Larry Bird

       Larry Bird was the "best of the best."  Considering what he had to work with and what he accomplished as a player, he excelled at a higher level than any other athlete I know.  In other words, he made the best of what he had to work with.  He knew how to play as a team member and accomplish individual feats as well - right from the beginning of his career.  He was always looking to raise the bar and become a better player.  He was a smart athlete.   I always enjoyed watching him perform.  If he didn't score 30 points, he would have 15 rebounds or 12 assists.  Or, he would have the big steal, or the big game winning shot.  He was an excellent free throw shooter and he did the little things that matter.  He could play any position on the court.  He was a winner all around.  He loved the game tremendously and it showed.  When you went to a Celtic game, he wanted to make sure the fans got their money worth.  I want to stress his ability to be a team player - I've always told people, Michael Jordan could probably beat Larry Bird one-on-one.  But the game isn't one-on-one, it's 5-on-5.  And if it were 20-on20, Bird would master the game and become the best 20-on-20 player to ever live.  To the people of Boston, and many other places he is "Larry Legend" for a reason.  I don't belive there has been a player who can dominated the game in so many ways.  It wasn't the individual honors that motivated Bird, it was the thoght of another championship banner hanging high above the Boston Garden.  Now that's a true, dedicated and motivated athlete who would do anything to win.  He never gave up and only wanted to play if he could play 100%.

Larry Bird comment by Dan Rayner

       More than having a particular talent, Larry Bird had heart and determination that placed him miles beyond taller, stronger, faster, and better-shooting opponents on the basketball court.

Larry Bird comment by Raff

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