To Y’all calling him GOAT, Larry Bird wasn’t recognized as…Read more

The debate over the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) in basketball is often contentious, with various names thrown into the mix depending on the criteria considered—be it championships, individual accolades, or influence on the game. One name that frequently appears in such discussions is Larry Bird, the legendary Boston Celtics forward. However, there is a perspective that Bird does not crack the top five all-time greats, a stance that merits a closer examination.

Larry Bird’s accolades are indisputable: he was a 12-time NBA All-Star, a three-time NBA champion, and a three-time MVP. His career averages of 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, along with his exceptional shooting percentages, underscore his all-around game. Bird was known for his versatility, basketball IQ, and clutch performances, qualities that certainly place him among the legends of the sport.

However, when stacking Bird against other titans of the game, some argue that he falls short of the top five. Consider Michael Jordan, whose six championships, five MVPs, and unparalleled global impact on the game are often the benchmarks for GOAT discussions. LeBron James, with his combination of longevity, statistical dominance, and four MVP awards, also stakes a strong claim. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s six championships and six MVPs, coupled with his all-time leading scoring record, make him a formidable figure in this conversation. Magic Johnson, Bird’s contemporary and rival, boasts five championships and three MVPs, along with a transformative impact on the point guard position. Lastly, Bill Russell, with his 11 championships and five MVPs, embodies the ultimate winner in NBA history.

Bird’s absence from some top five lists can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, his career, though brilliant, was shorter and hampered by injuries compared to the remarkable longevity of players like LeBron and Kareem. Bird played 13 seasons, a relatively brief tenure when considering the 20 seasons played by Kareem and LeBron’s still-ongoing career that started in 2003.

Secondly, while Bird was an exceptional all-around player, his athleticism was not at the same level as some of his peers. Jordan’s and LeBron’s physical prowess allowed them to dominate the game in ways Bird could not. This physical edge gave them a versatility on both ends of the court that arguably surpasses Bird’s contributions.

Additionally, the evolution of the game and the era in which Bird played also play a role in these discussions. Bird’s Celtics played in the 1980s, a period often considered less competitive than the current era or the Jordan-led 1990s due to the fewer teams and different styles of play. The modern era’s emphasis on three-point shooting, pace, and space might have further highlighted Bird’s skills, but this is speculative.

Moreover, the players in the top five conversation often brought something revolutionary to the game. Jordan changed the game with his scoring and athleticism, LeBron with his versatility and longevity, Magic with his playmaking at the point guard position, and Russell with his defensive dominance. While Bird’s blend of shooting, passing, and rebounding was exceptional, it is argued that he did not revolutionize the game in the same groundbreaking manner.

In summary, while Larry Bird is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in NBA history, his exclusion from some top five lists is a matter of comparing excellence with excellence. Factors such as career longevity, athleticism, the era of play, and the revolutionary impact of his peers contribute to the perception that Bird, while elite, falls just short of the top five GOATs. Nevertheless, his legacy as a basketball icon remains firmly intact, and any top ten list would be incomplete without his name.