Larry Bird entered the NBA with much-deserved hype after he averaged 30.3 points per game in his three years with the Indiana State Sycamores. Despite lacking the athleticism and agility required to be the best player, it was Bird’s relentless zeal and work ethic that made him a hugely impactful player since his rookie year, when the newest Boston Celtics forward averaged 21.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
After improving the trajectory of the Celtics single-handedly, the Indiana native knew he deserved a high grade regarding matters on the court.
Larry claimed he wasn’t the ‘smartest’ guy in life
Upon joining the C’s, Bird’s impact was instantly apparent. His arrival single-handedly transformed a team that recorded a lackluster 29-53 record in the 1978-79 season into the franchise that recorded the league-best record of 61-21 record in the subsequent season. More impressively, in his sophomore year, Larry Legend improved his individual stats in assists and rebounds, propelling him to a second-place finish in the MVP race.
Under his leadership, Boston improved to an even better 62-20 record after boasting a top-5 rating both offensively and defensively. As a result, the Celtics won their first championship in five years with ease.
Bird was well aware of his off-the-court limitations, as he lacked the street smarts and media savvy typically expected from the player who was the face of the league. However, Larry was also confident that his on-court performance spoke volumes, effortlessly outshining most of his peers.
“Like I tell people, I’m not the smartest guy in life, but on a basketball court, I consider myself an A+,” the Indiana native said in a Sports Illustrated article as quoted by SportsCasting.com.
Explaining what he meant by not being the smartest in life, ‘The Hick from French Lick’ said he never bothered to clarify his actions or words to anybody.
“Not that I’m dumb,” Bird added. “I can keep up with 90% of the people in this world. I just don’t explain myself to people. I want to keep ’em guessing. The way they take me is the way they take me.”
Even though the three-time MVP never worried about impressing the media or fans, he was all about living up to his A+ game on the court, leading the Celtics to three championships in six years.
That being said, Bird showcased that a player can dominate the league with incredible drive and a will to be the best, even if they don’t have the natural traits to be No. 1.