Larry Bird Is the 3pt GOAT Now Then Forever 

I take Larry over EVERYONE. Larry is more than capable of holding his own against ANYONE!

Bird is my goat. The three point shot was Introduced during his career. JJ Reddick is drinking that hateraid.... Bird would adapt and dominate these boys playing today....

Larry Bird had over 20 game winning shots in his career - meaning, shots he made in the last 24 seconds of a 3 point game or less in order to tie and go to overtime, or to win. A lot of these were 3's and some weren't, but, he was the best clutch shooter in NBA history and its not even particularly close. He's literally in the arguement for the best clutch player in sports history. Ice cold.

I love the respect you show for Larry Legend. 👏👏👏👏

I loved Coop's story that demonstrated how Bird's IQ / basketball savvy was what produced the wide open shots he got. I also like the inclusion of Jordan's realization about hanging out at the three point line. Thanks for sharing your reaction and thoughts. 👍

Larry Legend is far superior!!!! BY FAR!!!!! One other thing is back then they didn't practice 3's like they do now... League nowadays is Beyond Boring!!!!!!!!! Another thing is that Larry opened up the low post game and enabled McHale and Parish to become Hall of Famer's, PERIOD..........

Larry is the best in my book. The man played with a broken back. He had basketball intelligence like nobody else. He talked trash and backed it up. His full court passes makes him Mr Quarterback Basketball. Entire passing game, clutch shooter, heck, every kind of shot. He was everywhere all the time and he knew where everyone else was all the time. He included his teammates in the game. He didn't have arrogance that many players have. They were a team and worked amazing together.

Im a big, big Steph Curry fan, but Larry Legend is different, just different. And the most amazing part about JJ Redick’s comment is that Larry never even defended himself, every other legend who played with him did.

Solid, if you were around to watch Larry play, I guarantee you’d have been dazzled by HIS play as well. Larry was jaw dropping good. Every game he’d do something amazing 🤩

What you just said about Curry and Jordan, that's exactly how we felt about BIrd. I can't even remember how many times I said, "how the hell did he do that," during Bird's career.

I heard a story about when Bird was coaching the Pacers. They got the best 3-point shooter on the team to go against him. They each took 10. Bird made 8/10. The other guy made 4/10. Advantage to Larry Legend, who was well into his 40s by then.

The 3 point line was introduced in 1979. Bird started his rookie nba season in 1979. He had it every year of his nba career, but never had it growing up or in college. He had to learn how to use it during his nba career, as opposed to anyone born in the 80s or later who grew up practicing it

I always thought that when going head to head, Bird outshined Jordan.

Larry was clutch, hard nosed and didn’t flop. Larry any day

I like your picks for your top two. You're right about why he is a great three point shooter. Not to mention he would tell you what he was going to do even from 3 point land, and you couldn't even stop it

Can't get enough Larry Legend stories. 🏀

I have Larry over Steph by far. Hitting the shot in the clutch is greater than scoring in when it doesnt count. MJ and Bird are different than anyone before them and after.

I’m tickled that you have Bird in your top two. While Bird’s my number one all time, I don’t have a problem with anyone having Jordan as theirs. You appreciate what Bird brought to the game, which many don’t (if they even remember him at all). Great reaction!

I'm not sure I agree with it even though I grew up watching Bird. I would take Steph only because it's integral to his game. I would however take Bird over anyone ever when it comes to clutch. I would take Bird on ANY shot in clutch. Dude was really something to see live

Dr J amazed me when he flew. Larry with his deadly shooting. Jordan dominating the league.

Well we all know that Larry is bigger then curry people wasn't holding Larry back. Number 2 the reason most of the players in today's Era couldn't play back in birds day is they would need their safe place because they wouldn't be able to handle his brutal trash talking. And I truly believe today NBA players couldn't handle the physical game that was going on back then. I mean come on James is what 6'8 290lbs and he can't handle the physical play today

Larry (Legend) Bird didn’t have the 3 point line when he was in college and there was no 3 point line in the NBA until either Bird’s first or second season. And he rarely took 3 point shots, about 2 or 3 a game. Larry Bird is the greatest 3 point shooter ever. He entered three 3 point shooting contests and won all three the same way he won his three MVP’s. Back to back to back. If he played in this era he’d be taking 10+ 3’s a game and hitting 6 or 7+ a game.

Ball fake turn around all in one fluid motion fade away at 6'9 6'10' in clutch time playoffs. Money. What they didn't mention was his percentage was higher in post season. Game over!!!. Love your reactions. You would be blown away by his Larry bird is the word highlights. AMAZING should check it out. Appreciate you.

LARRY LARRY LARRY!!!!

Coop never disappoints. Haven't seen you in a while. Today's game is a joke. It's becoming soccer with all the flopping. Good post.

MJ and Larry knew how to adjust. No issues for either of them in todays game

Hey Solid! Love your respect for Larry! #birdgang

Larry LEGEND

Gotta respect a player who says he hates his best adversary but at the same time defends him just because of the respect he has for. Cooper and Larry are both legends of this game.

How many times did Bird shoot from _around_ the three point line throughout his career, but especially early? Bird was not raised from infancy with the SUPREMACY of that line on the floor. It's not like Bird played fast and loose with the lines - example THE "Steal". He was more than aware of what mattered. The shots that they showed in that game against Washington: the first one (first two actually) were one footers from beyond the line. The last one could have JUST AS EASILY have been a 3. But it didn't NEED to be. So.... Bird didn't care about his foot position in relation to the line. Bird wasn't concerned with building random stats.

Larry’s basketball I Q was off the charts. I admire Jordan and Lebron and both were superior specimens physically. As Pat Riley once said: if I need a shot to win a game I want Kobe taking it; if I need a shot to save my life I want Bird

"You know... You know." Charles Barkley J.J. is just having a hard time dealing with the knowledge that he would be "The Mouse in the House" who keeps getting caught up in "The Torture Chamber"!😂

Added the three-point line his rookie season

Excellent commentary, as usual. There is no need for an argument. Just respect them all!

Bird had the footwork to get open. He made his space.

His first year (78) was the three point line but it was rarely used.

The rules are different today compared to the 1980s. A healthy Larry Bird would own the league today and he'd stay on one team. I just noticed where you're filming this. I admire your dedication. Good reaction.

College: You had to stick around. You had to have real reasons to leave early. College: You had a much higher degree of teaching/coaching than today. Only coach I ever hear about is Coach K from Duke. Back then, good lord there were a lot. College: The players took it far more seriously and were far better developed. Three to four years of learning versus one to two years of waiting. Which gives you better players? Less teams than today. Which means more "better" players on the bench to be great role players instead of on the floor with lesser players on the bench. Less rules and paranoia than today. You didn't have to worry so much about the crowd being stupid or the players losing their heads as often. Today's game is a two prong game: drive to the basket with no one taking charges and hucking up threes. You had so many different ways to play back then. And they didn't play soft. Oh, and the flagrant fouls bit I heard about, think you could take those shots and get back up without being a b about it like LeBron? Throwing a temper tantrum on the court like that? Woman, you should be ashamed.

Bird played several years with a broken back. He'd spend nights off in traction and then a full body brace and it would take him 4 to 5 hours to loosen up his back to play. When he wasn't playing he was laying in the floor. He had to fly that way too. He also shattered a knuckle playing basketball and they couldn't straighten his finger and it was pointing to his thumb. He said the ball never felt the same in his hands.

Bird also did this thing that I still haven't seen. He starts a one legged jump from behind the line releasing it way closer than a regular 3.

Dominique is the most humble man in the NBA. He's pissed too

Solid, the three-point line was introduced Larry's rookie season in the NBA never played high school or college with the three-point line. It was a novelty to take a three-pointer then I think he kind of made it in Vogue by taking a few threes and really making it a weapon. He was the first one. The first one to make a three was Chris Ford on the Celtics and also Robert Perry holds the record for playing in the most games. Just a few added tidbits there for you

As I've said. My 5 = MJ,BIRD,DOMINIQUE,KOBE AND RUSSELL. In no order. All awesome in their own time and position.

You are right

Larry Bird all day every day

Larry's numbers could be higher than anyone but he kept his team in the game.

The 3pt shot came into the league Bird's rookie season. Curry and the other great 3pt shooters in the last 25 yrs. spent their whole lives practicing their 3pt shots to perfect it since it's now a major weapon. Bird started shooting threes in his rookie season, just imagine if he started shooting 3's at 13 instead of 23? Riddick should not be allowed to commentate on basketball after those remarks

They didn't do the 3 point line until 1979! And back then coaches didn't like you even doing the 3 pointers .....here and there was okay ....but not on a regular basis! Larry Bird being so proficient at the 3 pointers.... Was absolutely amazing back then .....because nobody was! LOL

College didnt adopt the 3 pointer until 1986 The NBA adopted the 3 pointer in Birds rookie season in 79 therefore the 3 pointer wasnt even on Birds radar until he reached the pros. having watched the nba since the early 70's hardly anyone used the 3 pointer regularly when it was introduced in 79. it became more prevalent in the mid 80's

Larry Bird - greatest ever

Larry and magic saved the NBA . Jordan blew it up ! That in my opinion was the greatest era of basketball. The physicality was brutal .

Larry Bird did not have a three point line until he entered the league. And Larry won the 3 point shooting contest 3 years in a row. He didn't just win, he blew them all away. INCLUDING MICHAEL JORDAN.

i cannot remember where i saw it i believe it was on tiktok or u tube but a team he was coaching Bird walked in and at age 60 he is still shooting 3's at 60 see if you can find the video i am trying to find it again

They added the 3 to the NBA starting in Bird's rookie year. It was in the ABA prior to that. NCAA didn't adopt the 3 or the shot clock til a few years later.

Great video and a valid point about Bird dominating his era and being without question the best 3 point shooter when he played. Bird's first coach Bill Fitch hated the 3 point shot and the Celtics probably had few if any plays to set up a three. Bird did not have the 3 in high school or in college. And when Bird did shoot more 3 pointers per game = in 85,86,87 and 88 I think all 4 of those seasons Bird was over 40%.

No when Bird started in the NBA the 3 point line didn’t exist. That was added later. That’s why his 3 point numbers are lower. Than a player that had the 3 point his entire career. MJ would smoke the league including LaBron

you and i, see eye to eye on the top 2

Larry the first pick. Any era.

AMEN!!! That’s my order too. Jordan 1, Bird 2. My dad works for Oxy. He wears a hot pink one a lot. Cracks me up.

Those Celtics-Lakers games were the best. Jeeze, I miss that style of team ball. Jordan was the best scorer ever, but Bird was the better shooter. I love Steph, too, and he can shoot lights out, but I give it to Bird. If he was in today's league and they cut him loose and said shoot all the three pointers you want? He'd still make plays, pass the ball, improve his teammates, and take his team to the Finals year after year, because he didn't care about points - he only cared about winning.

TOO many young Kids just don't know how Good No How Great Larry Bird made his whole team play better. Because he was out there practicing a hour before the team and stayed after practices and then running after practice. Even after he just won his first Championship 🏆 a teammate called and Larry's wife answered the phone. The guys wanted to get together for lunch and his wife said he's out Practicing for next year!!!! FACTS bet nobody else can say that statement 😂. He just worked harder than anyone else on and off the Court...

The facts are that Bird played basketball better than anyone in the eighties. He was a disruptor but a savant at the the same time

The three point line came i during his first season. The game wasn't designed around threes. So when folks took them, coaches would cringe. Oh, Bird made them. Okay.

Yeah, if I get 1 shot for all the marbles, I'm taking Larry for that shot. The pressure on, the world watching - that dude is gonna hit that shot.

Larry owned Michael. Swept him twice.

Food for thought. The 2 hand check was legal in years prior and some of Larry's career, it went to the one hand for the back half of Larry's career. There isn't no hand check, today. It was more physical, how would curry or reddick hold up with opposing teams , grinding on them?

They played defense back then too. They didn't call a foul if someone breathed on you

Yes, Bird and MJ. BEST 2 PLAYERS EVER. YOU CAN'T INCLUDE LEBRON HE DID NOT HAVE THAT KILLER INSTINCT AND DESIRE TO WANT THE BALL AT THE END

Oilfield man! Fucking love you dude! If you run into Dean Baumber get him some knuckles!

Thanks for that Jordan and Bird good call while basketball was a physical sport back then the Jordan rules existed

Larry Bird also put up 47 points in a playoff game with his opposite hand no other shooter has ever done that in history and will never try to attempt it because they don't got the balls that Larry Bird has or the skill.

No 3 point line till 1979 Bird’s rookie season. Look at how many last second shots Bird made ! Nuff said

they added the three point line in larrys rookie year, 1979

And there was nobody better in the clutch -- from 3 or anywhere else.

The enthusiasm is always entertaining, in Solid's videos. I have never been crazy about the 3 point shot, but Bird put it to great use in demoralizing opponents and winning close, last few seconds, games, considerably better than anybody else, period. I watched it, firsthand. I will probably get some flak, but today's NBA, with most plays being created around 3 point shots, is BORING. I like fast breaks, post ups, driving to the hoop, set X and O plays, within 15 feet, and deep shots, that don't, necessarily, count as 3 points, and good defense against all of it. Yes, I am old and proud to still be alive, and to have watched and played, all around good, well played basketball.

His rookie year, they added 3 pt line. Also, during his play no flagrant foul and also no 3 second rule either. Showing how tough the play was. I think anyways.

The nba installed the 3 pt line Larry’s rookie season 1980. Larry didn’t have the 3 pt line in college

I was waiting for you to react to the JJ Redick comment!

For those that think Larry Bird was not as good as he really was. This comment is for those whom never had the chance to see him play. Little know thing about Larry to those that never saw him play , he could effect the outcome of a game and never take a shot thats how devastating his passing skills were. Here is one thing that most fans (people) either don't know or try to ignore, prior to Larry joining the NBA there was no such thing as a three point line, that came in when Bird was starting his first year off in his NBA career. Just think about what would todays game be without the three point line or if the line was one foot farther out like it was when it was first introduced. Food for thought. At that time it was not about the individuals stats it was about the win. But if you need some stats here you go: Here are some of Larry Bird's notable career achievements and statistics: Three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986); Two-time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986); Three-time NBA MVP (1984-86); 12-time NBA All-Star (1980-88, 1990-92); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1980-88); All-NBA Second Team (1990); Three-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team (1982-84); NBA Rookie of the Year (1980); NBA All-Rookie Team (1980); Three-time NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986-88); Career-high in points: 60 (March 12, 1985) -- tied for franchise record with Jayson Tatum; Named NBA Coach of the Year (1998); and Named NBA Executive of the Year (2012). Larry Bird, was the first player to accomplish the 50-40-90 achievement, and one of two players to achieve the feat in multiple seasons. Career averages: 24.3 points per game 10.0 rebounds per game 6.3 assists per game 88.6% free throw percentage 49.6% field goal percentage 37.6% 3-point percentage Now we can't forget that Bird famously played with two injured ankles and a notoriously cranky back that forced him to lay down on the floor during practice breaks. After season-ending foot surgery just six games into the 1988-89 season. The final thing most are unaware of Larry Bird played with threats against his life.

He is greatest ever period usually get mugged while draining it

To me Bird is the GOAT. Jordan achieved greatness from his abnormal athletic ability. Bird achieved it with his mind. What Bird lacked in athletic ability he more than made up for it with his basketball IQ. Bird was by far the better defender, passer and shooter. Jordan never beat Bird as a player and when Bird was HC of the Pacers, he gave Jordan his toughest test in the finals. Those finals came down to a game 7 which the Bulls won by only 5 pts. Jordan has said it himself that once he incorporated trash talk into his game it took off and he learned how to trash talk and how to use it elevate his game from watching and playing against Bird. Larry Bird is not only 1 out of 3 players ever to win 3 MVPs in a row but he's the only player to ever win an MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year!

M If they both played today, it would be a contest between MJ and Bird who's going to win the most valuable player every year

Bro I tell you what, as a SG, Coop would lock JJ's ass for SURE as he said. And if it was within the hand check era, he wouldn't even touch the damn ball if Cooper wants. Dude was like a Tony Allen with a 3 point shot. Probably the first 3andD guy.

JJ needs some forearm love in an alley

I’ll take Prime Larry Legend over any other Prime Legend.

The 3 pointer was adopted from the ABA.

Larry was the 3 point king. May have been different if Pistol Pete had a 3 point line though.

during larry's high school and college years there was no 3 point shots. in fact the 3 point line did not come into the nba until 1980 and was considered a gimmick. and the 3 point contest did not start until 1986 and larry won that contest 3 times in a row. larry used the 3 point shot only as a dagger is correct.

I appreciate you❤

I love your enthusiasm your reaction videos put a smile on my face. And you make the best argument for Larry's greatness.

9:18 that interview was 2015. He would probably agree that curry is the best shooter now.

You're top2 is mj and larry? subbed

within their era - agreed Sitcheeation? Been there said that :)

Larry Bird played his career using choice. He chose to play 15pt games. He chose to play 30pt games. He chose to NOT get a Quadruple Double. He chose to play left handed. He chose to play through not 1, not 2, but THREE games with a broken face ...and won them all. He chose to score 60, where a moment took poace that has never happened before, never happened since, and will NEVER happen again(The Bird Night).

1980 nba all star game: 2 threes taken - Bird took both, hit one. 2023 nba all star game: 126. Theres your difference.

This has to be true for JJ to consider himself a better 3 Point Shooter than Bird. That's it! He can't be any more transparent. He's jealous and butthurt that to this day, people talk about a Legend who hasn't played in 30 years 1000 to 1 over talking about the Duke player. That's life brother; he was that much better than you!

The “ goat “ got his ASS busted out but the TOP 5 player ,,, EVER !

How many of the players that JJ Reddick refers to with more 3 pt makes and higher percentages only played in the era after the defensive rules changed (eliminating hand checking, zone defenses, defensive 3 seconds) which created an environment where 3-point shots are easier to make? Context is everything in that argument.

Here's the question - if you needed one person to make a shot, any shot - 2pt, 3pt or foul shout to win a game, who would you choose? If one of your top picks is not Larry Bird then you don't know anything about the game of basketball.

I got the same top two brother.