In the same season, Larry Bird ought to have won MVP and Rookie of the Year.

In the same season, Larry Bird ought to have won MVP and Rookie of the Year.

Larry Bird won three MVP awards in a row between 1984 and 1986. Some argue that he ought to have had more, citing his standout 1987 campaign in which he led the league in minutes played and free-throw % while averaging 28.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists. He led the Boston Celtics to their fourth consecutive NBA Finals appearance that season.

Although it is possible to argue that Bird ought to have won four MVPs in a row, I will argue that Bird should have won four MVPs overall, with his rookie season serving as the one that went unnoticed.

He reportedly said, “If I fail, I fail,” following the deal’s signing, according to a 1988 Sports Illustrated article. “I’ve previously failed classes. I am familiar with the emotion.

He did not come close to failing at all. He and Magic Johnson brought their rivalry to the NBA after their historic 1979 NCAA championship meeting electrified the country. The Boston Celtics had the best record in the East, while Magic led the Los Angeles Lakers to the top record in the West, so the two were actually headed to face off again for a title as rookies.

The Lakers contributed by making it to the championship round following their five-game victory over the Seattle SuperSonics in the Western Conference Finals. The Sixers of Philadelphia.