Larry Bird Describes His Constant Two-Step Ahead Approach…
Larry Bird was a stickler for preparation, which improved his ability to read the game.
The legendary Boston Celtics player was renowned for his ability to picture game scenarios.
Bird possessed the abilities that distinguished him as one of the league’s top players.
Larry Bird always had two moves up on his rivals. And when the others were playing checkers, he was usually playing chess in his environment.
Given his methodical approach to the game and the preparations he made before taking the floor or carrying out a play, Bird admitted that he would always see things before they happened. When addressing Sports Illustrated:
“We don’t have enough time to move the ball around two or three times, so if the clock reaches around ten, I’m just going to try to get a shot up.”
“Our big man just follows him to the hoop, and I hand it to him, if they send their big man over to double me. That’s simple. Maybe I can shoot over a guard if he comes over to get me. I can pass to a man if we cut him through to the basket and no one picks him up or if his man pauses to double-team me.”
The defender may have to send someone else across if they continue with our guy. The other guard will then either come over from the top of the key for a jump shot or the guard who went through on the low post.
His own comments demonstrate how well-prepared Bird was for any situation. The Celtics icon was among the greatest players to have ever played in the NBA when you combine his ability to play the team game of passing and rebounding.
Being less athletic than some of his colleagues was probably one of the major accusations directed at Larry Bird. That is completely untrue, though, as the three-time NBA champion possessed exceptional quickness and stamina—even if they weren’t quite as good as Michael Jordan’s.
According to Sportscasting, Bird’s previous teammate Greg Kite gave him a ton of credit for his floor presence.
Regarding Bird, Kite remarked, “It’s just wrong to say he wasn’t athletic and you hear it a lot.” “Every NBA player is physically fit. He wasn’t quite as quick as some guys, but he was still a strong, competent athlete. He was swift enough and fast enough, yet all NBA players are physically gifted.
And the figures say it all. Over his 13-year career in the league, Bird averaged 10.0 rebounds and 24.3 points. This demonstrated beyond any doubt that he possessed the stamina and ability to compete at the highest level.
