Larry Bird Biography: Net Worth, Salary, Family and Career Stats
The basketball world considers Larry Bird to be among the all-time best NBA players. His extraordinary ballhandling skills as well as court awareness and competitive spirit were what drew the fans in. On December 7th, 1956 Bird was born in West Baden Springs. He wore the iconic jersey number 33 and played as a forward player during his entire career. During the 1980s Larry made a significant impact on the NBA which helped to grow its public appeal.
Bird launched his successful career when he joined the Boston Celtics team in 1979 before becoming the official franchise ambassador. From 1979 to 1992 he spent 13 years with the Celtics and secured three NBA championship victories (1981, 1984, 1986). Bird also clinched the MVP award three times in a row (1984-1986). The NBA selected him 12 times as an All-Star during his professional career and he received fame for excellent shooting form and masterful court passes along with unmatched cognitive abilities on the basketball court. The NBA gained new popularity due to the famous competition between Bird and his college and NBA counterpart Magic Johnson.
Larry Bird Early Life
Larry Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Spring. While growing up he lived in the adjacent community of French Lick Indiana. Larry grew up as the fourth child and youngest son among six siblings under the care of his parents Joe and Georgia Bird. The family faced substantial stress because Larry Bird’s father returned from his war service in Korea with an alcohol addiction and economic difficulties. His parents divorced before his father committed suicide when Bird was in his high school years. The problems Bird faced in his early life formed his intense dedication to work.
Through basketball, Bird found freedom from his household problems as he showed outstanding athletic abilities. In his youth, he improved through playing games against older opponents at local basketball competitions thus embracing the sport as an essential outlet and life passion.
Bird’s development under his high school coach Jim Jones involved both skill improvement and the discovery of his maximum athletic potential. During his time at Indiana University Bird spent only a short period before moving to Indiana State University under coach Bill Hodges. Hodges provided Larry with an environment where he could excel as a basketball player. Larry achieved an undefeated record and secured a place in the 1979 NCAA Championship against Magic Johnson’s Michigan State team.
Also Read: Zion Williamson Biography: Net Worth, Salary, Family and Career Stats
Larry Bird Biography
Before moving on to the life details of Larry Bird, here is a sneak peek into the biography of the iconic player:
| Player Information | Details |
| Full Name | Lary Joe Bird |
| Position | Small Forward/Power Forward |
| DOB (Age) | 68 years (7 December 1956) |
| Height | 2.06m (6’9″) |
| Weight | 99.8Kg |
| Hometown | West Baden, Indiana |
| Current Team(s) | Boston Celtics |
| Draft | Round 1, Pick 6, Boston Celtics, 1978 NBA Draft |
| Debut | 1979 Boston Celtics |
| Nickname | Larry Legend, The Great White Hope |
| Spouse | Dinah Mattingly |
| Networth | $75 Million |
Larry Bird Career
Larry Bird led a 13-year NBA journey for the Boston Celtics between 1979 and 1992 while he earned three championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986 and the MVP honor in a consecutive run from 1984 through 1986. During his NBA career, he received 12 All-Star selections along with fame for his masterful shooting abilities and crucial game moments combined with his ability to lead others. His bitter competition with Magic Johnson helped drive NBA ratings upward after which he took on coaching responsibilities while becoming part of team management teams to solidify his legacy in basketball history.
Larry Bird High School Career
Larry Bird pursued his high school education at Springs Valley High School in French Lick Indiana before becoming the leading athlete of their team. Senior-year players and college scouts noticed his impressive talent as he became one of the most recognized athletes in his year. The excellent season of his team was partially enabled by his strong playing but they never managed to secure a state title win.
His local roots earned Bird selection to the Indiana All-State team while making him Springs Valley’s highest-scoring player of all time. After an outstanding high school career Bob Knight named him recruit for Indiana University which started his journey towards basketball excellence. Below are his senior year stats:
| Season | Points Per Game (PPG) | Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | Assists Per Game (APG) |
| 1973-74 | 30.6 | 13.3 | 4.0 |
Larry Bird Professional Career
The Boston Celtics chose Larry as the sixth overall draft pick in 1978 but Bird elected to remain at Indiana State University for his senior year where their team booked a spot in the 1979 NCAA Championship final match. People had extremely optimistic hopes for his performance when he started playing for the Celtics during their 1979-80 season. He restored the failing franchise by winning his first Rookie of the Year followed by a 32-win increase for Boston.
Throughout his 13-year NBA career, Bird dedicated himself to the Celtics basketball team while securing three championship titles in 1981, 1984, and 1986 as well as three consecutive MVP honors from 1984 to 1986. Through his clutch performance and famous Magic Johnson rivalry he played a major role in expanding NBA popularity. The back injuries he faced in his career’s later years did not slow down his dominance as he played until 1992 after establishing himself as a key force.
Below are his NBA career Stats as reported by NBA:
| Season | Team | GP | PTS | FGM | FGA | 3PM | 3PA | FTA | REB | AST | STL | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991-92 | Boston Celtics | 45 | 20.2 | 7.8 | 16.8 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 9.6 | 6.8 | 0.9 | 0.7 |
| 1990-91 | Boston Celtics | 60 | 19.4 | 7.7 | 17.0 | 1.3 | 3.3 | 3.1 | 8.5 | 7.2 | 1.8 | 1.0 |
| 1989-90 | Boston Celtics | 75 | 24.3 | 9.6 | 20.2 | 0.9 | 2.6 | 4.6 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 1.4 | 0.8 |
| 1988-89 | Boston Celtics | 6 | 19.3 | 8.2 | 17.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.2 | 6.2 | 4.8 | 1.0 | 0.8 |
| 1987-88 | Boston Celtics | 76 | 29.9 | 11.6 | 22.0 | 1.3 | 3.1 | 6.0 | 9.3 | 6.1 | 1.6 | 0.8 |
| 1986-87 | Boston Celtics | 74 | 28.1 | 10.6 | 20.2 | 1.2 | 3.0 | 6.1 | 9.2 | 7.6 | 1.8 | 0.9 |
| 1985-86 | Boston Celtics | 82 | 25.8 | 9.7 | 19.6 | 1.0 | 2.4 | 6.0 | 9.8 | 6.8 | 2.0 | 0.6 |
| 1984-85 | Boston Celtics | 80 | 28.7 | 11.5 | 22.0 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 5.7 | 10.5 | 6.6 | 1.6 | 1.2 |
| 1983-84 | Boston Celtics | 79 | 24.2 | 9.6 | 19.5 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 5.3 | 10.1 | 6.6 | 1.8 | 0.9 |
| 1982-83 | Boston Celtics | 79 | 23.6 | 9.5 | 18.7 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 5.3 | 11.0 | 5.8 | 1.9 | 0.9 |
| 1981-82 | Boston Celtics | 77 | 22.9 | 9.2 | 18.4 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 4.9 | 10.9 | 5.8 | 1.9 | 0.9 |
| 1980-81 | Boston Celtics | 82 | 21.2 | 8.8 | 18.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 4.0 | 10.9 | 5.5 | 2.0 | 0.8 |
| 1979-80 | Boston Celtics | 82 | 21.3 | 8.5 | 17.8 | 0.7 | 1.7 | 4.4 | 10.4 | 4.5 | 1.7 | 0.6 |
| Career | Boston Celtics | 897 | 24.3 | 9.6 | 19.3 | 0.7 | 1.9 | 5.0 | 10.0 | 6.3 | 1.7 | 0.8 |
Larry Bird Achievements and Awards
Basketball fans witnessed an exceptional milestone when Bird won the 1992 Olympic Gold Medal leading the USA Dream Team in his last professional tournament play. Let us have a closer look at his achievements:
| Award | Number of Times Won | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Championships | 3 | 1981, 1984, 1986 |
| NBA MVP Awards | 3 | 1984, 1985, 1986 |
| NBA Finals MVP Awards | 2 | 1984, 1986 |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 12 | 1980-1988, 1990-1992 |
| NBA All-Star Game MVP | 1 | 1982 |
| NBA Rookie of the Year | 1 | 1980 |
| All-NBA First Team Selections | 9 | 1980-1988 |
| All-NBA Second Team Selection | 1 | 1990 |
| NBA All-Defensive Second Team Selections | 3 | 1982-1984 |
| Three-Point Contest Champion | 3 | 1986, 1987, 1988 |
| Olympic Gold Medal (Dream Team) | 1 | 1992 (Barcelona) |
Larry Bird Record
Larry has achieved various milestones throughout his illustrious career. Below are some of his many records and statistics:
| Category | Stats | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 21,791 | Ranks among Celtics’ all-time leading scorers |
| Total Rebounds | 8,974 | One of the best rebounding forwards in history |
| Total Assists | 5,695 | Exceptional playmaker for a forward |
| Total Steals | 1,556 | Known for defensive awareness |
| Total Blocks | 755 | Underrated rim protector for his position |
| Career Points Per Game (PPG) | 24.3 | Consistently elite scorer |
| Career Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | 10.0 | Averaged a double-double |
| Career Assists Per Game (APG) | 6.3 | One of the best passing forwards ever |
| Triple-Doubles | 59 | Ranks in the top 10 all-time |
| Most Points in a Game | 60 | Celtics franchise record (1985) |
| Most Consecutive MVP Awards | 3 | One of only three players to achieve this (1984-1986) |
| First Player to Join the 50-40-90 Club | 1987 | Shot 50% FG, 40% 3PT, 90% FT in a season |
| Career Playoff Points | 3,897 | Led Celtics to multiple deep playoff runs |
| Clutch Performances | Numerous game-winning shots | One of the greatest clutch players ever |
Larry Bird Net Worth and Salary
As per Celebrity Net Worth Larry Bird’s net worth is estimated to be $ 75 Million. During his 13-season tenure with the Boston Celtics, Bird earned approximately $24 million in salary. His rookie contract made him the highest-paid rookie at the time.
| Tenure | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-1983 | Boston Celtics | $3,250,000 |
| 1991-1992 | Boston Celtics | $7,070,000 |
The financial prosperity of Larry Bird expanded past his NBA earnings as he received substantial endorsement deals while pursuing multiple business positions and executive leadership roles. He secured endorsement agreements with Nike, Coca-Cola, General Electric, and Heinz that led to substantial growth of his income stream.
In addition to real estate investments, Bird expanded his financial portfolio by working in movies, commercial advertising, and video games. Early retirement from the basketball world did not slow Coach Bird down from making charitable contributions; specifically in “Indianapolis,” he devotes his time to supporting youth basketball while backing community programs.
Also Read: Immanuel Quickley Biography: Net Worth, Salary, Family and Career Stats
Larry Bird Wife
Larry Bird joined the ranks of matrimony with his wife Dinah Mattingly in 1989. During his time at Indiana State University Bird got to know Dinah Mattingly through which he developed a growing attachment into a lasting relationship. The partnership between Larry Bird and Dinah stands as successful because it has survived longer than his previous marriage to Janet Condra which was brief.
Dinah stood in the background but provided unwavering friendship to Bird from his player career spanning his coaching duties and his time in the front office. The couple became parents to their adopted children Connor and Mariah while keeping all aspects of their family’s personal life private.
Larry Bird Parents
The birthplace of Larry Bird was in West Baden Springs Indiana where he was born to his parents Joe and Georgia Bird. His hometown became French Lick. The father of Larry Bird served in the Korean War then worked as a construction laborer yet persevered through economic troubles alongside his alcohol abuse problem. Georgia maintained several jobs to sustain herself and her children including Larry along with their five siblings. The family endured hardships because of their financial problems and Joe and Georgia divorced each other later.
Larry Bird Kids
Larry Bird together with his wife Dinah Mattingly adopted their two children Connor Bird and Mariah Bird. They did not reach professional basketball status although Connor briefly participated in amateur sports. Through event management and business operations, Mariah chose a career direction different from her father Larry. The Bird family as a whole lives a very private life away from media and social media.
How Many Rings Does Larry Bird Have?
Throughout his career, Larry Bird brought three NBA titles back to the Boston Celtics during the years 1981, 1984, and 1986. During his second NBA season, Larry Bird earned his initial title by enabling the Celtics to triumph over the Houston Rockets in 1981. He conquered his first Finals MVP trophy against Magic Johnson and the Lakers to establish their sporting rivalry through seven competitive games in 1984. His victory in the 1986 season was remarkable because he led an all-time great NBA team to defeat the Rockets for his second time while averaging close to triple-double statistics and collecting his second Finals MVP award.
Although he trailed behind Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant with five championship trophies each because of his three titles, Bird established himself as a top basketball figure. He leads decisively through his influential presence and solid clutch play. Basketball fans saw their league transform into its golden era during the 1980s because of Magic’s rivalry with Larry Bird and his undisputed excellence in critical moments.
Also Read: Giannis Antetokounmpo Biography: Net Worth, Salary, Family and Career Stats
How many championships does Larry Bird have?
Throughout his career, Larry Bird brought three NBA titles back to the Boston Celtics during the years 1981, 1984, and 1986.
Where is Larry Bird from?
Larry Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs but lived during his childhood years in the adjacent community of French Lick Indiana.
What number is Larry Bird?
Larry Bird wore the iconic jersey number 33 and played as a forward player during his entire career.
What is Larry Bird’s highest-scoring game?
Larry Bird’s highest-scoring game was 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks on March 12, 1985.
Is Larry Bird retired?
Yes, Larry Bird is retired. He retired as a player in 1992 after spending his entire career with the Boston Celtics (1979-1992).
Is Larry Bird married?
Larry Bird is married to his wife Dinah Mattingly.
What is Larry Bird’s net worth?
As per Celebrity Net Worth Larry Bird’s net worth is estimated to be $ 75 Million.
How tall is Larry Bird?
Larry Bird’s height is 2.06m (6’9″).
Does Larry Bird have children?
Larry Bird together with his wife Dinah Mattingly adopted their two children Connor Bird and Mariah Bird.