Aside from Larry Bird ’s legendary status and success as a player, his elite game acumen came to light when the three-time MVP assumed the head coaching position for the Indiana Pacers in 1997. Within a single season, the three-time NBA Champ improved the franchise’s record by 19 wins. The subsequent season saw Bird lead the Pacers to the best record in the Division. In both seasons, Larry Legend guided Indiana to the Conference Finals but ultimately came up short.
In his third season as the head coach, the two-time Finals MVP overcame the hurdle and led the Pacers to the championship round. Despite the team falling short once again, it appeared Bird was destined to become one of the greatest coaches of all time and, more importantly, lead the Pacers to their first-ever championship. Nevertheless, he adhered to his three-season rule and chose not to continue coaching - a decision that perplexed players like Mark Jackson .
Mark on Larry retiring as the head coach
Under Coach Larry Brown, the Pacers ranked 15th offensively and 12th defensively in the ‘96-97 season, clearly placing them as an average team with no significant presence. However, upon Bird’s appointment as the team’s head coach, the Pacers achieved the best offensive rating in the ‘98-99 and ‘99-00 seasons and only the 4th best in the ‘97-98 campaign. Therefore, this clearly demonstrated the players’ increased comfort and confidence in the systems run by the 12-time All-Star.
Notably, during the 2000 NBA Finals, Reggie Miller mentioned that Bird had only recently become more vocal and comfortable in his coaching role. Despite this progress, the Indiana native decision to step down as head coach immediately after leading the Pacers to the NBA Finals left Jackson and the team feeling perplexed.
Although ‘Action’ respected Bird’s adherence to his three-season pledge, he found it surprising given the significant success they had achieved.
"I really can't (explain it). I don’t think anybody can. I respect the fact that he made a decision from Day 1 and then stuck to it, where a lot of people probably wouldn't have, especially after they get a taste of what has been accomplished this year. So, I respect that," Jackson said . "But, you know, he's a different breed."
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Bird’s departure could be felt instantly
Though another legend - Isiah Thomas replaced Bird as the Pacers’ head coach ahead of the ‘00-01 season, the franchise never reached the same level of success again, getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in each of the next three seasons.
It was only when Bird returned as an executive for the Pacers franchise in 2003 that they managed to reach the conference finals once more. Therefore, it is reasonable to say that while Larry Legend was steadfast in adhering to his commitment, had he extended his tenure by one more year, he might have secured his first championship as a head coach, given his impressive success trajectory.
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