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Scottie Pippen stood 68 inches, but had a wingspan of 73, which is modest in comparison to some of the other players on this list, but Pippen used that length to its full extent. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. Unfortunately, thats not possible and some sacrifices will have to be made. This ratio is one of the higher percentages for players who have played in the NBA. [26][27] In his career debut, Bird recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a 114106 win over the Houston Rockets. . But, his biggest skill was his defense. NBA legend Larry Bird says he doesn't think he'll make it to the age of [27], Before the 198081 season, the Celtics selected forward Kevin McHale in the draft and acquired center Robert Parish from the Golden State Warriors,[31][32] forming a Hall of Fame trio for years to come; the front-court of Bird, McHale, and Parish is regarded as one of the greatest front-courts in NBA history. In 1997 Bird accepted the head coach position with the Indiana Pacers, a move that returned him to his home state. LeBron was definitely a better player. Top 15 Most Impressive Wingspans In NBA History - TheSportster [21] Boston advanced through the playoffs to earn a rematch with the Lakers, this time losing in six games. Mourning was blessed with God given length, but it was his heart and passion for the game that ultimately made him one of the best that ever stepped on an NBA court. Dirk can't be 6'10. Larry Bird stands 6'9" tall and weighs 220 pounds during his NBA playing days. Nicknamed Larry Legend or The Hick from French Lick, Bird played the small forward and power forward positions for the Boston Celtics in his entire career. Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, and raised in the nearby town of French Lick, where he excelled at basketball at an early age. Kevin McHale was one of the best players of the 1980s. LIVE. Larry Bird Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more If Bol had any type of offensive game to merit him more minutes, he would have set the blocks record so high that it would have never been touched. In his final three seasons with the Celtics, Bird averaged over 20 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists per game, shot better than 45% from the field, and led the Celtics to playoff appearances. So, you will have to allocate some of the points to these attributes. The next year he attended the smaller Indiana State University, ultimately playing three years for the Sycamores. [43] Boston came back to win the game, eventually winning the series in seven. At 68, Brand is undersized as an NBA power forward, but has made up for it with a giant wingspan that measures 75. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Rajon Rondo only stands 61, but has a wingspan that stretches to 69. 1956 One such case is the legendary Jerry West. [22] He graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. They each had charisma, deft shooting touch, extraordinary passing skills, and team-oriented mindset that ignited their team and the crowd. Great wingspan measurements comes from players of all heights. [96] Bird was the first player in NBA history to shoot 50% or better on field goals, 40% on three-pointers, and 90% on free-throws in a single NBA season while achieving the league minimum for makes in each category. [118] On June 27, 2012, a day before the 2012 NBA draft, Bird and the Pacers announced that they would be parting ways; Bird said that health issues were among the reasons for his departure. The Celtics and Lakers dominated, with one team or the other, or both, appearing in every NBA championship throughout the decade. His mother, Cora Lillian, had an above average height at six feet. The summer of 1992 marked the first time the United States sent professional athletes to the Olympic Games. Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players score points by shooting (throwing) a ball through an elevated hoop located on either side of the rectangular court. Nicknamed The Claw, Leonard possess a hand spread that measures 11.25 inches, which is bigger than Wilt, Shaq or Bill Russell. w/ shoes Weight Wingspan Standing Reach. Former NBA coach Hubie Brown had this to say about McHale: "He was totally unstoppable because of his quickness, diversification of moves and the long arms that gave him an angle to release the ball over a taller man or more explosive jumper." This year marks his 10th year in the league, and by all accounts, he's had a relative unspectacular career. [103] Bird was also referred to as "Larry Legend". After protracted negotiations, Bird inked a five-year, $3.25 million contract with the team on June 8, making him the highest-paid rookie in sports history. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. [10], He was raised in nearby French Lick, where his mother worked two jobs to support Larry and his five siblings. Larry Bird - Stats, Age & Height - Biography: Historical & Celebrity .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}Remembering Just Fontaine and His World Cup Record, The Man Behind the First All-Black Basketball Team, 8 Times Brothers Have Faced Off in a Championship, Every Black Quarterback to Play in the Super Bowl, Soccer Star Christian Atsu Survived an Earthquake. Larry Joe Bird (born December 7, 1956) is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The first regular-season game between the Celtics and the Lakers in the 198788 season proved to be a classic with Magic Johnson banking in an off-balance shot from near the three-point line at the buzzer for a 115114 Lakers win at Boston Garden. [39] At the conclusion of the season, he earned his first All-Defensive Team selection. Durant is a prime example that elite length, when combined with elite skills, make a truly special player. http://www.nbadraft.net/2002predraftmeasurements.htm, http://www.insidehoops.com/chicago-camp-measurements.shtml, http://www.insidehoops.com/draft-prospect-measurements.shtml, http://www.friendster.com/user.php?uid=27447626, http://canadahoops.blogspot.com/2007/05/nba-predraft-camp-measurements-2002.html, http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/Orlando%202007-Complete%20%20Results.xls. Kevin McHale has gone down as one of the 50 best NBA players of all time, and is probably the best example in NBA history of how length can be used to dominate on both ends of the court. Even after his retirement as a professional basketball player, Larry Birds name still comes up in the NBA because of his coaching skills and the executive role he holds in the NBA. HEIGHT. Post Spin Technician Attempting to perform post spins or drives result in more effective moves, and lessens the chances of getting stripped by opponents. The four-time NBA scoring champ is a player who uses his impressive wingspan to gain an advantage on the offensive side of the court. Per 48 minutes that number would be 8.6 blocks a game and the next closest to him is Mark Eaton at only 5.3. Larry Bird's Height 6ft 9 (205.7 cm) Former American basketball player, who played with The Boston Celtics. Larry Bird has dated - Janet Condra - Larry Bird was previously married to his high school sweetheart Janet Condra with whom he had a daughter named Corrie. He mentioned in his own book about his height, saying, Photo ImageCollect.com / Mike Springer-PHOTOlink.net. [51][52], On November 27, 1985, Bird recorded 47 points to go along with 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in a 132124 win over the Detroit Pistons. 14 Dwight Howard He was a great post scorer and could dominate the paint like a big man. Larry Bird Insane Peak From 1980-1988 (Consistent Top MVP - reddit On the offensive side of the ball, Rondo like to drive with a scooping layup. The average NBA basketball game lasts between two and two and a half hours. Bismack Biyombo was selected 7th overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Charlotte Bobcats at the tender age of 18. [99] He sometimes practiced shooting three-point shots with his eyes closed. Basketball icon Larry Bird won three MVP awards and three NBA championships during his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics. A comprehensive reference database of dimensioned drawings documenting the standard measurements and sizes of the everyday objects and spaces that make up our world. Bol is 15th all time in blocked shots with 2,086, but he did that in only 11,698 minutes. [85], Bird has been described as one of the greatest basketball players and greatest shooters of all time. Tayshaun Prince broke out in the Detroit Pistons championship run of 2004. His name is imprinted twice in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and besides being named Player of the Year frequently, he has received coach for the Year and Executive of the Year awards. This entry could be part of Ripleys Believe it or Not. Leonard is only 67, but possess a gigantic 73 wingspan, which is a full 8 inches longer than his height. 1. [44] On March 12 of the 198485 season, Bird scored a career-high and franchise record 60 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are known to be "one of the greatest rivalries in sports. Astrological Sign: Sagittarius, Article Title: Larry Bird Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/athletes/larry-bird, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: April 20, 2021, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. Jason Maxiell was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the 1st round of the 2005 draft. [60], Throughout the 1980s, contests between the Celtics and the Lakersboth during the regular season and in the Finalsattracted enormous television audiences. Over the course of his 13-year Hall of Fame career, the sharpshooting forward led the Celtics to three NBA titles and claimed three MVP awards. Honestly, all of them fit Bird so well. . Growing up in French Lick, Indiana, he was a local basketball star. Larry Bird played the small forward and power forward positions at a height of 6'9" (2.06 m). A 1980s Converse commercial for its "Weapon" line of basketball shoes (endorsed by both Bird and Johnson) reflected the perceived dichotomy between the two players. Homepage Mock Drafts. Remarkably Leonards wingspan may not be his freakiest attribute, as that would go to his hand size. When Jordan played it was an open secret that players lied about their heights. The Celtics failed to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in five years, losing to the Pistons in six games during the Eastern Conference Finals. With proper medication, exercise and diet, atrial fibrillation can be controlled, but Bird abhorred medication and was prone to skipping his pills. Although he announced his departure around that time, he reclaimed his post as team president in the summer of 2013. [8], The game achieved the highest-ever television rating for a college basketball game, in large part because of the matchup between Bird and Spartans' point guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson,[11] a rivalry that lasted throughout their professional careers. There are a couple of pictures showing Wilt out stretched, and he certainly looks to possess a wing span in the range of 80. Join our newsletter! [67] Wilkins remarked, "The basket was like a well. He couldn't miss. 1. His Competitiveness Has Taken Its Toll. [5] He was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2012 season. Howard makes up for his height with an elite wingspan that measures 75. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. At the time, he was also the fifth-highest scorer in NCAA history. When they mention length, they are not talking about a player's height, but more so his wingspan. That athleticism when combined with his physical attributes is going to reign terror over this league for many years, and it is going to be an utter joy to watch. Durant is what is referred to as a hop shooter, something rare for a player of his height. To be part of this group, a player must record at least 50% field goal percentage, 40% three-point field goal percentage, and 90% free throw percentage throughout a season. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nba | pageType: stories | He is a 6'6 player, and he's held his own thanks to a 260 pound base and a 7'3 wingspan. I've not seen that much of Chrichton reallycompared to seeing Bird, who can look taller than his listing at times. The problem for Bol was his offensive game was non-existent. For this, you will need a ton of VCs. At 66 years old, Larry Bird height is 206 cm . Indiana State University, High School: [83] Universally recognized as an all-time great player, Bird was placed at the power forward position on an NBA all-time starting five roster with fellow superstars Magic Johnson (point guard), Michael Jordan (shooting guard), LeBron James (small forward), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (center) in 2020. With Wilt being the most dominant force of his era, it lends to the theory that his wingspan was truly elite. Deadeye Jump shots attempted with a defender closing out in front of the player will suffer a lower penalty. Take a look at the great defenders in the NBA, and the one common thread you will find in all of them is an impressive wingspan. [7], Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, to Georgia (ne Kerns) and Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird, a veteran of the Korean War. Considering the troubling back issues Bird has had, which started during his playing days, exercise becomes a much tougher thing to do when you get older. Signing with the Celtics for a then-record $650,000 a year, Bird justified his salary right out of the gate, averaging 21.3 points per game and claiming Rookie of the Year honors for the 1979-80 NBA season. Many people following the NBA would love to see Bird play in todays era of basketball. He played most of his career with forward Kevin McHale and center Robert Parish, considered by some to be the greatest front court in NBA history. After leading the Celtics to a 295 start to the 199091 season, Bird missed 22 games due to a compressed nerve root in his back, a condition that eventually led to his retirement. It was Larry Bird's height that made his basketball skills so remarkable. When he was on fire from the three-point line or mid-range, no one can stop him. [50] One of Bird's career highlights occurred at the 1986 NBA All-Star Weekend when he walked into the locker room at the inaugural Three-Point Shootout and asked who was going to finish second before winning the shootout. [105][106] He was known for telling his opponents how and where in the court he would score against them; Xavier McDaniel recounted that Bird predicted a game-winning shot against him, then "shot a shot right in my face and was like 'Damn, I didn't mean to leave two seconds on the clock. Indiana State. But, as one journalist would say, They looked different, perhaps, but take a chainsaw to their souls and they were fraternal, if not identical, friends.[72] Watching Bird play was like watching Magic play, as they both shared this talent that the league had never seen before. He is also the last player to win three straight MVP awards. He then led his team to an undefeated regular season. Bird returned to the Pacers as president of basketball operations in 2013,[6] and remained in that role until 2017. Larry Bird | Boston Celtics | NBA.com Slippery Off-Ball Increases the players chances of shaking off an opponent when attempting to get open using off-ball screens. 7mo ago. Bird was rated the greatest NBA small forward of all time by Fox Sports in 2016. [36] He averaged 21.9 points, 14 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game for the postseason and 15.3 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 7 assists per game for the Finals. This ratio is one of the higher percentages for players who have played in the NBA. . For 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, from 1979-80 through 1991-92, Bird personified hustle, consistency and excellence in all areas of play as a scorer, a. For the defense/rebounding badges, there will only be a limited number of options. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. His other playmaking strengths include quick and flashy passes. Difficult Shots High-difficulty jumpers attempted from the mid-range get an increased shot percentage. Many NBA bigs, including Larry Bird and Bill Walton, believe there's a negative relationship between height and longevity. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. [citation needed] The apparent contrast between the two players and their respective teams seemed scripted for television: Bird, the introverted small-town hero with the blue-collar work ethic, fit perfectly with the throwback, hard-nosed style of the Celtics, while the stylish, gregarious Johnson ran the Lakers' fast-paced Showtime offense amidst the bright lights and celebrities of Los Angeles. [49] In Game 6 of the Finals series, Bird recorded a triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists as the Celtics won the Finals series 4 games to 2 against the Rockets. He played for the Celtics during his entire professional career (13 seasons), leading them to five NBA finals appearances and three NBA championships. Dwight Howard is one of the premiere big men of the modern area, but stands at only 610. [108], At the 2019 NBA Awards, Bird received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (shared with Magic Johnson). Larry Bird - Wikipedia Bird averaged 10.0 rebounds per game in his career. [74], Bird and Magics presence on the court was only a small part of their contribution to basketball, as their rivalry changed the landscape of the NBA, transforming it from a struggling, barely profitable league into a highly visible, financial and marketing dream for teams and players alike. Everything About Larry Bird's Wife, Dinah Mattingly! - Players Bio This is another case of parents being relatively short to their son. That is a 12% increase in wingspan from his height. On the offensive side, superior wingspan allows a shooter to have less shots contested, as he can get the ball further away from a defender. [114] He was named the NBA Coach of the Year for his efforts. Boston Celtics, 1st round (6th pick, 6th overall), 1978 NBA Draft, Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 1998 (Full List), More Larry Bird pages at Sports Reference. Johnson and the Spartans triumphed, but Larry Bird left Indiana State that year with the USBWA College Player of the Year Award, the Naismith Award and the Wooden Award. Best Larry Bird Build 2k22 Next Gen (Exact Height, Weight & Wingspan Larry Legend, The Hick from French Lick, Kodak, The Great White Hope are nicknames for Larry Bird. Bird's 198889 season ended after six games when he had bone spurs surgically removed from both of his heels.