Calling Bird overrated is like putting a label on your forehead "I'm Stupid".

Pat Riley: "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan; If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life...I'd take Larry Bird".

I never recalled any other NBA player in history telling his teammates, "Do you want to win the game?" "OK, Gimme the ball and get out of the way!" LB actually did it on numerous occasions.

Let’s not forget that Bird grew up without a 3-point shot. He learned and mastered it on the fly. Now that’s a legend.

JJ would get washed 11-0 by bird

If Larry Bird played in this era, he would be illegal in 43 states.

Reddick was nothing more than a pro-benchwarmer. Calling him an analyst is like calling my dental assistant a Dentist.

J.J. Reddick was a bench warmer who came out to hit a set 3 pointer once in a while in the NBA. That’s all he was. He wants to create a narrative that the NBA is so much better today, that way he can claim if he played in the 80s he would have been a star. The irony is, he wouldn’t have even played in the 80s. He would have got hard fouled once and cried.

Bird winning the 3 point contest with a warmup jacket on was one of the most savage moments in NBA history.

If anything Larry is underrated. He's in my top 5. The disrespect of some of these new fools.

Thank you for schooling these guys.. The disrespect is ridiculous….

JJ is a prime example of why ESPN has become a joke. Treating sports like its fantasy league where the numbers are the only thing that matters.

Even retired, Larry Bird still makes people look stupid.

There are a group of people that don't think he is overrated. Those he played against

Bird was one of the GOATs of the NBA and his play was not just shooting. He was an incredible passer, rebounder and all the small things done to make his teams better.

During a period between 1981-87 Larry Bird was the greatest basketball player who ever lived, including Jordan..any all time liat that doesn't include Bird among the starting 5 or top 5 is not a serious list..you could leave off magic or Oscar, Russell, maybe West..but you absolutely cannot leave off Bird..he defeated every team, every player

JJs mad because bird was a complete player and Reddick was just a one trick pony.

I bet Bird doesnt even know who JJ is

Can we also include the fact that Bird was playing on a bad back after 85? What more could he have done if his back hadn't failed him.

Remember when JJ was actually a relevant player? Me neither

As a life long Pistons fan , no player scared me more than Bird. (Not even Jordan)

“The final shot when the game is on the line, I’ll take MJ, if my life is on the line I’ll take Bird” Pat Riley

I’ve never seen Stephan A. Be this quiet during a discussion on ESPN

Michael Cooper shared this one: “Larry walks in and says I hope all you guys in here are thinking about second place, because I’m winning this…’EXCUSE ME?!’ “And he started shooting and he just didn’t miss.” Of course, he won, lifting his finger in the air before the final shot went in, and not even removing his warm up jacket. The following year, in the same All-Star 3-point shooting contest Dale Ellis told the press that Bird didn’t have much to say this year. Bird said, “There’s no need to talk this time. We all know who’s going to win.” Later on, after Craig Hodges won the NBA All-Star Game Three-Point contest in Bird’s absence, Hodges was asked if the victory was tainted because Bird hadn’t participated. “He knows where he can find me,” was Hodges retort. Told of Hodges’ challenge, Bird replied, “Yeah, at the end of the Bulls bench.”

Dude literally said Curry is defended more physically than Bird was 😂 All time atrocious moment for JJ, no wonder Dominique Wilkins called it an idiotic take.

What do the 1st four letters of "analyst" spell ?

I’m too young to get a chance to watch him played. Wish I have. This guy is a legend

How can anyone discount Bird's 3-point shooting ability? He won 3 consecutive 3-point contests!

JJ has a lot of anger in him.

J.J. Reddick: Larry Bird was overrated as a 3-point shooter. Yes, and Hank Aaron was overrated as a home run hitter. Here's your sign.

Does Redick realize there was NBA before 2000🤦🏽‍♂️?

I grew up on Bird and Magic- attended probably 10-15 Celtic games. Bird was legit- when his team came in town it was like the Beatles landed on US soil. You had to be there to appreciate it

"After 5 minutes into the 1st practice I knew I could play in this league. After 15 minutes I knew I could dominate it for the next 10 years." - Larry Bird

A lot of people don’t take into consideration how many years he played compared to so many others who played twice, or even up to 3 times as many years as Larry, in order to surpass his records. And lest we forget that for at least 4 to 5 of his NBA career he was plagued with injuries. So, taking all that into consideration, I just have to say WOW, how dare these people. And, these HATERS, should be down on their knees, thanking Larry and Magic for SAVING the NBA, and making it what it is today.

JJ Reddick wants to use 3-point shooting percentage because he’s 17th all-time in that statistical category and yet he’s not really mentioned at all amongst the great shooters of NBA history. By that metric, Steve Kerr is the best 3-point shooter of all time, DeAndre Jordan is the best shooter of all time, and apparently there is no arguing with him…. Just don’t ask as to whether dinosaurs existed.

When a generation is raised not respecting it's elders that laid the foundation for them, expect such utter disrespect

Imagine winning 3 3 point contests in a row and not being a great three point shooter just because of NBA play style changes

Bird stats were amazing, but Bird came up in the dunk era, so he had to shoot. I can literally name 10 players more skilled and more accomplished. MJ, Magic, Hakeem, Kareem, Kobe, LeBron, Shaq, Duncan, Russell, Chamberlain, Curry, Durant. K. Leonard. Joker will end up better. Bird had all the help in the world on those championship teams.

Larry Bird is The Coldest White Boy ever to play the Game and one of The Greatest period without a doubt Top 10 🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

The only thing weirder than what Reddick said was watching a five minute clip of Stephen A. Smith with his mouth shut.

JJ is what happens when your competitive nature and pride override your reason

Someone forgot to tell that dude that there is an entire line of legendary players who can confirm it with awe, Bird would tell you what he gonna do and do it, and there was nothing you could do about it, he would trash talk entire NBA rooster of today into crying themselves to sleep sucking on their thumb 😂

Larry, Hall of Famer, and top 10 all time player JJ, one dimensional journeyman who got all tatted up for street cred

So JJ is talking about Dan Marino instead of Tom Brady?

If anything Bird is underrated because most people can't even comprehend how good he was. He wasn't a "3 Point shooter" because he was a total basketball player and was only good at 3 pointers because he was so good at everything and he did whatever he had to to help his team. Sometimes that was shooting a 3 pointer.

The absolute disrespect for Larry is mind boggling 🤷🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

I think one problem that arises when talking about Larry Bird as a three point shooter is that you do have to take into account that he was a power forward, who then transitioned to small forward and eventually played less minutes at power forward, due to Kevin McHale being on the team. Putting McHale in the line-up allows Bird more creative freedom to score. Plus at the power forward position, given Bird's size (taller than Charles Barkley), his presence was needed down low to help rebound the ball. The same could be said of Magic Johnson, because of his size, he would be asked to fill in for Kareem at center, whenever Kareem was out. This is also why when you watch a lot of highlight clips of both Larry and Magic, you will see either player collect the defensive rebound and go coast to coast with the ball, and either score the bucket himself on a fast break or pass it to a teammate for an easy bucket. Also, when you watch a lot of Bird highlights, you see him on the fast break a lot. Players during the 1980s did not run a fast break and then shoot a pull-up 3 pointer. I mean, not unless your team was down by 3 points and the game was on the line. Or if the other team had a really intimidating shot blocker and he beat you down the floor. Really the 3 point shot, traditionally, has been a shot taken in the half court set, usually at the end of the shot clock, after progressing through all of your post-up possibilities or if a one-on-one move breaks down. But also when it comes to Bird, he often has nights in which he has the hot-hand and will demand the ball more or if he wants to go out and punk a younger player. See clips of Bird versus Pistons or Bulls.

I grew up a showtime lakers fan in the 80s. I HATED larry bird back then with a passion but respect the hell out of him in retirement. All you have to do is watch interviews with guys that played with or against him. I can tell you this larry was a straight up baller and did it playing in a time when the teams he played against were stacked with talent. Not like this expanded and watered down league. From around the time the 90s bulls were dominating the league was weakening with its team expansions. Some of them teams from the 80s had 3 or 4 hall of famers on them which is part of the reason the great air Jordan didn't get his first championship until halfway through his career.

Bird was a GREAT SHOOTER from anywhere on the court. Color him any shade you want! This coming from a lifelong Detroit Pistons Fan who HATED HIM due to the pain he caused us. HAD TO RESPECT HIM THO.

Larry Bird is not just a top 10 player of all time. He’s one of the best to ever play. No question about it.

I'd be happy to listen to someone argue the Bird wasn't the best/the top 3/5/10 or whatever, but to pretend that numbers alone tell the story is ridiculous.

I'll go further on context. The game Larry Bird played was not built around setting up three point shots, defence could put their hands on you and a player did not have a protective bubble when shooting rhose threes. Bird was shooting a fair amount of his threes at the end of the clock or while being double teamed and without the extra space shooters are given today. On top of that when Larry had to make that three point shot to tie or win a game his shooting percentage was off the charts. Larry Legend had the clutchest clutch gene of all time. "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I'd take Larry Bird." Pat Riley

I’d like to preface this by saying that I played basketball in NYC in an all black high school and got my nick name from the brothers playing at The Cage and at Rucker Park. We were all trying to emulate what Larry bird was doing on the playground and it was impossible for us. However, I remember hearing what Pat Riley said, “If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan, but if I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird."

This dude has no idea how great Larry was as a basketball player.

He wasn't a volume 3 point shooter he was an all around player kind of like kobe

Players dont move without the ball anymore. Its not as exciting, everyone standing around wanting to hit 3s or iso

Larry Bird is still remembered decades after he retired. Can’t say the same will happen for JJ.

Larry was always guarded by the best defender on the other team, while Reddick was always guarded by the 5 th best or nobody. You know why? because he wasnt a good player, just a good shooter.

JJ does not have a resume to talk about Bird's greatness

We "The West", dreaded when Larry Bird came to town to play against our Team. The East was very strong, very scary back then. And even worse, they were actually allowed to have physical contact amongst the players without someone crying because they got a broken nail.

The Celtics were 50 - 1 at home including playoffs in 1986. The greatest home record ever! Larry the LEGEND had so many great CAREER stats whilst he played half his career injured! My favourite player of all time :) That's why they call him the LEGEND!

Bird's Legend continues to grow ...meanwhile those who've downplayed his greatness on the court have been all but forgotten

Nice to have seen you keep the end of the bench warm Reddick. Having you even speak Larry Birds name is disrespectful. You should have been carrying his bags for him, maybe you could have someday been able to be the ball boy.

Bird’s first 3pt contest score of 22/30 is the 9th best winning score in history. It’s the only score from the 80s in the top 18 scores of all time. He did it in a time when 3s were not seen as valuable and instead as a novelty. Imagine this man playing in 2024. Taller Luka. Crazy.

Bird: 3 consecutive 3point contests won Redick: 0 wins and sets dubious record for most attempts made with foot standing on the line. Yep. Redick has room to call people overrated

Ima 26 year old, Larry bird is so underrated these days. Back then never, but now people didn’t see him play. He was so fucking good.

ESPN’s model of hot-takery has been a disaster for the human race. Turned that channel from my favorite to something I can’t watch for more than a few minutes.

I dont think Reddick even won a Championship if I remember right. He was role player that shot threes . I saw Larry play and I wasn't a Celtics fan at all. Larry is top five imho.

If bird only scored outside, he would have been easy to guard. And the man shot like 40% in the hand check era. That is insane.

"He wasn't a volume shooter"... he was the FIRST volume shooter.

Its true that jj doesnt back his claims in these clips but i do agree that Bird isnt a top5 3-point shooter of all time. In no order my top5 is Steph, Klay, Reggie, Dame, Ray Allen and James Harden. I also have Steve Nash higher than Larry and an argument could be made for Dirk, Kyle Korver, Jason Terry and Peja to name a few

When it comes to this guy Reddick , well ya just CAN'T FIX STUPID.

JJ Redick fools the weak minded by dressing nice and being well-spoken. He has never had a good take when talking basketball

All you need to know about Larry Bird is the absolute and total respect Michael Jordan has for the man. He was devastatingly good from anywhere on the court. That combined with his size and basketball IQ made him as difficult to cover as any of the top 5 NBA players. That, and he was one of the greatest trash talkers of all time.

Basketball reference has for bird 1.9 three point attempts per game for his career and .7 three pointers made for a.376 percentage. Basically, he was a 38% shooter who take an average of 2 three pointers a game. If he practiced the shot more like they do now and was allowed to take 10,12, to 14 three’s a game like now , he would make 4 to 5 to 6 there’s a game or more

One last thing, i'm maybe wrong, but i don't think soo, about, nowdays NBA players making more 3pts shots attempts, then Lary Bird era, stats also depends on coaches tactics decisions, i mean by that ... if L.Bird or even M.Jordan maybe even Reggie Miller was playing right now at their prime time level, they would break new 3pts records making todays players look soo ridiculous, there are some nowdays players of exception like Curry as example, but most players would not match the veterans level.

Reddick is saying shit just to say shit. He's turning into that guy that thinks he knows more just because he was a one dimensional role player.

In an interview with Michael Jordan,he was asked “besides yourself,who would you want to take the last shot with the game on the line?” And he didn’t hesitate and looked right at him and said “Larry Bird”

Pat Riley once said " Game on the line last shot Jordan, my life on the line Bird .

One point missing in this discussion is that Bird was never left open at the three point line. It is far harder to make shots when you are actively being guarded and when someone is in your face. Most of the highest percentage three point shooters are taking wide open shots on the wing where their feet are set before they even get the ball passed to them. The highest percentage three point shooter in NBA history is Steve Kerr, does that make him the best three point shooter ever? Of course not! No sane person would make that argument.

Some athletes should stay just that, athletes. Just because you played the game, doesn't make you a viable candidate to be an intelligent analyst of the game. The disrespect shown to Larry Bird and other hall of famers from these younger players is unbelievable

Please can someone even mention Larry bird's phenomenal ball IQ....this guy was a shy monster. Damn

Stephen just has the "Who hired this idiot" look on his face the whole time JJ is talking.

J J Reddick is a bargain brand John Paxson. Can’t believe he would say that

He's one of the best shooters ever from anywhere. First time seeing JJ's comments and body language. What a jacka$$!

Another thing people don't mention often is that the league changed rims in around 2010 to 180 breakaway rims. This deadens the rebound on the back of the rim and also creates a spring effect on the front and sides, which increases the possibility of bouncing off the rim and still making it. Overall it's just easier to make from distance on modern rims compared to when Bird played.

Honestly, I've given less than half a sh*t about what anyone on ESPN had to say about players when Brady led the Bucs to take the Superbowl. There's plenty of collections here on KZfaq of that. It pretty much cemented they specifically bring on "experts" that only say what they think their fans want to hear.

Scoring has changed so drastically over time. When the 3 point line was originally initiated, it was more of a novelty shot. Larry Bird only attempted 2 3’s a game for his career. Bottom line, Larry, averaged, 24,10 and 6 for a career in what many consider the toughest era ever in basketball. I rest my case

"I'm just looking to see who's going to finish second." Proceeds to win without taking off his training jacket. Larry Bird is the GOAT.

JJ has to believe that he played in the best of best of the best era of all time,or else he has to admit he was an above average single skill player, and not a great over all player.

Who the hell would call Bird "overrated " ? I mean, have they watched bball ?

Anyone that watched Larry Bird knew he was the best basketball player on the court in nearly every game he ever played in. Pre injuries the best I had ever seen. He would have dominated every era of the game, was still doing it post injuries, and I can say without any reservations he would be even more dominant in today's game than his own. You can easily see him scoring more in a far less physical era. The amount of 3's would have skyrocketed in such a wide open and spread game as well.

My god. MJ called Bird the greatest shooter he has ever seen. Magic did too. These two greats have a lot more expertise in the game than a bench warmer like Reddick.

Can I get the 15 minutes of my life back after watching this and reading the comments please and thank you.

intro song is "chill noons - Kronicle"

Michael Cooper called Redick "a poor mans Danny Ainge."🤣

Larry Legend was a 3-time MVP, consecutive mvp's. Larry was GREAT in his prime. Gotta respect the man. BTW, I am not a Boston fan, but Bird was something else.

This video is very biased. Reddick never says Bird is overrated. He only says he’s not a top 3 or 5 shooter all time.

Where was steph curry being held for 48 minutes? I dont think thats ever happened

Larry Legend is definitely one of the best shooters -- back when people played defense.