YouTube Gold: Could Larry Bird Still Dominate The NBA Today?

TL;DR

Larry Bird could still dominate the NBA today due to his exceptional basketball IQ and adaptability. Despite criticisms about his speed and jumping ability, his skills and mindset would allow him to excel in the modern game.

Key points

Larry Bird was considered a basketball savant by peers.
Critics argue Bird was slow and couldn't jump.
Bird's passing ability and court awareness were exceptional.
The NBA today is less physical than in the 1980s.
Modern training and medical advancements would benefit Bird.

Larry BirdBoston CelticsPhiladelphia 76ersNikola Jokić

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 24, 1981: Larry Bird #33 of the Boston Celtics drives against Julius Erving #6 of the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals at The Spectrum in April 24, 1981 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by James Drake/Getty Images) | Getty Images This video raises a question we’ve seen quite often in recent years: Could Larry Bird still dominate today? Or would be be a role player? The answer is yes, he could still run the league, and for a few reasons. First, Bird was, as Joe Dumar once said, a basketball savant. Do you think Charles Barkley could play today? Magic Johnson? Michael Jordan? Isaiah Thomas? James Worthy? Of course they could – and they all said Bird was the one whom they feared most, who gave them sleepless nights. The main criticism of Bird is that he was slow and couldn’t jump. Well, neither can Nikola Jokić or Luka Dončić, and both of those guys will be in the Hall of Fame, because they, like Bird, can force the game to adapt to them, rather than vice-versa. If nothing else, Bird’s passing ability was off the charts, and his hand-eye coordination was superb. So was his ability to keep track of everything happening on the court: he didn’t have to see his teammates to know where they were. What also really works in Bird’s favor is this: in his heyday, the NBA was far, far more physical than it is today. Go look at some Bill Laimbeer highlights. The NBA in the 1980s could be brutal. Consider the courage Thomas had to go into the lane the way he did at his size, and consider also the Jordan Rules the Pistons had for #23. They all knew they were going to get a beating every game. It’s not like that now. The game is far more open, and Bird would either drive, pass, or hit jumpers at will. Finally, there are some other factors that would work in his favor. The first is personal. Bird’s desire to dominate would propel him in today’s game, too. His mindset is far different from anyone in today’s NBA. He would sneer at 90 percent of the players in the league now. And second, the advances in training, nutrition, equipment, and medical care would have really helped him. Just for one thing, a back problem ended Bird’s career. The treatment options today are far better. Note – for some reason, the embed doesn’t want to work, so please hit the link above. * to find Blue Healer Auctions* || **

Q&A

How would Larry Bird perform in today's NBA?

Larry Bird would likely excel in today's NBA due to his basketball IQ, passing ability, and adaptability to the game's evolution.

What were the main criticisms of Larry Bird's playing style?

The main criticisms of Larry Bird's playing style include his perceived lack of speed and jumping ability, but these traits have not hindered other successful players like Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić.

What factors would help Larry Bird succeed in the modern NBA?

Factors such as advances in training, nutrition, and medical care, along with Bird's competitive mindset, would significantly contribute to his success in the modern NBA.