Larry Bird said of Michael Jordan in a one-on-one, “He’d kill me.”
In an effort to promote the team’s exclusive “Hoosiers”-themed Hickory jerseys, Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird appeared on “The Dan Patrick Show” on Monday morning.
During the telecast, Paul Pabst, the show’s producer, donned the Hickory jersey, which is purportedly the same one that George Hill modeled.
Listeners to the syndicated radio and TV show enjoyed many memorable moments during Patrick and Bird’s conversation about “Hoosiers” and Indiana’s love affair with the classic underdog story.
Among them, given their senior age, could Larry Bird defeat Michael Jordan in a 1-on-1 match?
Bird: God, I’m sorry to say it, but I think he would murder me. (laughs)
Patrick: I’m not sure if I genuinely think that.
Bird: Dan, I’m broken down; I weigh forty pounds more than I did when I played. Unlike before, I don’t really give a damn. I still have my fight, but it’s not the same fight I had before. However, the game would be quite tight. (laughs)
That inquiry was prompted by something Patrick had stated earlier in the conversation about Jordan’s claim that he could defeat any player now playing for Charlotte. When Bird was a coach or executive, Patrick questioned him about the one time he thought he could defeat one of his players.
Patrick: When you were a coach, was there ever a moment you felt superior to a member of your team?
Bird: You know, back in my 40s? No, I’m not aware of that.
Patrick: And shooting?
Bird: You’re right. There was no trouble at all when it came to shooting.
Patrick: Alright, When you were coaching, was there a time you were the team’s best shooter?
Bird: Reggie was present, no. Chris Mullin was present. Sam Cook. We had a few very competent shooters.
Patrick had questioned Bird earlier in the conversation about his initial belief that he would thrive in the NBA.
Bird: Well, there were some veterans at the rookie/free-agent camp in Boston during the summer. They joined us for a few days of play, and even though it’s only summer and not the games, I recall thinking as I was leaving one day, “I know I’m not going to have any problem in this league.” I had never felt that truly before. There’s always doubt—I went from a small high school to a mid-major. I was always advised, “Wait ’til you.
