Despite many peoples belief, Bol was not solely a freakshow, as he sustained a 10 year NBA career, playing for 4 different teams. [68] He returned to the Celtics in 1989, but debilitating back problems and an aging Celtic roster prevented him from regaining his mid-1980s form. Kahit sa imports coming into the PBA, after the official measurement, they are suddenly 2 inches shorter, heee. Durant is one of the 6 members of the 50-40-90 club. This is a very scary thought for a lot of NBA players, both past and present. 2022 Dimensions.com |All rights reserved. During the 2000s, Brand was one of the better rebounders and defenders. Following his retirement in 1992, Bird became a successful head coach and front-office executive with the Indiana Pacers. Although he announced his departure around that time, he reclaimed his post as team president in the summer of 2013. Larry Bird Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. section: | slug: nba-legend-larry-bird-says-he-doesnt-think-hell-make-it-to-the-age-of-75 | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | In 1997 Bird accepted the head coach position with the Indiana Pacers, a move that returned him to his home state. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Many NBA bigs, including Larry Bird and Bill Walton, believe there's a negative relationship between height and longevity. 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. Larry Bird (Larry Legend; The Hick from French Lick) Position: Forward 6-9, 220lb (206cm, 99kg) School: Indiana State (Men) Draft: Boston Celtics, 1st round (6th pick, 6th overall), 1978 NBA draft. He played both the small forward and power forward positions. If it goes, it goes.". Larry Bird DraftExpress Profile: scouting reports, videos, stats and logs. 5. [61] The historical rift between the teams, which faced each other several times in championship series of the 1960s, fueled fan interest in the rivalry. DiamondLobby is owned and operated by Rank Zero LTD, Company Number 10507049, and is a registered trade mark (UK00003715943). Kevin Durant stands 610 and has a 75 wingspan. The smallest report records it at 78, while the largest account has it at 84 inches. In eight games, Bird averaged 8.4 points. Thats both confident and cold-blooded. With Wilt being the most dominant force of his era, it lends to the theory that his wingspan was truly elite. His Competitiveness Has Taken Its Toll. Height: 5 feet 5 inches (167 cm) Weight: 56 kg (123 lb) Eye Colour: Hazel: Hair Colour: Golden: Shoe Size: N/A: Martial Status: Married: Husband: Larry Bird . Join our linker program. His name is imprinted twice in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and besides being named Player of the Year frequently, he has received coach for the Year and Executive of the Year awards. [20] Bird also appeared in one game for the baseball team, going 1-for-2 with 2 RBI. [26][27] In his career debut, Bird recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a 114106 win over the Houston Rockets. [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. What that actual measurement was, we may never know. Everyone knows that Manute Bol was the tallest player in NBA history, but he also possessed the largest wingspan. [77], Bird was voted onto the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team list in 1996,[78][79] and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. Larry Bird weighed 220 lbs (99 kg) when playing. When you factor in the rest of his all around game, it is no surprise he is one of the NBAs 50 greatest players. When adjusting your players height, you can just copy Birds real height. He is a four-time All-Defensive team member, and he led the league in steals in 2009-10. Celebrity Fan Photos and Agency Pictures of stars are to their respective owners. w/ shoes Weight Wingspan Standing Reach. Davis stands 610, and, at the 2012 pre-draft combine, was measured to have a 75 wing span. [39] At the conclusion of the season, he earned his first All-Defensive Team selection. Take a look at the great defenders in the NBA, and the one common thread you will find in all of them is an impressive wingspan. Bird is one of the best shooters in the history of the sport. 3. 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. Wingspan data is something that has only been recorded precisely over the last couple of decades. Rebound Chaser Raises the players ability to track down rebounds from farther distances than normal. An elite wingspan is considered as a measurement that is 6.5% greater than the players height. They each had charisma, deft shooting touch, extraordinary passing skills, and team-oriented mindset that ignited their team and the crowd. 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. Bismack Biyombo was selected 7th overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Charlotte Bobcats at the tender age of 18. Larry Bird stands 6'9" tall and weighs 220 pounds during his NBA playing days. But dont let Birds efficient scoring distract you from the fact that he was proficient in the other aspects of his game. 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. [62], Despite the intensity of their rivalry, Bird and Johnson became friends off the court. Larry Bird, along with "Magic" Johnson and Michael Jordan, is one of the most recognized names in the history of basketball. The team improved its win total by 32 games from the year before he was drafted and finished first in the Eastern Conference. [110], The Celtics employed Bird as a special assistant in the team's front office from 1992 until 1997. [80][81] He was inducted into the Hall of Fame again in 2010, as a member of the "Dream Team". Standing 69, Prince has a 72 inch wingspan, which appears even greater due to his rail thin physique (some people claim his wingspan is closer to 76). "I tell my wife all the time, 'You don't see many 7-footers walking around at the age of 75,'" says Bird, who's 6-foot-9. Howard has used that wingspan to become an elite rebounder and shot blocker. Bird had an average of 10.0 rebounds per game for his career and 6.3 assists. Lastly, the wingspan can be reduced to around 83.0 inches. 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. That season, the Celtics posted a 61-21 record and defeated the Houston Rockets to take the first NBA championship of Bird's career. Rajon Rondo's length at the point guard position makes him a one of a kind player. Former American basketball player, who played with The Boston Celtics. Following his junior year, Bird was selected with the sixth overall pick in the NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. Durant is what is referred to as a hop shooter, something rare for a player of his height. Prince will not go down in any record books, but ask some of the games best who the toughest defender they faced is, and Tayshaun Princes name will be be right up there. [45] The performance came just nine days after Kevin McHale set the previous Celtics record for points in a game with 56. 4. This is a player who has shot 50% from the field, 40% from 3 point land, and 90% from the line. Jason Maxiell was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the 1st round of the 2005 draft. The hop shooting style allows him to get his shot off very quickly, and what makes Durant special is his point of release. The "Dream Team" won the men's basketball gold medal. Homepage Mock Drafts. Someone like Boozer who's measured as 6'7 3/4 isn't any shorter than other players listed at 6'9 too. At least partially as a result of this, he experienced back problems for the remainder of his career. Kevin McHale has gone down as one of the 50 best NBA players of all time, and is probably the best example in NBA history of how length can be used to dominate on both ends of the court. Catch & Shoot The badge increases the shooting percentage of a player attempting a three-pointer immediately after receiving a pass. [39][41], Bird was named MVP of the 198384 season with averages of 24.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Oops! Of course, there are some who prefer using a player based on his archrival, Magic Johnson. When he was on fire from the three-point line or mid-range, no one can stop him. Maxiell shows how an undersized player can keep pace with taller guys when they possess elite wingspan. . HEIGHT. Larry Bird was inducted to the Hall of Fame as a Player in 1998 (Full List) With his added length, Durant is able to get the ball in a position that is very hard to defend. Brand was the #1 overall pick in 1999 out of Duke. He mentioned in his own book about his height, saying "I was almost six-four as a junior, six-six or so as a senior and I grew to Six-Nine. 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. [96], Bird is also remembered as an excellent passer[100] and defender. When in his defensive stance, Price looks almost impossible to get around, and his long arms allow him to play off players while contesting every shot. Find out more. 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. Pippen used his incredible length to cover the best player on a nightly basis and whether they were a forward or a guard didn't matter, as Pippen had both the size and quickness to match up with anyone. In the piece, Bird theorizes that the big men who played the hardest and ran the most are the most susceptible to passing away early. To help you with the boards, you can upgrade the Rebound Chaser badge. Basketball icon Larry Bird won three MVP awards and three NBA championships during his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics. Break Starter Deep outlet passes attempted immediately after grabbing a defensive rebound are more likely to connect. On the opening night of the 2014 season, he went for 26 points, 17 boards, 3 steals, and 9 blocks. One such case is the legendary Jerry West. Kevin McHale was one of the best players of the 1980s. He is a 6'6 player, and he's held his own thanks to a 260 pound base and a 7'3 wingspan. 4. Bird was one of the greatest players ever in crunch time, making four buzzer-beaters throughout his career. [105][106] He was known for telling his opponents how and where in the court he would score against them; Xavier McDaniel recounted that Bird predicted a game-winning shot against him, then "shot a shot right in my face and was like 'Damn, I didn't mean to leave two seconds on the clock. Talk about all topics relevant to Pinoys around the world. From Jackie MacMullan of ESPN the Magazine: Bird, who has an enlarged heart, was diagnosed in 1995 with atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heartbeat resulting from electrical signals being generated chaotically throughout the heart's upper chambers. The reality is that Pippen did a lot of things that made Jordan a better player. 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. [8] Bird's parents were of Irish, Scottish and some Native American descent. A 1980s Converse commercial for its "Weapon" line of basketball shoes (endorsed by both Bird and Johnson) reflected the perceived dichotomy between the two players. The Hick from the French Lick has got yellow-toned tan skin. Larry Bird played the small forward and power forward positions at a height of 6'9" (2. . Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Not since Bill Russell squared off against Wilt Chamberlain had professional basketball enjoyed such a marquee matchup. [86], Bird was widely considered one of Red Auerbach's favorite players. Biyombo stands 68, but has a wingspan that stretches out to 76. Subscribed! [36] Boston fell behind 31 to start the series but won the next three games to advance to the Finals against the Houston Rockets,[37] winning in six games and earning Bird his first championship. 2. Because as previously discussed, Bird was an outstanding shooter. 1956 [116], In 2003, Bird was hired as the Pacers' president of basketball operations. Despite not being as tall as the Lakers legend, Leonard is just as long. [91] Bird was also a four-time regular season MVP runner-up in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1988. The average NBA player will have a wingspan 4 inches greater than his height. Larry Bird was such a player. To put that in perspective, his hands are larger than that of LeBron James. Larry Joe Bird (born December 7, 1956) is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He mentioned in his own book about his height, saying, Photo ImageCollect.com / Mike Springer-PHOTOlink.net. Deadeye Jump shots attempted with a defender closing out in front of the player will suffer a lower penalty. Also, make sure to equip the Clutch Shooter badge. Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players score points by shooting (throwing) a ball through an elevated hoop located on either side of the rectangular court. What he showed us is that truly elite stats can be produced by some with almost no talent, but insanely freaky physical attributes. Larry Bird's wife, Dinah Mattingly, is his high school sweetheart who got engaged and married the former NBA legend in 1989. A triple-double in basketball is a term used to describe the impactful performance of a player that achieved a double-digit number in three of the five statistical basketball categories of points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocked shots. Small Forward and Power Forward Girlfriend / Spouse. A 6-foot-9 forward who could dribble, pass and shoot the way Bird could made him one of the greatest NBA players. To help you grind efficiently, we have a guide on how to earn more VCs in NBA 2K22. Bird entered the NBA for the 19791980 season, where he made an immediate impact, starting at power forward and leading the Celtics to a 32-win improvement over the previous season before being eliminated from the playoffs in the Conference Finals. [108], At the 2019 NBA Awards, Bird received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (shared with Magic Johnson). KG Living Legend Don Nelson Posts: 8383 ", "LeBron James: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Julius Erving Are 3 Best Players Ever", "Who Has Made The Most NBA All-Star Game Appearances of All-Time", "NBA MVP award: Steph Curry on list of multiple-time winners", Sporting News: James Harden joins exclusive group with third MVP runner-up finish, "Who is the most clutch player in NBA history? When they mention length, they are not talking about a player's height, but more so his wingspan. Another badge you must target is Interceptor. 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.