By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: NBAE via Getty Images
34 years ago today, Larry Bird announced his retirement from the game of basketball.
When we think about the small forward position, Bird is one of the first players who should come to mind. LeBron James may be the best small forward ever, but Bird has held that title for years before James. In addition, no one has played that position like Bird.
Bird was the ultimate gamer. He was not only a clutch player who hit timely shots, but also a great trash talker and effective passer. Sometimes we forget how good of a passer he was. His teammates loved playing for him. Bird trusted his teammates and wanted them to be better than they thought they were. He played with some of the best in the Boston Celtics uniform, including Kevin McHale and Robert Parish.
Bird, McHale, and Parrish established one of the most successful frontcourts in NBA history. They won three championships together. No player has won three straight NBA MVPs since Bird. Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic would have accomplished this feat if the media didn’t become so politic and constantly complain about Jokic winning MVPs all the time.
The 1998 Basketball Hall of Fame is a memory no one will forget, especially those who were in attendance. Bird received a massive standing ovation. It took him a while to begin his speech. As he looked around the room, Bird kept saying, “Thank you.” The level of respect and appreciation for Bird is undeniable. There will never be another Larry Bird. He is one in a million. NO exaggeration.
Bird ended his career by winning the gold medal with the 1992 Dream Team. He wasn’t the same player as in prior years because of his back injuries, but he still managed to participate in the Olympics.
Here are his total accomplishments:
12x All-Star, 10x All-NBA, 3x All-Defensive, 1980 Rookie of the Year, 3x MVP, 3x NBA Champion, 2x Finals MVP, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Naismith Hall of Fame
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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