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"It'd be nice to be 7 foot" - Larry Bird feels honored to be compared to Dirk Nowitzki
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- "It'd be nice to be 7 foot" - Larry Bird feels honored to be compared to Dirk Nowitzki
(© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Many NBA fans have been convinced that no other player can compare to the great Larry Bird . Yet, during the peak of his career, Dallas Mavericks big man Dirk Nowitzki garnered attention and earned comparisons to Bird's unique style and skills.
Renowned for his keen ability to recognize and appreciate the talent of younger NBA players, "Larry Legend" did not dismiss these comparisons. Instead, he welcomed them with open arms and genuinely admired Nowitzki's remarkable skills as a player.
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"I've always admired the guy," Bird said after being quizzed for comments on the Nowitzki comparisons. "He's had a great run (in the 2011 playoffs), but I've always been very impressed with him, his work ethic, his loyalty to his country. It's really an honor for me to have people compare us."
"He rebounds. He plays at his own pace. He sort of controls the tempo on offense," he further said of Dirk. "It'd be nice to be 7 foot and when they run plays and switch (defenders) on him, it doesn't bother him at all. He can see over everybody."
"He's got the step-backs," the Celtics legend added." "He gets to the rim. The difficulty of some of the shots that he makes ... one thing about him is that he's always got great balance. His shot looks like he's falling away, but he's got a lot of balance when the shot goes up."
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The comparisons speak volumes about Bird's timeless greatness
Bird does not shy away from sharing his honest take on player comparisons. In fact, when people draw parallels between him and the stars who came after him, the Boston Celtics legend believes it speaks to the enduring legacy he has forged over the years.
Admittedly, Bird finds great joy in knowing that his name continues to resonate in the modern game. For "The Hick from French Lick," this reflects not only his greatness and impact but also the respect he commands among both fans and players alike.
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Ultimately, Bird will always embrace any comparison, as it's gratifying for him to be part of conversations surrounding today's NBA.
"I understand (the comparisons)," the three-time MVP explained. "I've always felt it's an honor when they compare anyone to me, because I haven't played ball for 20 years."
Dirk doesn't see himself similar to Bird
Interestingly, Nowitzki was also once asked to share his thoughts on being compared to Bird. Known for his remarkable humility and deep respect for the icons who came before him, Dirk totally disagreed with the comparison.
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Instead of feeling flattered, Nowitzki expressed his firm belief that "Larry Legend" is a completely superior player . For "German Jesus," the fact that Bird has done more incredible things on the court than him only proves that any such comparison falls short of accuracy.
"Come on, Larry was shooting 20-footers left-handed," said the 2007 NBA MVP.
In conclusion, Dirk and Bird's perspectives highlight their admirable modesty and admiration for their fellow NBA greats. Moreover, the pair's remarks about player comparisons indicate that while it's normal to compare, it's also important to appreciate each player's distinct skills and identity.
