Larry Bird Quotes (21 quotes) | Quotes of famous people

Larry Bird: 21 quotes 1 like

Famous Larry Bird Quotes

“I wanted to compete at the highest level again - and that's the NBA.”

Larry Bird

Dan Weber (October 30, 1997) "Life Is Still Good For Coach Larry", Post-Tribune, p. C1.

“A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.”

Larry Bird

“Basketball has been my life and I worked at it so hard because I enjoyed it so much.”

Larry Bird

Sam Smith (December 25, 1991) "Bird Still Celtics' Main Man - At Age 35, He's Enjoying Basketball More Than Ever", Chicago Tribune, p. 1.

“You can make all the excuses you want, but if you're not mentally tough and you're not prepared to play every night, you're not going to win.”

Larry Bird

Sam Smith (February 17, 1998) "Making a Run From the Border", Chicago Tribune, p. 5.

“Who in their right mind wouldn't listen to what Larry Bird tells them? He knows what it takes to be a successful player, and he's letting us do the things to have the success.”

Larry Bird

Reggie Miller — reported in Associated Press (May 12, 1998) "Report Says Bird Is Coach of the Year", The Orlando Sentinel, p. C4.
About

“I was always making decisions and they were easier decisions because I had control of the game, I had control of the ball. As a coach you sort of put the ball in other player's hands and let them make decisions for you. But I still get a kick out of winning basketball games and that's what I'm in this for.”

Larry Bird

Ross Atkin (January 29, 1998) "Yes, Great Players Can Make Good Coaches - Larry Bird enjoys immediate success with the Indiana Pacers", Christian Science Monitor, p. 14.

Larry Bird Quotes about the game

“Larry is different than people think. He really loves the game and is really smart. He has the innate ability to focus on what's important and has a great feel for players. He knows how to deal with people. He's direct and definite. I think the players appreciate that.”

Larry Bird

Donnie Walsh — reported in Sam Smith (February 8, 2004) "Bird sets fast pace - Hall of Fame player and former coach Larry Bird finds 'every day's exciting' in his first go-around as general manager of the Indiana Pacers", Chicago Tribune, p. 11.
About

“Well, I don't worry about ratings. I'm trying to win a ballgame right now. Whatever it takes to win a ballgame, we're going to do it. If it takes a four-hour game, that's what we have to do.”

Larry Bird

Marty McNeal (June 11, 2000) "Bryant: A Game-Day Decision - Magic Had to Convince Him to Stay Out After Friday's Injury", The Sacramento Bee, p. C13.

“It's unbelievable. But I've never been to a pro football game. I've never been to a pro hockey game, either. I guess I'm not much of a sports fan.”

Larry Bird

Dan Shaughnessy (September 7, 1997) "There'll Be No Bird Watching", Boston Globe, p. D1.

“Larry Bird is what keeps me going. He's my measuring stick. I don't think I would be as interested in the game if I weren't trying to play better than him.”

Larry Bird

Magic Johnson — reported in Alan Goldstein (February 7, 1988) "Five at the Top of Their Game; Bird, Johnson aren't alone anymore as best players in the NBA", Baltimore Sun, p. 19.
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