Hey! Welcome to SGX-Nifty‘s other blog post on Larry Bird Net Worth: Larry Bird, one of the most recognizable figures in basketball history, has had a huge impact on and off the court. Bird is well-known for his extraordinary skills, competitive attitude, and leadership, but he has also had significant success as a coach and CEO. This blog digs into Larry Bird’s net worth in 2024, his legendary career, and the numerous facets of his life that have led to his fortune.
Who is Larry Bird?
Larry Bird is a former American professional basketball player, coach, and businessman. He is best recognized for his tenure with the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association when he established himself as one of the greatest players in history. Bird’s contributions to basketball have given him a lasting place in the sport.
Larry Bird Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Larry Joe Bird |
| Date of Birth | December 7, 1956 |
| Place of Birth | West Baden Springs, Indiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Retired Basketball Player, Coach, Executive |
Larry Bird Net Worth
Larry Bird, a retired American professional basketball player and business entrepreneur, has a $75 million net worth. Larry Bird was well-known for his remarkable basketball IQ, precise shooting, and fierce work ethic, making him a vital asset on both offense and defense.
His career was littered with awards, including three NBA Championships (1981, 1984, 1986), two NBA Finals MVP crowns, and three consecutive NBA MVP awards from 1984 to 1986, cementing his place among basketball royalty. He was a 12-time All-Star and remains one of the few players to have achieved the renowned 50-40-90 mark, indicating his exceptional shooting efficiency.
Bird’s prominence grew beyond his playing career as he moved into coaching and front-office positions, most notably as coach of the Indiana Pacers and then as President of Basketball Operations. His epic rivalry with Magic Johnson, which began in college and continued into their professional careers, boosted his profile, making him not only a celebrated player but also an iconic character in sporting history.
Net Worth Breakdown
| NBA Salary | $24 million |
| Coaching and Executive Roles | $30 million |
| Endorsements | $10 million |
| Business Ventures | $11 million |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | $75 million |
Early Life
Larry Joe Bird was born December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He is the son of Georgia and Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird. His father was a soldier of the Korean War, and he has four brothers and one sister. Bird grew up in the nearby town of French Lick, where his mother worked two jobs to support him and his brothers. His parents split when he was in high school, and his father committed suicide approximately a year later. Larry resorted to basketball to get away from his family’s issues. In his final year at Springs Valley High School, he averaged 31 points, 21 rebounds, and four assists.
Career
Bird obtained a basketball scholarship from Indiana University in 1974, but he struggled to adjust and left after less than a month on college. He returned to French Lick and attended Northwood Institute (now Northwood University) before enrolling in Indiana State University in 1975. He had a successful college basketball career with the Indiana State Sycamores, bringing the team to its first NCAA tournament appearance in 1979. The Sycamores faced Michigan State in the 1979 championship game, which received the greatest television rating for a collegiate basketball game at the time, despite the fact that they lost. Bird earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from college in 1979. In his college career, he averaged 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He also received various awards and recognitions, including the Naismith College Player of the Year Award.
Basketball Career
The Boston Celtics selected Bird sixth overall in the 1978 NBA draft. He did not immediately join them, preferring to finish his final season at Indiana State. Initially, the Celtics said that Larry would not be paid more than any other player on the team, but Bird’s agent, Bob Woolf, stated that Bird would refuse any sub-market offers and instead join the 1979 draft. After lengthy talks, Larry agreed to a five-year, $3.25 million contract with the Celtics, making him the highest-paid rookie in sports history at the time. Not long after, the NBA implemented what is now known as the Bird Collegiate Rule, which prohibits teams from drafting players before they are ready to sign.
Following Bird’s arrival, the Celtics increased their victory total by 32 games over the previous season. Larry scored 14 points, ten rebounds, and five assists in his career debut against the Houston Rockets, helping the team win 114-106. The Celtics even advanced to the Conference Finals that season before being eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers. Bird ended his first season with averages of 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. His remarkable performance earned him a spot on the All-Star Team and the title of Rookie of the Year.
He played for the Celtics until 1992, when he retired from professional basketball. His career highlights include becoming the third player in NBA history to win three consecutive MVP Awards, being named to 12 NBA All-Star teams, winning three NBA championships (1981, 1984, and 1986), and being the first player in NBA history to shoot 50% or better on field goals, 40% on three-pointers, and 90% on free throws in a single season. Bird suffered from chronic back problems in his later years as a player.
Business Career
After retiring as a player, Bird worked as a special assistant in the Celtics’ front office from 1992 to 1997. Then, in 1997, he joined the Indiana Pacers as coach, claiming that he would only be there for three years. Bird coached the Pacers to a 58-24 record in 1997-1998. For his efforts, he was voted NBA Coach of the Year. He led the Pacers to Central Division victories in 1999 and 2000. Bird, according to his pledge that he would only coach for three years, resigned as head coach after the 2000 season.
In 2003, the Pacers rehired Bird as president of basketball operations. When he was voted NBA Executive of the Year following the 2011-2012 season, he became the only person in NBA history to receive all three awards: NBA MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. After briefly leaving the Pacers in 2012, Bird returned as president of basketball operations in 2013, a role he held until stepping down again in 2017. However, he has remained with the team as an advisor.
Awards and Achievements
| Award | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| NBA MVP | 1984, 1985, 1986 | Most Valuable Player |
| NBA Championships | 1981, 1984, 1986 | Winner |
| NBA All-Star | 1980-1988, 1990-1992 | Selection |
| NBA Coach of the Year | 1998 | Coaching |
| NBA Executive of the Year | 2012 | Executive Role |
Family and Relationships
Larry Bird is married to Dinah Mattingly. The couple has two adopted children, Connor and Mariah.
Education
Larry Bird graduated from Springs Valley High School in Indiana and went on to play college basketball at Indiana State University, where he earned national fame.
Interesting Facts About Larry Bird
Larry Bird is one of just a handful NBA players to have earned MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year awards. He was a member of the renowned 1992 United States men’s Olympic basketball squad, dubbed the “Dream Team.” Bird is well-known for his work ethic and competitive personality, which helped him achieve great success.
Hobbies and Interests
- Enjoys basketball, golf, and spending time with family.
- Dislikes: Media attention and diversions from the game.
Wrap Up
Larry Bird’s rise from a small-town youngster to an NBA legend and successful businessman is genuinely inspirational. With a net worth of $75 million, Bird’s legacy goes beyond his on-court accomplishments. His dedication, hard effort, and passion for the game have made an unforgettable impression on basketball.
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FAQs
- Q. What is Larry Bird’s net worth?
A: Larry Bird has an estimated net worth of $75 million. - Q: What is Larry Bird known for?
A: Larry Bird is well-known for his successful NBA playing, coaching, and managerial positions in basketball. - Q: Is Larry Bird active on social media?
A: Larry Bird is not currently active on social media networks. - Q: What are Larry Bird’s hobbies?
A: Larry Bird enjoys playing basketball, golf, and spending time with his family. - Q: Has Larry Bird received any awards?
A: Larry Bird has received multiple trophies, including NBA MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.