Due to injuries, Larry Bird was forced to end his career in August 1992. It was one of the saddest moments for professional basketball, bidding adieu to someone who had helped revive the NBA.
In his prime, the Boston Celtics legend's savvy on the basketball court endeared him to fans and aspiring players. He got a lot of attention for his play, although the top pick of the 1978 Draft admitted that this did not make him tick.
Bird's motivation
Rather, the opportunity to play with other top basketball players motivated him to be at his best. It was his barometer for determining whether he could play at the same level or better.
"I don't need all the fanfare; that was never my style," Bird said in 1992 via UPI. "I tried to play at a level no one else was at. For a few years, I did."
From the moment he played his first NBA game, Indiana native made it a point to play his best each time he was fielded. He made this promise when he turned pro, meaning he was ready to sacrifice his body for the wear and tear of the highly physical sport.
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A coach's dream
Bird was not as athletic as high-flyers like Michael Jordan or Dominique Wilkins. Larry, on the other hand, liked to mix things up. Although he made a name for himself as a shooter, the Indiana State product also contributed on defense and was versatile, as evidenced by his rebound and assist career statistics.
This simply demonstrated that his basketball IQ set him apart, as he found a way to contribute to every aspect of the game. As a result, the 6'9" forward became one of the most consistent basketball players of all time.
However, it remained that the physical nature of basketball took its toll on Bird, particularly his back. He admitted that while he could manage through injuries, it was something that he simply failed to shake off.
Hick from the French Lick could have made millions had he held off his retirement after August 15. He had a clause in his contract with the Celtics where he would get $4.5 million annually if he played on. But with the pain he was dealing with, Larry knew what he had to do.
"On August 12th, he came into Dave Gavitt's office, President of the Celtics, and said, 'Dave, I can't do it. My back's too bad, I'm going to retire," NBA Hall of Famer Bill Bradley shared In the ESPN documentary, "Beyond the Glory: Larry Bird."
Larry was 35 when he called it quits. However, he admitted that had it not been for the injuries, he would have loved to play a year or two more. Regardless, he had no regrets, sharing that he savored his basketball runs, which to him were all "highs."
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