Larry Bird

Larry Bird, born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, is an American former professional basketball player, widely recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. Bird's professional career started with the Boston Celtics in 1979, where he played for his entire career up to his retirement in 1992. He won multiple NBA championships and was a perennial All-Star.

Bird was known for his incredible shooting, rebounding, and passing ability. He won numerous individual awards, including three NBA MVP titles, and holds multiple records, such as being the only person in NBA history to be named Most Valuable Player, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.

Away from the court, Bird is also recognized for his contribution to the sport in roles as a coach and executive, having served as the coach for the Indiana Pacers and the team's President of Basketball Operations.

Boston Celtics

• Early Success: Bird was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978. He made an immediate impact, leading the team to the NBA Championship in his second season and winning the NBA Finals MVP award. Throughout his career with the Celtics, Bird led the team to two additional NBA Championships in 1984 and 1986, earning the NBA Finals MVP award each time.
• Retirement: Bird retired in 1992 after a career plagued with back issues. Despite this, his individual performances remained strong throughout his tenure.

Indiana Pacers (as a coach and executive)

• Coaching Career: After his playing career, Bird served as head coach for the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000. Under his leadership, the Pacers made it to the NBA Finals in 2000.
• Executive Career: Bird later served as the President of Basketball Operations for the Pacers, earning the NBA Executive of the Year award in 2012.

United States National Team

• 1984 Olympics: Bird was a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. basketball team at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
• 1992 Dream Team: Bird was a part of the legendary 'Dream Team' that won the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

• Position: Primarily a small forward, but also excelled as a power forward.
• Skills: Known for his exceptional shooting, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. Bird's basketball IQ, competitiveness, and clutch performances are also celebrated.

• Family: Bird has two children. He has been married to Dinah Mattingly since 1989.
• Post-Basketball Career: After his playing and coaching careers, Bird has remained an integral part of the NBA, serving in executive roles and contributing to the development of the sport.

• Larry Bird is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records, but also for his competitiveness, work ethic, and contributions to the sport of basketball. His impact extends beyond the court, inspiring generations of basketball players and fans around the world.

Most Valuable Player:

• Won three consecutive MVP awards from 1984 to 1986

NBA Championships:

• Won three NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics in 1981, 1984, and 1986

NBA All-Star:

• Was selected to the NBA All-Star team 12 times

Olympic Gold Medals:

• Won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team in 1984 and 1992

Books

• Bird, L., & Shaughnessy, D. (1989). Drive: The Story of My Life. New York: Doubleday.
• Bird, L., & MacMullan, J. (2013). When the Game Was Ours. New York: Mariner Books.

Websites

• NBA: Information about Larry Bird’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.nba.com
• Boston Celtics: Details about Bird’s career with the Celtics. Available at: https://www.nba.com/celtics
• Indiana Pacers: Updates on Bird’s contribution to the Pacers as a coach and executive. Available at: https://www.nba.com/pacers

Articles

• ESPN: Larry Bird: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/1749/larry-bird
• Basketball Reference: Larry Bird’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/birdla01.html

Documentaries

• Larry Bird: A Basketball Legend (1991): This documentary provides a detailed look at Bird’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN 30 for 30: Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks (2010): This documentary covers the Indiana Pacers' playoff run in the late 1990s under Bird's coaching.