The modern NBA has faced major pushback from the ‘old heads’ of previous generations. Over the years, several Hall of Famers from the 80s and 90s have criticized today’s game. However, a Boston Celtics legend thinks otherwise. The 3x NBA champion and Hall of Famer Larry Bird had high praise for the modern-day game and players like Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic.

In a sitdown with former teammate and Hall of Famer Kevin McHale, Larry Bird shared his thoughts on the game’s evolution over the years. Moreover, unlike some of his fellow Hall of Famers and peers from his era, Bird talked about the various aspects of today’s game that he appreciates.

Larry Bird thinks today’s league and players are better than his era

Larry Bird dominated the NBA in the 80s and 90s while playing for the Boston Celtics. However, Bird’s era was the complete opposite of the modern-day NBA. In the interview, Bird contrasted different aspects of the game and harped on the physicality of those days. Moreover, he confessed to liking today’s game more.

He said, “First of all, I really like the game now. I think they cleaned it up as far as grabbing and holding the cheap shots; I think they are really on top of it. When you are out there playing, you like to have the freedom, and they have that now.” On top of it, Bird’s admission of liking the game breaks the stereotype of ‘old heads’ who condemn the modern NBA.

Trending

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

Anthony Davis Storms Out Of Press Conference While De’Angelo Russell Takes NBA Refs To Task Online

April 23, 2024 07:51 AM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal Get Revenge on Kendrick Perkins as TNT Co-Hosts Relishes in Hilarious Live TV Battle

April 24, 2024 07:53 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Apart from commenting on the floor spacing and the stringent rules on the physicality of today’s game, Bird also harped on the popularization of the three-point shot in the last decade. He explained how the three-point shot’s expansion has revolutionized several aspects of the game.

Stephen Curry Giggles at His Own Warriors Side During Mavericks Drubbing: “Other Than That..”

He said, “Since the three-point line is being taken advantage of, it opened the court up; there is more space out there. Some of the players that have a lot of skill you can see their skill on a nightly basis.” To end his tangent, Bird also mentioned that he liked to take the corner and top-of-key shots back in the day.

Larry Bird’s observations were on point!

Last night’s star matchup can best explain Bird’s observations about today’s players and their evolved skill set. Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors faced off against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks last night. Curry is often credited with the three-point revolution. Over the years, Curry has cemented himself among the best players in the league through his All-time shooting and handles. Many fans consider him to be the greatest shooter of all time.

Likewise, the Slovenian guard Luka Doncic has already climbed the ranks to the top of the NBA rankings as one of the best players. Moreover, Doncic’s impressive run this season has heralded him as one of the favorites for MVP.

Curry and Doncic embody the modern NBA’s best aspects, like Bird’s observations about floor-spacing and enhanced skill set.

Watch the Story – Larry Bird’s steal and other iconic NBA playoff moments