Robert Parrish is in the Hall. Parish holds the NBA record for defensive rebounds (10,117) and most offensive rebounds in the playoffs (571) and played in more seasons (21) and games (1,611) than any player in NBA history, when he retired following the 1997 season. On record saying half his points were layups/dunks from crazy Bird assists lol. Dude had great hands, was 7'1" and had a CANNON for an arm. As did Bird, like NFL QB cannon.
Good defense, great rebounder, did the dirty work inside against Hakeem, Kareem, Ewing, Moses Malone, etc. Bird, McHale, D.J. were the key pieces, but I doubt they win more than one title without the Chief being the bedrock inside. He was a legit 7'1", non of this 6'10" being labeled 7'. Fairly athletic for that size in the 80s. Famous trade with Golden State to get Parish. I think it allowed them to also draft McHale. I think they traded 1st pick for Parish and pick 3 (became McHale)? Golden State got the consensus best player in Joe Barry Carroll, but he was only good a few seasons and journeyman the rest of the time. Pre-Celtics, Parish had a 32 rebound game. That's nuts. He was a shot blocker and great rebounder, and likely saw his stats suffer a bit coming to the Celtics.
I was lucky enough to meet him in Boston back in the 80's and he was a super nice guy. You'd never know he was an NBA player if he wasn't gigantic lol.
He doesn't need to average 30 , but be sure he would beat you in all other aspects of the game . When it came down to clutch times , there was no better.
Appreciate your reaction style. Stop the video - then react - then start the video up again. Some people talk through the video, and lose lot of content while they talk on about what they just saw. I was in Boston during that era...it was a joy to see Bird play and the Celtics and Lakers bringing the game back to exciting basketball competition.
You nailed it - they dont play D like this in the NBA. I saw play bird play at Indiana State and teams would always collaspe their D on him. They only had one other bench NBA player (Carl Knix) and it was incredible to see Bird still dominate.
You hit the nail on the head when you said theres is no “D” in the NBA today, and as for calling fouls, Bird hit from anywhere with 2-3 defenders on him and today he’d have 15 point just in free throws, and Bird didn’t miss those much, yea he was and is one of a kind, known as the “Baddest white boy you ever seen “, period
Yes, he is one of most underrated,under appreciated player in NBA HISTORY, (alex english is 1st) he defended idk how many HOF CENTERS & gets no respect.PLZ START PUTTING SOME RESPECT ON HIS NAME
In today's League...with the lack of defensive play...Bird would average 45 easy. That's not the remarkable thing though. What truly would be remarkable, is that Bird would do it so efficiently because of the lack of defense in the League today. Most NBA players can shoot over 50% if there's no one in front of them. Bird averaged for a career over 50% shooting from the field, and that was with people in his face. People often remark about how Larry's shot looked so strange. That's because Larry's release was so high. He developed that shot playing against grown men when he was a small kid. Most players change their shot as they grow older and get bigger. Larry didn't. That's why he could get his shot off. You stood a better chance blocking Larry's shot from behind than you did up front. If they played defense then like they do now, Bird would probably average 70%, if not better since defensively there would be greatly reduced amounts of pressure whenever he did take a shot. Bird could average more if he wanted to, but I don't think he would. Bird is still going to be Bird and share the wealth. I think the best thing about Bird playing in today's League though, would be the possibility that Lebron would figure out a way to fenagle his way on to the Boston Celtics so Larry could help him get some of those rings that seem to so often elude such a superior athlete, and just maybe...just maybe, Lebron could see what it actually looks like when someone gives everything they are in the pursuit of excellence. ...and maybe Lebron could learn how to shoot free throws too.
How good was Robert Parrish? Hall-of-Fame-good.... That's how good Robert Parrish was. In fact, here's some perspective for you youngsters... The Celtics of the 1980's started 4 Hall of Famers - Bird, McHale, Parrish, and Dennis Johnson... And they were by far less physically talented than the Lakers. The 1980s were a ridiculous era for all sports - not just basketball. The level and depth of talent was unbelievable. If you weren't around for it, find an old head who knows his sh1t, and ask him.
Born in Boston and I remember these games. The big difference between today and then is players stayed on the same team. I mean people got traded but Parish or McHale could have left after couple titles and be a star on another team. You could say the same about Lakers as well but players didn't mind being behind both Bird or Magic...
The blood on his shirt was from his chin after an elbow from Laimbeer. The second one in that game, I believe. When Walton says Bird wanted the ball and the light, he's meaning in the clutch. That bit is poorly edited, in my opinion.
Larry was so a high level of precognition that he never, needed to move fast, he could, just never had to, he knew what you were going to do before the play started, he would tell the best players ever what was going to happen, how he was going to react, and slowly do it to make you look like a idiot, wait for you to catch up, then do it, and look you in the eye and tell you, see, I told you so and you still couldn't stop it when you brought your teammates to help you.
at least Bird was unstoppable up until 1988, his 29.9 ppg season, after the injuries slowed him down, he was mortal, slower, but still had great game IQ. Bird had a 24.3 ppg seas in 1989-90, and that was his last All-NBA team (2nd team) selection until he retired 2 yrs later. But he definitely had the ability to read the game 1 or 2 patterns ahead of most other players.
The difference between being fast & being "fluent", is that fast isn't efficient. Basically, it's spent energy where it could be used in something like the forth quarter. It's the 4th quarter mainy greats *fail*
Thanx for different videos on larry- back in 80s- schools wanted to take summer school away- and they did- I opened the court- 100 easy played on my court- black kids- I found a Bird Bullavard street sign- put it on courtside- dad's were playing- what a great time it was
I love how fluid the 86 Celtics were. They just had a way of moving and being in sync without even looking. They were just flowing. No D! 100%! I was at a Timberwolves game at home. There was a foul (well, 20 of them - sneezing is "and 1" these days). Flagrant. It was challenged and we're watching the replay over and over and I couldn't even see the contact. The game has no heart; it's just dudes being masons - jogging down the court and throwing bricks. It's uninspired and weak play compared to '85-2000ish. Larry would get 35 points in the first half and be ejected by the second half.
In today's game, if you give someone like Larry Bird no hand checks, time to shoot- game over. 35 points average without breaking a sweat. And he'd be a nightmare with his assist abilities. He'd dominate like a beast!
In today's league I could easily see a prime Bird averaging a 35 point triple double. People try to say he wouldn't make it in today's league because he so slow, meanwhile you have dudes like Luka and Joker embarrassing everyone that they face
LOL Larry would go broke in todays league he'd be fined to death for all his trash talking......but considering defenders can't really physically touch him now a days he could average what ever he wanted too....this is a man who was making amazing shots with some of the best defenders of all time right in his face and they couldn't stop him.
larry said u need somebody else to guard me i am thinking why so u can just do it to him to 🤣 i was just thinking that in my head cause no matter who guarded him did not matter dude was savage
Larry Legend would have Joker like Numbers every night, only MORE.... 40+ points, 15+ each rebounds and assists, plus 4 or 5 steals and 2 or 3 blocks. every night. Prime Bird was unstoppable
Guys aren't way more athletic now. The rules changed to make the game more offensive and up tempo. Also they draft on potential now not necessarily ability. There are dudes that didn't get a chance because of " lack of athleticism " that would fundamentally destroy dudes. If Larry came out now he would go late because he isn't athletic and lets be honest he's white from Indiana state and it would have out a bigger chip on his shoulder
He would have averaged between 30 and 35 points a game six seven rebounds 90% free throws even though even though there wasn't a 3-point line at least three or four
If you want a brief, well done sumnery of Birds team mates check out "Making the case: 1986 Boston Celtics" Yea, they were no Larry Birds, but they were no small fry players either. Danny Ainge was all american in Basketball, Football AND Baseball when he left college, probably the most all around athlete ever. Parish and McHale were both unique and fantastic players made even better by Birds leadership. Larry himself considered Dennis Johnson "the best player he ever played with" It also bribgs up Bil Walton, Jerry Seasting and couple of others. Its a very interesting video.
Robert Parish is A GREAT CENTER, underrated & under appreciated but defended idk how many HOF CENTERS,id love to See a video on PARISH,im going to follow u for that reason
Enjoyed your comments. Robert Parrish was my FAVORITE Celtic of that period. Both he and McHale came from the University of Minnesota. Parrish was 7 foot tall. He was Stoic and kept quiet most of the time. He was content to let Bird have the spotlight and benefited from Birds passing ability. Later I found out that Parish (nickname The Chief) was a HUGE stoner and that explains SO much. Every so often, someone would disrespect The Chief and he would wake up and just shut down teams on both end of the court. My High School wouldn't allow #00 on uniforms, so I wore my football #52. Stay safe, have fun, Rick Charleston SC
Those of you that have MJ as the goat have very good arguments but here are a something to think about. Part of being great is how much your team is going to miss your absence. The year MJ sat out the Bulls went from 57 wins with MJ to 55 without MJ. The year Bird sat out the Celtics went from 57 wins with Bird to 42 wins without Bird. What makes it even more impressive was Bird played that season injured. Bad back and bone spurs. I’m not saying this makes Bird better but it sure gives one something to think about
Seeing is believing, and I was there ,he did it all ,bird did something ever game that made you talk all week about it ,he could do it all ,prime bird 🐦 I'm picking 1st on draft ,his IQ was unreal he played chess others were playing checkers ,and the ones that did step up ,we loved these battled so ppl need to put respect on his name , heck LeBron had him in his top 3 , we still love you bird 🐦 ❤❤ ,you my man any day
Was Parish good? There were 2 dominant Celtic players that helped make Bird be so great. Parish and McCale. Bird fed them the ball and they executed. Parish was a consistent superstar. DJ and Ainge were Birds fighter pilots. Parish and McCale were his Bombers.
This is meant as constructive advice, but when there is a commercial multiple times during your reaction it comes off as you can’t afford a premium membership just like all the other reactions on RU-vid!! Time to step your game up Playboy…
Saw Larry play back in the '80s. Not the fastest or the most athletic, but very precise.....great situational awareness..... always knew where his teammates were and where the opponents were..... great shooter.....great passer.....great defense. There's an old saying - Michael Jordan would make you look slow, but Larry Bird would make you look stupid.
In today's game, how much would he average? 38... EASY! As for Robert Parrish, the "Chief" number 00. He was as dangerously as any of his Celtics teammates and that's a fact! 😀🤘
Bird used the whole team to win games he took everyone to the hall of fame with him players today are all about themselves when they lose it was all on them cause money players won't pass the ball to open players
A PRIME BIRD WOULD HAVE AVERAGED AT LEAST 30 MAYBE SUBSTANTIALLY MORE IF & ONLY IF HE STOPPED BEING SUCH A MONUMENTAL TEAM PLAYER PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is Robert Parish, The Chief, worth checking out??? Check out his beatdown of Bill Laimbeer when he got tired of his sh!t. I guarantee you will enjoy it.
no your wrong ! back in our day you could punch a shooter in the face and not get called for it ! Now you just brush up against one of these primadonnas they eject you from the game ! Damm
My all-time favorite...when Chief decked Bill Laimbeer from the Pistons! That s.o.b. had it coming! I'm from Detroit & I couldn't stand Laimbeer. lol I dont like dirty players & he was one of the worst! If a guy has to play like that to win...he doesn't deserve to!
Your video volume is off or low, then when you make any comments yourself you are way too loud. Can't turn my volume up to listen to the video comments or narration and then lower the volume when you break in for comments because the volume of your vocals is way to loud or high. So I can't finish watching your comments because I don't want to mess with my volume every few seconds.
There is no D today. The Godfather of the 50/40/90 club. And, you got PUNISHED for coming inside in the 80-90's. From 1980-1989, NBA Finals from 1980-1989, Lakers/Celtics. Jordan was there and swept 2x by Bird.
Before he hurt his back (ergo "in his prime") He averaged about 30 even back then, when you could literlly assault someone without getting fould. I think he averaged like 24 as a career total and thats playing HALF his career with a broken back and double Achilles surgury. In his prime, in this soft league? Yea, hed do 40, easy.
