Larry Bird quotes

Larry Bird is an American former professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history. Known for his incredible shooting, passing, and basketball IQ, Bird was a key figure for the Boston Celtics. He later became a successful coach and executive, shaping the game beyond his playing days. Here are 51 of his quotes:

A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals. (Larry Bird)
I wanted to compete at the highest level again - and that's the NBA. View quote
Larry Bird
Who in their right mind wouldn't listen to what Larry Bird tells them? He knows what it takes to be a successful player, and he's letting us do the things to have the success. View quote
Larry Bird
I've got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end. View quote
Larry Bird
Leadership is diving for a loose ball, getting the crowd involved, getting other players involved. It's being able to take it as well as dish it out. That's the only way you're going to get respect from the players. View quote
Larry Bird
I hate to lose more than I like to win. View quote
Larry Bird
I'm a firm believer in that you play the way you practice. View quote
Larry Bird
I've always been interested in jobs in the NBA. But I've been in this for 20 years and it might be time to do something else. View quote
Larry Bird
Guys like Larry Bird -- he played so hard, he wants everybody else to play hard. That's not unreasonable. Any coach would want that and demand that. View quote
Larry Bird
You can make all the excuses you want, but if you're not mentally tough and you're not prepared to play every night, you're not going to win. View quote
Larry Bird
Basketball has been my life and I worked at it so hard because I enjoyed it so much. (Larry Bird)
As far as playing, I didn't care who guarded me - red, yellow, black. I just didn't want a white guy guarding me, because it's disrespect to my game. View quote
Larry Bird
It doesn't matter who scores the points, it's who can get the ball to the scorer. View quote
Larry Bird
I mean, the greatest athletes in the world are African-American. View quote
Larry Bird
I was always making decisions and they were easier decisions because I had control of the game, I had control of the ball. As a coach you sort of put the ball in other player's hands and let them make decisions for you. But I still get a kick out of winning basketball games and that's what I'm in this for. View quote
Larry Bird
When thou was a player, I didn't expect my teammates to play the way I did. I did expect them to work hard hard every day and get better. And I never learned anything by losing. View quote
Larry Bird
There is nothing better than being out there when the game is on the line; only now, I get to see what my players will do. How will they react? Retirement is fine for some people, but I got bored. I'm used to more of a fast-paced life. View quote
Larry Bird
It's not what he says, it is how he says it that is making the difference. He doesn't scream at you, he doesn't embarrass you when you make a mistake. He just looks at you, and you get the message. Then when the time is right, he'll talk to you calmly and explain what he wants. View quote
Larry Bird
I know the rigors of the NBA and what these guys can expect. I know my job is to prepare them, to get them in shape. We'll find a good offense and a good defense. And then let's do it. View quote
Larry Bird
I have really enjoyed coaching. It's a great experience. Every player should have the chance to do it. The problem is, I'm not that good at it. View quote
Larry Bird
Larry Bird is what keeps me going. He's my measuring stick. I don't think I would be as interested in the game if I weren't trying to play better than him. (Larry Bird)
Well, I don't worry about ratings. I'm trying to win a ballgame right now. Whatever it takes to win a ballgame, we're going to do it. If it takes a four-hour game, that's what we have to do. View quote
Larry Bird
I don't miss it at all. I'm glad I'm out. View quote
Larry Bird
Larry is different than people think. He really loves the game and is really smart. He has the innate ability to focus on what's important and has a great feel for players. He knows how to deal with people. He's direct and definite. I think the players appreciate that. View quote
Larry Bird
Push yourself again and again. Don't give an inch until the final buzzer sounds. View quote
Larry Bird

Larry Bird

Larry Bird - Image
Photo: Kurt Shimala, CC BY-SA 2.0
Occupation: American Coach
Born: December 7, 1956
Quotes count: 51
Wikipedia: Larry Bird

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