Larry Bird is a former basketball player, coach and executive.
He is widely recognized for his impressive performances as a player for the Boston Celtics, leading the team to multiple NBA championships in the 1980s.
Bird’s talents on the court, characterized by sharp shooting, strategic playmaking, and determination, made him one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
In addition to his playing career, Bird has also made significant contributions as a coach and executive.
File:
- Full Name: Larry Joe Bird
- Date of birth: December 7, 1956
- Age: 68 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: West Baden Springs, Indiana, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Basketball player (retired), coach, executive
- Height: 6 feet 9 inches
- Parents: Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird (father), Georgia Bird (mother)
- Siblings: Mike, Mark, Jeff, Eddie, Linda
- Spouse: Janet Condra (first wife, divorced), Dinah Mattingly (current wife)
- Children: Corrie Bird, Conner Bird (adopted), Mariah Bird (adopted)
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: None
- Ethnicity: White
- Net worth: $75 million
Early life and education
Larry Bird, now 67, was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana.
He grew up in the nearby town of French Lick. Bird’s early years were marked by family difficulties, including his parents’ divorce.
His father, Joe Bird, moved to French Lick to find work, while his mother, Georgia, worked multiple jobs to support Larry and his five siblings: Mike, Mark, Jeff, Eddie, and Linda.
Despite these challenges, Bird’s basketball talent became evident during his high school years at Springs Valley High School, where he became a standout player.
After graduating from high school, Bird briefly attended Indiana University but found it difficult to adapt and soon returned home.
He then attended Indiana State University, where he led the Sycamores to the 1979 NCAA tournament finals.
Although he did not win the championship, Bird’s performance earned him national recognition and set the stage for his future professional career.
Personal life
Larry Bird has been married twice and has three children.
First, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Condra, and had a daughter, Corrie Bird.
This marriage did not last long and they eventually divorced.
Bird then married Dinah Mattingly in 1989. They adopted two children, Conner and Mariah.
Bird’s family life was marred by tragedy when his father, Joe Bird, committed suicide a year after divorcing Larry’s mother, Georgia.
Despite these personal challenges, Bird maintained a close-knit family and continued to be a devoted husband and father.
Career
Larry Bird’s basketball career began to blossom during his college years at Indiana State University, where he led the Sycamores to an impressive run in the NCAA tournament.
In 1978, Bird was drafted by the Boston Celtics, but he chose to complete his final season at Indiana State before entering the NBA.
His arrival in the NBA marked the beginning of his legendary career with the Celtics.
Bird’s tenure with the Celtics was marked by numerous awards and accomplishments.
He led the team to three NBA championships (1981, 1984 and 1986) and was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player twice.
Bird’s remarkable skills helped him win three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards from 1984 to 1986.
Known for his versatility, Bird was a prolific scorer, a skillful passer and a tenacious defender.
After retiring, Bird moved into coaching and office work.
He served as head coach of the Indiana Pacers and later became the team’s President of Basketball Operations.
Under his leadership, the Pacers achieved considerable success and Bird was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2012.
His career also included a long-standing feud with Magic Johnson, which began in college and lasted into their professional careers, contributing to his legacy in the sport.
Prize
- 3-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
- 2-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (1984, 1986)
- 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1984–1986)
- 12× NBA All-Stars (1980–1988, 1990–1992)
- NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (1982)
- 9× NBA All-Star Team (1980–1988)
- 2nd All-NBA Team (1990)
- 3× NBA Second All-Defensive Team (1982–1984)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
- First NBA All-Rookie Team (1980)
- 3-time three-point champion (1986–1988)
- 2× NBA three-pointer leader (1986, 1987)
- Named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history (1996)
- Number 33 has been retired by the Boston Celtics.
- NBA All-Star Game Head Coach (1998)
- NBA Coach of the Year (1998)
- NBA Executive of the Year (2012)
Net worth
Larry Bird’s net worth is estimated to be $75 million.
Bird amassed his fortune through his illustrious career as a basketball player, coach, and executive.
His successful playing career with the Boston Celtics, combined with lucrative sponsorship deals, contributed significantly to his financial success.
Argumentative
Larry Bird’s career has not been without controversy. One notable incident involved a contract dispute early in his career.
After being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird decided to return to Indiana State for his final college season.
This led to a disagreement with Celtics general manager Red Auerbach over Bird’s contract, with Bird demanding a higher salary, leading to a protracted negotiation.
Bird ultimately signed a $3.25 million contract, the highest rookie contract at the time.
This dispute led to the creation of the “Bird College Rule,” which required new players to sign a contract before returning to college.
The fierce rivalry between Bird and Magic Johnson also caused much controversy.
While their rivalry on the field is fierce, their relationship off the field is complicated.
Their rivalry began in college and continued into their professional careers, often marked by tense and sometimes controversial moments during matches.
However, this rivalry eventually developed into deep mutual respect and friendship, which has been celebrated in many documentaries and books.
Another controversy occurred during Bird’s time as coach of the Indiana Pacers.
During the 1997–1998 season, Bird’s coaching style and decisions came under scrutiny, especially during the playoffs.
Despite the criticism, Bird led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals and was named NBA Coach of the Year.
His subsequent role as president of basketball operations for the Pacers also faced many challenges, including decisions about player trades and team management, which were sometimes criticized by fans and analysts.
Social media
- Instagram: None
- Twitter: None
Book
- Driving: The Story of My Life
- When the Game Was Ours (with Magic Johnson and Jackie MacMullan)
- Bird Watching: On Playing and Training the Game I Love
