According to Dennis Rodman, Larry Bird would play in Europe rather than the NBA in the present day.

According to Dennis Rodman, Larry Bird would play in Europe rather than the NBA in the present day.

Imagine Larry Bird competing in the contemporary NBA, where outside shooting is highly valued.

No way, Dennis Rodman.

Bird, according to him, wouldn’t be in the league or even in the nation.

“I believe Larry Bird would be in Europe if he were playing today,” Rodman stated in a VladTV interview. “Guy, I just wanted to let you know. He would be in that area somewhere. His style of play was appropriate for Boston in the 1980s and other similar years. Oh my god, no way in today’s world. I’m not disparaging him because, like me, he was a fantastic player at the time, but I’m saying, “No, there’s no way.”

Rodman might argue that the modern game has become to fast, versatile and athletic for the 6-foot-9 Bird, known more for his shooting prowess and basketball IQ than his running and jumping ability.

But Bird was the founding member of the NBA’s 50-40-90 club, shooting 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line in one season. And he’s one of only three players to do so on multiple occasions.

Pretty sure one of today’s 30 NBA teams would take a chance on him.

The 3-point line was adopted by the NBA during Bird’s rookie season in 1979. Even as one of the greatest shooters of his generation, Bird attempted just 1.9 threes per game during his 13-year NBA career, a total that in today’s game is less than many starting centers.