When Kevin McHale Shared His Thoughts on Why Larry Bird Was Better Than Luka Doncic
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional basketball, comparisons between current and past stars are inevitable. One such comparison that has gained traction in recent years is between Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic and Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird. However, former Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale, who was also Bird’s longtime teammate, strongly disagrees with this comparison.
McHale’s Colorful Description of Bird’s Superiority
In a recent interview on Houston’s ESPN 97.5 The Game, McHale shared his opinion on the comparisons between Doncic and Bird. He vehemently disagreed with the notion that Doncic could be viewed in the same light as his former teammate, providing a colorful description of just how much he disagrees with the comparison.
“Larry was an unbelievable competitor, tough as nails, great vision, and great ability to rebound. And people forget Larry is 6’9, 240 pounds, and strong as an ox,” McHale said. “Larry would be a much better Luka Doncic. Larry was a better basketball player. Bigger, stronger, better.”[1]
McHale’s point about Bird’s size is a valid one, as the Celtics legend is listed at 6-foot-9, making him bigger in stature than Doncic, who is 6-foot-7. However, the comparisons should stop there, as Bird is widely regarded as one of the best players in NBA history, and with McHale having been Bird’s teammate for 12 seasons, he is most qualified to speak on a comparison involving Bird.
Bird’s Impressive Resume and Achievements
In his 13-season NBA career, Bird made 12 All-Star appearances and won three championships. He was also a much better shooter than Doncic from behind the arc, holding a career 3-point shooting percentage of 37.6%, compared to Luka’s 32.1%.[1]
Bird’s stellar shooting stroke made him ahead of his time in many ways, as he made 40% of his 3-pointers in six total seasons, including four straight from 1984-1988. Bird also holds career averages of 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.[1]
Furthermore, Bird averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in at least five seasons, which is the most in NBA history for a single player. He was also named to the All-Defensive team on three different occasions, a feat that seems unlikely for Doncic, despite his youth and brilliance.[1]
The Importance of Accomplishments and Accolades
While Doncic has undoubtedly shown immense talent and potential, he still has a long way to go to match Bird’s accomplishments and accolades. As McHale pointed out, Doncic “doesn’t have the resume, the championships” that Bird had during his illustrious career.[1]
It’s important to note that comparisons between players from different eras should be made cautiously, as the game has evolved significantly over the years. However, Bird’s impact on the game and his place among the all-time greats cannot be denied.
The Dangers of Premature Comparisons
Chandler Parsons, a former NBA player, made headlines when he claimed that Doncic was already better than Bird. However, this statement was met with significant backlash from the NBA community, who felt that it was an overreaction and a premature comparison.
One Reddit user summed up the sentiment perfectly: “Luka needs some chips and some MVPs. Comparing him to Bird does nothing for anyone.”[2] Another user added, “Can we stop, I love Luka but bird is a top 10 player of all time, let him win a chip and an mvp before going to the historic talks, thanks.”[2]
These comments highlight the importance of allowing players to establish their legacies and earn their place in history before making comparisons to all-time greats. While Doncic has shown immense promise, he still has a long way to go to match Bird’s impact on the game.
### The Evolution of the Game and Bird’s Adaptability
Despite the differences in eras, McHale believes that Bird would still be a dominant force in today’s NBA. In a separate interview, McHale explained why he thinks Bird would “terrorize this league” in the modern game.
“Today’s top stars share that kind of offensive versatility, including Luka Doncic, to whom Bird has often been compared due to his all-around game,” McHale said. “But Bird’s combination of size, skill, and competitiveness would make him a nightmare matchup in any era.”[3]
This sentiment is echoed by Bird himself, who shared his thoughts on the game’s evolution in a sitdown with McHale. Bird acknowledged the changes in the game but remained confident in his ability to adapt and succeed in any era.[4]
### Conclusion
While Luka Doncic has undoubtedly shown immense talent and potential, he still has a long way to go to match Larry Bird’s accomplishments and impact on the game. Kevin McHale’s strong disagreement with the comparison highlights the importance of allowing players to establish their legacies before making comparisons to all-time greats.
As the game continues to evolve, it’s clear that Bird’s combination of size, skill, and competitiveness would make him a dominant force in any era. His legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history remains secure, and it will take an extraordinary player to surpass his impact on the game.