Vaughn's World (Sports Edition): How Larry Bird would dominate today's NBA

The most common criticism about Larry Bird among modern NBA fans is that he was "slow, unathletic white guy that cannot survive in today's game". That is a hilarious commentary I have heard and read because Larry was very cerebral. Larry Bird was cut from a unique mold, one that we have not seen before or will ever see again. He had a variety of ways to destroy the defense. Larry could hit shots from the inside, close range, mid-range, long-range, from beyond the three-point line, posting up, driving, and from the foul line with his precise free throw shooting. Larry was also a master of off-ball offense, with the catch and shoot game, as well as creating his own shot. His footwork without the ball made it harder for defensive assignments. Bird's form, along with his height was a combination that was hard for others to defend. The slightest pump fake would completely throw even the best defenders off guard. Bird's overall IQ was legendary. He knew how to control the game in many different ways, from his scoring, rebounding, as well as his passing. Larry's playmaking and versatility were among the best at that time, along with Magic Johnson. His passing skills still stand the tests of time. He was great at anticipating plays. A perfect example was when he stole the inbounds pass from Isaiah Thomas to pass to Dennis Johnson for the game-winning layup in the 1987 ECF. His toughness and resilience were legendary as well. The way that he fought through pain is what added more to his legacy. In spite of a finger injury before entering the NBA, Larry was still able to shoot 40% from behind the arc in 6 different seasons. Larry was the first player in NBA history to shoot 50% or better on his field goals, 40% or higher on 3-pointers, and 90% or higher on free-throws, in a single season. Players like Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash have since done that. Bird is the only player in NBA History to do this while averaging more than 25 ppg, as he did it twice (1987-28.1, 1988-29.9) Even though his prime was cut short because of back injuries, that never diminished the impact that he made. Too many people rank him too low, because of his lack of mobility during his final years while playing with a career-ending back injury. Larry has faced a "Who's Who?" of great players who were more athletic than him, who could also defend.

Profile:
6'9"
220 lbs

NBA Career: 1979-1992 (Boston Celtics)

"Larry Legend"
"Hick From French Lick"

Accolades:
3x NBA Champion (1981, '84, '86)
3x NBA MVP (1984-86)
2x NBA Finals MVP ('84, '86)
12x NBA All-Star ('80-'88, '90-'92)
9x All-NBA 1st Team ('80-'88)
All-NBA 2nd Team ('90)
3x All-Defensive 2nd Team (1982-84)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
All-Rookie 1st Team (1980)
All-Star Game MVP (1982)
3x Three-Point Shootout Champion (1986-88)
Olympic Gold Medalist (1992)

Statistics:

Regular Season:
Games: 897
PPG: 24.3
RPG: 10.0
APG: 6.3
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 0.8
FG%: 49.6%
3PT%: 37.6%
FT: 88.6%
TPG: 3.1
59 Triple-Doubles (5th All-Time)

Playoffs:
Games: 164
PPG: 23.8
RPG: 10.3
APG: 6.5
SPG: 1.8
BPG: 0.9
FG%: 47.2%
3PT%: 32.1%
FT%: 89.0%
TPG: 3.1
10 Triple-Doubles (3rd All-Time)

Finals:
Games: 31
PPG: 23.1
RPG: 11.7
APG: 6.0
SPG: 2.0
BPG: 0.8
FG%: 46.0%
3PT%: 42.0%
FT%: 87.0%
2 Triple-Doubles

Here are those who defended Larry:

Dennis Rodman (SF/PF):

6'7"
220 lbs
2x NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1991)
7x All-Defensive 1st Team (1989-1993, 1995-1996)
All-Defensive 2nd Team (1994)

Dennis Rodman is regarded as one of the greatest defensive players ever. He was a great natural all-around athlete in his prime, because of his strength, agility, and quickness. Rodman's trademarks were his defensive hustle, mind games, and dirty work. Dennis covered all ground as he could defend all 5 positions. His main assignment was to neutralize the opponent's best player. (Ex: Karl Malone)

However, even a Defensive menace like Dennis (no pun intended) could not completely stop Bird. Larry was able to use his intelligence, quickness and ability to drive and finish against a superior athlete. Bird also had enough strength to back Rodman down in the paint. This is the same guy that bulked up later in his career to guard players like Charles Barkley, Karl Malone to even Shaq himself. Bird bullied him around.

Cliff Robinson (F/C):
6'10"
225 lbs

2x NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (2000, 2002)

Cliff Robinson was tall, athletic, strong and very mobile. His size helped him guard both the paint and the perimeter. He was a solid to good defender throughout his career but was overshadowed.

Cliff was only able to play with an injured, older version of Larry Bird who was past his prime. However, even a broken down version of Larry with back problems, destroyed the younger, more athletic Cliff Robinson. Robinson played the best defense he could play, but Bird still destroyed him. A Prime version of Bird would have annihilated him even more. Robinson was regarded as one of the best defenders of that era!

Scottie Pippen (SF):

6'8"
210-228 lbs

8x NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (1992-1999)
2x NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (1991, 2000)

Scottie Pippen is widely considered to be one of the best defenders ever. Pippen was a brilliant athlete. Scottie's reach made him very versatile, as he was able to guard multiple positions. His long arms helped him cover plenty of ground. Pippen's strength on defense was staying in front of his assignment at all times. He could also guard in the post. He also had great defensive hand speed.

Pippen was just coming into his prime, as Larry's career was coming to a close, with a broken down body. Scottie was a rookie during Bird's last prime season. Even with the baggage, Bird was still able to get the best of Scottie from time to time, even when he lost the ounce of quickness and mobility that helped him get through the 80's. Clearly, Bird was a shell of his former self in the 90's.

However, Bird was able to still move around to score from screens, as well as fake a defensive genius and amazing athlete like Scottie. Larry was able to break him down in the post and light him up outside.

Dominique Wilkins (SF):

6'8"
215-230 lbs

Dominique was freakishly athletic, as he is one of the best pure athletes in NBA history. Wilkins was never regarded as a defensive wizard, but his athleticism helped him to be solid at best.

Regardless of 'Nique's defensive weakness, Larry was going up against one of the greatest athletic players the NBA has ever witnessed, and dominated most of the time. (Ex: The Battle in the 1988 ECSF- Game 7)

Dominique was well known for his 42" vertical. Bird was still able to make him look silly, with his quick pump fakes, faking Nique out of his sneakers. Larry even torched him and the Hawks for a career-high 60 points in 1985.

Horace Grant (PF/C):

6'10"
245 lbs

4x NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (1993-1996)

Horace Grant was best at guarding the post. Horace was a big man who knew how to move very well. Grant's strength and size helped his defensive play. He was a decent shot-blocker with his presence in the low post.

The Bulls rotated their defensive assignments, where they even used Grant to guard Bird because of his size advantage, and mobility. Larry still had his way with Horace in the post, and dominated him even more on the outside.

Bobby Jones (SF/PF):

6'9"
210 lbs.

8x NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (1977-1984)
NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (1985)

Bobby Jones was a great on-ball defender, as well as guarding the post. Bobby's long arms helped him even more on defense. Jones used hustle and determination as a defender. He was a key part of the Sixers defense for the 1983 championship season.

Bobby was great at locking down players, because of his excellent awareness on defense, height and athleticism. However, not even Jones' great D could shut down Larry's superior offense. Larry was able to have his way with Bobby from everywhere, including the 3pt line.

Larry used a series of pump fakes, post ups, and drives to throw Jones off.

Michael Cooper (SG):

6'5"
170 lbs.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1987)
5x NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (1982, 1984-1985, 1987-1988)
3x NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (1981, 1983, 1986)

Michael Cooper is one of the greatest perimeter defenders of all-time. The Lakers put Cooper on many of the best perimeter players, because of his conditioning and athleticism. Cooper was the weapon that the Lakers used to shut down the opponent's best scorer. With all of that being said, he was clearly one of the best man-to-man defenders before the likes of Scottie Pippen, Gary Payton and even MJ himself.

Michael Cooper's stamina and quickness made him sharp enough to guard a player of Larry Bird's caliber. Michael studied Larry more than any other player. Bird considers Cooper the best defender that he ever played against. In spite of being four inches shorter and 50 pounds lighter, Coop was always able to keep Bird out of position with his terrific man-to-man D.

However, excellent O beats great D anytime. Larry's unstoppable Offense was able to counter Cooper's amazing Defense. Bird used his size and strength advantage to destroy Coop in the post.

Michael Jordan (SG):

6'6"
195-216 lbs.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
9x NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (1988-1993, 1996-1998)

Michael Jordan was exceptional and dominant on the Defensive End, just like he was on Offense. His unmatched athleticism, strength and relentless man-to-man D made him a force to be reckoned with. Jordan was able to cover all ground as a defender, especially when he was younger. He was a master pick-pocket, as he led the league in steals three times (1988, '90, '93), and knew how to stifle the opposing player. Jordan was also a great shot-blocker at his position.

Jordan in the 80's and early 90's was an athletic savage, and a defensive beast. He had better reflexes and reaction time to help him respond on defense. This was the same defense that gave players like Magic Johnson a hard time (1991 NBA Finals). However, even this version of Jordan had a hard time shutting down Larry Bird. Larry was the one guy who can make a strong case in saying that he outplayed Michael "Air" Jordan. As amazing as Michael was on D, Larry actually burnt him a few times. Bird used his size advantage to post up MJ and pretty much scored with ease. Even an athletic freak could not stop that.

Julius Erving (SF/SG):

6'7"
210 lbs

Dr. J was another great athletic player that Larry Bird battled with. Julius Erving was very underrated defensively. His greatest strengths were help defense, playing passing lanes and shot blocking. His on-ball defense was solid at best. Not exceptional, but solid.

Larry never went up against the Dr. in his absolute prime (ABA), but Julius was always in tremendous shape. However, Erving's athletic superiority did not stop him from getting torched by Bird.

James Worthy (SF):

6'9"
225 lbs

Worthy was a nice, athletic defender who was Bird's size and played his position. The Lakers rotated assignments, where they would switch between Michael Cooper and Worthy to guard Larry. Even though James did not play the intense D that Cooper played, he was still very solid. However, Bird's superior offense beat Worthy's defense.

During the Finals, James Worthy played with the classic old school defense, where you can grab a player's jersey. James nearly ripped it. Bird used his off-ball movement to get around him to get off his shot, as well as drive through him.

Rodney McCray (SF):

6'7"
220 lbs

NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (1988)
NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (1987)

Rodney McCray is said to have been an often overlooked defender in NBA history, especially with the era that he played in. McCray had a pretty good stretch from the mid-late 80's, early 90's.

McCray was the primary defensive assignment the Rockets used on Larry Bird during the 1986 NBA Finals, because of his position (SF). In spite of his good defense, like others he could not contain Bird. In spite of the frontcourt combo of McCray, Hakeem and Sampson, Larry still averaged roughly a Triple-Double in that series, if you round up the numbers.

Jerome Kersey (SF):
6'7"
215 lbs

Jerome Kersey's strength, power and athleticism helped him to become a pretty decent defender. However, even with his physical gifts, Bird still knew how to burn him. Larry punished him with a combination of post moves, ball fakes, shooting in his face. game winners, etc., to prove once again that great athletic defenders could not stop him.

Clyde Drexler (SG):
6'7"
210-220 lbs.

Clyde Drexler was another spectacular athlete during that era. He was a very solid and underrated defender at the time. Drexler was one of the other Blazers (along with Cliff Robinson, Jerome Kersey) that were used in rotations to defend Larry Bird.

However, Larry proved that if he could torch players like MJ, Dominique, Doc, and others, Drexler would be no different.

Hakeem Olajuwon (C):
7'0"
255 lbs

NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1993, 1994)
5x NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (1987, 1988, '90, '93, '94)
3x NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team ('91, '96, '97)

Phenomenal Athlete and Defender. Hakeem Olajuwon was not only one of the premier shot-blockers of his generation, but clearly one of the best pure defenders of all-time. His footwork, speed, agility, reach and athleticism helped him to become one of the more versatile defenders ever. Olajuwon could cover both the post, and the perimeter. The Rockets used his versatility to help guard Bird during the 1986 NBA Finals.

However, the younger, more explosive and athletic Olajuwon could not contain Larry's unstoppable offense. Bird would either destroy him in the post, use ball fakes, or catch him off guard with a mid range jumper. Bird's catch and shoot abilities were too much for anyone, including Hakeem.

Now, time to move on to some of the best defenders of the Modern Era.

Modern Era Defenders:

Bruce Bowen (SF):
6'7"
200 lbs.

5x NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (2004-2008)
3x NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (2001-2003)

Bruce Bowen was one of the premier defenders of the past decade. He would actually do a great job at guarding Bird through man-to-man defense, and keeping up with him on screens. He was San Antonio's key perimeter defender.

However, Larry would use his significant size advantage in both height, and weight, to punish him in the post, and shoot over him. Bowen's tactics would not frustrate Bird at all, because he went through even worse in the 80's. Bird faced dirty defensive tactics on a regular basis.

Tony Allen (SG):
6'4"
213 lbs.

2x NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (2012, 2013)
1x NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (2011)

Tony Allen is without question, among the top perimeter defenders today in the NBA. Allen is a smart, strong defender who can keep others out of position, but he is not strong enough to move Bird. Larry would simply have his way the entire game with Allen, and light him up like he has done to others like Drexler, MJ, Cooper and others.

Shane Battier (SF):
6'8"
220 lbs.

2x NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (2008, 2009)

Shane Battier is widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders the game has recently seen. Shane is best known as being an aggressive and smart defender.

Battier would keep up with Bird man-to-man, but Larry's size advantage would be a major problem for him. Bird would either shoot over him, or damage him down low in the post.

Andre Iguodala (SF):

Andre's athleticism helps him to be a really good defender, but Larry has faced this challenge time and time again during the 80's. Bird has often conquered this challenge as well.

Iggy would become yet another notch on Larry Bird's belt.

Josh Smith (PF):
6'9"
225 lbs

1x NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (2010)

Josh Smith is a great athletic, shotblocker who could play some nice D.

Overall, Bird has seen it before and would torch him.

Kevin Garnett (PF):
6'11"
240 lbs.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008)
9x NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (2000-2005, 2008, 2009-2011)
3x NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (2006, 2007, 2012)

Kevin Garnett would be a serious threat to Larry, because of his height advantage, mobility, reach, mobility, athleticism, defensive ability, strength and of course, intensity. Like Olajuwon, Garnett could cover plenty of ground on both the post and parts of the perimeter. These are two areas where Bird is the most dangerous.

However, Bird would outsmart him through screens, and his tremendous off-ball offense (catch and shoot) along with Larry's great all-around game.

Tayshaun Prince (SF):
6'9"
215 lbs.

4x NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (2005-2008)

Like Pippen and Rodman, Prince has never been a great offensive player, but an amazing defender with great length.

Tayshaun would be solid at best, but like those before him, he falls to Bird. Nothing new for Larry Legend.

Kobe Bryant (SG):
6'6"
200 lbs.

9x NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (2000, 2003-2011)

In his prime, he was a very willing defender who had more energy. Bird would use the same tricks that he used to burn Jordan. In fact, Larry would destroy and outplay him worse than he did MJ.

LeBron James (SF):
6'8"
240-250 lbs.

5x NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (2009-2013)

LeBron is clearly the best perimeter defender in the NBA right now. He is great at locking down is assignment man-to-man, and can do serious damage as a team defender as well. You can also add that he is one of the best athletes that the NBA has ever had.

LeBron would challenge Larry in all areas from the perimeter to the post. LeBron's athleticism and quickness helps him with his defensive slides, which will give Bird problems on the outside. His strength will throw Bird out of position down low in the post. Larry would then be forced to take bad shots, but Bird has proven that he could make even the toughest shots. Bird would neutralize James by posting him up outside near the 3 point line.

James has also had a reputation of being mentally-weak. Bird's greatest advantage was his mind, which is where he would pick LeBron apart.

Bird may have his fair share of off-shooting nights like everyone does. However, his numbers would still find room to be enhanced.

At 6'9" Bird was considered to be very tall for his position. In fact, the NBA was at its peak in terms of height in the 80's. (1987 is considered to be the tallest year in NBA history)

Like Jordan, when Bird went past the best perimeter defenders, he faced some of the most bruising, physical interior defenders (Centers/Power Forwards) in NBA history.

Unlike today, the paint was ruled and protected by taller and superior Centers, playing great aggressive Defense. The paint was guarded by real Enforcers.

Players included:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Moses Malone
Patrick Ewing
Buck Williams
Karl Malone

Charles Barkley
Hakeem Olajuwon
Bill Laimbeer
Ralph Sampson
Mark Eaton
Rick Mahorn
Artis Gilmore
Jack Sikma
Joe Carroll
Maurice Lucas

The 80's NBA was clearly much, much tougher. There was no entitlement given, because the league did not give superstar treatment. Players were called for traveling, and carrying (unlike now), and the refs let them play their game without blowing the whistle on the slightest touch. In today's game, players would get called for a foul by just laying a finger on someone or even by how they look at the ref. Hard fouls were a normal part of the game, defenders scratched, clawed, pushed and held players back while using every trick necessary. Players got knocked on the floor on a regular basis. This is what made the game that much more exciting, because you had to find a way to score against intense physical resistance. This was the definition of "Old School Basketball".

Bird would exploit the holes of every zone defense that would come his way in today's game with his shooting and passing. If opponents chose to double or triple team him, Bird would use his spectacular court vision to find someone for an easy basket. Just ask Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish, Dennis Johnson, and others.

Larry Bird pretty much never had to have the duties of the main ball-handler. Many occasions, he played the point-forward role before it was ever recognized, and before it was popularized by Scottie Pippen and LeBron James. Bird was a great ball-handler without being a point guard.

Bird never had to carry that load, because he played with legit PG's and great passers such as Nate "Tiny" Archibald, Dennis Johnson, and Danny Ainge.

Despite those things, Bird still averaged 6.3 APG for his career, while only having half the turnovers (3.1 TO per game). His assist average peaked at 7.6 APG. Bird also had his own flair to passing.

Bird was a superb rebounder for his position. Bird's rebounding average peaked at 11.0 RPG, while averaging 10.0 RPG for his career.

As it has been said countless times before, Bird was not full of athleticism (or at least great athleticism), but his rebounding ability was exceptional.

His strength, basketball I.Q., and ability to anticipate made up for any other deficiencies in his game. He knew where the ball was going when the shot bounced off the rim. A perfect example of that would be in the 1981 NBA Finals. Bird took a shot from long range. When the ball was moving to the basket, he moved immediately to the paint, so that when it missed, he was able to jump up and tip it in. That is a perfect example of I.Q, and anticipation.

When it comes to defense, Larry Bird is very underrated in that area as well.

Although he did not have great lateral quickness and was never a lock-down defender, his ability to anticipate helped him to steall the ball, intercept in passing lanes, cause turnovers and block shots.

He was great team defender, especially on the perimeter.

When Bird roamed around the perimeter, he caused major problems because he caught the opposing players off guard. Bird could be a threat in the passing lanes, or he could allow his man to drive past him so that he could block from behind. This is an underrated strategy overall.

Bird was also consistent defending in the post.

The 80's was stacked with great small forwards:
Juliius Erviing
Dominique Wilkins
Alex English
Adrian Dantley
Mark Aguirre
Bernard King
James Worthy
Kiki Vandeweghe

And many others.

The fact that Bird won most of his matchups in spite of a great team, is a testament to how special he was as a player. He also won 3 defensive teams in a decade with great perimeter defenders.

Bird's value was remarkable, because of his leadership and ability to make teammates better. Robert Parrish, and Kevin McHale became recognizable and HOF'ers, because they played with a transcendent player like Larry Bird. I am not knocking the players that Bird had, but I am simply saying that he made a huge difference. Neither of those players were ever in the same discussion for MVP as Larry.

As good as Robert Parish was, if he stayed in Golden State, I doubt that he would have the legacy that he had if not for Bird.

Kevin McHale started off as a great sixth man, but his abilities were enhanced by playing with Larry.

Even though Dennis Johnson won a championship (Finals MVP) with the Sonics (1979), his legacy was finally cemented when he played for the Celtics.

Although Bill Walton led the Blazers to their first and only NBA championship (1977), his career was sabotaged because of injuries. He also floundered with the Clippers. His career was revived and reinvented when he played with Bird in Boston as a Sixth Man.

As I have mentioned before, Bird's value should not be overlooked. In 1979, the Boston Celtics only won 29 games, the second worst in the league. However, in Bird's rookie season (1980) the Celtics made a 32 game improvement (61-21) which was the best record in the league. McHale and Parrish had yet to arrive.

In 1988, the Celtics when 57-25 (1st in East, 2nd in NBA behind Lakers). In 1989, when Bird was out with injury, they dropped to 42-40. When he returned the following year (1990) they improved to 52-30, even though he was a shell of the player that he once was.

The 80's has to probably be the strongest era of competition in NBA history. The 90's was an extension of that Decade. This is considered by many to be the Golden Era of Basketball, and for very good reason.

There were almost virtually no bad teams that you could think of (maybe a few you could count on a few fingers)

This era was loaded with deep teams, legacies, and stacked with phenomenal players. This was a time where the NBA truly reigned supreme.

Besides titles, the greatest testament to Bird's game and value is the fact that he won 3 MVP's in a row in the same league with Magic, Kareem, Jordan, Erving, Moses, Isiah, Dominique, Hakeem, and others. That alone is noteworthy.

Bird danced with Wolves (not like the movie), but he survived and conquered them all.

Larry Bird was the ultimate example of toughness. He was a general who fought through pain (Broken fingers, several back injuries, foot problems, broken jaw, fevers, broken nose, whatever). Bird went on, because he knew that it was his job. He was not one who wanted attention for his injuries.

He was never a flopper, or a cry baby searching for a foul. He got up after hard fouls, and after having stitches.

Bird fit the definition of "clutch player". Pressure was nothing for Larry Legend, because he always excelled in big situations. Gamewinners, and buzzerbeaters were normal for him. People get excited today, when they replay them on ESPN, but for Larry it was another day in the office.

Bird was one of the greatest clutch performers ever, along with players like Michael Jordan and Jerry West. Larry was clutch on both offense and defense.

In fact, he also knew how to put his teams in the best position to win.

Here are Projected Stats for Bird in Today's Era:
PPG: 29.0 (Career-High: 32.7)
RPG: 12.0 (Career-High: 15.0)
APG: 7.0 (Career-High: 9.0)
SPG: 2.0 (Career-High: 2.6)
BPG: 1.3 (Career-High: 1.7)
FG%: 50.7 (Career-High: 54%)
3PT%: 39.7 (Career-High: 45%)
FT%: 89 (Career-High: 92%)
100 Triple-Doubles

These are mere projections of what Bird would do. Larry would have a field day in today's NBA.

Larry Bird will always be TIMELESS!

Highlights of Bird's Dominance: