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:

I wanted to compete at the highest level again - and that's the NBA.

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.

Larry Bird

I've got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.

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.

Larry Bird

I hate to lose more than I like to win.

Larry Bird

I'm a firm believer in that you play the way you practice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Larry Bird

It doesn't matter who scores the points, it's who can get the ball to the scorer.

Larry Bird

I mean, the greatest athletes in the world are African-American.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Larry Bird

I don't miss it at all. I'm glad I'm out.

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.

Larry Bird

Push yourself again and again. Don't give an inch until the final buzzer sounds.

Larry Bird