Would Larry Bird be the best player in the NBA today?

kooldude · Post #1 » by **kooldude** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:03 am

Inspired by the Wilt (a while back) and Elgin Baylor threads.

Would Larry Legend be the best now?

Texas Longhorns · Post #2 » by **Texas Longhorns** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:05 am

Not today, no. I think he would be #2 or #3. Kobe would be number one for me.

Post #3 » by **5DOM** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:06 am

is today the Larry Bird Day?

Oomph · Post #4 » by **Oomph** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:06 am

Absolutely, think of a clutch version of Dirk with better passing skills and more street smarts.

Benedict_Boozer · Post #5 » by **Benedict_Boozer** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:09 am

Probably. At least Bird in his prime would be

Cybulski37 · Post #6 » by **Cybulski37** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:10 am

He might not be THE best, but IMO he would definitely be in the conversation with Kobe and LeBron.

Albanian Damien · Post #7 » by **Albanian Damien** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:11 am

Hands down.

Post #8 » by **miller31time** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:12 am

I think so. He faced players much more athletic than him back when he was in his prime, and dominated. I see little difference now.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the average basketball IQ of today's players is less than that of the 80's. There's a possibility he could do better now just because he'd be so dramatically smarter than everyone on the court.

prekazi · Post #9 » by **prekazi** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:19 am

He would be in 1A's.

1A: Kobe, Duncan, Bird
1B: KG, LeBron

sp6r=underrated · Post #10 » by **sp6r=underrated** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:22 am

Prime Bird (Mid 80s): Probably would be the clear number one
Pre prime Bird: He would be in the discussion and many people would believe he is number one.

shawngoat23 · Post #11 » by **shawngoat23** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:30 am

sp6r=underrated wrote:Prime Bird (Mid 80s): Probably would be the clear number one
Pre prime Bird: He would be in the discussion and many people would believe he is number one.

+1

LAKESHOW · Post #12 » by **LAKESHOW** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:45 am

he doesnt belong in todays game. with magic, they both revolutionized the game and made it what it is today. in the 70s the game was losing big time in ratings and fans. no one was watching it. it wasnt a team game as its grown to be.

with magic and bird, the shoes came out. the media came out. the stars came out. the fans came out. passing was a good thing. and a national rivalry grew to gigantic proportions. the media was not there during magic and birds time. but its grown its roots from those days, then jordan etc. and all followed into the big time spotlight.

andykeikei · Post #13 » by **andykeikei** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:46 am

Without a doubt. He is a tough version of Dirk Nowitzki with Kidd's basketball IQ and playmaking abilities.

Jordan23Forever · Post #14 » by **Jordan23Forever** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:04 am

Albanian Damien wrote:Hands down.

.

etopn23 · Post #15 » by **etopn23** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:08 am

Texas Longhorns wrote:Not today, no. I think he would be #2 or #3. Kobe would be number one for me.

Are you kidding me? Bird would be the best player in the NBA hands down.

JordansBulls · Post #16 » by **JordansBulls** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:22 am

Bird would be the best followed by Duncan and Kobe.