The NBA in the 1980s was characterized by superstars with elite physical attributes, such as Magic Johnson's towering 6'9" stature as a point guard or Michael Jordan's out-of-this-world athleticism. Larry Bird , however, stood out for different reasons.
The legendary forward wasn't the strongest or athletically gifted—the lack of aerial prowess was the most evident void in his game. Despite this, Larry still managed to transform the fate of the Boston Celtics, leading them to three NBA championships in six years.
And while everyone admired Bird's ability to dominate the game without elite athleticism, Shaquille O'Neal hated the Indiana native for it.
Why Shaq wasn't a fan of Bird at first
O'Neal entered the league the season after Larry retired in 1992, so the two never faced each other on the court. This deprived The Big Aristotle of witnessing Bird's greatness firsthand, which perhaps would've made him appreciate the Celtics legend more.
Magic excelled as a playmaker, leading the league in assists on four occasions. MJ dominated the NBA in scoring—he was the league's leading bucket-getter ten times. Meanwhile, Bird never topped the Association in any major statistical category, yet he was regarded as one of the best players of his era.
Shaq was frustrated seeing such an "ordinary talent" become so successful. That's why he wasn't a fan of the legendary forward at first.
"I actually used to hate Larry Bird. I was sort of jealous of him or something because he was a regular guy who did everything. He shot it in your face; he had the fadeaway," O'Neal said . "One time, I was watching a game, and he was falling out of bounds and he shot that thing over the backboard... I thought most of what he did was luck."
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Shaq eventually came to his senses
Over time, as O'Neal's understanding of the game developed, he started to appreciate the impact Larry had on the game regardless of his limitations as a player.
In his 13-year NBA career, Larry Legend averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on 49.6% shooting from the field. He made the All-Star Game 12 times, was a 10-time All-NBA member, won the regular-season MVP award three times, and was the Finals MVP in two of his three championship runs.
Still, it took time for O'Neal to recognize Larry as an all-time great worthy of being in the same sentence as MJ or Magic.
"I got old and kept watching. I knew it was skill. For him to have his name in so many categories with Magic and Michael Jordan says how great of a player he was," the legendary big man added.
This wasn't the only time Shaq talked about being a Bird doubter. During his appearance on The Dan Patrick Show., O'Neal recalled how he once argued with a friend who adored Larry and wanted to emulate his playing style, hinting there were many better players to emulate. Ultimately, the Big Diesel admitted he was wrong.
"When I got older and started seeing guys putting in work, I realized he was one of the greatest players ever," O'Neal said . "It's not luck. It's all skill."
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