Watch the greatest moments in the legendary Boston Celtics’ career, Larry Bird

Watch the greatest moments in the legendary Boston Celtics’ career, Larry Bird.

On June 9, 1978, Larry Joe Bird became a Boston Celtic after the legendary team gambled by selecting the Indiana State product with the sixth overall pick in the draft, even though he had one more year to play collegiate ball.

Taking advantage of the fact that Bird had transferred from the University of Indiana early in his college career, the future Hall of Fame small forward subsequently paid it forward by using the threat of sitting out the Celtics to secure the largest rookie deal in NBA history at the time. Still, everything turned out well for everyone. Together, Bird and Boston took home three championships, but The Hick From French Lick took home the most honors in green and white.

Celtics Wire was the original home of this post. Adopt us as your Facebook page!

Related Celtics Lab 78: With Dave Zirin on Activism, Freedom, and Enemies Shaq intends to purchase every one of the record 11 NBA championship rings owned by Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell.
Watch: Former team president of the Boston Celtics discusses the team’s performance this season.
Watch: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Celtics champion Danny Ainge scores a career-high 45 points.
Damian Lillard would be sent to the Celtics in a recent ESPN trade proposal, WITHOUT giving up Robert Williams III, Jaylen Brown, or Marcus Smart.