How Larry Bird Quietly Became One of the Greatest Players in History

Larry Bird had a mouth as sharp as his jump shot. Despite his quiet off-court demeanor, on the hardwood, he was one of the greatest trash-talkers in NBA history. He’d tell defenders exactly where he would shoot—then do it.

Once, he walked into the locker room before a Three-Point Contest and asked, “Which of you is finishing second?” He won, of course. Bird’s mental edge was as potent as his physical game. He wasn’t just beating opponents with skill but dismantling their confidence.