Michael Jordan once declared that Larry Bird was “far better than any SF who played the game” and superior to LeBron James.
Michael Jordan and LeBron James are frequently mentioned while discussing the greatest of all time. Michael, though, once asserted that LeBron isn’t even the greatest player to have played the position.
In 2009, when MJ listed his all-time top five players, he chose Larry Bird ahead of the forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers at the moment. The reason for this was given by “His Airness” in Jackie MacMullan’s book “When the Game Was Ours.”
“I’m frequently asked who my all-time top five players are,” stated Jordan. “And they cut me off as soon as I mention Larry. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” they exclaim. No way can he compete with LeBron James! ‘You guys don’t get it,’ I tell them. than be honest, I’m still not sure if Larry is a small forward or a power forward, but he is considerably superior than any small forward that participated in the game.”
Power forward or little forward?
Throughout his legendary Celtics career, Larry Legend alternated between the three and the four depending on what his team needed.
Bird, a power forward from Indiana State University, was selected in the draft. He played the four for his first five NBA seasons and even led the team in rebounds at that time. However, because of his versatility, Bird was also used as a “combo forward” and saw action at the three point guard position.
Larry only made the permanent switch to small forward after Kevin McHale’s skill level forced coach K.C. Jones to start them together. The trio, along with Robert Parish, comprised one of the most formidable and effective front courts in NBA history.
Jordan’s regard for Bird
Not only did MJ honor the Celtics legend by calling Larry the best small forward of all time, but he did it in other ways as well. In addition, Michael defended Bird’s selection for the 1992 Dream Team against criticism that he was only a sentimental choice.
Larry was hardly the greatest athlete to have ever played. The great forward, however, more than made up for his lack of physical qualities with tenacity, hard work, basketball IQ, and an incredible shooting skill. And in the greatest discussion of all time, Bird was as good at winning as the names people would place in front of him. That’s even the opinion of the man they refer to as the GOAT.
That being said, since Jordan declared that Bird was the superior player, LeBron has won four NBA titles, four MVP awards, and numerous other individual honors. In head-to-head comparisons, “His Airness” still leans toward guys from his era, but James’ NBA career would at least make Michael reevaluate his position.