The answer to the question "How tall is Larry Bird? " is that he is 6 feet 9 inches tall. Larry Bird is not the tallest player in the NBA, but his relatively short stature for a forward helped him become one of the greatest players in the game's history. In this article, let's discuss his career and personal life more.
How Tall Is Larry Bird? What is his Wingspan?
Larry Bird is 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall and has a wingspan of 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters).
Larry Bird Biography
Larry Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, on December 7, 1956, his birthday. He was raised in the Indiana town of est Baden Springs, which is close to French Lick. The parents of Larry Bird are Georgia and Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird. His sibling count is five. His sister is named Linda, and he has brothers named Mike, Mark, Jeff, and Eddie.
At the time of his parent's divorce, they were both going through a difficult time. Larry Bird fled his family because he was angry about his parent's divorce. He now had the perfect opportunity to dedicate the rest of his life to basketball.
Describing His Age, Weight, And Body
Depending on your estimation, Larry Bird's age is: No worries, we'll let you know his age in 2021 as well as his height, weight, and how tall he is.
He was born on December 7, 1956, and is 64 years old. He stands at 6 feet 9 inches and weighs 101 kilos. He is one of the well-known NBA coaches, an executive and professional basketball player from the United States (NBA). It's challenging to forget Larry Bird. His eyes are blue, and he has blonde hair.
Timeline of Larry Bird's Career
1956
Larry Joe Bird, an American former professional basketball player, coach, and Executive in the National Basketball Association, was born on December 7, 1956. (NBA). Bird, sometimes known as "The Hick from French Lick," is one of the all-time great NBA players.
1974
In 1974, Bird won a scholarship to play basketball for Indiana University. After leaving his small community, he left school in less than a month because he found it difficult to acclimate to Bloomington's vast student body.
He moved back to French Lick, enrolled at the adjacent Northwood Institute (now Northwood University), worked for the local government for a year, and then registered at Indiana State University in Terre Haute in 1975.
His three-year tenure with the Sycamores was fruitful. He was instrumental in their 33-0 record and first-ever NCAA tournament appearance when they faced Michigan State in the 1979 championship game. Despite Bird scoring 19 points but only hitting 7 of his 21 shots, Indiana State lost the game 75–64.
Due mainly to the clash between Bird and the Spartans' point player Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a rivalry that lasted throughout their professional careers, the game received tremendous television viewership for a collegiate basketball game. Despite not succeeding in winning the title, Bird received multiple accolades and trophies at the end of the season for his exceptional play, including the Naismith College Player of the Year Award.
He led the Sycamores to an 81-13 record during his time there, with an average of 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game for his college career. Bird played one game for the baseball squad and had a 1-for-2 performance with 2 RBIs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education from the university in 1979.
1975
Bird wed Janet Condra in 1975. Less than a year passed during their marriage. Bird and Condra sought to get back together, and in 1977 they had Corrie, a daughter.
1978
Bird played small forward and power forward for the Boston Celtics for 13 seasons after being selected sixth overall in the NBA Draft in 1978. Bird won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award three times in a row and was a 12-time NBA All-Star (1984–1986). He spent his entire professional playing career with Boston, where he captured three NBA titles and two NBA Finals MVP honors.
Additionally, Bird was a part of "The Dream Squad," the American men's basketball team that won gold at the 1992 Olympics. In 1996, he was chosen for the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2010, as a member of "The Dream Team," he was again inducted into the Hall of Fame.
In 2016, Fox Sports named him the greatest NBA small forward of all time. Additionally, MSN Sports named Bird the greatest Boston Celtics player of all time in 2018.
In the 1978 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics selected Bird with the sixth overall pick. He delayed signing with the Celtics to complete his last season at Indiana State when he helped the Sycamores reach the NCAA championship game.
Red Auerbach, the general manager of the Celtics, publicly declared that he would not offer Bird a higher salary than any other Celtic on the roster at the time. However, Bob Woolf, Bird's agent, informed Auerbach that Bird would reject any sub-market offers and instead enter the 1979 draft, where he would have most likely been selected first because Boston's rights would have expired on June 25.
Bird became the highest-paid rookie in sports history on June 8 after signing a five-year, $3.25 million contract with the franchise following protracted talks. The Bird Collegiate Rule, which was implemented shortly after, forbade teams from selecting players before they were prepared to sign contracts.
1979
In his first season (1979–1980), Bird made the Celtics a title contender right away. The group increased its victory total from the year before he was drafted by 32 games, and it took first place in the Eastern Conference. The bird had 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in his first game as a professional, a 114-106 victory over the Houston Rockets.
In a 115-111 victory over the Detroit Pistons on November 14, 1979, Bird earned his first triple-double of his professional career with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. On November 23, Bird scored 30 points, added 11 rebounds, and handed out three assists in a 118-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers, marking his first 30-point performance.
1980
The frontcourt of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish is recognized as one of the greatest in NBA history. Before the 1980–81 season, the Celtics picked forward Kevin McHale in the draft and acquired center Robert Parish from the Golden State Warriors.
The Celtics once more proceeded to the Conference Finals for a rematch with the 76ers under Bird's leadership and Boston's improved lineup. Boston started the series with a 3-1 deficit but won the following three games to overtake Houston in the Finals, defeating them in six games and giving Bird his first championship.
He had postseason averages of 21.9 points, 14 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.3 steals, as well as 15.3 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 7 assists in the Finals. However, teammate Cedric Maxwell won the Finals MVP Award.
Both during the regular season and in the Finals, games involving the Celtics and the Lakers drew sizable television audiences throughout the 1980s. Magic Johnson's off-balance shot from close to the three-point line at the buzzer gave the Lakers a 115-114 victory at Boston Garden in the first regular-season matchup between the Celtics and the Lakers in 1987–88.
The clubs competed against one another multiple times in championship series in the 1960s, and the historical divide between them heightened public interest in the rivalry. A major showdown like this hadn't occurred in professional basketball since Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain faced off.
The apparent contrast between the two players and their teams appeared to be staged for television: Bird, the reserved small-town hero with the hard-working ethic, fit in perfectly with the Celtics' retro, gritty style, while Johnson, the stylish, outgoing player, oversaw the Lakers' lightning-quick Showtime offense amid the city's bright lights and A-listers.
The perceived contrast between the two players was depicted in a Converse advertisement from the 1980s for its "Weapon" brand of basketball shoes, which was supported by both Bird and Johnson.
When Johnson arrives in a luxurious limousine and dares Bird to a one-on-one battle, Bird is pictured alone practicing basketball on a rural court (in truth, the court was one Bird had built on the French Lick property he had bought for his mother).
1981
One of the best basketball players and shooters of all time, according to critics, is Larry Bird. In total, 12 NBA All-Star teams included him. With the Celtics, Bird captured three NBA titles (1981, 1984, and 1986), as well as two NBA Finals MVP honors. The only other players to have done so as of 2020 are Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.
Bird won three consecutive regular-season MVP honors. In addition, Bird finished second in the MVP voting four times, in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1988. As one of the greatest clutch players in NBA history, Bird is also noted for his outstanding performance under pressure and in high-stakes scenarios.
1982
Bird won the All-Star Game MVP Award in 1982 after scoring 19 points in the contest. He was named to his first All-Defensive Team at the end of the season. In the end, Moses Malone won the Most Valuable Player Award, with him coming in second.
The Celtics lost to the 76ers in seven games in the Conference Finals for the third year in a row. The following year, Boston's woes persisted as the team lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Conference Semifinals and Bird again came in second to Malone in the MVP voting.
1983
With averages of 24.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, Bird was awarded MVP of the 1983–84 season. The Celtics defeated the Bucks in five games in the conference finals to avenge their defeat from the previous season, and they went on to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the championship game.
Before a flagrant penalty on Kurt Rambis led to a scuffle and the Lakers lost control of the game, the Lakers, led by Bird's college nemesis Magic Johnson, were poised to take a dominating 3-1 series lead. Boston rallied to win the game and go on to win the series in seven games. After averaging 27.4 points, 14 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, Bird was awarded Finals MVP.
1984
On December 9, 1984, in a 128-127 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Bird finished with 48 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists. In a game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 12 of the 1984–85 season, Bird scored a career-high and club-record 60 points. Just nine days before, Kevin McHale had scored 56 points to break the previous Celtics record for points in a game.
Bird won the MVP award at the season's end after finishing with averages of 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Boston made it through the playoffs to face the Lakers again, but this time they were defeated in six games.
1985
Larry suffered a back injury while attempting to build a driveway at his mother's property in the summer of 1985. He had back issues for the rest of his career, at least in part as a result of this.
The Celtics made a risky trade for Bill Walton, an All-Star center with a history of injuries, before the start of the 1985–86 season. Walton's addition enabled Boston to win a league-best 67 games.
Thus the risk paid off. One of Bird's career highlights came during the inaugural Three-Point Shootout at the 1986 NBA All-Star Weekend when he entered the locker room and inquired as to who would come in second before taking home the victory.
On November 27, 1985, in a 132-124 victory over the Detroit Pistons, Bird finished with 47 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. On March 10, 1986, in a 115-116 loss against the Dallas Mavericks, Bird notched 50 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists.
1987
The Celtics battled through challenging series against the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons to reach their final Finals berth in 1987. With five seconds left in the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pistons, with Boston behind the Pistons 107-106, Bird snagged an inbound pass.
When Bird lost control and went out of bounds, he turned and threw the ball to Dennis Johnson, a teammate, who made a game-winning 2-point layup with a split second remaining. The Celtics' spectacular play helped them win the series. Due to terrible injuries, the Celtics were unable to compete in the NBA Finals and were defeated by the powerful Lakers, who had won 65 games all season.
With Bird averaging 24.2 points on.445 shooting, 10 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game in the championship series, the Celtics ultimately fell to the Lakers in six games. The Detroit Pistons defeated the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals in 1988, defeating them in 6 games as the Pistons sought to avenge their heartbreak from the previous season.
Eight NBA championships were won by Bird and Johnson in the 1980s, with Magic winning five and Bird three. Every NBA Finals in the 1980s included one of Boston or Los Angeles as a participant.
The 1987–1988 season included the most points in Bird's career. Bird scored 20 points in the fourth quarter of Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks while shooting 9 of 10 from the field. This helped the Boston Celtics win the series over Atlanta. Bird scored 34 points in the end.
His efforts enabled Atlanta's Dominique Wilkins, who scored 47 points, to be outscored. Wilkins stated: "The container resembled a well. I could not fail. He was unable to err. And the game's final shot was what decided it.
Who was going to score on the final attempt? That was the best game I've ever participated in or watched." The Eastern Conference Finals' loss to the Pistons in six games prevented the Celtics from making it to the NBA Finals for the first time in five years.
1989
In 1989, Bird wed Dinah Mattingly. Conner and Mariah, two adopted children, are theirs.
1988
After six games, Bird's 1988–89 season came to an end after having bone spurs surgically removed from both of his heels. He rejoined the Celtics in 1989, but he was unable to recapture his mid-1980s form because of crippling back issues and an aging Celtics team.
Nevertheless, Bird continued to be one of the best players in the league over the last few seasons of his career. Bird led the Celtics to postseason participation in each of his final three seasons with the team, averaging over 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists per game while shooting better than 45% from the field.
1992
The retirement of Bird was announced on August 18, 1992. The Celtics quickly retired Bird's 33rd jersey after his departure.
When the 1992 Summer Olympics were held in Barcelona, Spain, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and other NBA luminaries participated on the U.S. basketball team. For the first time ever in Olympic history, the United States fielded basketball professionals to compete. The gold medal in men's basketball was won by the "Dream Team." The team was referred to as "the best assembly of basketball talent in the world" by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
From 1992 to 1997, Bird worked for the Celtics as a special assistant in the front office. Bird announced his intention to serve as Indiana Pacers coach for no longer than three years when he accepted the position in 1997.
In spite of having no prior coaching experience, Bird guided the Pacers to a 58-24 record in the 1997–98 season—the franchise's greatest mark as an NBA team at the time—and forced the Chicago Bulls to a seven-game Eastern Conference Finals series. For his efforts, he received the NBA Coach of the Year award.
After that, Bird guided the Pacers to back-to-back Central Division crowns in 1999 and 2000 as well as a spot in the 2000 NBA Finals. Following through on his initial vow to coach for only three years, Bird quit his head coaching post shortly after the conclusion of the 2000 season.
1993
Despite their intense rivalry, Johnson and Bird grew close off the field. The two athletes' friendship developed as a result of their collaboration on the Converse ad, which portrayed them as bitter rivals.
On February 4, 1993, Johnson made an emotional appearance at Bird's retirement ceremony and referred to Bird as a "friend forever."
1996
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame first admitted Bird in 1998, and he was re-inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010 as a part of the "Dream Team." The bird was chosen for the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996.
On ESPN SportsCentury's list of the 50 greatest athletes of the 20th century, Bird was ranked No. 30 in 1999. He was able to play both small forward and power forward.
1997
Bird coached the Indiana Pacers as their head coach from 1997 to 2000 after he retired as a player. In addition to leading the Pacers to a spot in the 2000 NBA Finals, he was selected NBA Coach of the Year for the 1997–1998 season.
Bird assumed the role of Pacers president of basketball operations in 2003 and held it until his retirement in 2012. He received the 2012 NBA Executive of the Year award. In 2013, Bird rejoined the Pacers as president of basketball operations, a position he held until 2017.
2012
The bird was appointed president of basketball operations of the Pacers in 2003. Bird became the first person in NBA history to earn the NBA MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year awards after the 2011–2012 regular season.
A day before the NBA draft in 2012, on June 27, Bird and the Pacers announced their separation. Bird cited health concerns as one of the reasons for his departure. In 2013, Bird served as president of basketball operations for the Pacers once more. In 2017, he again resigned, but he continued to work with the group as an advisor.
2013
Bird missed 22 games in the 1990–91 season after leading the Celtics to a 29–5 start because of a compressed nerve root in his back, which would ultimately force him to retire.
He underwent off-season back surgery to remove a disc, but his back issues persisted, causing him to miss 37 games in the 1991–92 campaign. Due to ongoing back issues, Bird missed four out of the seven games in the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2019
Bird earned the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 NBA Awards (shared with Magic Johnson).
2020
As of 2020, only Bird has won the Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, NBA Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year awards in the NBA's history.
How much is Larry Bird Net Worth?
Former NBA executive, coach, and professional basketball player Larry Bird is one of the wealthiest people in America (NBA). Most of his supporters talk about his net worth and salary. No salary data for Larry Bird is available to us.
He receives a respectable salary from his career. He is a former professional basketball player from the United States who is now a coach and Executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His earnings through his work and career total $81 Million. He is regarded as one of the highest-paid individuals in the world.
He is a well-known American who was a professional basketball player in the past and is now a coach, Executive, and member of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has established a strong reputation for himself, is highly successful in what he does, and has a large net worth.
Larry Bird’s Salary
The Indiana-born player for the Celtics was the highest-paid rookie of the year with a $3.25 million, $650,000 per year, five-year contract. Additionally, he was the first athlete to earn $5 million. In addition, the NBA career earnings of the basketball player were $24,070,000. He made $7,070,000 in salary for the 1991–92 season, which was the highest.
Larry Bird’s Endorsements
The former basketball player has made appearances in video games and certain clothing commercials. He has promoted the Heinz Corporation's chains and products extensively.
Larry Bird’s Investments
The fact that Larry Bird participated in the film Space Jam helped to increase his notoriety among moviegoers. He deals in real estate as well. In Terre Haute, he also shares ownership of a hotel and restaurant. According to rumors, Larry converted one of his residences into a restaurant so that NBA executives may eat for free.
Larry Bird other Sources Of Income
His investments and different endorsements are some of his additional revenue sources. Additionally, a number of documentaries about Bird's life and career have been made available. Some of these include Larry Bird: A Basketball Legend, Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies, Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals, etc.
Larry Bird House and Car
Bird purchased a stunning 6,000-square-foot property in Florida with a pool for roughly $5 million. It has four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a home theater, and a palm tree-lined entrance. Later, for $4.8 million, he and his wife put it on the market for sale.
Additionally, he has a residence in Terre Haute, Indiana, his hometown. A half-mile or so from the Indiana University campus, Bird also operates a hotel with wait staff that dress in striped referee shirts in the lounge. In the lobby, a 6 feet, 9-inch life-size portrait of Bird welcomes guests.
Additionally, Larry had a house in Indianapolis. The 10,232-square-foot house has three fireplaces, five bedrooms, and eight bathrooms. A tennis court, multi-level patios, a pool, and a pool house with a kitchen are also located there. A home theater, pool table, wine cellar, pub-style wet bar, and fitness center are all located on the basement floor. 2019 saw Bird sell the house for $2.3 million.
He has "A pacer's Indy Car," a Thunderbird Mustang, and a Ford among his collection of automobiles.
Larry Bird Charity Work
In addition to serving as an honorary director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Larry Bird has helped CharitaBulls, an organization that was founded with the goal of improving the lives of Chicago's youngsters by actively supporting educational, recreational, and social initiatives.
Before the event, Bird noted in an interview about his charitable efforts, "All of my donations are sort of made under the table." "I don't require attention. I'm not doing anything to gain attention. Though I do care, and that is what really counts.
Larry Bird Dating, girlfriends, wife and relationship
Dinah Mattingly is his second wife, and Janet Condra is his first. He briefly married Janet Condra, his high school sweetheart, with whom he had a daughter named Corrie. In 1989, Larry married Dinah Mattingly, and the two later adopted a son, Conner, and a daughter, Mariah.
Conclusion
Larry Bird is the most popular basketball player of all time, and he is also quite successful in life. He has a net worth of $10 billion and a salary of $10 million yearly. He has been in with many teams and has won many championships. He has been in and out of injuries and many career injuries. However, he is still the most successful player who has ever lived.