Larry Bird’s legendary status began before he even played an official game for the Boston Celtics. In his first practice, Bird demonstrated his exceptional skills and confidence, quickly earning the respect of his teammates.
The story goes that during Bird’s first practice session with the Celtics, veteran players were skeptical of the hype surrounding the rookie from Indiana State. Cedric Maxwell, a notable Celtics veteran, was particularly vocal, challenging Bird and questioning his abilities. Bird, however, didn’t back down.
During the practice, Bird showcased his shooting, passing, and overall basketball IQ, consistently outplaying his teammates. At one point, he made a remark to Maxwell, telling him that he would be dominating him all year. Bird’s combination of talent and confidence silenced the doubts of the veteran players, including Maxwell.
This practice set the tone for Bird’s career, as he quickly established himself as a key player for the Celtics, ultimately becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
