Why did the Lakers not draft Larry Bird?

The Los Angeles Lakers having the first pick in the 1979 NBA draft should've meant they had the freedom to draft any player. However, the reason the Lakers couldn't draft Larry Bird is that he was already a member of the Boston Celtics by this point.

Why did the Celtics get to draft Larry Bird?

According to the rules then, Bird was draft eligible because he'd already spent four years in college.” Selecting the Indiana State standout was a roll of the proverbial dice, considering that the eventual three-time MVP wouldn't be able to play for Boston until the following year.

Why was Bird drafted first?

Before the draft, Larry Bird had just finished his junior year at Indiana State. However, he was eligible to be drafted without applying for "hardship" because his original college class at Indiana University had graduated. He initially enrolled at Indiana University in 1974 but dropped out before the season began.

Did Magic and Bird get drafted same year?

1979 NBA Draft

If Larry Bird being taken in 1978 was important, so too was the Los Angeles Lakers' selection of Magic Johnson in 1979.

How did Lakers get first pick in 1979 draft?

The Lakers had acquired a first-round pick in the 1979 NBA draft from New Orleans when the Jazz signed Gail Goodrich as a free agent before the 1976-77 season. That pick turned out to be the No. 1 overall selection when the Jazz finished with the league's worst record in 1978-79.

Who drafted ahead of Larry Bird?

The final player drafted ahead of Larry Bird, Purvis Short. He was drafted fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors and had a solid rookie year, averaging 10.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest.

Who was drafted first Magic or Bird?

Draft selections and draftee career notes. Magic Johnson from NCAA champion Michigan State University, one of the "hardship" players, was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson, who had just finished his sophomore season in college, became the first underclassman to be drafted first overall.

Who owned the Lakers when Magic Johnson was drafted?

This article contains spoilers for Episode 1 and Episode 2 of “Winning Time.” HBO's “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” chronicles the Lakers' glorious and glitzy “Showtime” era, beginning in 1979 when Jerry Buss (John C. Reilly) bought the Lakers and added Magic Johnson (Quincy Isaiah) to the roster.

How good was Larry Bird?

For three consecutive seasons, Bird was voted the league's MVP, the only forward to be so honored. He was Finals MVP twice. He was first-team all-league his first nine seasons. By being equally adept at driving to the hoop and shooting 3-pointers, he averaged 24.3 points in his career.

Who was the first black NBA player?

On October 31, 1950, 21-year-old Earl Lloyd becomes the first African American to play in an NBA game when he takes the court in the season opener for the Washington Capitols. Lloyd grew up in Jim Crow Virginia and went to West Virginia State, where he was the star of the school's championship basketball team.

Which NBA team did Larry Bird play for?

Larry Bird, in full Larry Joe Bird, (born December 7, 1956, West Baden, Indiana, U.S.), American basketball player who led the Boston Celtics to three National Basketball Association (NBA) championships (1981, 1984, and 1986) and is considered one of the greatest pure shooters of all time.

How did Larry Bird avoid the draft?

Since Larry Bird didn't sign a contract with the Celtics originally, the team would've lost his draft rights the second the 1979 draft began. The two sides ultimately agreed to a five-year, $3.25 million contract that made Bird the highest-paid rookie in sports history at the time.

Why are birds at Celtics?

1978 - Drafting Larry Bird

The Celtics would retain his rights for one year a rule that was later changed and Auerbach believed that Bird's potential would make it worth the wait. Auerbach also felt that when the college season ended the Celtics would have a great chance to sign Bird.

Does Larry Bird like Michael Jordan?

Bird had tremendous respect for Jordan

"Michael has the whole package. He can run, jump, block shots and play great defense. Most of all, he is a great competitor. It was great seeing a guy like Michael come to the league, but I don't want to see too many more like him, at least not while I'm still around."

Where does Bird rank all time?

Playing in just under 900 regular-season games, Larry's 21,791 points rank 36th in NBA history. But his career average of 24.3 points is 18th, meaning a fully-healthy Bird could have seen his total climb even higher. It's OK not to have Bird as the greatest player of all time.

Why did Jerry West leave the Lakers in 1979?

Once Jerry West emerges from his secluded state, his wife says that she can't keep dealing with the effects coaching has on his mood and their marriage. As a result, Winning Time episode 2 heavily implies that Jerry West quits coaching the Lakers to help keep his marriage healthy and happy.

How did the Lakers get the first pick for Magic?

The Lakers acquired the pick as compensation from New Orleans when the Jazz signed free agent guard Gail Goodrich prior the 1976-77 campaign (won coin flip with Chicago).

How much did Larry Bird make in the NBA?

Today the net worth of Larry Bird is estimated to be over $75 million. The legendary player was the first player to earn $5 million. Besides that, the basketballer's career earning in the NBA was $24,070,000. He earned the highest salary, $7,070,000, during the 1991-92 season.

How long was Larry Bird in the NBA?

Bird played 13 years in the NBA and it was a bad back that forced him into retirement in 1992. During his illustrious career, Bird won three straight MVP awards and guided the Celtics to three NBA championships.

Why did Larry Bird go to Indiana State?

Bird chose IU because “he likes coach Bobby Knight, the players, the fans and 'the way they have things set up there,'” according to The Noblesville Ledger. But none of those things kept him in Bloomington, as he was gone before homecoming his freshman year.