Larry Bird
After a small-town Indiana upbringing, Bird led tiny Indiana State to the 1979 NCAA championship game against Magic Johnson, becoming a national sensation. He won Rookie of the Year in 1980 and turned the Boston Celtics into champions. He became a superstar by sweeping three straight MVP awards from 1984 to 1986.
The Hick from French Lick
Raised in small-town southern Indiana, Bird embraced his rural roots throughout his career. His remarkable run with underdog Indiana State in 1979 made him a household name before he ever played a pro game.
Celtic Pride
Bird revived a struggling Celtics franchise and led them to three titles in the 1980s. Known for clutch shooting and elite passing, his battles with the Lakers defined the decade's NBA.
Front-Office Success
After retiring, Bird coached the Indiana Pacers to the 2000 NBA Finals and later ran the team's front office. His unmatched trio of major awards reflects his rare basketball intelligence.
Career Timeline
- 1979Leads Indiana State to NCAA final, named Player of the Year
- 1979Joins the Boston Celtics after being drafted in 1978
- 1980Wins NBA Rookie of the Year award
- 1981Wins first NBA championship with Boston
- 1984Wins first MVP and Finals MVP over the Lakers
- 1986Wins third straight MVP and third title
- 1992Wins Olympic gold with the Dream Team
- 1992Retires as a player due to back injuries
- 1998Named NBA Coach of the Year with Indiana
- 1998Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame
Biggest Hits
- Bird is the only person in NBA history named MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.
- He won three straight NBA three-point shootout titles and famously asked rivals who was finishing second.
Portrait: Steve Lipofsky (Basketballphoto.com) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons