J.J Redick heartfelt statement on Larry Bird’s passing that got fans talking

J.J. Redick’s recent comments about Larry Bird have sparked considerable controversy and discussion among NBA fans and former players. Redick, during an episode of “First Take,” argued that Bird shouldn’t be considered one of the greatest three-point shooters, stating that there are players who have made more three-pointers at higher percentages than Bird [[❞]](https://www.sportscasting.com/jj-redick-tried-to-clarify-his-stance-on-larry-bird-and-80s-basketball-but-dug-a-deeper-hole/).

This critique led to backlash from several former NBA stars. Dominique Wilkins and Michael Cooper, who played in the 1980s, vehemently disagreed with Redick, emphasizing the physicality and competitiveness of Bird’s era. Wilkins expressed that Redick’s views showed a lack of understanding of the game during the ’80s [[❞]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwtOxbKLdTI#:~:text=URL%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww,100).

Bird himself responded by underscoring the importance of respecting the history and evolution of basketball. He highlighted that while the game evolves, the fundamental aspects of what makes a great player remain unchanged. Bird’s comments reflect his enduring legacy and the respect he commands across generations [[❞]](https://sportydomain.com/larry-bird-responds-angrily-to-jj-redicks-criticism-say/).

Redick clarified that his intention was not to diminish Bird’s accomplishments but to discuss how the game has evolved. He acknowledged Bird’s legendary status but wanted to highlight the differences between eras, particularly regarding the physicality of the game [[❞]](https://sportydomain.com/larry-bird-responds-angrily-to-jj-redicks-criticism-say/).