Another Hall of Famer dubbed Larry Bird “the Best Player Ever.”

Another Hall of Famer dubbed Larry Bird “the Best Player Ever.”

Is Larry Bird frequently regarded as one of the best players in the NBA? Is he the best player, though? LeBron James and Michael Jordan have frequently been at odds in the GOAT argument, but one Hall of Famer thinks the former Boston Celtics player is the greatest to have ever done it.

Despite being a standout player at Indiana State, Bird was not taken first overall in 1978. or third, or second. In the end, the Celtics chose Bird with the sixth overall pick, expecting him to save the team.

In 1979, Larry made his C’s debut following the team’s 29-53 record—their lowest since 1950. The Hick from French Lick immediately wowed crowds everywhere, averaging 21.3 points and taking home Rookie of the Year. Bird won his first of three NBA championships with Boston by the end of his second season in green and white.

Despite only playing for 13 seasons, Larry Legend had a significant influence every step of the way. Bird was selected to the All-NBA team ten times, the All-Defense team three times, and the All-Star team twelve times. Before retiring in 1992, he averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists a game throughout the duration of his career.

Bird was a unique player that few had ever seen. Standing at six feet nine, he had exceptional passing and court vision. In addition, he developed into one of the league’s first three-point specialists. However, despite the fact that fans never got to watch him play in the NBA, one man had a similar style to Bird.

Among the all-time great international players is Oscar Schmidt. With more than 1,000 points overall, “The Brazilian Larry Bird,” as he is known in his Basketball Hall of Fame bio, is the Olympic scoring leader. Schmidt competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. It was there when Bird and the US “Dream Team” defeated him and his compatriots.

Standing on stage for the whole enshrinement ceremony, Bird had the privilege of introducing Schmidt to the Hall of Fame in 2013. Schmidt gave the Legend—Larry Legend, that is—a great deal of respect before he spoke about his own career.

“Having Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as idols is too easy,” Schmidt remarked.