[33][34][35] Behind Bird's leadership and Boston's upgraded roster, the Celtics again advanced to the Conference Finals for a rematch with the 76ers. His most famous steal was in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals. Subscribed! Larry Bird was 6'9" no wingspan numbers but he had average looking arms. McHale is known as one of the best post players in NBA history due to his great footwork and arsenal of moves. Drafted by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft after his second year at Indiana State, Bird elected to stay in college and returned for the 19781979 season. It's an entirely different game when you're Six-Nine." The reason for doing so is not just due to Bird being a proficient shooter and facilitator, but also because you will find out later that increasing the height will decrease these attributes. Larry Bird Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. And it went down to the last shot of the game. The Hick from French Lick was the first ever to join the club. His effort helped to overcome a 47-point performance by Atlanta's Dominique Wilkins. With proper medication, exercise and diet, atrial fibrillation can be controlled, but Bird abhorred medication and was prone to skipping his pills. His elite wingspan has allowed him to dominant the game over the last 10 years, and he has carved himself out a Hall of Fame worthy career. He is a 6'6 player, and he's held his own thanks to a 260 pound base and a 7'3 wingspan. McHale stood 610 and was reported to have a colossal wingspan that stretched to 80. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. You will often hear basketball pundits state that a player has great length. DiamondLobby.com makes money from advertising. Playing in the shadow of the greatest player in NBA history is a daunting task and people will always wonder how much of Pippens success was due to Jordan. If Bol had any type of offensive game to merit him more minutes, he would have set the blocks record so high that it would have never been touched. The reason the Bobcats took a risk on this extremely raw player was due to his freakish wingspan. Larry Bird is a charming man with brown eyes and dark brown hair. Best Known For: Basketball icon Larry Bird won three MVP awards and three NBA championships during his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics. Bird is universally regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. I'm not lying awake at night thinking about it. Bird knows all about the problems with 7-footers and their health, and despite his wife's aversion to wanting to hear about it, reaching 75 years old isn't something Bird, 59 and now president of the Pacers, necessarily expects to accomplish. There are a couple of pictures showing Wilt out stretched, and he certainly looks to possess a wing span in the range of 80. Bird excelled in almost all facets of basketball. [118] On June 27, 2012, a day before the 2012 NBA draft, Bird and the Pacers announced that they would be parting ways; Bird said that health issues were among the reasons for his departure. Larry Bird starred at Indiana State University before joining the NBA's Boston Celtics in 1979. Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. He was a great scorer, rebounder, passer, and defender. [59] The Celtics fell short in 1988 losing to the Detroit Pistons in 6 games in the Eastern Conference Finals as the Pistons made up from the heartbreak the previous season. Rajon Rondo is currently one of the best point guards in the league. LIVE. Despite not being as tall as the Lakers legend, Leonard is just as long. Wingspan is a key measurement because it allows a player of a lesser stature to compete with players who may be physically taller than them. During the 2000s, Brand was one of the better rebounders and defenders. [102] Bird's humble roots were the source of his most frequently used moniker, "The Hick from French Lick". This is a player who has shot 50% from the field, 40% from 3 point land, and 90% from the line. Bird has been married to Dinah Mattingly since 1989. [117] After the 20112012 NBA season, Bird was named NBA Executive of the Year, becoming the only man in NBA history to win the NBA MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year. [20] Bird also appeared in one game for the baseball team, going 1-for-2 with 2 RBI. During the 1992 Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bird missed four of the seven games due to recurring back problems. Taller individuals have more growth hormone, which accumulates more damage and dysfunction at a faster pace, and tend to have shorter life expectancies due to rapid aging. Larry Bird's bio Height: 6-foot-9 Weight: 220 pounds Birthdate: Dec. 7, 1956 College: Indiana State NBA experience: 13 years Jersey number: 33 Larry Bird's career NBA stats Here are some of Larry Bird's notable career achievements and statistics: Three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986) Two-time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986) In his final three seasons with the Celtics, Bird averaged over 20 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists per game, shot better than 45% from the field, and led the Celtics to playoff appearances. Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, and raised in the nearby town of French Lick, where he excelled at basketball at an early age. Of course, there are some who prefer using a player based on his archrival, Magic Johnson. [21] In the playoffs, the Celtics avenged their loss from the year before to the Bucks, winning in five games in the Conference Finals to advance to the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Although he announced his departure around that time, he reclaimed his post as team president in the summer of 2013. You said there will be another Larry Bird. Anonymous. HEIGHT. To help you grind efficiently, we have a guide on how to earn more VCs in NBA 2K22. [2] Bird was a 12-time NBA All-Star, won two NBA Finals MVP awards and received the NBA Most Valuable Player Award three consecutive times (19841986), making him the only forward in league history to do so. He is a 66 player, and he's held his own thanks to a 260 pound base and a 73 wingspan. Reggie Miller 6'7" 6'11" wingspan What players could were elite shooters with a wingspan ratio better than 10% of height Yenohb Robert Williams Posts: 345 Tommy Points: 73 Brandon Ingram would definitely be an exception. [21] He eventually finished runner-up in Most Valuable Player Award voting to Moses Malone. That length has made him one of the best point guard defenders. Hit the button below and we'll send this post to your inbox! To help you with the boards, you can upgrade the Rebound Chaser badge. [25], In his rookie season (19791980), Bird immediately transformed the Celtics into a title contender. AboutPressCopyrightContact. 30 on ESPN SportsCentury's Top 50 athletes of the 20th century, with only five other basketball players ranked higher. He's closer to 7'1 I think. Alonzo Mourning had a decorated NBA career as a seven-time all-star who had two Defensive Player of the Year awards and one NBA title. 1 Answer. Do you have a sports website? [29] On November 23, Bird recorded his first 30-point scoring game (along with 11 rebounds and 3 assists) in a 118103 win over the Indiana Pacers. Their friendship blossomed when the two players worked together to film the Converse commercial, which depicted them as archenemies. [103] Bird was also referred to as "Larry Legend". 4:15 pm ET. That length helped him become one of the most prolific shot blocker in league history. Celebrity Fan Photos and Agency Pictures of stars are to their respective owners. Blinders Jump shots attempted with an opponent closing out in the players peripheral vision will not be penalized that much. Even when considering his height, the wingspan is still 12.1% larger than his body. They each had charisma, deft shooting touch, extraordinary passing skills, and team-oriented mindset that ignited their team and the crowd. The following top 15 will look at the most impressive wingspans in NBA history. The legend was quite ahead of his time. CelebHeights.com Rob Paul 2004-2023. [45] The performance came just nine days after Kevin McHale set the previous Celtics record for points in a game with 56. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Other vital statistics like weight or shoe size measurements have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or social media. What he used was his strength and court sense to outmaneuver and outrebound opponents. [113] Despite having no previous coaching experience, Bird led the Pacers to a 5824 recordthe franchise's best as an NBA team at the timein the 199798 season,[114] and pushed the Chicago Bulls to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals. He is a four-time All-Defensive team member, and he led the league in steals in 2009-10. Redick is 6'4 tall and has a wingspan of 6'3. He is still young, and could be molded into something, but as it stands now, the Bismack Biyombo experiment is teetering on bust status. Even though he was a superstar, he also had no problem doing the dirty work, like playing hard-nose defense and hustling for loose balls. Signing with the Celtics for a then-record $650,000 a year, Bird justified his salary right out of the gate, averaging 21.3 points per game and claiming Rookie of the Year honors for the 1979-80 NBA season. In Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, Bird shot 9 of 10 from the floor in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points in that quarter and lifting the Celtics to a series-clinching victory over Atlanta. [19][20] Indiana State lost the game 7564, with Bird scoring 19 points but making only 7 of 21 shots. A confirmation email has been sent. [26][27] In his career debut, Bird recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a 114106 win over the Houston Rockets. [49] The risk paid off; Walton's acquisition helped Boston win a league best 67 games. With at least 10 potential upgrade points, you will have several options for playmaking badges. Unlike the other popular wing players of his generation, such as Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, and Dominique Wilkins, Bird did not have the hops to jump over opponents. http://www.nbadraft.net/2002predraftmeasurements.htm, http://www.insidehoops.com/chicago-camp-measurements.shtml, http://www.insidehoops.com/draft-prospect-measurements.shtml, http://www.friendster.com/user.php?uid=27447626, http://canadahoops.blogspot.com/2007/05/nba-predraft-camp-measurements-2002.html, http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/Orlando%202007-Complete%20%20Results.xls. [citation needed] The apparent contrast between the two players and their respective teams seemed scripted for television: Bird, the introverted small-town hero with the blue-collar work ethic, fit perfectly with the throwback, hard-nosed style of the Celtics, while the stylish, gregarious Johnson ran the Lakers' fast-paced Showtime offense amidst the bright lights and celebrities of Los Angeles. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. In 2003, Bird was named president of basketball operations for the Pacers, holding the position until retiring in 2012. 9. In eight games, Bird averaged 8.4 points. Find out for yourself how a player like him would fare against this generations crop of basketball players by developing the best Larry Bird build in NBA 2K22. I've not seen that much of Chrichton reallycompared to seeing Bird, who can look taller than his listing at times. [10], He was raised in nearby French Lick, where his mother worked two jobs to support Larry and his five siblings. Bird, Johnson, Michael Jordan and other NBA stars formed the American men's basketball team, which would become known as the "Dream Team." Or write about sports? Along with Larry Bird, and Robert Parish, McHale formed the most dominant front line in NBA history. 3. He is also the last player to win three straight MVP awards. You will often hear basketball pundits state that a player has great length. Dinah Mattingly (1989-Present) - Larry Bird married his second wife Dinah Mattingly in 1989. Lastly, the wingspan can be reduced to around 83.0 inches. Former NBA coach Hubie Brown had this to say about McHale: "He was totally unstoppable because of his quickness, diversification of moves and the long arms that gave him an angle to release the ball over a taller man or more explosive jumper." Brand was a great post defender and shot blocker, as he averaged 2 blocks a game from 2001-2008. Whether it be to reach for a block, getting into passing lanes, or poking balls away, extra length is a determining factor for a great defender. Scottie Pippen stood 68 inches, but had a wingspan of 73, which is modest in comparison to some of the other players on this list, but Pippen used that length to its full extent. Astrological Sign: Sagittarius, Article Title: Larry Bird Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/athletes/larry-bird, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: April 20, 2021, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. Slippery Off-Ball Increases the players chances of shaking off an opponent when attempting to get open using off-ball screens. [44] On March 12 of the 198485 season, Bird scored a career-high and franchise record 60 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. Growing up in French Lick, Indiana, he was a local basketball star. He says they build their hearts up so much that when they retire, the hearts just sit there. Bullet Passer Increases the velocity of passes and speeds up how quickly the player gets the ball out of their hands. Larry Bird has dated - Janet Condra - Larry Bird was previously married to his high school sweetheart Janet Condra with whom he had a daughter named Corrie. Bird stands 6-foot-9, and his listed weight during his playing days was 220 lbs. Celtics General Manager Red Auerbach publicly stated that he would not pay Bird more than any Celtic on the current roster, but Bird's agent Bob Woolf told Auerbach that Bird would reject any sub-market offers and simply enter the 1979 draft instead, where Boston's rights would expire when the draft began on June 25, and Bird would have been the likely top pick. On the opening night of the 2014 season, he went for 26 points, 17 boards, 3 steals, and 9 blocks. Below is a guide to help you create the best Larry Bird build in NBA 2K22. As an alternative to relying on badges for in-game boosts, you can target improving many of your attributes as soon as possible. [46] At the conclusion of the year, Bird was named MVP for the second consecutive season behind averages of 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. [80][81] He was inducted into the Hall of Fame again in 2010, as a member of the "Dream Team". Bird got his 3rd 2nd team all defense in 84, it's not like he was slouch on that end, even if Lebron was the better defender. Top 15 Most Impressive Wingspans In NBA History, 10 WCW Character Transformations That Made No Sense, 10 Wrestlers Vince McMahon Signed From The AWA (& Turned Them Into Stars), Dominik Mysterio Speaks About Where His "Prison Dom" Character In WWE Came From. Learn more and register. Leonardo Da Vincis Vitruvian man depicts the ideal human as having a wingspan equal to his height, but this was based off a human that was 55. Howard has used that wingspan to become an elite rebounder and shot blocker. Mock Archives 2017 Mock Draft 2016 Mock Draft . Another badge you must target is Interceptor. It was Larry Bird's height that made his basketball skills so remarkable. The average NBA player will have a wingspan 4 inches greater than his height. As for the weight, you can lower it by one pound (219 lbs) to give your player an additional point in acceleration. West only stood 62 which would make his wingspan 9.5% greater than his height. Larry looks fit and has an athletic body, but he had to go through back fusion surgery, leading him to end his playing career. He had off-season surgery to remove a disc from his back, but his back problems continued and he missed 37 games during the 199192 season. [89] Bird won three NBA championships (in 1981, 1984, and 1986) with the Celtics[83] and won two NBA Finals MVP Awards. They have two adopted children, Conner and Mariah. The way you will be building your character will give you a lot of potential badge upgrades under the shooting category. Larry Bird- 6'9 John Stockton - 5 ft 10 Clyde Drexler- 6 ft 5 Chris Mullin- 6 ft 5 Because as previously discussed, Bird was an outstanding shooter. Brand thwarted the pre-draft analysis that claimed he would be too small to have a sustainable career in the NBA. [8], The game achieved the highest-ever television rating for a college basketball game, in large part because of the matchup between Bird and Spartans' point guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson,[11] a rivalry that lasted throughout their professional careers. The 7'3 wing span is 11.5% greater than his height. In 1997 Bird accepted the head coach position with the Indiana Pacers, a move that returned him to his home state. The first regular-season game between the Celtics and the Lakers in the 198788 season proved to be a classic with Magic Johnson banking in an off-balance shot from near the three-point line at the buzzer for a 115114 Lakers win at Boston Garden. Bird also led the Celtics in rebounding, with an average of 10.4 per game, as well as in steals and minutes played. The Celtics ended up losing to the Lakers in six games, with Bird averaging 24.2 points on .445 shooting, 10 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game in the championship series. Deadeye Jump shots attempted with a defender closing out in front of the player will suffer a lower penalty. [21] Boston advanced through the playoffs to earn a rematch with the Lakers, this time losing in six games. Larry Bird's wingspan is 86.9 inches. As morbid as the subject is, Bird doesn't really duck away from it and what it means for him and his family. He complemented his all-around game with accurate outside shooting and unmatched bravado. Larry Bird. Talk about all topics relevant to Pinoys around the world. Height 1 Feet 9.5 Inch Weight 100 kg Personal Info Date of Birth 1956, December 7 Age 65 Years Old Famous Name Country United States US Facts Birth Name Larry Joe Bird Net Worth $55 million Currently Married Yes Birth Country West Baden Springs, Indiana Married to Dannah Mattingly Famous Name Larry Past married if any Janet Condra Children Yes He was a great post scorer and could dominate the paint like a big man. He played both the small forward and power forward positions. [39] In the Conference Finals, the Celtics faced the 76ers for the third consecutive year, losing in seven games. The reality is that Pippen did a lot of things that made Jordan a better player. Bird is one of the best shooters in the history of the sport. It is that length that has sustained Brands career. The most accurate reports found that West had an 81 inch wingspan, which would translate to 69. Bird began the next chapter of his life as a front-office special assistant for the Celtics, a post he held for five years. Durant is one of the 6 members of the 50-40-90 club. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice as a playerfirst in 1998 as an individual, and again in 2010 as a member of the "Dream Team". Larry Bird's wife, Dinah Mattingly, is his high school sweetheart who got engaged and married the former NBA legend in 1989. Durant is what is referred to as a hop shooter, something rare for a player of his height. Highly recruited, he initially signed to play college basketball for coach Bob Knight of the Indiana Hoosiers, but Bird dropped out after one month and returned to French Lick to attend a local community college. [104], Bird was known for his trash-talking on the court and is remembered as one of the most notable trash-talkers of his era. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. For 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, from 1979-80 through 1991-92, Bird personified hustle, consistency and excellence in all areas of play as a scorer, a. Great height does not necessarily equate elite wingspan. Bird had an average of 10.0 rebounds per game for his career and 6.3 assists. ", "Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and the 10 Best Closers in NBA History", "Ranking 10 Most Clutch Players in NBA History", "StaTuesday: Bucks' Malcolm Brogdon on pace for rare 50-40-90 season", "How Larry Bird won the first 3 All-Star shootouts", "Professor LeBron delivered a history lesson on Larry Bird's legendary game", "Larry Bird in photos: The 'Hick from French Lick' becomes Celtics legend", "Talking the talk: An '86 Celtics trash-talking tale", "Kevin McHale shares a classic Larry Bird trash talk story", "On This Day 22 Years Ago, the NBA's Best Trash Talker Retired", "Dennis Rodman recounts how Larry Bird schooled him in '87 playoffs", "Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Receive NBA Lifetime Achievement Award", "Bird Shoots for Coaching Greatness With the Pacers", "After the NBA Finals, Larry Bird Will Quit as Indiana's Coach. [3], A versatile player at both forward positions, he could play both inside and outside, being one of the first players in the league to take advantage of the newly adopted three-point line. The average NBA basketball game lasts between two and two and a half hours.