Larry Bird Biography: Age, Parents, Siblings, Wife, Children, Wikipedia, Net Worth, Social Media, Books, Awards, Controversy

Larry Bird is a former Basketball player, coach, and executive.

He gained widespread recognition for his impressive performances as a player with the Boston Celtics, leading the team to multiple NBA championships in the 1980s.

Bird‘s prowess on the court, characterized by his sharpshooting, strategic playmaking, and determination, made him one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Beyond his playing career, Bird has also made significant contributions as a coach and executive.

Profile:

• Full name: Larry Joe Bird
• Date of birth: December 7, 1956
• Age: 68 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: West Baden Springs, Indiana, USA
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Basketball player (retired), coach, executive
• Height: 6 feet 9 inches
• Parents: Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird (father), Georgia Bird (mother)
• Siblings: Mike, Mark, Jeff, Eddie, Linda
• Spouse: Janet Condra (first wife, divorced), Dinah Mattingly (current wife)
• Children: Corrie Bird, Conner Bird (adopted), Mariah Bird (adopted)
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: White
• Net worth: $75 million

Early Life and Education

Larry Bird, now 67 years old, was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana.

He grew up in the nearby town of French Lick. Bird‘s early years were marked by family struggles, including his parents’ divorce.

His father, Joe Bird, moved to French Lick to find work, while his mother, Georgia, worked multiple jobs to support Larry and his five siblings: Mike, Mark, Jeff, Eddie, and Linda.

Despite these challenges, Bird‘s talent for basketball became evident during his high school years at Springs Valley High School, where he emerged as a standout player.

After high school, Bird briefly attended Indiana University but found it difficult to adjust and soon returned home.

He later enrolled at Indiana State University, where he led the Sycamores to the NCAA tournament championship game in 1979.

Although they did not win the championship, Bird‘s performance earned him national recognition and set the stage for his future professional career.

Personal Life

Larry Bird has been married twice and has three children.

He first married his high school sweetheart, Janet Condra, with whom he has a daughter, Corrie Bird.

The marriage was short-lived, and they eventually divorced.

Bird later married Dinah Mattingly in 1989. Together, they adopted two children, Conner and Mariah.

Bird‘s family life faced tragedy when his father, Joe Bird, committed suicide a year after his divorce from Larry‘s mother, Georgia.

Despite these personal challenges, Bird has maintained a close-knit family and continues to be a devoted husband and father.

Career

Larry Bird‘s basketball career began to flourish during his college years at Indiana State University, where he led the Sycamores to an impressive run in the NCAA tournament.

In 1978, Bird was drafted by the Boston Celtics, but he chose to complete his final season at Indiana State before joining the NBA.

His arrival in the NBA marked the beginning of a legendary career with the Celtics.

Bird‘s tenure with the Celtics was marked by numerous accolades and achievements.

He led the team to three NBA championships (1981, 1984, and 1986) and was named NBA Finals MVP twice.

Bird‘s remarkable skills earned him three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards from 1984 to 1986.

Known for his versatility, Bird was a proficient scorer, a skilled passer, and a tenacious defender.

After retiring as a player, Bird transitioned to coaching and front-office roles.

He served as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and later became the team’s President of Basketball Operations.

Under his leadership, the Pacers achieved significant success, and Bird was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2012.

His career also included a storied rivalry with Magic Johnson, which began in college and continued into their professional careers, adding to his legacy in the sport.

Awards

• 3× NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986)
• 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1984–1986)
• 12× NBA All-Star (1980–1988, 1990–1992)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1982)
• 9× All-NBA First Team (1980–1988)
• All-NBA Second Team (1990)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1982–1984)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1980)
• 3× Three-point Shootout champion (1986–1988)
• 2× NBA three-point field goals leader (1986, 1987)
• Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996)
• No. 33 retired by Boston Celtics
• NBA All-Star Game head coach (1998)
• NBA Coach of the Year (1998)
• NBA Executive of the Year (2012)

Net worth

Larry Bird‘s net worth is estimated to be $75 million.

Bird amassed his wealth through his illustrious career as a basketball player, coach, and executive.

His successful playing career with the Boston Celtics, combined with lucrative endorsement deals, contributed significantly to his financial success.

Controversy

Larry Bird‘s career was not without controversy. One notable incident involved a contract dispute early in his career.

After being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird chose to return to Indiana State for his final college season.

This led to a standoff with the Celtics’ general manager, Red Auerbach, over Bird’s contract. Bird demanded a higher salary, leading to a prolonged negotiation.

Eventually, Bird signed a contract worth $3.25 million, the highest rookie contract at that time.

This dispute led to the creation of the “Bird Collegiate Rule,” which required new players to be signed before returning to college.

Bird‘s intense rivalry with Magic Johnson also had its share of controversies.

While their competition on the court was fierce, their relationship off the court was complex.

Their rivalry began in college and continued into their professional careers, often highlighted by intense and sometimes controversial moments during games.

However, this rivalry ultimately evolved into a deep mutual respect and friendship, which has been celebrated in various documentaries and books.

Another controversy occurred during Bird‘s coaching tenure with the Indiana Pacers.

In the 1997-1998 season, Bird‘s coaching style and decisions were scrutinized, especially during the playoffs.

Despite the criticism, Bird led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals and was named NBA Coach of the Year.

His subsequent role as President of Basketball Operations for the Pacers also faced challenges, including decisions on player trades and team management, which sometimes drew criticism from fans and analysts.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: N/A

Books

• Drive: The Story of My Life
• When the Game Was Ours (with Magic Johnson and Jackie MacMullan)
• Bird Watching: On Playing and Coaching the Game I Love