Larry Bird, born December 7, 1956, is a former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the NBA. Known as “the Hick from French Lick,” Bird is considered one of the greatest players in history, being the only person to achieve Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.
He played for the Boston Celtics for 13 seasons, winning three championships and earning 12 All-Star selections. After retiring, he coached the Indiana Pacers and later served as their president of basketball operations.
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Larry Bird’s Net Worth
Larry Bird has a net worth of $75 million. Throughout his NBA career, he earned $24 million in salary. In late 1988, during recovery from foot surgery, Bird negotiated a groundbreaking contract extension, becoming the first player in team sports to earn over $6 million in a single season.
To accommodate the Boston Celtics‘ salary cap restrictions, he opted to receive most of the money in the 1991-1992 season. Consequently, his salary increased dramatically from $1.5 million in 1990-1991 to over $7 million in 1991-1992.
Early life
Larry Bird was born on December in West Baden Springs, Indiana, to Georgia Marie and Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird, a WWII veteran. Raised in French Lick, Bird’s mother worked two jobs to support him and his five siblings. The family faced hardships, including Joe’s suicide in 1975.
Bird found solace in basketball, becoming a star at Springs Valley High School, where he averaged 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists as a senior. He was inspired by the Indiana Pacers and player Mel Daniels, who later coached him at Indiana State University.
Career
Larry Bird received a basketball scholarship to Indiana University in 1974 but dropped out after a month. He attended Northwood Institute before enrolling at Indiana State University in 1975.
Bird led the Sycamores to their first NCAA tournament in 1979, facing Michigan State in the championship game, which recorded the highest TV ratings for a college game at the time. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in physical education, averaging 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. In the 1978 NBA draft, he was selected sixth overall by the Boston Celtics.
Personal life
In 1975, Larry Bird married Janet Condra, but their marriage lasted less than a year. After an attempted reconciliation, they welcomed their daughter, Corrie, in 1977. Bird later married Dinah Mattingly in 1989, and they have two adopted children, Conner and Mariah.
Throughout his career with the Boston Celtics, Bird resided in the suburb of Brookline, Massachusetts. His family life reflects his journey through both personal challenges and enduring commitments as he built a legacy in professional basketball.
What made Larry Bird special?
Larry Bird is considered special for his remarkable achievements in basketball. He became the third player, and the first non-center, to win three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player Awards. Bird was a 12-time All-Star, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, and a nine-time member of the All-NBA First Team.
Additionally, he led the league in free-throw percentage four times, showcasing his exceptional shooting skills. Bird’s competitive spirit, versatility, and ability to perform under pressure solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
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Conclusion
Larry Bird’s journey from the small town of French Lick to the heights of NBA fame is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination. His legacy endures not just in the record books but also in the hearts of basketball fans around the world. His net worth, substantial though it is, merely underscores the immense impact he has had on the sport.
FAQs about Larry Bird’s Net Worth
- How did Larry Bird accumulate his wealth?
Bird’s wealth comes from his NBA salary, endorsements, and later roles in coaching and NBA executive positions. - What business ventures has Larry Bird been involved in?
Post-retirement, Bird has been involved in various ventures including coaching and serving as an NBA executive, notably for the Indiana Pacers. - Has Larry Bird’s net worth grown post-retirement?
Yes, Bird’s net worth has continued to grow post-retirement through his various roles and investments. - What is Larry Bird’s biggest financial investment?
Details of his personal investments are private, but his contract negotiations as a player and executive roles indicate significant financial acumen. - Does Larry Bird participate in philanthropy?
While Bird has kept much of his charitable work private, his involvement in community and basketball programs suggests a commitment to giving back.
