MOOKIE SAID HE DROPPING ATLEAST 40!!..NBA Legends Explain Why Larry Bird Would Destroy Today's NBA 

I wasn't a fan of bird at all, but I've never seen anyone as good as him. If you know you know. He would destroy today's NBA

Bird was pretty universally considered the best player of that era. No doubt Magic was incredible too.

I've been watching basketball for 35+ years since I was a little kid and I've never seen anyone play like him. He had a totally unique style that nobody has been able to copy

"Larry's not white. Larry's clear." - Bill Murray.

Larry would easily dominate any era. He's extremely smart. To fully understand him you have to watch his passing highlights. Then add all the other stuff on top of it. lol.

LB was averaging close to 30 in the 80's and still having to feed McHale and Parrish. Todays game, he is doing at least 37-38 if he wanted.

I think Larry Bird's primary goal was to make his team better, he constantly made everyone an integral part of every play even if a player was on the bench. When a player from the opposite team tried to stop Larry, that player(s) was essentially, taking on the entire Celtic's team, but they didn't know it. Bird knew where everyone was, at all times. A sign of a great leader.

I would say Larry would average 27 to 30 PPG. And that's because he'd be averaging way more assists. Larry almost always shared the wealth. There were times he would challenge himself to beat arena records or torch a player. And then sometimes late, take the game over like in the playoffs against Dominique and the Hawks when he scored 20 in the 4th. Dominique had 16. Larry said it was too bad somebody had to lose. Now if Larry wanted to, he would average 35 to 40 ppg. But that's not Larry. That's why he is Larry Legend.

30+ if he wanted to. He was all about team play, he got just as much fun with an assist as with a bucket. CLUTCH as hell as you saw the greats saying you KNEW he was going to take the shot, and you STILL could not stop him.

Bird is better than Magic.

You need to see the clip from Charles Barkley. Bird was muttering under his breath during the game and Charles heard him. During a timeout out he asked Larry what was wrong. Larry told Charles that the 76ers were being disrespectful for putting a white go on him. It was one of the few times Charles said he didn't know what to say back!😁

The 1980s had the highest concentration of all time best players over any period. No debate. During the 1980s, Larry Bird was the best. No debate among anyone at that time. He always led in rebounds though yes, others did got more. But... if he wanted to shoot, he dropped 50+. If he wanted to pass that night, he triple double. Think he's not complete? Ask his fellow HOF teammates who all say they're there because of Larry. Regardless, it's the clutch, the ability to win that puts Bird in a league all unto himself. "Stone Cold Killer." He'd ask the ballboys for the records in an opposing team's arena so he could break the records, him telling the media before the game, telling the opposing team's players, coaches & everyone what he was going to do. Larry Bird's retirement ceremony was sold out, & they didn't have a game that day. Study your history boys. Larry Legend is the GOAT.

They asked what a prime Larry Bird would average in today's game. well, he averaged 24 in his entire career, but prime Bird averaged over 30 in an era where they actually played defense. With very little 3 pointers. Today's game I really believe he could average at least 35. Could you imagine how many titles would have been won if MJ, Bird and Magic would have formed a super team. Their thought process was I want to Beat the best not join them. Basketball would be much better if today's players had that same mindset.

Magic said“BIRD is the GOAT”

he sort of grew up in a type of a hood and it was because local hotels a business locally employees who were black played basketball at outside courts and were much older would let larry play with them so not really a hood but the black players treated him great

As much as I hated LB back in the day (I'm a lifelong Pistons fan), I have always had absolute respect for him which only grows with passing time. He's easily one of the all-time greats.

The thing about the guys on the Atlanta bench is that they had already been destroyed by bird with him telling them what he was going to do and they could hear what he was telling the other guys while they were on the bench that's why they were laughing and falling

Magic called Bird the best player ever at Bird’s retirement ceremony. Of course Bird called Magic the best player as well.

Shooting and scoring from any and every platform, dribbling, passing, rebounding, defending, hustling. The Bird was in a class by himself.

Larry the legend was different in demeanor he had a high IQ* with a killer intent with a back up mentality second to none he was a son of a gun* Magic was you unique in passing skills like bird they both put winning in basketball* Magic leadership was in masterful taste deadly in action and traffic)( these two brothers change the game of fame to real entertainment that was seldom seen since the likes of Kareem* then came MJ that took the game to another stratosphere where the greats will always shine among the superstars of tomorrow*

I think it depends on who is on his team. If he on a team with a healthy steph and another great shooter, he drop what he need to in game or get like 25 assists haha.

It's hard to say what Bird's ppg would be. It would depend on the players he had around him. If he had two or three other scorers, he would likely have been a bit more like Magic, racking up massive assists, maybe 12 a game on his career. If he was the go-to guy, 35 ppg or more. But one thing is sure -- with the softer defenses, his FG% would have been significantly higher.

Bird was a better version of the Joker. He was a better passer, and a better, shooter, and a better ball handler, faster, quicker, and almost as tall, his rebounding numbers in a tougher more physical league say that he is likely just as good a rebounder. He smoked people in the 80s, he is cooking the league today. And that is coming from a Magic/Lakers fan.

He'd walk by the other team and say I feel like 49 tonight and do it.

Lakers fan here. Been a Lakers fan all my life and ima settle the debate between Magic and Larry right now. I put Larry Bird ahead of Magic. Yeah you heard right. Even as a Lakers fan, and even though Magic was my favorite player, Larry was better. It was close, but Bird was a better offensive threat plus a much, much better defender than Magic. Both belong in the top 5 ever list

I'm 52 and a basketball fan for 48 years! I grew up in CA watching Magic vs Bird. 1a. Bird 1b. Magic

I'm sure LB today in his retirement could hang in a 3-point competition with pro players. Amazing that he would tell the players and, the opposing bench and even tell coaches exactly what he would do and still score on them.🤣

Bird one word GOAT really enjoyed the video guys and your reaction was amazing

My Dream Team: Larry Bird and four other players HE chooses! Larry would be dropping at least 30 points every game...if he felt like doing it! Especially in today's cupcake league, he would have 30 by halftime!

You always need to consider if the player changed the game. If they did, then consider them to be one of the best. Very few modern players have done anything to change the game.

There was a kid who held up a sign by the basket one day at a game. It read "Larry Bird, Why are you so white"? It was so funny that the reporters were chuckling about it after the game.

I’ve watched a lot of Bird videos. This is one of the best. I don’t really think Larry would score too many more points in today’s league. I’ll say 30 ppg. The reason? His basketball IQ is high enough to know that distributing the ball throughout the offensive sets keeps everyone in the game and makes him lethal when needed the most. Great video. Like that you included former NBA players.

Bird anyone that can take one of the worst team to a contender for the championship. Then in his second season take to the championship. Bird swept Jordan back to back season. Give me Bird all day everyday.

Larry bird every day of the week, the true goat

Bird was on another level, a level not seen before or since. I watched him play at Boston Garden. I was sitting behind the basket and I saw him effortlessly weave and spin in and around 3 or 4 defenders who were close together and near the basket. It was like he knew how each would react in a chain reaction to his every move 3 or 4 steps ahead of everyone. I remember that to this day and my thought was - how the hell did he do that. He knew how to win. His clutch shooting broke the back of his opponents. His trash talking got in your head. His passing to team mates without looking at them over his head under or whatever looked like some magic trick, his will to win was unsurpassed and he could execute that will in so many different ways it made his opponents head spin. He was tough as nails and rose to the challenge and was just a cold blooded shooter. He was like the Jimmy Hendrix of basketball - playing his own game, the way he wanted, breaking boundaries of what was thought possible. He is the greatest player that has ever lived. He was the the living embodiment of absolute confidence and bone chilling execution. If he was in the game and the game was close he was in your head as you knew you couldn’t stop him.

I was blessed to see BIRD, from my Dad’s 12 row floor seats from ages 6 thru 15. I saw his greatness about 85 times total. I also watched his warm ups. I remember him practicing Free Throws while conducting a pre game interview. Me and several other youngsters around watched amused and counted, “16, 17 18”! As they swished through the net. He would smile and look over at us as he shot from the stripe 37 in a row (LEFTY). I also witnessed him grab a rebound in traffic in a Knicks playoff game, and throw a full court pass (lefty) about 75 ft dead on. He did this several times in other games. Nor only could no one do it then, but no one now would have the balls to. Let's put BIRD in today's game with no back to backs, better medical staff, better sneaker and athletic technology and a game that has sped up to about 10 more possessions a game. Let's also factor in BIRD would take about 7 to 10 more 3 balls a game. Now add in a league play style that does not promote defense and has made it easier for the offensive player. EX. No hand checking, Zone, flopping, poor weakside help defense by most teams, The Euro Step, (Adult travelling), Palming the ball and not being called for it, and just a general disdain for intense defense. These are all reasons the Refs make a ton of mistakes, because they don't know how to call the game consitanly anymore with all these Gimics. Now take BIRD, and tell him to focus on practicing the 3 ball, as it wasn't even a part of his routine. Add in that he has the best LEFT hand then anyone whoever played the game, I submit, he could outshot 60 percent of the league today lefty. Lastly, add in his one of a kind trash talking, he would even go into the opposing teams huddle & make sure the other Coach new what the play was. Let's be honest, their are a lot of EMO players in the game today that would be overwhelmed by his confidence. So what would BIRD do today? This is what would happen. 14:59 45/14/12 2.5 steals and 95 percent from the stripe! All while making everyone around him better. His game was so outstanding that THEY, said he wasn't athletic. Actually he was, but just because your not, the MOST, at something, doesn't mean you aren't. If he wasn't, then why was he embarrising even great players on a nightly basis? Remember, BIRD took a 29 win team to 61 wins in year 1, while beating out and winning ROY over MAGIC, who many consider a top 5 player, and who I love by the way. If this feet were done today, BIRD likely also would have won MVP as well. Their are few generational talents, and I respect the heck out of them, but that FACT is, BIRD is a GENERATIONS talent😀

No offence taken...we all know as white people that black players are more athletic we were just surprised like everyone else when we watched Bird play 😂 It's all love ❤

I wished Larry Bird was here in his prime and could play LeBron in his prime. I really think Bird would be a much better player. Those guys had very tough players back then, the league was much more contact back then. Actually, stats I've read, Bird had better stats than Jordan as well.

Bird stories are just legendary.

I think it's too close to call between Bird and Magic. If you're counting championship rings, then it goes to Magic who had 5 vs Bird's 3. If you're looking at fundamentals (ball handling, shooting, passing, playing under the basket, defense), I'd give an edge to Bird. But they were too similar in what made them great, court awareness (basketball IQ) and the use of misdirection, for me to choose between them.

It's not a matter of what he would average in today's game, because he would be able to average any amount he wanted too. It's a matter of no team would be able to stand against him. Bird was able to contort his body any way he wanted and still make the shot. He would have half the opposing team fouled out of the game before halftime with all the tic tac calls they make today. His passing skills would translate perfectly into today's game and his trash talking would leave these man-children of today's game curled up in the fetal position on the floor. But most of all his 3 point game would devastate everyone.

Many players were much faster with their feet But nobody was faster with their mind Like Gretzky…Bird’s instincts allowed him to see the future and his confidence was ready to face it

Between Bird or Magic I gota sit down on this one cuz I love them both 😊

Magic himself, said Larry was the best ever to play the game.

Magiic & Bird were and are best friends... Two badasses on the court. Period.

If Larry Legend had 15 healthy seasons he would still be in MJ's nightmares.

I think Atlanta's bench displayed real sportsmanship. They have my respect.

Think about it. Larry Bird Harley practice his three-point shot. The 3-point shot didn't exist during his high school or college career

I grew up a fan of Dr. J, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan, but the player who could beat you the most ways with the most skills was Larry Bird. Bird had the best combination of inside scoring, mid-range scoring, 3-point scoring, passing, rebounding, defense, basketball IQ, trash talking, work ethic, clutch performance, and leadership. Bird had it all from day 1 in the NBA. The others gained some of these things after several years. Bird was the Batman of the NBA. He was always several moves ahead of the competition, best clutch shooter of all-time, #2 all-time with winning percentage (Jordan is #40), he had the passing gift, and he could beat you more ways than just shooting. Jordan was dangerous when he had the ball. Bird was always dangerous - with or without the ball. Bird is top three all-time with Jordan and LeBron, but Bird is the best small forward of all-time. Hands down. "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird." - Legendary Lakers Coach Pat Riley “I would much rather guard Michael Jordan than Larry Bird, because you have to play the game as a thinker when you’re playing [Bird]. You have to get inside his mind. Larry wasn’t quick, he couldn’t jump really high, but there were just some sleepless nights.” -James Worthy on Larry Bird, via ESPN SportsCentury " The difference between Jordan and Bird was that Jordan made you look slow, Bird made you look stupid. " - James Worthy “Larry Bird can’t jump, and he’s not that quick… But he makes up for it by using his head, analyzing the opponent. It makes him better than the competition… Consequently, he doesn’t have a weakness.” - Michael Jordan

Honestly, Magic had more help. Magic was on a stronger team. Larry was the Celtic team.

During Larry Legends' prime years, he was averaging 28.1 points per game. In my opinion, in today's NBA, he would average at least 38 points per game. In his prime, he was playing against the defensive monsters / legends of the game. Additionally the 3 point shot came into existence in Birds rookie season and was generally used as a tactical shot in the 4th quarter. Today's players shoot the 3 at will averaging over 10 shots a game. Finally, in Birds day, players got hammered, jerseys and held body checked. With the current soft / touch fouls that are called, Larry would feast at the free throw line. Bird was over a 90% free-throw shooter and at one point made 71 consecutive shoots from the charity stripe.

We watched those games back in the 80's...best Basketball time ever. Don't think about who is best, just love them both.

What do you mean "He ain't doin' that in today's game?" He would be league MVP every damn year! They couldn't stop him in his era, you think these powder puff defenses could stop him? Be serious bro. You can't even breathe on a player today. He'd average 35 a game today. With his talent? All they know how to do is shoot 3's in today's game. He'd blow away everyone including Curry from three-point-land. Bird only averaged about four shots a game from behind the arc. Can you imagine Larry yanking about 15-20 bombs a game today. And half the time he'd fake the defense out from three-land. They'd think he was gonna launch one, and instead he'd fire a missle pass to whoever is standing under the basket. Easy two points, another assist for Bird. Yes, Larry Legend would average 35 points, 15 assists, 15 rebounds, probably 5-6 steals and a block or two. He's just got more talent than anyone today. Period! The one thing he'd have to watch is hi league-leading trash talking because today everybody's so soft, so he'd most likely get tossed a lot...

I'm 60, and i saw a lot of Birds Games, and I HATED HIM WITH PASSION.....I was a 76ers Fan, But Man if he was on my Team i'da Loved Him..... The Reason I Hated Him is cause He'd Find a way To Win the Game!!! Respect!!!

He’ll score at least 35-40 points with todays rule. If he have the ball you can’t touch him. He’ll be scoring 3s every bucket he make. The GOAT.

They were both great and I watched either any chance I got while growing up in the 70s\80s - I also have to give the edge to Bird. He could control a game by himself, even if he was having an off game. Magic went to the finals his rookie year, but the voters still gave Bird the vote for Rookie of the Year 66-2. It was evident to everyone during his day.

That last highlight with Larry against Benson reminded me that Benson was the reason for Larry leaving Indiana and ending up playing at Indiana State. Larry never forgot how Benson treated him and he took extra delight in making Benson look silly in the pros.

French Lick is a small town in the hills of southern Indiana,but it had a big hotel/spa/casino that paid well in the summer, so a lot of guys from Louisville would work over the summer at the hotel. That’s who Bird would play against in high school, black men from Louisville. Of *course* he knew how to trash talk.

Larry Bird was the baddest White boy to ever play the game. He got that way from playing with Black players in Indiana as he was growing up. It was a huge disadvantage for him to begin with 'ball'n while White'. He worked very hard to achieve what he did when there's no doubt that Basketball is, and will always be, a Black person's game first and foremost. So... when you see him out there "shoe shining" like Magic said 😂, he definitely deserves the praise.

In todays game Bird would score however many he needed to win the game. Complete player. Great video guys

Bird's ball fakes alone would make him lethal in today's NBA. His ball fakes would create space for him to either shoot wide open....drive to the basket...or pass the ball. Bird was lethal/a killer.

I'm gonna say about Magic and Bird.. both amazing, are friends now.. they have respect for each other and we should all respect both.

I was born in '78, so I remember the 2nd half of Bird & Magics careers. They were both great, but Bird was always my man. Im an east coast guy & always will be.

LOVE the reaction!! :) ♥ “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13

Bird and Magic were so awesome. Not a matter of who was better. Just two sides of the coin. Great players, great competitors

Love you two guys great video and commentary I love watching Larry Bird and magic Johnson

If Larry doesn't get AT LEAST his number in the league today he is having an off night. Either that or he's making his teammates better.

Depends on the team. If he was on a crummy team then 35-40. On a good team 25-30. He could score more if he wanted but he wanted other guys involved.

Bird could pass, shoot the lights out and rebound better than center's. Magic was great but bird was better.

I think the ICEMAN Gervin was the first Curry. Bird had the same mentality... As for Bird it Depends on the team around him same as then. On a contender he'll do enough to win just like he did back then. on a BAD TEAM 45-50 like he did in college. his mental games and toughness plus now-a-days you can't touch him. today he would have grown up shooting the three instead of learning how to shoot three's half way through his basketball life. plus he passes like Magic and REBOUNDS THE BALL he averaged 10 a game for his career. and lets not forget the fact many of his offensive rebounds and assists came off of just a tap in the right direction. Dude was the most cerebral player ever... he won games before they started. In '86 all he had to do was show up and the C's won.

I watched Bird when h played. He was, and still is , my favorite player. I loved watching Magic, MJ, Doc Rivers, Kareem, and many more, but Bird was and still is the best player. In todays NBA, with all the sissies and touch fouls, Bird would dominate most if not all scoring catagories. Bird would probably also get the league MVP a few more times as well. I'd say he would score around 35-40 a game and run up his total for triple doubles quite a bit.

I've said many times the step back needs to be named the bird 🐦, glad I grew up and got to watch him play in real time BBALL IQ OFF THE CHARTS and Oh larry didn't want no white guy guarding him he said the best players was the black players #LB33 🐦💚☘🏀🔥 we miss you on the court

The real question is what would have happened if Bird never injured his back. I'm sure it made it many times more difficult, and he kept the same energy until he retired.

I love Magic, and couldn't stand Bird in my teens watching them live. Until I got in my 40s looking back, its most definitely Bird. He was that guy.

Bird was an assassin with a B.B. just 2 steps ahead of everyone else , always drawing up a plan every second . I'm a 60 's mate and watched Bird play ▶️ he was always on fire 🔥 and dominated his achievements proud of Larry, yes , I put him at 40 in today's B.B. league but 80's rules . 😅

I really enjoyed your reaction. As being a woman of a certain age and living an hour from Boston Larry was the real deal never missed a game. Excuse the expression I just thought he was just magic on the court.

Stone cold, Larry Bird. Magic to hell of a player I'll give him his Props was fortunate enough to watch both these Gentlemen, play through college and the NB. A

When Larry Bird was growing up, he would get home from school and there's a hotel where he used to play basketball with the black guys who worked at the hotel, they were always pla6ing basketball around that time and let him play with them, and he tells about this, and that's how he learned To play, And I would say larry would probably average between thirty- forty per game.

He played growing up playing against black guys who bird felt thankful they let him play with them. As he became a senior after playing hoops with them they were having beers and one of the black players said we think you could go far… Larry said yeah but if you were trying I wouldn’t stack up. Another black guy said we are playing hard . We can’t stop you!

They both saved the NBA. Every player after should be thankful.

"He's got no shot"....Classic and pretty much somes up everybody tasked to defend him. And there's zero hope if there's any building records he fancied.

Bird, Magic, Dr.J and Moses were so much fun to watch 👍

One thing they never mention with this sort of question is Bird's trash talk and the modern game's meta of drawing fouls. Bird would get so many more people carded out today.

Glad to see you reacting and sharing as far as the question of could Larry play in this era or not ? Two things you got to consider. One is that Larry had something really terrible happened to him as a young man and he powered through it. The other is what we really need to be talking about is franchise playing because Larry was one steal away from a quad and he sat down cuz the game was in the back. When you are playing for the franchise you're playing with your brothers and you are playing for the team not your own Glory. Do you know what magic wrote on the Lakers jersey that he gave to Larry at his retirement if you don't know these things then watch a courtship of rivals and that will shock you might make you cry a little bit

Bird would be dropping 50 on these chumps today. Im 61 and watched him go crazy every game. He was incredible. He could do everything.

Bird for sure. And I just love Magic! But...Bird!

Bird is the ALL-TIME Greatest Trash Talker - PERIOD!

One of my favorite quotes from a player during that era was from James Worthy: “Jordan made you look slow. Larry Bird made you look stupid.”

1. Michael 2. Bird 3. Magic In todays game I would bet Larry would Average, 28/10/12 and occasionally 2-3 steals. And of course a handful of 3pt shootout titles.

“Magic was crazy TEWW” 😭 Baltimore accent kills me

Magic definitely had a better Smile but Bird had a Legendary Grin and i love em Both

My uncle grew up with DrJ who played with the Sixers. So I was about 13 or so,and my uncle got great tickets from Erving to see them play against the Celtics. Larry Bird... in Philly, put up 52... all with his left hand. Because he could.

Yes, YES, Yes . . . . . . . 🐐Larry🏀Legend🐐 is Clear🐐🏀🐐 CLEARly, The NBA 🐐G.O.A.T.🐐

Theres 7 players in the goat convo for me. Jordan, Wilt, Russell, Kareem, Magic, LeBron, and Bird. What makes bird different is that he was the best at every facet of the game. Defensively, offensively, leadership, mentality. Dude had it all. AND he's 6'11.

Are there better shooters than Bird? Yes. Are there better passers than Bird? Yes. Are there better rebounders than Bird? Yes. Are there better defenders than Bird? Yes. Is there a better shooter AND passer AND rebounder AND defender than Bird? No. The year before Bird arrived, the Celtics went 29-53. The year after Bird arrived, the Celtics went 61-21. A 29-53 team needs EVERYTHING. And EVERYTHING is what Larry Bird can do better than anyone.

High respect for both!

Bird's game is one of the few that will never be recreated. Pistol Pete, MJ, Magic, Kareem, etc. Bird would drop 30+ today, with 12 & 12. 90%/50%/40% Club. One of the top defenders ever. One of the most clutch performers ever. If the 3pt shot was as popular in the 80s, Bird would have every 3pt record today. "Larry, if you hit five 3's a game, which you easily could, you would hold an NBA record for eternity." Larry(paraphrasing): _"If I _*_needed_*_ to shoot that many, I would have."_

Bird can score at will any era. But he always got his team involved. He didn’t need to put up 40 a night.

Dude....the bad pass under the net from his team mate, almost falls out of bounds on the base line, collects the ball, starts falling, looks up....OVER THE BACKBOARD FROM BEHIND IT....launched a 15 foot arc OVER the backboard and swishes it! The level of focus to keep track of where the net was in relation to your position in real time is ludicrous. Never mind the fact he did that while taking a shot from BEHIND the board, which, if you're paying attention, isn't really a thing in basketball 🤔. But for Larry Legend, it's just him adjusting in real time and putting the damn ball in the net. Unforgettable.

Appreciate the honesty.