Larry Bird is known as one of the most competitive athletes in sports history.
At one point, the Boston Celtics legend won three MVP Awards in a row (1984-86).
Last year, the Hall of Famer revealed that Nikola Jokic (who is also a three-time MVP) is a current player that he wished he could have played.
Bird (via NBA on TNT in 2024): “I would love to play against him. He’s good… There’s so many great centers over the history of our game. Man, is he good.”
Jokic has been on a historic run over the last five seasons.
In addition to his three MVPs, the Denver Nuggets also won the 2023 NBA Championship.
Via The NBA (on January 14): “With his 8th assist tonight, Nikola Jokić just became the fastest player to reach 15K+ PTS, 7,500+ REB, and 5K+ AST, doing so in just 709 games.
The fastest previously? Larry Bird at 799 games.”
With his 8th assist tonight, Nikola Jokić just became the fastest player to reach 15K+ PTS, 7,500+ REB, and 5K+ AST, doing so in just 709 games.
The fastest previously? Larry Bird at 799 games. pic.twitter.com/zjqjZRBtcN
— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2025
Jokic finished this past season averaging a triple-double.
Via StatMuse: “Nikola Jokic this season:
— 30/13/10
— 1st in triple-doubles
— 1st ever 30/20/20 game
— Most PTS ever in triple-double
— Most triple-doubles by a center
— 1st non-PG to average triple-double
— Top 3 in PPG, RPG, APG, SPG
Record breaking season.”
Nikola Jokic this season:
— 30/13/10
— 1st in triple-doubles
— 1st ever 30/20/20 game
— Most PTS ever in triple-double
— Most triple-doubles by a center
— 1st non-PG to average triple-double
— Top 3 in PPG, RPG, APG, SPGRecord breaking season. pic.twitter.com/lIOtdPjCOB
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 18, 2025
Despite Jokic’s dominance, the Nuggets lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
As for Bird, he retired after the 1991-92 season.
He spent all 13 seasons of his career with the Celtics.
