Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Larry Bird

Discover the career path of Larry Bird, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Larry Bird, nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" and "Larry Legend", is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the NBA. Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players ever, he's the only person in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. Bird's career with the Boston Celtics saw him win three NBA championships and three MVP awards, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force and a basketball icon.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1978: Drafted by the Boston Celtics

In 1978, Larry Bird was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick.

November 14, 1979: First Career Triple-Double

On November 14, 1979, Larry Bird recorded his first career triple-double with 23 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in a game against the Detroit Pistons.

1979: Enters the NBA

In 1979, Larry Bird entered the NBA and immediately made an impact, leading the Celtics to significant improvement.

1979: Signs with Boston Celtics

In 1979, Larry Bird signed a five-year contract with the Boston Celtics, becoming the highest-paid rookie in sports history.

1980: Celtics Acquire Key Players

In 1980, before the 1980-81 season, the Celtics drafted Kevin McHale and acquired Robert Parish, forming a legendary front court with Larry Bird.

1982: All-Star Game MVP

At the 1982 All-Star Game, Larry Bird was named the All-Star Game MVP.

1983: Signs contract extension

In 1983, Larry Bird signed a seven-year, $12.6 million extension before the NBA salary cap came into effect.

1983: Named MVP of the 1983-84 season

In 1983, during the 1983-84 season, Larry Bird was named MVP of the season with averages of 24.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

December 9, 1984: 48 Point Game

On December 9, 1984, Larry Bird recorded 48 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists in a narrow victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

1984: Larry Bird Rule

In 1984, the NBA modified the salary cap to allow teams to re-sign their own free agents, a rule that became erroneously known as the "Larry Bird Rule".

November 27, 1985: 47 Point Game

On November 27, 1985, Larry Bird recorded 47 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a victory over the Detroit Pistons.

1985: Acquisition of Bill Walton

Before the start of the 1985-86 season, the Celtics traded for Bill Walton, which helped Boston win a league best 67 games.

March 10, 1986: 50 Point Game

On March 10, 1986, Larry Bird scored 50 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in a narrow loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

1986: Three-Point Shootout Win

In 1986, at the NBA All-Star Weekend, Larry Bird won the Three-Point Shootout.

1987: Bird-Magic Rivalry in NBA Finals

In 1987, Magic Johnson got the upper hand against Bird in the NBA Finals.

1987: Celtics Finals Appearance and Game 5 Steal

In 1987, the Celtics reached the NBA Finals, marking Bird's last appearance in the Finals. A notable moment was in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals where Bird stole an inbound pass and passed to Dennis Johnson for the game-winning layup.

1988: Celtics Lose to Pistons in Eastern Conference Finals

In 1988, the Celtics fell short, losing to the Detroit Pistons in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals. This prevented them from reaching the NBA Finals.

1988: Bird's Highest Scoring Season and Loss to Pistons

The 1987-88 season was Bird's highest-scoring season. In 1988, the Celtics failed to reach the NBA Finals, losing to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals.

1989: Bird Returns to Celtics

In 1989, Larry Bird returned to the Celtics, though back problems and the team's aging roster affected his performance.

August 18, 1992: Bird Announces Retirement from NBA

On August 18, 1992, Larry Bird officially announced his retirement from the NBA, leading to the Celtics retiring his jersey number 33.

1992: Bird Misses Games Due to Back Problems

During the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Larry Bird missed four of the seven games due to recurring back problems.

1992: Bird Becomes Special Assistant for Celtics

From 1992 until 1997, Larry Bird worked as a special assistant in the Celtics' front office.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1992, Larry Bird was a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic basketball team, known as the "Dream Team".

1992: Bird Plays in Olympics with "Dream Team"

In the summer of 1992, Larry Bird played for the United States men's national basketball team, known as the "Dream Team," in the Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, winning the gold medal.

1997: Bird Becomes Coach of Indiana Pacers

In 1997, Larry Bird accepted the position of coach of the Indiana Pacers, despite having no previous coaching experience.

1999: Bird Leads Pacers to Central Division Title

In 1999, Larry Bird led the Pacers to consecutive Central Division titles.

2000: Leads Pacers to NBA Finals

In 2000, Larry Bird led the Indiana Pacers to a berth in the NBA Finals as their head coach.

2003: Bird Hired as Pacers' President of Basketball Operations

In 2003, Larry Bird was hired as the Indiana Pacers' president of basketball operations.

2003: President of Basketball Operations

In 2003, Larry Bird was named president of basketball operations for the Indiana Pacers.

2012: Executive of the Year

In 2012, Larry Bird was named NBA Executive of the Year.

2012: Bird and Pacers Announce Parting Ways

On the day before the 2012 NBA draft, Larry Bird and the Pacers announced that they would be parting ways; he said that health issues were among the reasons for his departure.