The NBA world has been abuzz with controversy after former player JJ Redick made some incendiary comments about the legendary Larry Bird, sparking a firestorm of backlash from other personalities in the league. Now, one of Bird’s contemporaries, the iconic Dominique Wilkins, has stepped up to defend the Celtics icon’s legacy and talent.

Redick’s Controversial Remarks

In a recent episode of his podcast, “The Old Man and the Three,” Redick stirred up a hornet’s nest when he claimed that Bird was “not that good” and that his success was primarily due to the era he played in, rather than his own abilities.

“Larry Bird was not that good,” Redick said bluntly. “He was a great shooter and a great passer, but he wasn’t that athletic, he wasn’t that fast, and he played in a league that was pretty weak in the ’80s.”

These comments, which many perceived as a blatant disrespect of one of the game’s all-time greats, quickly drew the ire of current and former NBA players, coaches, and analysts.

Dominique Wilkins Comes to Bird’s Defense

Among the most vocal critics of Redick’s remarks was none other than Dominique Wilkins, the legendary “Human Highlight Reel” who faced off against Bird numerous times during their illustrious careers.

“I’m sorry, but that’s just disrespectful,” Wilkins said in a scathing response. “Larry Bird was one of the greatest players to ever step on the court, and anyone who says otherwise is just flat-out wrong.”

Wilkins, who is widely regarded as one of the most electrifying and dominant players of his era, went on to praise Bird’s multifaceted game and the profound impact he had on the sport.

“Larry Bird could do it all – he could shoot, pass, rebound, and defend at an elite level,” Wilkins said. “And he did it with a level of skill and intelligence that was unmatched. The fact that he wasn’t the most athletic guy on the court didn’t matter, because he was just so damn good at the game.”

Wilkins’ Firsthand Perspective

Wilkins’ defense of Bird carries particular weight, given that he was a firsthand witness to the Celtics legend’s dominance. The two players faced off numerous times during their careers, with Bird and the Celtics often coming out on top.

“I played against Larry Bird, and I can tell you that he was a nightmare to defend,” Wilkins said. “He had this uncanny ability to read the game and make the right play at the right time. He was always one step ahead of everyone else on the court.”

Wilkins also pointed to Bird’s clutch performances and his ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments as evidence of his true greatness.

“When the game was on the line, Larry Bird was the guy you wanted taking the shot,” Wilkins said. “He had that killer instinct, that ability to perform under pressure, that set him apart from everyone else.”

The Legacy of Larry Bird

Wilkins’ impassioned defense of Bird’s legacy is a testament to the profound impact the Celtics icon had on the game of basketball. Despite playing in an era that Redick dismissed as “weak,” Bird’s accomplishments and influence on the sport are undeniable.

A 12-time All-Star, three-time NBA champion, and three-time MVP, Bird’s resume speaks for itself. He was a dominant scorer, a skilled passer, and a tenacious defender – a true all-around player who helped redefine the power forward position.

Moreover, Bird’s impact on the game extended far beyond his individual achievements. He was a key figure in the NBA’s resurgence in the 1980s, helping to drive the league’s popularity and cement its status as a global phenomenon.

The Importance of Respecting Basketball History

Wilkins’ defense of Bird’s legacy is not just about protecting the reputation of one player, but about the broader importance of respecting the history and evolution of the game of basketball.

“When you have young players or analysts dismissing the accomplishments of the greats who came before them, it’s a real problem,” Wilkins said. “We need to appreciate and honor the players who paved the way and made the game what it is today.”

Wilkins’ message is a timely one, as the NBA continues to grapple with the challenge of balancing its rich history with the ever-changing landscape of the modern game.

### Conclusion

The controversy sparked by JJ Redick’s comments on Larry Bird has once again highlighted the importance of respecting the game’s history and the legends who have shaped it. Dominique Wilkins’ passionate defense of Bird’s legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of the Celtics icon, and a reminder that the true measure of greatness in basketball extends far beyond mere statistics or athletic ability.

As the NBA continues to evolve, it is crucial that players, analysts, and fans alike maintain a deep appreciation for the game’s past and the giants who have defined it. The legacy of Larry Bird, and the countless other legends who have graced the court, must be honored and celebrated, not dismissed or diminished.

Citations:
[1] https://www.seedingourfuture.org.uk/2021/01/ruminating-on-the-2020s
[2] https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2021/10/07/Media/ARod.aspx
[3] https://www.espn.com/mlb/team/_/name/nym/new-york-mets