Dennis Rodman is one of the best defenders in basketball history. However, for Larry Bird, it was almost like no one was guarding him!
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In 1978, the Boston Celtics picked one of the greatest players in NBA history, Larry Bird. The young forward from Indiana State was widely regarded as one of the best prospects in his class.
However, Bird’s rookie season would only come in 1979 as he chose to return to college for his senior year. The following year, he would re-ignite his intense college rivalry with Magic Johnson in the NBA.
The story of the 1980s was Bird vs. Magic. The latter playing for the Boston Celtics and the former for the LA Lakers. The duo would face each other in three respective NBA Finals, with Magic coming out on top 2-1, much like he did in his college days.
40 years ago today, Magic Johnson beat Larry Bird in the NCAA championship.
– First game between the two
– Magic: 24 PTS | Bird: 19 PTS
– Highest-rated college game ever
– Turned into NBA rivals and friends#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/bton4FledV— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 26, 2019
Nevertheless, Bird had a legendary career, hence his nickname “Larry Legend”. He would retire in 1992 with three NBA Championships, two Finals MVPs, and three regular-season MVPs to his name.
Larry Bird felt like no one was guarding him when he was being defended by Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman is widely considered to be one of the greatest defenders the NBA has ever seen. The Worm was known for his rebounding, tight man-to-man defense, and his hustle off the ball.
This however meant nothing to Larry Bird. Despite Rodman giving it his all to defend Larry, the Boston Celtics legend would not stop trash-talking him.
Dennis recalled how Bird boldly demanded the ball from his teammates, stating that there was nobody guarding him!
Larry Bird, because this quote about when Rodman was guarding him is HILARIOUS https://t.co/mn1bOcj8EJ pic.twitter.com/mBco2ZmZxJ
— Avry’s Sports Show (@Avry) May 21, 2022
There is no end to the amazing stories surrounding Bird’s ability as a trash talker. Something only bettered by his ability to play basketball.