In Focus: Larry Bird
Larry Bird in 1977 (Lane Stewart/SI)
By Andy Gray
Larry Bird celebrates his 56th birthday on Friday. From his days at Indiana State to Boston to his return home to coach the Pacers, here’s a look back at the career of Larry Legend.
GALLERY: Rare Photos of Larry Bird
Bird attempts a jumper during a 1979 Final Four game against DePaul. (James Drake/SI)
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Bird hands a basketball to Magic Johnson during the 1979 national championship. (James Drake/SI)
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Bird and teammates on the bench during the 1986 NBA Finals. (Peter Read Miller/SI)
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Bird and Magic Johnson during the 1987 NBA Finals. (Peter Read Miller/SI)
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The Big Three — Robert Parish, Bird and Kevin McHale — on the bench in 1991. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
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Bird, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson pose during a photo shoot before the 1992 Olympics. (Neil Leifer/SI)
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Bird whispers to David Robinson as Patrick Ewing looks on during the 1992 Olympics medal ceremony. (John W. McDonough/SI)
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Pacers coach Bird poses during a 1997 SI photo shoot. (Heinz Kluetmeier/SI)
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For more historic sports photos, NBA and otherwise, visit the SI Photo Blog and follow Andy Gray on Twitter.
Caption is incorrect on the fourth picture from the top. The photo is from the 1981 NBA finals not the 1986 team. Rick Robey, Cedric Maxwell and Tiny Archibald were not on the 1986 team.