I've been saying Bird was the best all-around player for years. Bird is more clutch, better rebounder, better passer and more of a team player than Jordan or LeBron.
Had he not injured his back even the stats would have been top five in every category. In the last 3 seconds you might want Jordan to take the shot, but you want Bird to make the play.
I saw Larry Bird play. After years of ranking my top ten, I came to the conclusion in the late 2000's that Bird had the greatest all around game of any player I've seen. Great breakdown and vidbro!
@@BU_TV Top five. I think he could've also played in this era and dominate. He'd even have a three point shot. Remember, when he played with the Harlem Globetrotters he routinely made 30 foot hook shots!
Bird always work hard both in practice and in game. He doesn't miss games a lot, he doesn't flop. He never backs down from a fight. He endures pain at Kobe Bryant level. He is mentally tough. Those we don't see in statistics.
This was when I was a B-ball Fan. Lou Alcindor, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, doctor J saw some Globetrotters games , and Nets vs Nicks in MSq Garden and some college games in person , but I would not turn the TV off if the CELTICS were playing. They were the most unconventional team around! The passes were insane! The Pop ups BIRD from the corner < Bird for 3 , Bird chucks down court Score! The Celtics were THE BOMB!!!
The problem with people judging Bird is that he doesn't look as fast as today's players and didn't fly to the hoop from the foul line like the guys they're used to watching. When you compared him to today's players, make sure you're considering who he played against and what the rules were as far as contact. I would put him in today's league and he would dominate, now that they can't touch him. He'd be a 35 to 40 point game average, with double digit rebounds. Good reaction. Thanks for sharing.
Watching Larry from courtside, he was on defense. I can still remember the look on his face. Never saw anyone with concentration like that. Ever. Thanks for your work, BU. It’s fun to watch Larry with you
I watched a video last night with just Larry's passing game.. blown away. I'm a Mom.. have eyes in the back of my head when my kids are doing something.. Larry truly had eyes in the back of his head..amazing
Larry's complete body of work is not as impressive as other players due to injuries, but if you take Larry Bird for 5 years between 1981-1986, I think it's difficult to argue there was anyone who ever played a better all around game.
To me, Larry’s all-around game is one of the reasons I think he has a better GOAT claim than anybody. It’s why Wilt #2 in my list, for the same reason. To that add leadership, IQ, clutch… no other player has so much to recommend them. His impact on the team is such that he elevated a nothingburger college to the NCAA Tournament and had a 33-0 run! That college never made it b4 or since. Larry had that 32 game turnaround as a rookie. The founder & 2X member of 50/40/90 club…and on & on….all this to say! LARRY LEGEND IS A UNICORN AND THE *TRUE* GOAT!!! 🐐 ☘️
@@BU_TV Wilt Chamberlain gets even more disrespect than Larry does & I don’t understand it! If athleticism is your criteria, Wilt should be the GOAT! Similarly, if stats (records) are your criteria, Wilt should be your GOAT as well! If rings are the criteria, (They are Larry’s) then Bill Russell is the GOAT. I think part of the nitpicking against Wilt is that his ego got in the way & the team suffered. That’s my gripe against Jordan btw. He’s no leader & he’s not a team player imo. Further, his rings weren’t as hard won as 80s rings so I don’t really consider his championships that great of an accomplishment 😤 He was basically a Dr J knockoff with his high flying dunks too 🤷♀️. Anyway…. For me it’s a combination of IQ, leadership, clutch, grit, work ethic, and all around prowess that puts Larry head & shoulders above everyone else. Of all the greats, his impact on a team success is the most impressive.
Michael was Superman in other words he was the prototype athlete. He was the bar, thus it was amazing to watch. Larry Bird was Batman which is an apt comparison to Michael at Superman in terms of physical gifts. That's what made it so amazing to watch because not only did he have to make up with this lack of speed and leaping ability he also did it while injured. And just like Batman he broke his back. Given all that and his unparalleled IQ and unreachable toughness I think it's fair to put Larry as 1A in the GOAT debate.
In the basketball reference career leaders & records, Larry is the only player to be listed in the top 250 for all of the following: FG%, 3-pt %, FT%, steals%, rebound%, assist leaders, blocks leaders, & defensive rankings. He was also the only player in NBA history in the top 50 for career points per game, career rebounds per game and career assist per game. (24.29/10.0/6.35 career)
@@BU_TV Great Minds Think Alike. 🤣. In all fairness, I have read the last part about the top 50 in many people’s comments. I have been following the first part about the top 250 for a while using the source I cited above. It’s interesting to watch Larry’s ranking fluctuate because the rankings also include current players whose stats constantly change. As the players have used the 3 pt shot more often and become better at it, Larry’s rank has lowered. He currently ranks 181. The main point of my comment was that NO OTHER player can boast a complete game the way Larry can.
You make a great point early in this video when talking about Dominique. He was an amazing specimen and scorer, but that basketball IQ of Larry's, and his toughness were just too much. Larry is the best all-around player of all time. I also think of John Stockton when thinking of complete players. Not as complete as Larry, but a heck of a well-rounded, all-around player.
Love the web site LARRY BIRD- never a ball hog. Imagine if most plays involved him- add 6+ points to average per game, add +2/3 assists per game. He was great and UNSELFISH- look all the times he gave others a chance to score layup- he’s TEAM - he would rather take the assist Last Comment - Robert Parish another awesome Team player My greatest player- i really thought Kareem Abdul Jabar was like Larry Bird- unstoppable- i liked him past and present your awesome fair too. Love the site
My fav player growing up was Pistol Pete but my Dad was a Celtic fan. Then coming from the tri-lState area (Ohio, Michigan and Indiana) we got Big10 games. So of course Magic and Bird were already well known. Then Maravich went to Boston Bird’s rookie year was Pete’s last. Bird became my fav player.
Bird and Jordan had similar mental prowess. Bird had a better understanding of how to win by doing whatever it took because he could do so much. It took Jordan seven years. Bird did it right out of the gate
Just wish he didnt have the back injury later on in his career. He could have added even more to his legendary status. I am a knicks fan, but became a celtics fan bc of bird. After he retired, I came back to my hometeam.
I give u credit for not ignoring evidence of Larry's athleticism when most do it to arrive in agreement with most others! Larry did 360 dunk on video too and I on saw one player catch Larry on the break because Larry slowed at the basket! Thinking about Larry doing spin move on Dr.J right side 15 feet from basket making it to basket while Dr.J where Larry left him.And Larry did spin move on Dennis Rodman about 15 foot out and dunked from other side of basket with Dennis trailing. And really hard to go around Dennis. Just great to find ANYONE being legitimate!👍
Can yoy imagine the nba finals with lakers- WHAT IF he didn’t damage hand un bar fight. He still played- but injured. The lakers were lucky to play with .65 Larry Bird My greatest player- Kareem, than Larry
Larry may have been able to make more different shots from more spots on the court and with either hand and it would be completely natural for him!And then being a 90 percent free throw shooter! I think he had biggest arsonal of anyone! Appreciate feedback.
Larry Bird was very talented in all aspects of the game, but his greatest talent was between his ears. He always seemed to kow the location of every player on the court at all times, and he really exploited that. I never have seen any athlete play harder every game, with the possible exceptio of Pete Rose. Both played every game like their lives depended on it.
We all know the legendary player Michael, Kobe LeBron, Dr. J.. list goes on.. but to me.. as an all around player.. Larry Legend is hands down the GOAT. Even his components would say how good he was. He was SAVAGE.. Some would call him the slow, chubby white dude.. just watch him play.. eat your words.
Only player in the top 50 in all 5 major stats. Only player. Michael Jordan was 0-6 in playoff games vrs Bird. Regardless of his unbelievable personal stats.
I do not think Larry ever rejected a shot by pinning it to the backboard. He absolutely could have, but I have never seen footage of it. I'm not sure it is a "statistic". I am on board with him being top 10 easy all time. Just trying to find one thing he never did.
Most folks rate MJ as the GOAT, but in my mind the GOAT elevates those around him to play above their normal game time after time. MJ is definitely a candidate for the most "talented" player of all time. His prowess on the court is legendary. BUT, MJ and his Bulls are 0-6 against Birds Celtics in playoff games. While MJ scored more individual points, his team lost. That is not the play of someone considered "The GOAT". Just saying.
Question: What other player has played as hurt as Larry did. I just don't have the depth of knowledge to know this. Like fracturing a facial bone a probable concussion and a back that needed surgery. Then to return in the 3rd quarter and finish out the game . I'm sure there are others, I just don't know who they are. Thanks.
I grew up in western Mass in the 80s watched most of all his games and I still haven't seen anyone as is clutch. He just made everyone around him better other players feared him because of his all-around game he did everything good. The only guy I see doing that now is the joker he reminds me of bird and not because he white cuz they play all around basketball they make their teammates better.
He was not a great 1v1 D player was solid but team D playing like a free safety getting steals , blocks, board's. He was a really good team D player and I did not miss a Bird game growing up in my teens and early 20s
I don’t know if you wanna call it a weakness but compared to other passing centers he probably wasn’t on par. Wasnt in his profile or what was asked of him
@@BU_TV I disagree since his championships came from mastering an inside out system. he was giving you almost 4 apg during his prime years. many consider Walton the best passing big man before today’s high usage rate jokic and he peaked at 5 apg. Hakeem was a very good passer.
It's an insult to Bird that LEOVERRATED is even considered to be in the same class as THE LEGEND!! If traveling, carrying and offensive fouls were called on LeFLOP, he isn't even close to being in the top 100 of all-time!! And he's lazy on the defensive end of the floor, ALWAYS blames teammates and is a horrible leader!!!!! LeCRYBABY is the most OVERRATED player in the history of basketball!!!!! Another great, intelligent reaction my man 🤙
I've been saying Bird was the best all-around player for years. Bird is more clutch, better rebounder, better passer and more of a team player than Jordan or LeBron.
👍
Bird is one of the most clutch no doubt, I got MJ most clutch ever though.
@@BU_TV I can absolutely respect your opinion and Jordan is my #2 for the clutch.
Had he not injured his back even the stats would have been top five in every category. In the last 3 seconds you might want Jordan to take the shot, but you want Bird to make the play.
Agreed.
☘️ Larry Legend - The most complete all-around basketball player. Period.
For ALL the reasons.
Had the gold armor upgrade
One word for Larry Bird?
Relentless
Man had no quit in him
I saw Larry Bird play. After years of ranking my top ten, I came to the conclusion in the late 2000's that Bird had the greatest all around game of any player I've seen. Great breakdown and vidbro!
Where would you put Wilt in all around?
@@BU_TV Top five. I think he could've also played in this era and dominate. He'd even have a three point shot. Remember, when he played with the Harlem Globetrotters he routinely made 30 foot hook shots!
@@aramhamparian9641 Aram, I could’ve sworn you had Wilt top 3 at least?
Bird always work hard both in practice and in game. He doesn't miss games a lot, he doesn't flop. He never backs down from a fight. He endures pain at Kobe Bryant level. He is mentally tough. Those we don't see in statistics.
Nooope, i agree. Thats the big scope
For a team game, with or without the ball…Larry Bird my first pick to start a team.
Over a Bill?
Watching Larry play live was awesome.
He just kept the ball moving.
❤
Never broke the offense
This was when I was a B-ball Fan. Lou Alcindor, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, doctor J saw some Globetrotters games , and Nets vs Nicks in MSq Garden and some college games in person , but I would not turn the TV off if the CELTICS were playing. They were the most unconventional team around! The passes were insane! The Pop ups BIRD from the corner < Bird for 3 , Bird chucks down court Score! The Celtics were THE BOMB!!!
That kind of basketball is fun to watch
The problem with people judging Bird is that he doesn't look as fast as today's players and didn't fly to the hoop from the foul line like the guys they're used to watching. When you compared him to today's players, make sure you're considering who he played against and what the rules were as far as contact. I would put him in today's league and he would dominate, now that they can't touch him. He'd be a 35 to 40 point game average, with double digit rebounds. Good reaction. Thanks for sharing.
Agree his rebounds and assists would go up along with scoring
Watching Larry from courtside, he was on defense. I can still remember the look on his face. Never saw anyone with concentration like that. Ever. Thanks for your work, BU. It’s fun to watch Larry with you
👍
Likewise!
I watched a video last night with just Larry's passing game.. blown away. I'm a Mom.. have eyes in the back of my head when my kids are doing something.. Larry truly had eyes in the back of his head..amazing
Larry's complete body of work is not as impressive as other players due to injuries, but if you take Larry Bird for 5 years between 1981-1986, I think it's difficult to argue there was anyone who ever played a better all around game.
Peak for peak mmmhm
My all time fav, with him being just a smidge ahead of Magic...but, that's just my opinion ...
I got him over Magic too. Better defense and scoring
To me, Larry’s all-around game is one of the reasons I think he has a better GOAT claim than anybody. It’s why Wilt #2 in my list, for the same reason. To that add leadership, IQ, clutch… no other player has so much to recommend them. His impact on the team is such that he elevated a nothingburger college to the NCAA Tournament and had a 33-0 run! That college never made it b4 or since. Larry had that 32 game turnaround as a rookie. The founder & 2X member of 50/40/90 club…and on & on….all this to say!
LARRY LEGEND IS A UNICORN AND THE *TRUE* GOAT!!! 🐐 ☘️
Agreed.
See thats so interesting. Its good to see wilt support because people will claim he was one dimensional
@@BU_TV Wilt Chamberlain gets even more disrespect than Larry does & I don’t understand it! If athleticism is your criteria, Wilt should be the GOAT! Similarly, if stats (records) are your criteria, Wilt should be your GOAT as well! If rings are the criteria, (They are Larry’s) then Bill Russell is the GOAT. I think part of the nitpicking against Wilt is that his ego got in the way & the team suffered. That’s my gripe against Jordan btw. He’s no leader & he’s not a team player imo. Further, his rings weren’t as hard won as 80s rings so I don’t really consider his championships that great of an accomplishment 😤 He was basically a Dr J knockoff with his high flying dunks too 🤷♀️. Anyway….
For me it’s a combination of IQ, leadership, clutch, grit, work ethic, and all around prowess that puts Larry head & shoulders above everyone else. Of all the greats, his impact on a team success is the most impressive.
@@BU_TV check out a Wilt Chamberlain video called Wilt Chamberlain plays casual pickup basketball by Foobas Sports
Tell it irish ❤❤❤
Michael was Superman in other words he was the prototype athlete. He was the bar, thus it was amazing to watch.
Larry Bird was Batman which is an apt comparison to Michael at Superman in terms of physical gifts. That's what made it so amazing to watch because not only did he have to make up with this lack of speed and leaping ability he also did it while injured. And just like Batman he broke his back. Given all that and his unparalleled IQ and unreachable toughness I think it's fair to put Larry as 1A in the GOAT debate.
Batman broke his back?
@@steveguse4481 Bane broke Batmans back
Love the comic comparisons
@@BU_TV Ah..didn't watch that one. Thought he fell off a ladder maybe
Larry Bird is a GOAT!!!
He is a Bird!
In the basketball reference career leaders & records, Larry is the only player to be listed in the top 250 for all of the following: FG%, 3-pt %, FT%, steals%, rebound%, assist leaders, blocks leaders, & defensive rankings. He was also the only player in NBA history in the top 50 for career points per game, career rebounds per game and career assist per game. (24.29/10.0/6.35 career)
Bob Gelfand pointed that out years ago. I saved his post.
@@irishgrl GMTA 🤣🤣🤣
@@dutchtea8354 whats gmta?
@@BU_TV Great Minds Think Alike. 🤣. In all fairness, I have read the last part about the top 50 in many people’s comments. I have been following the first part about the top 250 for a while using the source I cited above. It’s interesting to watch Larry’s ranking fluctuate because the rankings also include current players whose stats constantly change. As the players have used the 3 pt shot more often and become better at it, Larry’s rank has lowered. He currently ranks 181. The main point of my comment was that NO OTHER player can boast a complete game the way Larry can.
You make a great point early in this video when talking about Dominique. He was an amazing specimen and scorer, but that basketball IQ of Larry's, and his toughness were just too much. Larry is the best all-around player of all time. I also think of John Stockton when thinking of complete players. Not as complete as Larry, but a heck of a well-rounded, all-around player.
Stockton was quite the ironclad
My Fav Players were Larry Bird, Lebron , and Willis Reed as they all had HEART and skills to back it up!
Love to see the Reed love
Bird was the most timely and opportunistic passer I've ever seen. Really a point forward before that was a thing. Great reaction.
Love the web site
LARRY BIRD- never a ball hog. Imagine if most plays involved him- add 6+ points to average per game, add +2/3 assists per game. He was great and UNSELFISH- look all the times he gave others a chance to score layup- he’s TEAM - he would rather take the assist
Last Comment - Robert Parish another awesome Team player
My greatest player- i really thought Kareem Abdul Jabar was like Larry Bird- unstoppable- i liked him past and present
your awesome fair too. Love the site
The Fucking Legend
Simply put lol
Best to keep it simple ..
Excellent video. Finally, a video that says something many already knew. In a way to b proud of...
Thaaaank you!
This is why I watch your channel is because of your knowledge. Larry like you Saud had NO holes in his game. Keep up the great work you do. God bless.
My fav player growing up was Pistol Pete but my Dad was a Celtic fan. Then coming from the tri-lState area (Ohio, Michigan and Indiana) we got Big10 games. So of course Magic and Bird were already well known. Then Maravich went to Boston Bird’s rookie year was Pete’s last. Bird became my fav player.
Bird and Jordan had similar mental prowess. Bird had a better understanding of how to win by doing whatever it took because he could do so much. It took Jordan seven years. Bird did it right out of the gate
Just wish he didnt have the back injury later on in his career. He could have added even more to his legendary status. I am a knicks fan, but became a celtics fan bc of bird. After he retired, I came back to my hometeam.
I give u credit for not ignoring evidence of Larry's athleticism when most do it to arrive in agreement with most others! Larry did 360 dunk on video too and I on saw one player catch Larry on the break because Larry slowed at the basket! Thinking about Larry doing spin move on Dr.J right side 15 feet from basket making it to basket while Dr.J where Larry left him.And Larry did spin move on Dennis Rodman about 15 foot out and dunked from other side of basket with Dennis trailing. And really hard to go around Dennis. Just great to find ANYONE being legitimate!👍
Can yoy imagine the nba finals with lakers- WHAT IF he didn’t damage hand un bar fight. He still played- but injured. The lakers were lucky to play with .65 Larry Bird
My greatest player- Kareem, than Larry
Charles Barkley- always a fan favorite too. Another good man I respect his opinions
Good point on defense
Larry may have been able to make more different shots from more spots on the court and with either hand and it would be completely natural for him!And then being a 90 percent free throw shooter! I think he had biggest arsonal of anyone! Appreciate feedback.
Very wide range. For me he is up there as one of the best with a deep utility belt
My two faves are number 33.
I don't worry about who's the "GOAT" anymore, But if I could pick one player to build a team around, it would unquestionably be Larry Bird. Peace.
Respectable!
Larry Bird was very talented in all aspects of the game, but his greatest talent was between his ears. He always seemed to kow the location of every player on the court at all times, and he really exploited that. I never have seen any athlete play harder every game, with the possible exceptio of Pete Rose. Both played every game like their lives depended on it.
Larry Bird is just the best by far.
We all know the legendary player Michael, Kobe LeBron, Dr. J.. list goes on.. but to me.. as an all around player.. Larry Legend is hands down the GOAT. Even his components would say how good he was. He was SAVAGE.. Some would call him the slow, chubby white dude.. just watch him play.. eat your words.
I think rebounding is a part of defense and Larry Joe was the best rebounding SF out there. Especially defensive rebounding
Bird. He had it all. I think the thing that seperates him from most was his IQ. Not just passing. Steals, deflections and his trash talk.
#birdgang 💚🐐🍀
Only player in the top 50 in all 5 major stats. Only player. Michael Jordan was 0-6 in playoff games vrs Bird. Regardless of his unbelievable personal stats.
In todays game Bird would average a triple double for his career. He is close as hell to having a 50 40 90 average for his career
I do not think Larry ever rejected a shot by pinning it to the backboard. He absolutely could have, but I have never seen footage of it. I'm not sure it is a "statistic". I am on board with him being top 10 easy all time. Just trying to find one thing he never did.
💯
Most folks rate MJ as the GOAT, but in my mind the GOAT elevates those around him to play above their normal game time after time. MJ is definitely a candidate for the most "talented" player of all time. His prowess on the court is legendary. BUT, MJ and his Bulls are 0-6 against Birds Celtics in playoff games. While MJ scored more individual points, his team lost. That is not the play of someone considered "The GOAT". Just saying.
Question: What other player has played as hurt as Larry did. I just don't have the depth of knowledge to know this. Like fracturing a facial bone a probable concussion and a back that needed surgery. Then to return in the 3rd quarter and finish out the game . I'm sure there are others, I just don't know who they are. Thanks.
The only thing that Larry Legend was weak at was his lack of being super athletic like Jordan and Lebron etc.
I grew up in western Mass in the 80s watched most of all his games and I still haven't seen anyone as is clutch. He just made everyone around him better other players feared him because of his all-around game he did everything good. The only guy I see doing that now is the joker he reminds me of bird and not because he white cuz they play all around basketball they make their teammates better.
He was not a great 1v1 D player was solid but team D playing like a free safety getting steals , blocks, board's. He was a really good team D player and I did not miss a Bird game growing up in my teens and early 20s
bird is the goat fight me
*puts fists up*
@@BU_TV 👊
He did most of this broken down in a bad way...
ayo what are Hakeem’s weaknesses
I don’t know if you wanna call it a weakness but compared to other passing centers he probably wasn’t on par. Wasnt in his profile or what was asked of him
@@BU_TV I disagree since his championships came from mastering an inside out system. he was giving you almost 4 apg during his prime years. many consider Walton the best passing big man before today’s high usage rate jokic and he peaked at 5 apg. Hakeem was a very good passer.
It's an insult to Bird that LEOVERRATED is even considered to be in the same class as THE LEGEND!! If traveling, carrying and offensive fouls were called on LeFLOP, he isn't even close to being in the top 100 of all-time!! And he's lazy on the defensive end of the floor, ALWAYS blames teammates and is a horrible leader!!!!! LeCRYBABY is the most OVERRATED player in the history of basketball!!!!! Another great, intelligent reaction my man 🤙
Tell it. Lecheat isnt top 100.