Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Selecting the Boston Celtics All-Time starting lineup

By Justin Trombino

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 13: A member of the Celtics dancers performs before the game between the Boston Celtics and the LA Clippers at TD Garden on February 13, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 13: A member of the Celtics dancers performs before the game between the Boston Celtics and the LA Clippers at TD Garden on February 13, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Larry Bird (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Turner Sports)
Boston Celtics Larry Bird (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Turner Sports) /

Larry Bird – Small Forward

Larry Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft. It’s worth mentioning that due to the rules at the time, and contract rebuttals with Red Auerbach, Bird refused to sign his rookie contract with the Celtics and decided to finish his final season of eligibility at Indiana State.

Auerbach was reluctant at first, but did give Bird what he wanted, which was to be paid what he knew he was worth. Bird and Auerbach agreed to a 5-year, $ 3.25 million contract, making him the highest paid rookie in NBA history at the time.

Bird finished his rookie year averaging 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, which was good for earning Rookie of the Year in 1980. After a taste of the NBA, Bird would go on to play his entire career for the Boston Celtics and averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game for his career.

“Larry Legend” is widely considered to be the greatest shooter in NBA history. He finished his career shooting just under 50- percent from the field and 37- percent from behind the arc. To put it into better perspective, Bird also won the first 3-point shooting contest and again the following two seasons (1986-1988).

In 13 NBA seasons, Bird would become a three time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986), a two time Finals MVP (1984, 1986), a 12-Time NBA All-Star (1980-1988, 1990-1992), a nine time All-NBA First Team (1980-1988), and a three time league MVP (1984-1986).

Bird is also a two-time member of the 50-40-90 club and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. His No. 33 is retired by the Boston Celtics.

The legendary Bird ranks top ten all time in Celtics history in games (897), minutes played (34,443), field goals (8,591), 3-point field goals (649), free throws (3,960), total rebounds (8,974), assists (5,695), and steals (1,556).

He will always be remembered for his competitive attitude and trash talking skills.

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