Larry Joe Bird became a Boston Celtic on June 9, 1978, when the storied franchise took a risk. They drafted the Indiana State product with the sixth overall pick of that year’s draft, despite him still having a year left to play at the college level.
Exploiting the fact Bird had transferred early in his college career from the University of Indiana, the future Hall of Fame small forward later returned the favor. Bird used the threat of waiting out the Celtics to get the biggest rookie contract in NBA history at that time. It worked out for both sides, however. Bird and Boston won three titles together while The Hick From French Lick racked up the accolades in green and white.
Watch the NBC Sports Boston-produced video attached below to relive the best moments during Larry Legend’s time in Boston, whether you were too young to witness them at the time or just want to recapture the excitement of the game.
