What does Michael Jordan think of Larry Bird?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on July 13, 2026
“Larry Bird is the greatest trash-talker and mind-game player of all time. He taught me everything I know about getting in folks' heads,” Jordan said via The Athletic. Bird earned the respect of his peers through his stellar play and trash-talking that he always seemed to back up.
Are Jordan and Bird friends?
Bird and Jordan were rivals on the court whenever they faced each other and friends off the court. Larry Bird and Jordan spent a lot of time off the court and even were part of the 'Dream Team' of the 1992 Olympics.
How good was Larry Bird compared to Michael Jordan?
Their career field-goal percentages are tied and The Hick from French Lick has the advantage in both three-point and free-throw percentage. But MJ was a better offensive player, right? Larry averaged a double-double for his career, adding 10 rebounds per game to his 24 points. Jordan averaged six.
What did Michael Jordan say when Larry Bird retired?
“Larry, I hear that you're retiring. Thank goodness, I'm glad. I'm tired of seeing your face,” said MJ. “You know, a lot of sad memories to me, but I enjoyed you tremendously.
Did Larry Bird face Michael Jordan?
Jordan went head to head with Larry Bird on 28 separate occasions in the regular season, which constituted 9 years of iconic battles. Between 1984 and 1992, Jordan and Bird had a ton of chances to one-up each other in individual matchups.
29 related questions foundDid Larry Bird play against Jordan?
"Jordan came into the league in '85, and the first night Larry played against him — I knew he (Jordan) was good — but Larry said, he said to me, he said, 'That guy is gonna be the greatest player ever, you watch,'" Shaughnessy told Damon Amendolara in an appearance on The DA Show. "I didn't see it.
Did Jordan respect birds?
“Larry Bird is the greatest trash-talker and mind-game player of all time. He taught me everything I know about getting in folks' heads,” Jordan said. Throughout much of Bird's career, he garnered tremendous respect from his peers through his play.
Who does Larry Bird think is the goat?
“Never Lost to Michael Jordan”: Larry Bird Backing LeBron James' GOAT Case Sends NBA Twitter Into a Tailspin. LeBron James has repeatedly proved why he is considered as one of the GOATs.
How many times did Michael Jordan lose to Larry Bird in the playoffs?
“Michael Jordan dropped 30+ on Larry Bird 24 times but lost 23 times?”: How the Bulls couldn't seem to string together wins against the Celtics despite having 'His Airness' Michael Jordan went off against Larry Bird and the Celtics on numerous occasions but has a losing record against them.
Why did Larry Bird retire early?
Larry Bird's injuries derailed an incredible 1991-1992 season for the Boston Celtics. Bird intended to retire in 1988, when his worsening ankle issues had already made every minute on the hardwood painful.
Are Magic Johnson and Larry Bird friends?
Johnson and Bird are still great friends to this day and were co-captains of that 1992 squad. Bird played his final game of professional basketball with Magic by his side, as a career of back injuries caused Bird to announce his retirement after the game.
Did Jordan ever beat Larry Bird in the playoffs?
Michael Jordan didn't win in the playoffs versus Larry Bird in his career. Not what you're looking for?
Is Larry Bird better than Magic Johnson?
In fact, Johnson did lead the league in steals two years in a row. His nemesis and friend off the court, Larry Bird, was a much better shooter and defender than Magic ever was. In addition, Bird bested Magic quite convincingly in almost every single major statistical category with the exception of assists.
What did Bird say about Jordan?
“I would never have called him the greatest player I'd ever seen if I didn't mean it,” Bird told The Boston Globe. “It's just God disguised as Michael Jordan.”
Was Larry Bird actually good?
Larry Bird was such a player. 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 passer, a rebounder, a defender, a team player, and, perhaps above all, as a clutch performer.
What does Larry Bird say about LeBron James?
NBA legend Larry Bird has unending praise for LeBron James
His perceived lack of loyalty in favor of superteams is widely criticized, but Bird won't have it. “LeBron should do whatever he wants,” Bird was also quoted as saying in Thomsen's book. “He's as good as any player I've ever seen.
Was LeBron better than Larry Bird?
He is the superior scorer, whether you're talking career points per game or per 36 minutes. Bird is a better rebounder both in rebounds per game and rebound rate. LeBron is the better passer both in terms of assists per game and assist rate. Bird was an incredible passer, but LeBron is better.
What is Larry Bird doing?
What is Larry Bird doing now? Currently, Bird is enjoying his life away from basketball. Recently, he stepped down as the president of the Indiana Pacers and said, “I'm 60 years old, and I want to do other things away from basketball.
How many times did Michael Jordan play against Larry Bird?
Mike was 0-6 in the postseason against Larry Legend and his incredible Celtics, losing two series against them. Jordan tried everything to get the best of the Greens, even dropping 63 in a single game to show he was the future of the league.
Did Michael Jordan ever beat the Celtics?
On April 20, 1986, the Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan scores 63 points in an NBA playoff game against the Boston Celtics, setting a post-season scoring record. Despite Jordan's achievement, the Bulls lost to the Celtics in double overtime, 135-131.
How many times did Bird beat Jordan in the playoffs?
Michael Jordan had a record of 0-6 in the playoffs versus Larry Bird in his career. Not what you're looking for?