Larry Bird: A Legend, But Not the Best Three-Point Shooter
Larry Bird is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. His career with the Boston Celtics is marked by numerous achievements, including three NBA championships, three MVP awards, and twelve All-Star selections. However, when it comes to three-point shooting, Bird’s prowess is often overstated, especially when compared to modern-day sharpshooters like Stephen Curry and even less heralded players like Nick Young.
Larry Bird’s Three-Point Era
Bird played in the NBA from 1979 to 1992, a period when the three-point line was a relatively new addition to the game, having been introduced in the 1979-80 season. During his career, Bird made 649 three-pointers at a 37.6% shooting percentage. While these numbers were impressive for his era, the three-point shot was not a focal point of the game as it is today. Bird’s skill set was more diverse, and he was known for his overall scoring ability, passing, and defensive skills.
Stephen Curry: Revolutionizing the Three-Point Shot
Stephen Curry, often regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, has completely transformed how the game is played. Since entering the league in 2009, Curry has made over 3,000 three-pointers, setting numerous records along the way. His career three-point shooting percentage hovers around 43%, a significant improvement over Bird’s. Curry’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc with incredible accuracy and volume has forced defenses to adapt and has led to a greater emphasis on three-point shooting across the league.
Nick Young:
Nick Young, also known as “Swaggy P,” may not be in the same conversation as Curry regarding overall impact or legacy, but his three-point shooting ability deserves recognition. Over his career, Young has made over 1,100 three-pointers at a 37.6% shooting percentage, mirroring Bird’s accuracy but in a different era. Unlike Bird, Young played in a period where three-point shooting was more integral to offensive schemes, making his ability to find and convert from beyond the arc a critical aspect of his game.
While comparing players from different eras is always challenging, several factors highlight why Bird’s three-point shooting, though excellent for his time, doesn’t measure up to today’s standards set by players like Curry and even Young:
1. Volume and Usage: Bird attempted fewer three-pointers than modern players. For example, Bird’s career-high for three-point attempts in a season was 237, while Curry routinely attempts over 600 in a season.
2. Defensive Attention: Modern defenses are more adept at defending the three-point line, yet players like Curry still manage to shoot at high percentages. Bird often had the luxury of shooting with less pressure from defenders specifically targeting the three-point line.
3. Training and Evolution: The evolution of training, analytics, and emphasis on three-point shooting in today’s game has produced players who are specialized in this skill. Bird’s training and game plan did not emphasize three-point shooting to the same extent.
Larry Bird’s legacy as a basketball legend is unquestionable. His impact on the game, his competitive spirit, and his all-around skills make him one of the greatest players of all time. However, when it comes to three-point shooting, he falls short of modern sharpshooters like Stephen Curry and even specialists like Nick Young. The evolution of the game and the increased emphasis on the three-point shot have elevated the standards and expectations for what constitutes an elite shooter, placing Bird’s accomplishments in a different context.
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