Reggie Miller Explains Why He Picked Larry Bird Over LeBron James When Asked Who He’d Start a Franchise With
NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller recently stirred debate among basketball fans by choosing Larry Bird over LeBron James when asked who he would start a franchise with. Miller, known for his sharpshooting and competitive spirit, provided a detailed explanation for his choice, highlighting the unique qualities that make Bird his top pick.
In an interview, Miller was posed with the hypothetical scenario of starting an NBA franchise from scratch and had to choose between Bird and James, two of the most legendary players in the history of the sport. His decision to go with Bird surprised many, given the contemporary dominance and versatility of LeBron.
Miller began by acknowledging LeBron’s extraordinary talent and impact on the game. “LeBron is a phenomenal player, arguably the most versatile player we’ve ever seen. His ability to play multiple positions, his court vision, and his physical prowess are unmatched,” Miller said. However, he quickly transitioned to what he believes sets Bird apart, especially in the context of starting a new franchise.
Miller emphasized Bird’s intangibles, particularly his leadership, basketball IQ, and competitive drive. “Larry Bird had this relentless will to win. He wasn’t the fastest or the most athletic player, but his understanding of the game, his ability to elevate his teammates, and his clutch performances made him a true leader on the court,” Miller explained.
Bird’s reputation for performing in critical moments and his ability to make those around him better were key factors in Miller’s choice. “When you’re building a franchise, you need someone who can inspire and lead by example. Larry did that every night. He had an unparalleled work ethic and a mental toughness that set the tone for his team,” Miller added.
Miller also pointed to Bird’s consistency and versatility, noting that while LeBron excels in these areas, Bird’s impact during his era was revolutionary. “Larry could do it all—score, rebound, pass, defend. He was one of the first players who could dominate in multiple aspects of the game, and he did it with a level of consistency that was incredible,” Miller said.
Bird’s career averages of 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game reflect his well-rounded game, and his three NBA MVP awards in consecutive years (1984-1986) highlight his dominance during his peak years.
Miller also highlighted Bird’s impact on the culture of the Boston Celtics and the broader NBA. “Bird brought a winning mentality and a sense of pride to the Celtics. His rivalry with Magic Johnson elevated the league and brought a new level of excitement to the NBA. Starting a franchise, you want someone who can not only play at a high level but also bring that kind of cultural impact,” Miller said.
Bird’s influence extended beyond his individual stats. His presence transformed the Celtics into perennial contenders and his battles with Magic’s Lakers are still celebrated as some of the greatest moments in basketball history.
Finally, Miller touched on the difficulty of comparing players from different eras but maintained that Bird’s attributes would make him an ideal cornerstone for any franchise. “Different eras bring different challenges, but the qualities that made Bird great—his leadership, his basketball IQ, his competitive nature—those are timeless. Those are the qualities you want to build a team around,” Miller concluded.
Reggie Miller’s choice of Larry Bird over LeBron James when asked who he would start a franchise with highlights the enduring impact of Bird’s leadership, versatility, and cultural significance. While the debate will continue, Miller’s perspective adds a thoughtful dimension to the conversation about what it takes to build a successful NBA team.
