Larry Bird and Kevin Durant are two of the greatest players to have graced the court in the NBA. Although comparing success can be difficult, as players play different roles for their teams, we will attempt to do so using stats and impact on teams
The difference in eras is a huge factor to consider, as basketball has evolved. For one, Larry Bird played in an era where hand-checking was allowed. That went a long way in limiting players’ efficiency in offense. But Kevin Durant was drafted in 2007, a few years after the NBA had banned hand-checking.
Nevertheless, both players embody elite status and are two of the best scorers in NBA history. Bird played until the age of 35, but could not continue after enduring a spell of injury. On September 29, Durant will turn 33, which is why we will analyze his success so far. First, let’s have a look at Bird’s achievements before he turned 33.
Larry Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics with the sixth pick in the 1978 NBA draft, but the Indiana native opted to end his final year in college. He led the Indiana State Sycamores to their first-ever NCAA championship game after an undefeated regular season. But his team eventually lost to the Michigan State Spartans, who were led by Magic Johnson.
Throughout his professional career that spanned 13 years, he played for the Boston Celtics, despite what could be considered a controversial start. Larry Bird, via his agent, demanded a higher salary. While Celtics’ general manager Red Auerbach was against it, he eventually gave in to a deal that made Bird the highest-paid rookie. To remedy that, the NBA create.
Larry Bird played in an era that had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kevin McHale, Karl Malone and Patrick Ewing in their prime. But Bird won the MVP award for three consecutive seasons. The Hick from French Lick also made twelve All-Star appearances, missing out in only the 1988-89 season, where he played in only six games.
In his sophomore season, Larry Bird won his first NBA championship, but the Finals MVP award went to Cedric Maxwell. Many believed Bird was robbed because he was exceptional in the series-clinching victory. However, Maxwell had an outstanding overall series, and was well-deserving of the Finals MVP award.
Overall, Bird won three NBA titles, and was the Finals MVP twice. Moreover, he won three MVP awards, ten All-NBA selections, three All-Defensive second-team selections and the 1980 Rookie of the Year award. He was part of the 50-40-90 club in 1987 and 1988.