Larry Bird‘s career and legacy are inextricably linked to the Boston Celtics, as he spent his entire professional career playing for the Green & White. However, while the connection between the two was next level, getting Bird to sign his first contract for the team was no easy feat.
Drafted in the 1978 NBA Draft, Larry joined the Celtics ahead of the 1979-1980 season following extensive negotiations between Boston’s leading executive, Red Auerbach, and Bird’s lawyer, Bob Woolf. Ultimately, the two sides would agree on a five-year, $3.25 million deal that would make him the highest-paid rookie in the Association’s history, leaving only a handful of players in the league ahead of the 6’9” forward in this category.
At his introductory Celtics press conference, Larry had jokes when asked how becoming a millionaire would affect the life of a humble kid from Indiana.
“I forgot to tell Mr. Auerbach, but I would have played for nothing,” Bird shared, making the whole room burst out in laughter.
Bird was devoted to Boston
While Larry was pleased about securing his financial future, he remained deeply passionate about the game. A true competitor and winner, Bird was devoted to making the once-glorious franchise perennial title contenders again, showcasing the confidence and willpower that graced the Indiana State product throughout his career.
“I guarantee you I’ll give 100 percent every time out, and if I get a torn toenail or something, I won’t sit out, I’ll play as hard as I can every night. I hope I can bring excitement to the fans, and I’ll never give up,” Larry Legend made a promise to Celtics fans.
And would Bird ever deliver on his words, winning three titles in the 1980s, while making the Celtics a household name again and a constant feature in the title race. Larry, on the way, picked up numerous individual rewards, establishing himself as one of the greatest players ever, proving that his original contract was a pretty good investment for Auerbach and Boston.
Constant Magic comparison
The one constant that followed Bird throughout his career was the comparisons and rivalry with Magic Johnson. From the NCAA National Championship game to the Celtics- Los Angeles Lakers battles, the duo seemed to always get mentioned in the same breath. Larry’s rookie contract was no different, as reporters asked if he wanted to match Magic’s numbers to prove he was worth equally or even more.
“Well, you know I don’t even know what Magic Johnson’s contract is. Never even seen it, heard of it…it wasn’t really important, but I know how good he is, and I just wanted a fair contract for myself. I didn’t know what I wanted. I just told Mr. Woolf to go out and get me the best possible contract he could get, and I think he did very well,” the new Celtics star explained.
When asked if he anticipated their first duel, Larry didn’t hide his excitement.
“I wish I could play him today,” Bird concluded his eagerness to face Johnson.
The superstar duo not only built a rivalry that engaged Celtics and Lakers fans but also captivated the entire basketball community and elevated the NBA’s popularity to a whole new level. Ultimately, whatever money Boston and Los Angeles put into them turned out to be worth every dime.