After an impressive three straight MVPs, Larry Bird’s time in Boston ended abruptly. His was not the only departure from a team that had experienced success with him on the roster, but he did leave behind some parting words for his former teammates.
The “larry bird removed from hall of fame” is a story about how Larry Bird was removed from the Boston Celtics Hall of Fame. This article discusses how the success of the team hinged on one player, and it wasn’t him.
Larry Bird was the finest NBA player in the mid-1980s, earning three consecutive MVP awards between 1984 and 1986. From 1984 through 1987, the Boston Celtics standout led his club to four consecutive NBA Finals trips, winning in 1984 and 1986. After earning his third straight MVP award, Bird said that the Celtics’ success rested on one guy if they wanted to keep winning.
Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics shared a childhood and adolescence.
Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics sits courtside during a game between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 6, 1988. | WireImage/Tom Berg
Bird first appeared in the NBA in 1979-80, a year before Kevin McHale and Robert Parish joined him in Boston. With three championships between them, the trio formed perhaps the strongest frontcourt in NBA history. It didn’t take long for the three to gel, and their first year together they were named winners.
The three played together until Bird’s back injury caused him to retire after the 1991-92 season. Bird, Parish, and McHale ruled for the better part of a decade. However, since their bench was often tiny, they may have been misused as the seasons progressed.
Bird has said that he would put his 1985-86 Celtics championship squad up against any team. Dennis Johnson and Danny Ainge joined the frontcourt, giving the team four future Hall of Famers in the starting lineup (Ainge being the lone non HOFer).
As his career drew to a close, injuries took their toll on Bird. During the 1988-89 season, he had surgery on both heels and only played six regular-season games. He was afflicted with bone chips in his elbow, followed by a back ailment that forced him to retire.
Larry Bird, who won his third straight MVP award, stated the Celtics’ continuing success was due to one guy.
Bird, McHale, and Parish all realized they couldn’t keep playing for as long as they were. Six of the Celtics’ top eight players, including Bird, would be 30 or older the following season. During their most recent championship run, they were already the NBA’s oldest team.
Bird was eager for another title only seconds after defeating the Houston Rockets in Game 6 of the 1986 NBA Finals.
According to United Press International, Bird remarked at the time, “My objective is to win as many titles as possible.” “This squad is one of the best, if not the best, I’ve ever worked with, particularly over the course of a lengthy season.” They simply kept putting out product day after day.”
Bird went on to add that the Celtics needed a big contribution from one guy in particular to keep winning.
“Bill Walton’s health is critical to this team’s success,” Bird added. “We’ll continue to be successful if he remains healthy.”
Bill Walton was a spark for the Celtics in 1986, but he couldn’t stay healthy in 1987.
Larry Bird recorded a triple-double against the Rockets on this day in 1986, sealing the Celtics’ 16th NBA championship and earning NBA Finals MVP accolades to go along with his regular-season MVP. pic.twitter.com/JnGlYDcZ15
June 8, 2021 — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo)
After 11 years in the NBA, Walton was traded to the Celtics for the 1985-86 championship season. However, he was out for three of those seasons due to a foot ailment.
He appeared in 80 games for Boston in his rookie season, averaging 19.3 minutes per game off the bench. As the Celtics’ leading backup scorer and rebounder, he averaged 7.6 points and 6.8 rebounds.
The next season, though, was a completely different scenario.
The Celtics’ big man was limited to 10 regular-season games due to injuries. He was able to return for the playoffs, although only on a part-time basis.
In 1987, the Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Lakers in six games. Walton’s performance in the series was dreadful. He appeared in five of the six games, logging 29 minutes and scoring six points.
Bird was absolutely correct. The Celtics may have won another title if Walton had been healthy during the 1986-87 season.
With the Boston Celtics, Larry Bird and Kevin McHale took confidence to new heights.
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“Larry Bird Work Ethic” is a phrase that has been used to describe the work ethic of Larry Bird. In his last three MVP seasons, he averaged 25 points per game and led the Boston Celtics to three straight NBA championships. Reference: larry bird work ethic.
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