Larry Bird Biography | Professional Basketball Player and Coach

Larry Joe Bird

Born: December 7, 1956
Place of Birth: West Baden, Indiana

Major Notes:

Larry Bird is considered as one of professional basketball's greatest players who helped revolutionize the game.
He was first noted for his basketball skills when playing for Springs Valley High School.
At Indiana University, Larry Bird excelled in basketball winning the Naismith and Wooden awards given to the best male player.
Bird entered the NBA joining the Boston Celtics in 1979 with the largest contract ever paid to a rookie at that time.
In his first season with the team, the Celtics were turned virtually in one season from a losing team to a winning team.
Bird won the Rookie of the Year award in that first year with the team.
With Bird's play, the Boston Celtics became one of basketball's most formidable teams winning three NBA crowns in six years.
He was voted the league's Most Valuable Player in three consecutive years from 1984 to 1986.
Bird was often credited as being the most versatile player in basketball showing both offensive and defensive strengths.
He was named to all-star teams consistently during the time he played with the Celtics.
The "Larry Bird Rule" was instigated so that teams could keep a player by exceeding the salary caps that were adopted by the NBA.
Upon his retirement, Larry Bird started a career in coaching with the Indiana Pacers and was named Coach of the Year in his first season.
He had three successful years coaching the Pacers including appearing in the NBA finals in 2000.
Bird retired from coaching at the end of 2000 but returned in 2003 as President of Basketball Operations.
In 1998, Larry Bird was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame and named one of the 50 all-time best players in the NBA.

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Major Notes:

Larry Bird is considered as one of professional basketball's greatest players who helped revolutionize the game.

He was first noted for his basketball skills when playing for Springs Valley High School.

At Indiana University, Larry Bird excelled in basketball winning the Naismith and Wooden awards given to the best male player.

Bird entered the NBA joining the Boston Celtics in 1979 with the largest contract ever paid to a rookie at that time.

In his first season with the team, the Celtics were turned virtually in one season from a losing team to a winning team.

Bird won the Rookie of the Year award in that first year with the team.

With Bird's play, the Boston Celtics became one of basketball's most formidable teams winning three NBA crowns in six years.

He was voted the league's Most Valuable Player in three consecutive years from 1984 to 1986.

Bird was often credited as being the most versatile player in basketball showing both offensive and defensive strengths.

He was named to all-star teams consistently during the time he played with the Celtics.

The "Larry Bird Rule" was instigated so that teams could keep a player by exceeding the salary caps that were adopted by the NBA.

Upon his retirement, Larry Bird started a career in coaching with the Indiana Pacers and was named Coach of the Year in his first season.

He had three successful years coaching the Pacers including appearing in the NBA finals in 2000.

Bird retired from coaching at the end of 2000 but returned in 2003 as President of Basketball Operations.

In 1998, Larry Bird was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame and named one of the 50 all-time best players in the NBA.