get pass Pistons in 91 is broken wrist by Isiah Thomas that never healed that season. Only reason Bulls get pass Lakers in 91 is Worthy suffered a badly sprained ankle in west conf. finals vs Portland, noticeably limping in finals. Byron Scott missed 1 1/2 games. And oh by the way, MJ didn't face Kareem or Cooper, one of the greatest defenders of all-time. Sorry, but Vlade fucking Divac is not Kareem.
@nasoszeppos No one had the will to win like Russell, when they beat the Lakers in 69, it was probably the greatest upset in NBA history, only 8th seed team to do this. 10-0 in game 7s, that is an incredible stat and will never be challenged.
@MrSlik25 Look, no one disputes that Michael Jordan was great, but he did not -- and could not -- lift his team to greatness like Bird did -- everywhere he played -- and coached.
Celtics record the year before Bird: 29–53. Celtics record Bird's first year (without McHale & Parish, by the way): 61–21.
Bulls record the year before Michael Jordan: 27-55 (second worst in franchise history). Bulls record Michael Jordan's rookie season: 38-44. Even with Jordan, the Bulls still sucked.
@MSHkr Some people start out fast...but an NBA career is a marathon not a sprint...I know exactly the point you are trying to make but my statement is valid...even without McHale & Parish Bird came into a better team structure and 10 x better coaching than Jordan did and we both know this is true...Yes he started a huge turnaround for the Celtics...but he didnt achieve the level of winning that Jordan did...He had the chance but lost in the Finals on more than one occasion...Jordan refused to.
@MrSlik25: This could go on forever. Celtics' record BEFORE Bird - WORST IN THE LEAGUE - hardly a better team. Also, Jordan won all his rings against MUCH weaker teams than Bird - in a watered-down league devoid of legendary players like Bird, Magic, & Dr. J. Jordan's first title was against an aging Magic and Lakers team without Kareem. In what other Finals victory did Jordan face a team like the 80's Lakers, Celtics, Sixers (with Moses), or Detroit? He didn't.
@MrSlik25: To be clear, I'm a big Michael Jordan fan. He'd be the starting point guard in my All-Time Great Team of:
Hakeem Olajuwan
Kevin McHale
Larry Bird
Michael Jordan
Magic Johnson.
I just get tired of the same old "MJ is Greatest of All Time" without acknowledging the other great players with legitimate claims -- or the pathetically weak league in which he accumulated those rings.
Bird, Dr. J, Magic & other players and coaches have discussed 90's league weakness at length.
@MrSlik25: Finally, if we're talking rings here, Bill Russell is the King of Rings. 11 Championships, 12 Championship series appearances -- in 13 years. No one else is even close. As for athleticism, he was the 7th best in the world at the high jump then.
Since picking the Greatest of All Time is fun, but fruitless, given the different positions, eras, strengths, statistics -- a more rational discussion would be The Greatest Player at each position. I bet we'd find more agreement there.
@MSHkr Yes in that last comment i was talking rings..but go back to my original comment and you will clearly see that i said out of Michael, Magic, & Bird that Michael was the biggest winner..im well aware of the rings Russell has in his collection...so you have strayed very far from the topic on this recent comment you have left here..I can guarentee you one thing..Mike would have dunked in Bill's face on more than one occasion if they were in the same era..Air Jordan sneakers or not.
@MrSlik25 I agree that if Jordan and Russ had played in the same era, MJ would have dunked a few times "in Bill's face," as you crudely put it. But never late in a crucial game. Russ might have had to foul if Michael got a running start, but Russ knew the emotional value of a huge slam dunk late in a big game. And I am talking about Russ in his prime, not after his knees and Achilles tendon had suffered numerous injuries. Russ had incredible jumping ability too, and VERY long arms.
@VrgniaMailman Not sure what you two are talkin about but I'm gonna jump right in and support Mailmans claim about Russ's vert. Russell was #7 ranked High Jumper in the WORLD in 1956. Give him a pair of springy Nike's instead of his Converse and he would likely outhang Jordan much less outreach him. He's Dwight Howards height (6'9 barefoot) yet he highjumped an incredulous 6'9.75 in the pre-fosbury flop era... His athleticism was why he could still defend against the 6'11-7'3 centers of his era.
@MrSlik25 Jordan played in a weak era of basketball: watch?v=53dn_D6FWBk. If you took a healthy Celtic or Laker team from the 80s, they would have won 10 titles against the weak expansion league 90s teams MJ faced. If you think MJ would have won 6 titles from 1980-88 your crazy, those Bulls teams probably don't even make it to a finals.
Greatest white player?! He's arguably THE GREATEST BASKETBALL PLAYER EVER! Don't minimize him as just black or white, now. I'm sure he made enemies everywhere road game with his sick ability to shoot and do what it takes to win basketball games.
@jonbap426 Nah Bird couldn't fuck with Jordan you're TRIPPING!!!!!!!!!!!! You must be white saying shit like that and even most white people wouldn't co-sign you.lol.
@chiladin - I'm glad you put an lol in there, because it really would have showcased a measure of ignorance to just flat out say "I must be white"! You can check out my Darth Vader impersonation and see who I am and what I look like. But yeah, Bird is arguably the greatest ever, #comingfromsomeoneethnic
@chiladin Not white, but Jordan was obviously in Bird's era and his team knocked Jordan's Bulls out of the playoffs in 86. Jordan is still the greatest, but you have a lot of nerve making it seem like Bird isn't even in his league.
@MrAceFab I hate the Celtics, but I know greatness when I see it. I'd rank Bird over Jordan any day. Jordan couldn't even have a winning season until Pippen and Grant got to the Bulls.
@MrAceFab - LOL!! I am not a Celtics fan. As a matter of fact, I find that comment to be ...... who cares. But my point is, I love basketball in general, and as an observer, Larry Bird did whatever it took to win games, including making nearly impossible shots or key steals or pinpoint passes. Is he the only one who did that, Heavens no. But the rings and the footage don't lie!! Its just greatness.
@FavreianVengeance - "w/o the benefit of Stern cheating for them". I don't get that one. If anything Mike took way more punishment than today's stars, and still has the highest scoring average of all time and third in points all time. How was David Stern cheating for him? If anything, they let Shaquille O'Neal get away with more than anyone else by eliminating the hand check rule and allowing him to just plow over his defenders. You ever see those Bulls/Pistons playoff match ups?
@jonbap426 Only a Jordan jocker would believe that nonsense. Jordan wasn't taking punishment. They called a foul any time someone breathed on him. He was not taking "punishment." That's just f'ing propaganda. And yea I know that Shaq and Kobe got away with shit too. The point is Stern rigs games for dollars.
@reddwarfposse I searched 4 pages and don't know to what comment you refer to. But I know it's the Jordan jockers that always bring up "racist' bull shit. So go fuck yourself. I don't care about your nonsense.
@jason60152 - There isn't a long list of players in basketball history that are better than Scottie Pippen. Probably the best perimeter defender in history. But when the burden was on him and him alone, he couldn't handle the pressure, which isn't a knock on him, but just the facts. Larry had the responsibility of carrying a legendary team, and he did so without throwing chairs on the court or badmouthing his organization. Scottie is the best 2 man, but he's not cut out for carrying a team.
Thanks! Sick footage MM. Bird was my inspiration growing up to be a playmaker first, shooter second. I even had the "Bird on basketball" book. Those were the good old days. Happy belated Larry Legend (I was born on the 7th too).
why am I not surprised so many of the shots shown have that little clock in the corner winding down
Bird was a very honest cat, lotta integrity. He actually stated the obvious, basketball was a black man's game and will always be a black man's game, and that the best athletes in it are black and caused a stir[because a lot of people are stupid and disingenuous]
joked he got mad when they had a white guy guard him because 'he had no chance'
@MerkinMuffly I have the game on a VHS tape, the Celts were winning and Magic sat in the 3rd period. Byron Scott came in and started hitting shots and the Celts went cold. LA did come back to win but the best shot of the game was Bird's banker that was so high off the backboard, it hit at the very top. He needed the high arc to elude the reach of the 7'2" inch Jabbar. The outcome of the game was already decided, but the message was "I can score over you" Its worth seeing.
Great video Merk. Bird"s ambidexterity enabled him to fool and to use his body as a shield to get off shots against multiple defenders. Without a doubt the greatest hands and court vision. He could see all the angles and was the "master of the half inch". Also the best long range shooter, could use the glass from anywhere and his step-back was unstoppable. Could change the arc on his shot and retain accuracy. Game 6 in LA (84 finals) at end of game he made a bank shot over Jabbar, a must see!!
amazing video, congrats. bird was incredible :O. I know people always tend to say jordan is the goat (I do too, even though I don't like to compare players from different positions) but bird in his prime/healthy was untouchable, beating a lot of legendary teams/players.
@MerkinMuffly yeah and if they were on the same team who do people think is going to take all those last second shots?it aint "tragic" johnson thats for sure!LOL!i doudt that somebody who sets upother people for his whole career can really be a great individual player on the same level as a larry bird.if you dont take the last shot at the end of a big game than your nowhere near the best.people put too much individual value in titles especially considering he played the west not the tough east.
The real deal! The best Bird`s video in the net. One picture of Bird`s greatness that always comes up on my mind is him shooting over Brad Sellers (Bulls forward) after showing the ball and without preparing the shot. He made it so simple that made the others look like they didn`t play the same game. In my humble opinion Bird was the the number one genius of basketball, He would do anything to win: dive for the loose ball, battle against the best rebounders (Moses Malone), Nº 1 team player
The most amazing thing about Bird that seperates him from all other superstars was Bird had to face the hardest competition year after year. In the beginning, it was the great Sixer teams with Bird going head to head with the great Dr. J and defensive master Bobby Jones. Then Bird had to deal with the showtime Lakers, head to head with defensive wizard Michael Cooper & HOF James Worthy. Then Bird destroys MJ's Bulls. After that he battles the Bad Boys head to head with defensive star Rodman.
magic couldn't shoot like that and bird could pass just as good as magic, so why does everyone say that theyre equal or that magics better?they are either racist or are LA fans.
@Defender80s LOL, it would definitely be on position rebounding. Barkley, Rodman, Russell, Moses and Oakley would have something to say about rebounds
the worst uncalled travel at 5:25
elijahbouldin3 1 month ago
@elijahbouldin3 If you look closely, you'll see that Lebron walked.
MerkinMuffly 1 month ago
@MerkinMuffly THE BAT IS A FLOPPER! Ginobili knocks bat out of air (check it out!)
BobothePirate24 2 weeks ago
look at the bench at 3:37 i think he's dead haha
elijahbouldin3 1 month ago
@elijahbouldin3 they made a bet if he hit that he would blow his team mate. haha
jenelcarlo 2 weeks ago
Bird is the only player I can think of who can score effectively in every way imaginable: finger rolls, fade aways, spot up jumpers, running jumpers, hook shots, tear drops, rainbow shots, dunks, catch and shoot, double clutch, etc. and even bank shots with the opposite hand. He had so many offensive tools in his arsenal and an ability to use any of them to adapt to any situation.
bordertown 1 month ago
Can you pls tell me the name of the song from 00:00 to 2:50 and of course larry is the best shooter of all time
dzoni3009 1 month ago
Its great how u showcased his left hand...Great job man
nujrz4lyfe 1 month ago
8:28 is classic. You know they were talking to each other about how Bird was tearing shit up that night .. 'Oh he hit another one! He must be on 50 points by now .. the guy can't fucking miss ... he's got it again, look ... I bet he even hits this ... OHHHH SHIIIIT HE DID'
Those players caught reprimands for all that, but fuck. Shows you just how good this guy was. Professional basketballers, on the other team, fucking losing it .. it just doesn't happen. Bird was incredible.
Skindoggiedog 1 month ago
Wanna know something crazy? Dirk Nowitzki is a bonafide legend and he's not even close to Larry Bird
goanyways 1 month ago 2
i dont understand arguements on youtube like do you honestly see another persons comment and get inraged by it? like why dont you just watch the video and not give a dam about the comments
ilikecokeacola1 2 months ago
imma lefty... hes a righty
he still shoots better lefty than i do..
damn
wwfchriswwf 2 months ago
THUMBS UP IF YOU SAW THE PLAYERS ON THE BENCH AT 8:28
bubbleboy2001 2 months ago in playlist Favorite videos
I bet if there's a stat about players shooting with his off-hand, Larry Legend leads them by a mile. Bird writes with his left hand and shoots with his right hand.
schnooks17 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
the last 10 mins were amazing
SeanYves09 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
2:04 ultra circus shot
tgweeve 3 months ago
nigga pleaseeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!
MIRAZMASTER 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
It kills me when I hear a Jordan jocker say that Jordan was a better shooter than Bird. Few players are in Bird's league of shooting and Jordan ain't one of them!
FavreianVengeance 3 months ago 2
Comment removed
FavreianVengeance 3 months ago
My favorite Bird game is the one where he scored 40 points against the Blazers while carrying a beer in one hand and a box of popcorn in the other the entire game. There's a reason he's called Larry Legend.
badpdx 3 months ago 2
I'm so excited ... i just can't hide it ... to quote the Pointer Sisters. The shot that Bird hits at 2:44 of this video was one of at least three last-minute bombs he made that night in Landover, MD, to beat the Wash. Bullets. I was at that game. The one at 2:44 was ruled (correctly) a 2-pointer, but it was enough. The Celts were down 1 at the end of the 2nd OT, and the buzzer sounded as the ball was coming down. Bird scored 46 that night. Fans of both teams walked out of the arena in amazement
VrgniaMailman 4 months ago
Simply, Larry Legend!!!
There will never be another Larry Bird!!!
epic103 4 months ago
Larry Bird Greatest
bugsy101073 4 months ago
@bugsy101073 Allen Iverson is better then Larry Bird.
jason60152 3 months ago
@jason60152 Go check out the shooting percentages and say that...
geocgeo 3 months ago 5
@geocgeo Larry Bird is a better shooter but Allen Iverson is a better scorer.
jason60152 3 months ago
Comment removed
KYwedvideos 3 months ago
@jason60152 Iverson is a better ball-hog, but Bird is better in every other category of basketball than Me, Myself and I'verson, guess that's why he's playing in some shit hole in Turkey, huh? Don't compare that broke-dick wannabe to a real basketball player, fucker can't even start for the Pistons, that's pretty sad.
MerkinMuffly 3 months ago 6
@MerkinMuffly Hey man listen don't disrespect the game and shit on AI like that where the fuck are you from? AI revolutionized the game, was the biggest trendsetter even and was one of the greatest players of all-time and Larry Bird HIMSELF said AI was a great player so who the fuck are you? He was a 4 time scoring champ, all-star and won an MVP. And you call him a wanna-be baller and have the nerve to be uploading videos? Fuck outta here! AI= One of the top 20 greatest EVER!
chiladin 1 month ago
@chiladin One of the twenty greatest ever? Please.
BinnytheJazzWizard 5 days ago
arguably one of the greatest shooters of all time... and he played his whole career with a right (shooting) hand that was mangled by a softball accident BEFORE his rookie season. He claimed that his shooting was "never as good" after that. Makes one think... what if he played WITH A FULLY HEALTHY HAND?
DrRobonation 4 months ago
Someone needs to put together all of Bird's dunks and make a compilation. I know he could dunk and when he was young he actually dunked on people but a chronological dunk compilation would be cool. If I knew how and had the resources, I would.
CLewey44 4 months ago
Most young people or people that know nothing about Bird think he just sat out there and jacked up 3 pointers all the time. By todays standards, he didn't shoot many threes. I think he is known so well for the 3 ball was because A) He could shoot it and shoot it well B) He won three straight three point shoot outs and C) He was the first guy to shoot tres up in someones face, off balanced, from deep whereever and however... He just hit them.
CLewey44 4 months ago
@CLewey44 Very true, Bird didn't shoot or like to shoot a lot of 3s, he believed in feeding the big men in the post, but he would shoot 3s to keep a defender honest so they couldn't lay off him to double a big man in the post.
MerkinMuffly 4 months ago
@MerkinMuffly Merkin, I'm proud of you. You finally responded to something without calling someone an idiot or retard lol.
CLewey44 4 months ago
@CLewey44 excellent point!
empiricalpoet 4 months ago
Labeling Bird the Best white player ever is quite insulting, although understandable. There have not been that many outstanding white players since his retirement, with Stockton, Gasol, Nowitzki, Nash, Ginobili just to name a few. Nowitzki obviously being the best of the "next Birds." Disregarding the skin color (save for racial honor/pride) Bird is no doubt the GREATEST ever to play the game.
Francozilla 5 months ago
black or white, shut the fuck up fool.
ONE OF THE GREATEST MOTHERFUCKING PLAYERS OF ALL TIME
masonkim7 5 months ago
Can anyone kindly tell me of the title of the music that starts at 1.12 please?
6DoctorJ 5 months ago
@6DoctorJ It's called Ace of Swords, from Alan Parsons Project off their Turn of a Friendly Card album: watch?v=yp9KNLubh44.
The intro is kinda slow, so I cut it out, so you have to go to :46 of the Ace of Swords Song where this starts.
MerkinMuffly 4 months ago
@MerkinMuffly I can't thank you enough for this info. God bless!
6DoctorJ 4 months ago
@8:30 look at the hawk bench hahahahahhaha
jigglypuffwasabi 6 months ago
Bird is the greatest EVER!!! With what LITTLE athletic ability he had he made up for with his basketball IQ and shot. What player besides Bird that cant jump or run with the brothers can win 3 straight MVPS, 3 titles, be on the dream team, rookie of the year over Magic Johnson and THEN after playing days are over win coach of the year. Yeah Birds the greatest. I'd take a healthy Larry Bird over any player ever to start my dream team.
terrorofsesameST 6 months ago
@terrorofsesameST
Fully agreed. As a Boston sports fan Bird was the consummate player who gave it his all. Everyone could learn how to better themselves in their profession whatever that profession is by watching Larry Bird and following his work habits
fr6313 6 months ago
Man he has such a nice shot and follow through. And yes! He could shoot right and left handed--very rare.
xee00 6 months ago
I bet Bird was very frustrating to guard. Especially if you were someone who viewed him as just some slow white boy that can only shoot a little bit and that's it.
CLewey44 6 months ago
Wow, great video. I like that you put a lot of lesser seen shots from other highlight videos.
Is he the greatest shooter? Maybe, maybe not, but one difference is that he could shoot with a guy right in his face from the hash and in. Other "shooters" had to have a good look.
Bird didn't need a good look. He just needed to see the rim at some point while going for the shot and it had a good chance of going in.
CLewey44 6 months ago
The more i watch this the more impressed i am with Larry Legend!!!!! He was so intellegent and confident!!!
jaywilson18 6 months ago
Arguebly hes the greatest shooter ever. He was an incredible at the shots he could make but id have to say Kobe Bryant is the greatest shooter ever. You have to consider all the shot he could make from odd angles that Larry Bird couldnt make because of Larry's lack of athleticism!!! Theres not a shot Larry could make more consistently than Kobe! Larry Bird is the most impressive player of all time to me because of his lack of athleticism. How did he manage to make shots without jumping.
jaywilson18 6 months ago
@jaywilson18 Kobe over Bird? Look at their shooting % Bird was a more consistent shooter than Kobe (50% vs 45%) and have you ever seen all the game tying and game winning chances that Kobe has missed? Kobe has jacked up more bad shots in those situations than anyone. Remember his 6 of 24 shooting peformance in game 7? Bird is also a better free throw shooter and 3 point shooter. Can Kobe shoot with his left hand? Bird is better by far.
mrho4speed 3 months ago
@mrho4speedL No doubt, Kobe is 36/115 in game winning shots, if you just count his terrible shooting in the playoffs he's even worse: 7/25, 28%. The Kobe clutch Myth has been exposed for what it is, the guy is terrible in clutch situations. Just goes to show you that if you jack up enough shots, something is bound to go in.
MerkinMuffly 3 months ago
@MerkinMuffly Thanks for those numbers!! I've seen Kobe ignore (or not see) wide open teammates with much better shots, while he has hoisted terrible shots trying to be the hero for his own benefit at the team's expense. While Bird loved to win games and hit the shot to do it, he would not hesitate to pass to the open teammate for the best chance to win the game. Thats why Bird has the highest winning % of any NBA player ever at over 70% (Russell = 69% Jordan =68%). Bird put his team first.
mrho4speed 3 months ago
@mrho4speed I would love to see those figures (highest winning % of any NBA player ever) can you show us the link? Thanks!
schnooks17 2 months ago
@schnooks17 No link, it is from "Kings of the court" book by Alan Minsky published in 1995.The winning % for Bird is stated on page 82. I have a special Chicago Tribune with every game Jordan played in and his % was just over 68%. I read a book on Bill Russell and per the appendix his winning % was just over 69%. Considering the hundreds of great NBA players to be at the top of the list is quite an achievement!!
mrho4speed 2 months ago
@mrho4speed Bird owned Jordan. And Jordan is better than Kobe. Anybody even throwing Kobe into the mix is an idiot.
FavreianVengeance 3 months ago
7:14 - OMG No NBA player today makes that move w/o traveling.
FavreianVengeance 6 months ago
Comment removed
FavreianVengeance 6 months ago
Larry Bird's the one player that'll never have to call bank. If he banked it in, it was intentional. Add Tim Duncan to that list if you don't count 3's.
FavreianVengeance 6 months ago
Those that don't admit LB is the greatest ever, don't know what's what.
FavreianVengeance 6 months ago
Bird says that he was a better shooter before joining the NBA. He injured his index finger while playing softball and ever since then that finger is crooked like hell. The guy is a miracle athlete.
jp3813 7 months ago
You know he's gonna shoot. You just don't know when, where, and how.
jp3813 7 months ago 15
Comment removed
jp3813 7 months ago
And if I hear one more STUPID ASS comparison to Dirk "not quite larry bird" Nowitzki again...I'm going to vomit.
usnate1 7 months ago
I love how he moves...as if its hes just playing around...he makes it look like hes just shooting around before a game with alot of those. I think he was the most complete player since oscar robertson. Even more so than Magic...
usnate1 7 months ago
I'm sorry but larry bird WAS A BETTER clutch shooter than MJ. I'd trust larry to score just as much as MJ. Bird is an all around greatest ever. He's in my top 5 all time.
usnate1 7 months ago
Bird was so good with his left hand
TairyGreen89 8 months ago
He couldn't jump, he couldn't run, but he could play basketball like no other.
fansdesofia 8 months ago
First off Bird is a legend...but after 86' he went cold...no more rings...for whatever reason he stalled out...Out of Michael Magic & Bird...Bird is the best shooter...Magic is the best Playmaker...and Jordan was the Biggest Winner.
MrSlik25 9 months ago
@MrSlik25 The reason was he played on a broken back from 88-92, most players would have retired if they were in the same pain Bird was in.
MerkinMuffly 8 months ago
@MerkinMuffly Yeah i know he suffered from back problems the last years...and i understand he lost a few finals too..So yeah Larry had his chance at 4 or 5 rings...the competition was just amazing that he was up against.
MrSlik25 8 months ago
@MrSlik25 If you recall he was suffering from severe injuries and was playing on sheer will. Most players would have retired by then. Also his best teammate (McHale) was also suffering from lasting injuries.
Had Len Bias stayed alive, Celtics would've probably won 1-2 more championships before Bird retired.
As for the Biggest Winner, no one can compare to Bill Russell.
We were lucky that once upon in time we could see Bird, Jordan AND Magic playing in the same league.
nasoszeppos 8 months ago
@nasoszeppos I agree...i know he was hurting...and he made at least three trips to the finals and lost...I know Russell has the most rings in league history..but read my comment again and you will see that it says Jordan is the biggest winner out of the three...Its a factual statement...Len Bias would have went down as the Michael Jordan in Green...believe that...he would have had a legendary career and made Jordan less bigger than he was...Good feedback keep it comein...no homo.
MrSlik25 8 months ago
@MrSlik25 Yes, Bias was that good, and if had been there in 86 McHale probably wouldn't have suffered and then played on the broken foot that ruined his career. Bias with Bird as his mentor would have been unstoppable. How many titles would the Lakers have won if there 2nd overall pick, James Worthy died? Try 0 against the Celtics, Worthy killed them with his quickness.
MerkinMuffly 8 months ago
@MerkinMuffly How many would Mike have won if Magic didn't secretly have HIV in the 91' Finals..(Couldn't Possibly focus)??....Scottie wasn't there??...if Paxson missed??....if Kerr missed..??...Pistons could have had 4 straight.
MrSlik25 8 months ago
@MrSlik25 Only reason Bulls get pass Pistons in 91 is broken wrist by Isiah Thomas that never healed that season. Only reason Bulls get pass Lakers in 91 is Worthy suffered a badly sprained ankle in west conf. finals vs Portland, noticeably limping in finals. Byron Scott missed 1 1/2 games. And oh by the way, MJ didn't face Kareem or Cooper, one of the greatest defenders of all-time. Sorry, but Vlade fucking Divac is not Kareem.
MerkinMuffly 8 months ago
@nasoszeppos No one had the will to win like Russell, when they beat the Lakers in 69, it was probably the greatest upset in NBA history, only 8th seed team to do this. 10-0 in game 7s, that is an incredible stat and will never be challenged.
MerkinMuffly 8 months ago
@MrSlik25 Look, no one disputes that Michael Jordan was great, but he did not -- and could not -- lift his team to greatness like Bird did -- everywhere he played -- and coached.
Celtics record the year before Bird: 29–53. Celtics record Bird's first year (without McHale & Parish, by the way): 61–21.
Bulls record the year before Michael Jordan: 27-55 (second worst in franchise history). Bulls record Michael Jordan's rookie season: 38-44. Even with Jordan, the Bulls still sucked.
MSHkr 4 months ago
@MSHkr Some people start out fast...but an NBA career is a marathon not a sprint...I know exactly the point you are trying to make but my statement is valid...even without McHale & Parish Bird came into a better team structure and 10 x better coaching than Jordan did and we both know this is true...Yes he started a huge turnaround for the Celtics...but he didnt achieve the level of winning that Jordan did...He had the chance but lost in the Finals on more than one occasion...Jordan refused to.
MrSlik25 4 months ago
@MrSlik25: This could go on forever. Celtics' record BEFORE Bird - WORST IN THE LEAGUE - hardly a better team. Also, Jordan won all his rings against MUCH weaker teams than Bird - in a watered-down league devoid of legendary players like Bird, Magic, & Dr. J. Jordan's first title was against an aging Magic and Lakers team without Kareem. In what other Finals victory did Jordan face a team like the 80's Lakers, Celtics, Sixers (with Moses), or Detroit? He didn't.
MSHkr 4 months ago
@MrSlik25: To be clear, I'm a big Michael Jordan fan. He'd be the starting point guard in my All-Time Great Team of:
Hakeem Olajuwan
Kevin McHale
Larry Bird
Michael Jordan
Magic Johnson.
I just get tired of the same old "MJ is Greatest of All Time" without acknowledging the other great players with legitimate claims -- or the pathetically weak league in which he accumulated those rings.
Bird, Dr. J, Magic & other players and coaches have discussed 90's league weakness at length.
MSHkr 4 months ago
@MrSlik25: Finally, if we're talking rings here, Bill Russell is the King of Rings. 11 Championships, 12 Championship series appearances -- in 13 years. No one else is even close. As for athleticism, he was the 7th best in the world at the high jump then.
Since picking the Greatest of All Time is fun, but fruitless, given the different positions, eras, strengths, statistics -- a more rational discussion would be The Greatest Player at each position. I bet we'd find more agreement there.
MSHkr 4 months ago
@MSHkr Yes in that last comment i was talking rings..but go back to my original comment and you will clearly see that i said out of Michael, Magic, & Bird that Michael was the biggest winner..im well aware of the rings Russell has in his collection...so you have strayed very far from the topic on this recent comment you have left here..I can guarentee you one thing..Mike would have dunked in Bill's face on more than one occasion if they were in the same era..Air Jordan sneakers or not.
MrSlik25 4 months ago
@MrSlik25 I agree that if Jordan and Russ had played in the same era, MJ would have dunked a few times "in Bill's face," as you crudely put it. But never late in a crucial game. Russ might have had to foul if Michael got a running start, but Russ knew the emotional value of a huge slam dunk late in a big game. And I am talking about Russ in his prime, not after his knees and Achilles tendon had suffered numerous injuries. Russ had incredible jumping ability too, and VERY long arms.
VrgniaMailman 4 months ago
@VrgniaMailman Not sure what you two are talkin about but I'm gonna jump right in and support Mailmans claim about Russ's vert. Russell was #7 ranked High Jumper in the WORLD in 1956. Give him a pair of springy Nike's instead of his Converse and he would likely outhang Jordan much less outreach him. He's Dwight Howards height (6'9 barefoot) yet he highjumped an incredulous 6'9.75 in the pre-fosbury flop era... His athleticism was why he could still defend against the 6'11-7'3 centers of his era.
dantheman9758 4 months ago
@dantheman9758 Thanks, Dan.
VrgniaMailman 4 months ago
@MrSlik25 Jordan played in a weak era of basketball: watch?v=53dn_D6FWBk. If you took a healthy Celtic or Laker team from the 80s, they would have won 10 titles against the weak expansion league 90s teams MJ faced. If you think MJ would have won 6 titles from 1980-88 your crazy, those Bulls teams probably don't even make it to a finals.
MerkinMuffly 4 months ago
The left handed shit is unreal.
TheNameOfMyAccount 9 months ago
Whats the last song?? Anyone know?
terrorofsesameST 9 months ago
@terrorofsesameST Right Now - Van Halen
MerkinMuffly 9 months ago
@MerkinMuffly What's the name of the song that starts around the 11:00 mark?
LJS172 8 months ago
@LJS172 Love on a Real Train by Tangerine Dream from the soundtrack of Risky Business
MerkinMuffly 8 months ago
@MerkinMuffly Thanks! I've been trying to find out the name of that song for the longest time.
LJS172 8 months ago
That shot he makes at 12:27 is fucking ridiculously amazing.
Flipper79able 11 months ago
Yeah man. There was a game against Portland where he shot everything with his left hand. Now that is supreme confidence.
Getsemwet 1 year ago
Well, he certainly was the man!
wolftmfg 1 year ago
WTF! Half those shots were left-handed!
MrBolas33 1 year ago 19
Greatest white player?! He's arguably THE GREATEST BASKETBALL PLAYER EVER! Don't minimize him as just black or white, now. I'm sure he made enemies everywhere road game with his sick ability to shoot and do what it takes to win basketball games.
jonbap426 1 year ago 25
@jonbap426 Nah Bird couldn't fuck with Jordan you're TRIPPING!!!!!!!!!!!! You must be white saying shit like that and even most white people wouldn't co-sign you.lol.
chiladin 8 months ago
@chiladin - I'm glad you put an lol in there, because it really would have showcased a measure of ignorance to just flat out say "I must be white"! You can check out my Darth Vader impersonation and see who I am and what I look like. But yeah, Bird is arguably the greatest ever, #comingfromsomeoneethnic
jonbap426 8 months ago
@chiladin Not white, but Jordan was obviously in Bird's era and his team knocked Jordan's Bulls out of the playoffs in 86. Jordan is still the greatest, but you have a lot of nerve making it seem like Bird isn't even in his league.
runtcm 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@chiladin You're a retard white or black...
usnate1 7 months ago
@jonbap426 if some ppl could have him, in his prime, on their team I don't think they'd care if he's white or black
YawningBoy 7 months ago
@jonbap426 he also made enemies because he would trash talk too
YawningBoy 6 months ago
@jonbap426 not the goat .... but near the top ...MJ is the best ever and we all know that but maime your celtics pride rules your opinion
MrAceFab 5 months ago
@MrAceFab I hate the Celtics, but I know greatness when I see it. I'd rank Bird over Jordan any day. Jordan couldn't even have a winning season until Pippen and Grant got to the Bulls.
DrRobonation 4 months ago
@MrAceFab - LOL!! I am not a Celtics fan. As a matter of fact, I find that comment to be ...... who cares. But my point is, I love basketball in general, and as an observer, Larry Bird did whatever it took to win games, including making nearly impossible shots or key steals or pinpoint passes. Is he the only one who did that, Heavens no. But the rings and the footage don't lie!! Its just greatness.
jonbap426 3 months ago
@jonbap426 I'd take a Larry Bird or Manu Ginobili any day over a Jordan. They do what it takes to win w/o the benefit of Stern cheating for them.
FavreianVengeance 3 months ago
@FavreianVengeance - "w/o the benefit of Stern cheating for them". I don't get that one. If anything Mike took way more punishment than today's stars, and still has the highest scoring average of all time and third in points all time. How was David Stern cheating for him? If anything, they let Shaquille O'Neal get away with more than anyone else by eliminating the hand check rule and allowing him to just plow over his defenders. You ever see those Bulls/Pistons playoff match ups?
jonbap426 3 months ago
@jonbap426 Only a Jordan jocker would believe that nonsense. Jordan wasn't taking punishment. They called a foul any time someone breathed on him. He was not taking "punishment." That's just f'ing propaganda. And yea I know that Shaq and Kobe got away with shit too. The point is Stern rigs games for dollars.
FavreianVengeance 3 months ago
@FavreianVengeance - Okay, nice talking to you.
jonbap426 3 months ago
@jonbap426 I wish I could say the same but you come off as Jordan bot.
FavreianVengeance 3 months ago
@FavreianVengeance
"Jordan wasn't taking punishment"
Are you freaking kidding me? Go watch what the Pistons did to Jordan in the their playoff battles.
reddwarfposse 1 month ago
@FavreianVengeance
Anyone taking Ginobili over Jordan is either dumb or racist. You can decide which you are :)
reddwarfposse 1 month ago
@reddwarfposse I searched 4 pages and don't know to what comment you refer to. But I know it's the Jordan jockers that always bring up "racist' bull shit. So go fuck yourself. I don't care about your nonsense.
FavreianVengeance 1 month ago
@jonbap426 Scottie Pippen is better then Larry Turd.
jason60152 3 months ago
@jason60152 LOL, keep dreamin' punk
MerkinMuffly 3 months ago
@jason60152 - There isn't a long list of players in basketball history that are better than Scottie Pippen. Probably the best perimeter defender in history. But when the burden was on him and him alone, he couldn't handle the pressure, which isn't a knock on him, but just the facts. Larry had the responsibility of carrying a legendary team, and he did so without throwing chairs on the court or badmouthing his organization. Scottie is the best 2 man, but he's not cut out for carrying a team.
jonbap426 3 months ago
Larry Bird!Greatest white basketball player !
mjandiori 1 year ago
Thanks! Sick footage MM. Bird was my inspiration growing up to be a playmaker first, shooter second. I even had the "Bird on basketball" book. Those were the good old days. Happy belated Larry Legend (I was born on the 7th too).
ButtonAllergy 1 year ago
brilliant compilation
why am I not surprised so many of the shots shown have that little clock in the corner winding down
Bird was a very honest cat, lotta integrity. He actually stated the obvious, basketball was a black man's game and will always be a black man's game, and that the best athletes in it are black and caused a stir[because a lot of people are stupid and disingenuous]
joked he got mad when they had a white guy guard him because 'he had no chance'
I mean, ya gotta luv that
PorkFrog 1 year ago
That's why they call him Larry Legend.
daveibukun 1 year ago
All I can say is, "WOW"
PhoenixKing1011 1 year ago
@MerkinMuffly I have the game on a VHS tape, the Celts were winning and Magic sat in the 3rd period. Byron Scott came in and started hitting shots and the Celts went cold. LA did come back to win but the best shot of the game was Bird's banker that was so high off the backboard, it hit at the very top. He needed the high arc to elude the reach of the 7'2" inch Jabbar. The outcome of the game was already decided, but the message was "I can score over you" Its worth seeing.
mrho4speed 1 year ago
Great video Merk. Bird"s ambidexterity enabled him to fool and to use his body as a shield to get off shots against multiple defenders. Without a doubt the greatest hands and court vision. He could see all the angles and was the "master of the half inch". Also the best long range shooter, could use the glass from anywhere and his step-back was unstoppable. Could change the arc on his shot and retain accuracy. Game 6 in LA (84 finals) at end of game he made a bank shot over Jabbar, a must see!!
mrho4speed 1 year ago
naturally left-handed
PointGuardSlim 1 year ago
amazing video, congrats. bird was incredible :O. I know people always tend to say jordan is the goat (I do too, even though I don't like to compare players from different positions) but bird in his prime/healthy was untouchable, beating a lot of legendary teams/players.
MrPims33 1 year ago
@MerkinMuffly yeah and if they were on the same team who do people think is going to take all those last second shots?it aint "tragic" johnson thats for sure!LOL!i doudt that somebody who sets upother people for his whole career can really be a great individual player on the same level as a larry bird.if you dont take the last shot at the end of a big game than your nowhere near the best.people put too much individual value in titles especially considering he played the west not the tough east.
mikallink 1 year ago
The real deal! The best Bird`s video in the net. One picture of Bird`s greatness that always comes up on my mind is him shooting over Brad Sellers (Bulls forward) after showing the ball and without preparing the shot. He made it so simple that made the others look like they didn`t play the same game. In my humble opinion Bird was the the number one genius of basketball, He would do anything to win: dive for the loose ball, battle against the best rebounders (Moses Malone), Nº 1 team player
mikjord 1 year ago
I do agree with the video title, Bird was indeed the greatest shooter of all time (honorable mention Jerry West). Great job on this video!
BigTimePride 1 year ago
The most amazing thing about Bird that seperates him from all other superstars was Bird had to face the hardest competition year after year. In the beginning, it was the great Sixer teams with Bird going head to head with the great Dr. J and defensive master Bobby Jones. Then Bird had to deal with the showtime Lakers, head to head with defensive wizard Michael Cooper & HOF James Worthy. Then Bird destroys MJ's Bulls. After that he battles the Bad Boys head to head with defensive star Rodman.
BigTimePride 1 year ago
magic couldn't shoot like that and bird could pass just as good as magic, so why does everyone say that theyre equal or that magics better?they are either racist or are LA fans.
mikallink 1 year ago
I think I developed my left hand shots after watching Bird.
sanjurokurosawa 1 year ago
Best Bird mix ever. Thanks a lot Merk.
That Larry Bird was such a wizard, incredible bag of tricks displayed on this video.
saturndual32 1 year ago
Great Job Merk. Make a video on Bird`s rebounding. IMO the GOAT Boxing Out Rebounder
Defender80s 1 year ago
@Defender80s LOL, it would definitely be on position rebounding. Barkley, Rodman, Russell, Moses and Oakley would have something to say about rebounds
MerkinMuffly 1 year ago
Thanks, great mix!
NeuMasterful 1 year ago