Larry Bird and Julius Erving were fierce competitors during the height of their NBA careers, particularly when the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers faced off in the 1980s. Their rivalry, filled with physical intensity and even on-court altercations, was a natural outcome of their respective teams battling for dominance in a highly competitive Eastern Conference. While Bird excelled with his long-range shooting, Erving was known for his aggressive drives to the basket, making their styles of play distinctly different.Despite their heated rivalry, Erving acknowledged Bird’s talent and work ethic. Speaking on “The Old Man and the Three” podcast, Erving admitted that playing against Bird and the Celtics was always challenging. He also noted that the two of them were in constant competition for the title of the best forward in the league during their prime years.While they were rivals on the court, Bird and Erving occasionally played together in the NBA All-Star Games. In the 1984 edition of the All-Star Game, Erving gave Bird high praise, calling him the best player in the league at the time. Erving also drew comparisons between Bird’s fierce competitiveness and his own mindset during his prime, stating that Bird was completely dedicated to the game, just as he had been earlier in his career.Erving described Bird as someone who “eats, sleeps, and drinks basketball,” highlighting his dedication to the sport. Erving added that Bird was willing to put in the hard work and sacrifice needed to succeed, something that not all players were willing to do. This relentless focus and drive made Bird stand out among his peers, even in a highly competitive league.Bird’s success in the NBA came from his simple but effective approach: practice and hard work. His former Celtics coach, K.C. Jones, noted that Bird played with unmatched intensity and was a perfectionist on the court. While Bird was best known for his shooting, he worked hard to develop all aspects of his game, including his passing and rebounding, making him one of the most well-rounded players of his time.Bird credited much of his development to his high school coach, Jim Jones, who emphasized the fundamentals of basketball, leadership, and teamwork. This strong foundation helped Bird win his first MVP award in 1984, followed by back-to-back MVP honors in 1985 and 1986. During this time, Bird led the Celtics to two NBA championships, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Had injuries not affected him later in his career, Bird likely would have added even more accolades to his already impressive resume.
