The net will shout “shoo” when I pull up in front of you, and that will be my Christmas gift to you. – 1x NBA champion claims Larry Bird had the ultimate game but was also a cold-blooded trash talker.
Recently, Gary Payton related a story about how Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird insulted him and then stood by it.During his prime in the NBA, Payton was a ferocious defender, but he frequently lost to great players like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. During his appearance as a guest on JJ Redick’s “The Old Man & the Three,” Payton talked about his experience keeping an eye on “Larry Legend.” “The Glove” stated:
“This is how he would tell you, a chilly man…”Do you know what I’m going to get you for Christmas? I don’t know what you got.”I will take you out on this block, dribble twice, and then pull up in your face. The net will yell “shooo” at that point, and that will be my gift to you for Christmas. “Whoah, you cold with that one man,” I thought to myself.
Bird’s insults were legitimate, according to Gary Payton, because he provided evidence to support them. Unlike Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan, Bird lacked the physical prowess and quickness of Jordan. But his slow-motion skill set told a story. Payton went on: “(Bird) is going to tell you where he’s going to shoot it in your face, how you weren’t good to him, and how you couldn’t stop him.” And I thought, “Wowah man, that’s really rude.” After that, it would occur.That’s the whole icy aspect of it. It used to be said by all that Larry Bird was slow. Play. He used to support his claim that he had the best game, regardless of what anyone else thinks.”
Numerous athletes who had the opportunity to play with or against Larry Bird will attest to his reputation for trash language. He also had excellent shooting mechanics and was a very creative and talented gamer.
The only player in NBA history to win the three-point shootout three times is the Boston icon. Remarkably, he was the recipient of the honor three times in a row, from 1986 to 1988. Wearing his warm-up jacket, he scored 17 out of 30 potential points to win the prize for the third time.
