How Larry Bird Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Larry Bird continue to shape the world today.

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

1985: 1985-86 Celtics

In 1985, the 1985-86 Celtics are commonly ranked as one of the greatest basketball teams of all time.

1987: Celtics-Lakers Rivalry Attracts Enormous Television Audiences

Throughout the 1980s, games between the Celtics and Lakers attracted large television audiences. In the 1987-88 season, a regular-season game was won by the Lakers with a buzzer-beater shot by Magic Johnson.

1988: Bird Runner-Up for Regular Season MVP Award

In 1988, Larry Bird was a four-time regular season MVP runner-up.

1996: NBA's 50 Greatest Players

In 1996, Larry Bird was voted onto the NBA's 50 Greatest Players in NBA History list.

1996: Bird Voted onto NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team

In 1996, Larry Bird was voted onto the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team list, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players.

1998: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction

In 1998, Larry Bird was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player.

1998: Bird Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 1998, Larry Bird was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding basketball career.

1999: Bird Ranked on ESPN's SportsCentury List

In 1999, Larry Bird was ranked No. 30 on ESPN SportsCentury's list of 50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th century.

2010: Bird Inducted into Hall of Fame as Part of Dream Team

In 2010, Larry Bird was inducted into the Hall of Fame again, as a member of the "Dream Team,"

2010: Second Hall of Fame Induction

In 2010, Larry Bird was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame a second time as a member of the "Dream Team".

2016: Greatest NBA Small Forward

In 2016, Larry Bird was rated the greatest NBA small forward of all time by Fox Sports.

2019: Bird Receives NBA Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2019, Larry Bird received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, shared with Magic Johnson.

2020: Bird Placed on All-Time Starting Five Roster

In 2020, Larry Bird was placed at the power forward position on an NBA all-time starting five roster with other superstars.

October 2021: Bird Honored on NBA's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team

In October 2021, Larry Bird was honored as one of the 75 greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.

2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Larry Bird was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

2022: Eastern Conference Finals MVP Trophy Named After Bird

Since 2022, the NBA named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy in Larry Bird's honor.

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