Larry Bird

Larry Bird (http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u183/kike-manning/BIRD33.jpg)

The game of basketball has been around since the 1890s, and in this time, there have been many phenomenal players. But few players can truly be called a superstar. Larry Joe Bird was such a player, with his amazing outside shots and deadly passes. Larry Bird is widely accepted as one of the best players of all time.

Larry Bird driving in (http://espn.go.com)

Larry Bird was born on December 7th 1956 in West Baden, Indiana. He attended Springs Valley High School and later went to Indiana State University. Larry was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978 and played with them for 13 seasons. Bird became a star player, excelling in every area of the game and always trying his best. He was such a phenomenal shooter that he would sometimes practice three-pointers with his eyes close. Few players played harder and tougher than Bird, who would leap into crowds and over press tables for loose balls.

Larry Bird also won many awards throughout his career. He was a 12-time All-star and won three straight regular-season MVP awards in 1984-1986. With Larry leading the way, the Celtics won three NBA titles and ten Atlantic Division crowns. He also became only the third player and first non-center to win three consecutive NBA MVP awards.

Larry Bird shooting an outside shot. (http://i.a.cnn.net)

Larry Bird's popularity and amazing skills soon earned him the nickname "Larry Legend." Bird's career averages reflect how great a player he really was. He had an average of 24.3 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. He also averaged 6.3 assists per game. He had a 49.6% shooting average and an 88.6% free-throw average. Larry was also a standout performer when the pressure was on in a game, known to always shine in the clutch.

Larry Bird is my hero because he is known as one of the greatest basketball players ever. He worked really hard in what he loved and excelled in doing it. Larry Bird inspires me to try my best in anything I do and to never give up. He is known as a complete, unselfish, and giving basketball player. These traits make Larry a great role-model and may inspire kids like me to always give their best.