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 of all time. Bird is 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, showcasing his multifaceted impact on the sport. His skill, competitiveness, and leadership were instrumental in the Boston Celtics' success during the 1980s.

Sections (5)

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

1984: Implementation of Soft Salary Cap

In 1984, the NBA implemented a "soft cap", meaning the cap could be exceeded in order for a team to re-sign its own free agents, which came to be erroneously known as the "Larry Bird Rule".

1985: The Celtics are considered one of the greatest basketball teams of all time

In 1985, the Celtics are commonly ranked as one of the greatest basketball teams of all time, with the Boston Globe's Peter May and Grantland's Bill Simmons listing them at number one.

1986: Jordan scored an NBA playoff-record 63 points

After Game 2 of the Celtics' first-round series against the Bulls during the 1986 playoffs when Jordan scored an NBA playoff-record 63 points in a 135-131 Celtics win, Bird was widely considered one of Red Auerbach's favorite players, and he considered Bird to be the greatest basketball player of all time.

August 18, 1992: Bird announces his retirement from the NBA

On August 18, 1992, Larry Bird announced his retirement from the NBA. Following Bird's departure, the Celtics promptly retired his jersey number 33.

1992: Jordan deferred to Bird and Magic Johnson

In 1992, Jordan deferred to Bird and Magic Johnson for co-captaincy of the United States men's Olympic basketball team.

1996: Named to NBA's 50 Greatest Players List

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

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

In 1996, Larry Bird was voted onto the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team list.

1998: Induction into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

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

1999: Ranked No. 30 on ESPN SportsCentury's list of 50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th century

In 1999, Larry Bird ranked No. 30 on ESPN SportsCentury's list of 50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th century and also ranked No. 24 on the Associated Press's list of the 100 Greatest Athletes of the 20th century.

2010: Inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of the "Dream Team."

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

2010: Hall of Fame Induction as Part of the 'Dream Team'

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

2011: Honored with a lifetime achievement award

In 2011, Larry Bird was honored with a lifetime achievement award at The Sports Museum's 10th annual The Tradition event held at TD Garden.

2013: Unveiling of a bronze statue of Bird

In 2013, Indiana State University unveiled a bronze statue of Larry Bird (wearing his Sycamores jersey, in mid-jump-shot pose) in front of the Hulman Center. In addition, Nov. 9th was proclaimed as Larry Bird Day in the state of Indiana.

2016: "Sometimes my job really sucks."

In 2016, Larry Bird stated, "Sometimes my job really sucks."

2016: Rated Greatest NBA Small Forward of All Time

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

2019: Received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award

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

2020: Players to accomplish this feat are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain

As of 2020, Larry Bird is one of the only players to accomplish this feat are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.

2020: Placed at the power forward position on an NBA 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 fellow superstars Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

October 2021: Honored as one of the 75 greatest players of all time

In October 2021, as part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary, 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 NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

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

2022: The Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy is named in Bird's honor

Since 2022, the NBA will award the MVPs for the conference finals; the Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy is named in Larry Bird's honor, while the Western Conference trophy is named after Magic Johnson.

May 2024: The Larry Bird Museum was opened

In May 2024, the Larry Bird Museum was opened in Terre Haute, Indiana. The museum contains memorabilia from Bird's high school, college and NBA career along with interactive exhibits and interviews with coaches, teammates and rivals.