Larry Bird, the legendary Boston Celtics forward and one of the greatest players in NBA history, had an illustrious career defined by his incredible skill, competitive spirit, and unyielding drive to win. However, a lesser-known aspect of Bird’s competitive nature was his disdain for being guarded by white players, particularly when opposing coaches made such decisions.
Bird, a white player himself in a league dominated by African-American talent, took pride in proving his mettle against the best defenders, regardless of their race. His frustration with being guarded by white players stemmed from a perception that it was a slight to his abilities, an insinuation that he was not good enough to warrant the opposition’s top defensive efforts.
This sentiment was captured in a poignant anecdote shared by his contemporaries and reported in various interviews over the years. One such instance occurred during a game in the mid-1980s. The Celtics were playing the Denver Nuggets, and Denver’s coach, Doug Moe, assigned a white player to guard Bird. Infuriated by what he perceived as an insult, Bird reportedly lit up the scoreboard, making it a point to show that no player, regardless of race, could contain him when he was at his best.
Bird’s anger was not just about personal pride; it was about respect. He wanted to be challenged by the best defenders because he thrived on competition and proving his superiority. Guarding him with a white player, especially when it seemed to be a strategic move based on race, was something he found disrespectful. He believed it diminished his accomplishments and the level of competition.
Bird’s contemporary and teammate, Kevin McHale, recounted how Bird would go out of his way to dominate any white player who was put on him defensively. “Larry used to get pissed when they put a white guy on him,” McHale said in an interview. “He’d be like, ‘Why are you insulting me?’ He felt it was disrespectful, like, ‘Don’t put a white guy on me. That’s disrespectful.’”
This attitude was part of what made Bird a formidable competitor. His determination to prove himself against the best defenders, and his ability to rise to the occasion when he felt slighted, added to his legend. It wasn’t just about scoring points; it was about making a statement and ensuring that he was always given the respect he deserved as a top-tier player.
Bird’s perspective sheds light on the dynamics of respect and race in professional sports, particularly during the 1980s when the NBA was becoming increasingly diverse. His insistence on being guarded by the best, regardless of race, underscored his belief in merit and competition. It was not about racial prejudice but about competitive integrity and recognition of his talents.
Larry Bird’s legacy is one of excellence and unrelenting competitiveness. His reaction to being guarded by white players, a seemingly small aspect of his career, highlights his fierce pride and desire for respect. It is a testament to his character and the intensity with which he approached the game, forever cementing his status as one of the all-time greats in basketball history.
Leave a Reply