did larry bird play in the olympics

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Career statistics edit

Legend

GP Games played GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
FG% Field goal percentage 3P% 3-point field goal percentage FT% Free throw percentage
RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game
BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per game Bold Career high
† Won an NBA championship * Led the league

Awards and honors edit

NBA

USA Basketball

  • 1992 Olympic gold medal (U.S. national team)[131]

NCAA

Media

Larry Bird ranks as one of the all-time top players of the NBA. He starred in college at Indiana State, taking them to the NCAA final game in 1979, virtually as a one-man team. In the final, they played Michigan State, led by “Magic” Johnson, and together their rivalry would eventually be responsible for the resurgence of the NBA in the 1980s. Bird was named NBA rookie-of-the-year in 1979-80, playing with the Boston Celtics, and remained with that franchise for his entire professional career. With Johnson playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, their rivalry continued as they met in three NBA finals. In all, Bird led the Celtics to the NBA title three times (1981, 1984 and 1986) and was also named league MVP on three occasions. The forward, sometimes called )The Great White Hope), was considered one the greatest pure shooters ever. He suffered from back injuries in the later years of his career, but despite this, was named to the legendary American )Dream Team) that played at the Barcelona Olympics. While Birds playing time was limited, the Americans easily took the gold. Following the Olympics, Bird retired from the sport, assuming an assistant coaching position with the Celtics. From 1997 to 2000, he coached the Indiana Pacers, being named Coach of the Year in 1998. He later became President of Basketball Operations for the Pacers.

FAQ

How old was Larry Bird when he played in the Olympics?

Despite being 35 years old and not in peak form, Bird showcased that his savagery and humor were undiminished. In a lighthearted moment, he trolled coach Chuck Daly for ‘forgetting’ to use him in the gold medal game.

What Olympic basketball team did Larry Bird play for?

Bird was also a member of the gold medal-winning 1992 U.S. Olympic basketball team, known as the “Dream Team”. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice as a player—first in 1998 as an individual, and again in 2010 as a member of the “Dream Team”.

Did Larry Bird retire after Olympics?

Larry Bird retired from professional basketball after returning to the United States from his success with Team USA at the Barcelona Olympics. Bird had played in 45 games during the 1991-92 season but had suffered back issues throughout the season.

Did Larry Bird play baseball?

Larry Bird Once Played College Baseball ⚾ Did you know the NBA Hall of Famer once played in a college baseball game as a dare?