Larry Bird is a basketball legend who achieved great success during his playing career. Born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, Bird’s impact on the sport is widely recognized and celebrated.
Bird’s basketball journey began in high school, where he showcased his exceptional skills and led his team to a state championship. He continued to excel at Indiana State University, becoming one of the most dominant college players of his time.
In 1978, Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics as the sixth overall pick in the NBA Draft. He quickly made a name for himself in the professional league, earning the Rookie of the Year award and leading the Celtics to an impressive turnaround.
Throughout his career, Bird’s versatility, basketball IQ, and competitive nature made him one of the greatest players of all time. He won three NBA championships with the Celtics in 1981, 1984, and 1986, and was named the NBA Finals MVP twice.
Bird’s rivalry with Magic Johnson, his counterpart on the Los Angeles Lakers, added an extra layer of excitement to the sport. Their battles on the court captivated fans and helped popularize the NBA during the 1980s.
In addition to his team success, Bird achieved numerous individual accolades. He won three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards from 1984 to 1986 and was a 12-time NBA All-Star. Bird’s ability to score from anywhere on the court, his exceptional passing skills, and his tenacious defense made him a true all-around player.
After retiring as a player, Bird continued to contribute to the sport as a coach and executive. He coached the Indiana Pacers and played a key role in the team’s success, leading them to the NBA Finals in 2000. As an executive, Bird played a crucial part in shaping the Pacers’ roster and strategy.
Larry Bird’s impact on the game of basketball is immeasurable. His skills, achievements, and intense rivalry with Magic Johnson helped elevate the sport to new heights. Bird’s legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history will always be remembered and admired.
Larry Bird Children
Larry is the proud parent of three wonderful children. One of them, Corrie, is his biological child, while the other two, Conner and Mariah, were adopted.
Corrie is Larry’s oldest daughter. She was born in 1977 to his first wife, Janet Condra.
She held the position of manager for the Family Medicine Department at AP&S Clinic.
Corrie got married to Trent Batson on May 17, 2008. They have two children together named Violet Marie Batson, born in 2012, and Sebastian Grey Smith, born in 2017.
In her interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993, Corrie reportedly claimed that Larry was not a supportive father.
Larry married Dinah Mattingly and together they adopted two children, Conner Bird and Mariah Bird.
According to TMZ, it was reported that his son Connor, who is 21 years old, was arrested by the police. The reason for his arrest was an incident where he allegedly tried to hit his girlfriend with his car following an argument between them.
Connor has a bit of a reputation when it comes to getting into trouble with the law. In fact, back in 2011, he got arrested for underage drinking and behaving in a way that was quite outlandish.
Mariah is quite different from her brother. She graduated with honors from Indiana University, majoring in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management.
Afterwards, she decided to pursue a career as an event coordinator for a team. Additionally, she successfully obtained her real estate license.