When A Hall Of Fame Basketball Coach Confessed Liking Larry Bird Over Lakers Legend
In the 1980s, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were the two most popular players in the NBA. The two were intense rivals, just like their respective teams, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.
Between the two they accumulate eight NBA championships and six MVP awards. Both have had Hall of Fame careers and were equals in terms of skill and popularity.
As such, the Bird or Magic debate has raged for years. Even to this day. But, a Hall of Fame coach is 100% taking Larry Legend, and he made his decision before Bird even turned pro.
Legendary NCAA coach Nolan Richardson preferred Larry Bird to Magic Johnson
Larry Bird or Magic Johnson. An endless debate for many. But, for an NCAA Hall of Fame coach, Nolan Richardson, Bird was his favorite even before playing an official NBA game.
During his Hall of Fame speech in 2014, Richardson recalled how he first heard the Hick From French Lick. While driving his car, she heard a game between the state of New Mexico and the state of Indiana. A game where the only name that kept coming out was Bird. “I listen to the radio and I have no idea about the players of either of the two teams. All of a sudden this name keeps popping up. Bird! He goes to the right. Bird! He makes the stop. Bird! I said: “Damn it! Who is Bird? When I got to the end, I was like, “Damn, that brother can play!” When I got the paper the next morning and saw Larry’s picture. I said: “Damn it!”. To be honest, Larry, the young lady who said you were his favorite player. you are mine too I love you Magic too, but not as much as I love Bird!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fLE95WP68I
Given how smitten Richardson seemed when telling the story, it’s hard to imagine that Magic ever had a chance. But that didn’t stop her from competing and defeating his longtime rival.
Magic tops Larry Legend when comparing their head-to-head record
A bird may have a favorable stance with a Hall of Fame coach, but the same cannot be said when comparing his head-to-head record with Magic. The Lakers legend has also beaten Larry on more occasions. At the end of his career, Magic had 11 career wins over Bird and seven losses.
With all that said, at the end of the day, there’s no denying that their rivalry was special. NBA fans are surely grateful to have been able to witness it firsthand or at least hear the stories. Read Also: Gilbert Arenas Launches an Indirect Attack On Shaquille O’Neal
