NBA rookies go through a rough hazing process, during which their mentor, an NBA vet, commands them to do various chores, such as getting their food, coffee, newspapers, and other everyday things.
Sometimes, these first-year players get humiliated by doing different activities in front of other teammates or even large crowds.
It's only fair that every single player goes through this initiation process. Some say it's a way to tell the rookie he must earn his stripes.
Portrait of a legend as a rookie
However, not all rookies are built the same. Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird was one of the prized prospects in the late 70s. He was well aware of his stature. And so when he made his debut as a pro and was exposed to a little hazing, the Indiana native declined.
"Back in the old days, every rookie had to carry bags on the road," Bird's former teammate Jeff Judkins said , per The Athletic. "I'll never forget our first road trip. He stood up in front of all the guys on the bus and said, 'I want you guys to know: I'm never going to get you any water, and I'm never going to carry one bag ever.'"
Refusing to carry bags or do any other chores was Bird's way of saying, "Yes, I'm a rookie, but I'm not your ordinary newbie." His bank account proved it. Kodak inked a $3.25 million deal with the Celtics , which made him the highest-paid rookie in sports then.
Maybe Larry also knew that hazing and other related shenanigans were malicious ways some vets used to boost their egos. He wasn't going to allow another player to humiliate him just for kicks.
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Oozing confidence
While it's not certain if the three-time NBA MVP went through some hazing or not, the episode Judkins narrated revealed a ton about his oozing confidence even as a rookie.
Critics doubted if Bird could translate his game from amateur to professional ball. But amid these criticisms, the Celtics icon remained confident in his sound basketball mind and skillset—so much so that just three days after rookie camp , Larry realized he was going to dominate the league.
And that's exactly what he did. No. 33 averaged 21.3 points in his first year. He won Rookie of the Year and finished fourth place in MVP voting and was named into the All-NBA First Team and the All-Star Team.
In his sophomore year, Bird secured his first NBA Championship. Not only did he shut his critics down, but probably those vets who were eager to haze him. The Hick From French Lick refused to carry their bags because he was saving energy to lug them to basketball glory.
Related: "I was jumping all over the place" - When Larry Bird earned the respect of an opponent coach by elbowing him
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