NBA 2K users have loved playing as Larry Legend not just because of his ability to score from anywhere on the court, but also because of his versatile game. As the big three start to fade out in San Antonio, Leonard will become the face of the franchise. In 1999, he was listed at No. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nba | pageType: stories | And TMac is easily 6'8 or 6'9. 2", "Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics Box Score, December 9, 1984", "Relive the Moment: Larry Bird Easily Wins Inaugural 3-Point Contest After Asking Field Who Would Finish Second", "Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics Box Score, November 27, 1985", "Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks Box Score, March 10, 1986", "Larry Legend Bird wins third straight MVP", "Houston Rockets at Boston Celtics Box Score, June 8, 1986", "Converse Commercial (1986) with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson", "Bird's Garden Party: Celtics Make It a Magical Night for Larry Legend", "Against All Those Hawks, One Bird Is Enough for Celtics", "Legendary Moments in NBA History: Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins battle in Game 7", "Bird Bids Farewell, Retires From Celtics", "Dream Team a star-studded sight to behold for gazers on, off court", "The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame - Hall of Famers", "10 reasons we still love Larry Bird on his 60th birthday", "PRO BASKETBALL; A Bashful Larry Bird Joins Hall Of Fame", "The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Hall of Famers", "1992 Dream Team Inducted into Hall of Fame", It started in Sacramento: LeBron James, back in NBA Finals, makes our all-time starting 5, "Who's The Best Small Forward Of All Time: Larry Bird Or LeBron James? [46] At the conclusion of the year, Bird was named MVP for the second consecutive season behind averages of 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Bird began the next chapter of his life as a front-office special assistant for the Celtics, a post he held for five years. When they reached the NBA Finals, the Celticshampered by devastating injurieslost to a dominant Lakers team that had won 65 games during the season. Reggie Miller 6'7" 6'11" wingspan What players could were elite shooters with a wingspan ratio better than 10% of height Yenohb Robert Williams Posts: 345 Tommy Points: 73 Brandon Ingram would definitely be an exception. Hit the button below and we'll send this post to your inbox! To round out the finishing, shooting, and playmaking categories, put some points on close shot, driving layup, driving dunk, and post hook. Many NBA bigs, including Larry Bird and Bill Walton, believe there's a negative relationship between height and longevity. [86][87][88] He was selected to 12 NBA All-Star teams. .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}Remembering Just Fontaine and His World Cup Record, The Man Behind the First All-Black Basketball Team, 8 Times Brothers Have Faced Off in a Championship, Every Black Quarterback to Play in the Super Bowl, Soccer Star Christian Atsu Survived an Earthquake. "[70] Their rivalry began in college, when Larry Bird and Indiana State lost to Magic Johnson and Michigan State in the NCAA Championship game. For that, we have developed the best Magic Johnson build in NBA 2K22. Nicknamed Larry Legend or The Hick from French Lick, Bird played the small forward and power forward positions for the Boston Celtics in his entire career. Doubleday, pp. He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.[1]. At least partially as a result of this, he experienced back problems for the remainder of his career. I agree to receive the "CBS Sports HQ Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. HEIGHT. [67] Wilkins remarked, "The basket was like a well. [citation needed] The apparent contrast between the two players and their respective teams seemed scripted for television: Bird, the introverted small-town hero with the blue-collar work ethic, fit perfectly with the throwback, hard-nosed style of the Celtics, while the stylish, gregarious Johnson ran the Lakers' fast-paced Showtime offense amidst the bright lights and celebrities of Los Angeles. Over the course of his 13-year Hall of Fame career, the sharpshooting forward led the Celtics to three NBA titles and claimed three MVP awards. His name is imprinted twice in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and besides being named Player of the Year frequently, he has received coach for the Year and Executive of the Year awards. ", "LeBron James: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Julius Erving Are 3 Best Players Ever", "Who Has Made The Most NBA All-Star Game Appearances of All-Time", "NBA MVP award: Steph Curry on list of multiple-time winners", Sporting News: James Harden joins exclusive group with third MVP runner-up finish, "Who is the most clutch player in NBA history? 1. [25], In his rookie season (19791980), Bird immediately transformed the Celtics into a title contender. That length has made him one of the best point guard defenders. [86] He had 1,556 career steals. Shoots: I'm not lying awake at night thinking about it. [29] On November 23, Bird recorded his first 30-point scoring game (along with 11 rebounds and 3 assists) in a 118103 win over the Indiana Pacers. As an alternative to relying on badges for in-game boosts, you can target improving many of your attributes as soon as possible. Larry Bird's bio Height: 6-foot-9 Weight: 220 pounds Birthdate: Dec. 7, 1956 College: Indiana State NBA experience: 13 years Jersey number: 33 Larry Bird's career NBA stats Here are some of Larry Bird's notable career achievements and statistics: Three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986) Two-time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986) He is a 66 player, and he's held his own thanks to a 260 pound base and a 73 wingspan. Larry Bird | Bio-married, divorce, affair, children - Playerswiki It's an entirely different game when you're Six-Nine." Rajon Rondo only stands 61, but has a wingspan that stretches to 69. Bird also led the Celtics in rebounding, with an average of 10.4 per game, as well as in steals and minutes played. That is 6.5% greater than his height. He came out of nowhere to intercept an inbound pass by All-Star Isiah Thomas then immediately dished the ball to teammate Dennis Johnson who made the buzzer-beating layup to give the Celtics the win. Bird is universally regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. [70] Many people realized that the emergence of these two stars were linked with the rise in popularity of the NBA, as the NBA started to market towards these two stars. Larry Bird's wingspan is 86.9 inches. Durant is one of the 6 members of the 50-40-90 club. Something went wrong while submitting the form. However, I suggest going for Spot Up Shooter. 2002 NBA Pre Draft Measurement 2002 NBA Pre-Draft Camp Measurements Player Ht. Anthony Davis is one of the leagues biggest stars. Height: 5 feet 5 inches (167 cm) Weight: 56 kg (123 lb) Eye Colour: Hazel: Hair Colour: Golden: Shoe Size: N/A: Martial Status: Married: Husband: Larry Bird . Celtics booed off floor after blowing 28-point lead, Randle's game-winner runs Knicks' win streak to eight, Durant passes Robertson for 13th on NBA scoring list, Grizzlies' Brooks: 'I don't like Draymond at all', Magic's Isaac undergoes season-ending surgery, Suns vs. Bulls odds, picks, predictions, bets. Larry Bird Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com Larry Bird Larry Joe Bird (Larry Legend, The Hick from French Lick, Kodak, The Great White Hope) Position: Small Forward and Power Forward Shoots: Right 6-9 , 220lb (206cm, 99kg) More bio, uniform, draft, salary info Hall of Fame 12x All Star "She hates it when I say that. Shooting badges will allow you to convert more field goal attempts from anywhere outside the key. Pippen used his incredible length to cover the best player on a nightly basis and whether they were a forward or a guard didn't matter, as Pippen had both the size and quickness to match up with anyone. When they mention length, they are not talking about a players height, but more so his wingspan. 100 kg or 220.5 lbs. [85], Bird has been described as one of the greatest basketball players and greatest shooters of all time. [69] Following Bird's departure, the Celtics promptly retired his jersey number 33. Larry Bird believes NBA big men die young. Is he right? - ESPN.com In eight games, Bird averaged 8.4 points. Despite failing to win the championship, Bird earned numerous year-end awards and honors for his outstanding play, including the Naismith College Player of the Year Award. [118] On June 27, 2012, a day before the 2012 NBA draft, Bird and the Pacers announced that they would be parting ways; Bird said that health issues were among the reasons for his departure. Larry Bird is 6 foot 9 inches (2.06 m) tall. Nicknamed " the Hick from French Lick " and " Larry Legend ", Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The average NBA player will have a wingspan 4 inches greater than his height. Larry Bird - College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com Growing up in French Lick, Indiana, he was a local basketball star. Larry Bird was inducted to the Hall of Fame as a Player in 1998 (Full List) Find out more. [114] Bird resigned his head coaching position shortly after the end of the 2000 season, following through on his initial promise to coach for only three years. Bird got his 3rd 2nd team all defense in 84, it's not like he was slouch on that end, even if Lebron was the better defender. A triple-double in basketball is a term used to describe the impactful performance of a player that achieved a double-digit number in three of the five statistical basketball categories of points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocked shots. Following his junior year, Bird was selected with the sixth overall pick in the NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. Those three players would form a legendary frontline, perhaps the greatest in NBA history. On the offensive side, superior wingspan allows a shooter to have less shots contested, as he can get the ball further away from a defender. [21] Boston advanced through the playoffs to earn a rematch with the Lakers, this time losing in six games. [36] Boston fell behind 31 to start the series but won the next three games to advance to the Finals against the Houston Rockets,[37] winning in six games and earning Bird his first championship. He complemented his all-around game with accurate outside shooting and unmatched bravado. The following top 15 will look at the most impressive wingspans in NBA history. Larry Bird - Stats, Age & Height - Biography: Historical & Celebrity On the offensive side of the ball, Rondo like to drive with a scooping layup. At 66 years old, Larry Bird height is 206 cm . 2. Thank you! Basketball icon Larry Bird won three MVP awards and three NBA championships during his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics. [111] In 1997, Bird accepted the position of coach of the Indiana Pacers[112] and said he would be on the job for no more than three years. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 7mo ago. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. He was also quite adept at looking for the open man from the post. '"[107] When playing against Dennis Rodman, a player known for his defensive abilities, in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, Bird continually belittled Rodman's ability, at one point asking the opposing head coach to send in someone up to the task of guarding him. By visiting Celeb Heights you agree to its. A 1980s Converse commercial for its "Weapon" line of basketball shoes (endorsed by both Bird and Johnson) reflected the perceived dichotomy between the two players. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. This entry could be part of Ripleys Believe it or Not. What we do know is Chamberlain stood about 71, while his wingspan is up for debate. The 7'3 wing span is 11.5% greater than his height. From Jackie MacMullan of ESPN the Magazine: Bird, who has an enlarged heart, was diagnosed in 1995 with atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heartbeat resulting from electrical signals being generated chaotically throughout the heart's upper chambers. This is a very scary thought for a lot of NBA players, both past and present. Rebound Chaser Raises the players ability to track down rebounds from farther distances than normal. Following an attempted reconciliation, Bird and Condra had a daughter, Corrie, in 1977. An option for your characters secondary skill is playmaking. Durant is a prime example that elite length, when combined with elite skills, make a truly special player. [89] Bird won three NBA championships (in 1981, 1984, and 1986) with the Celtics[83] and won two NBA Finals MVP Awards. Bol is 15th all time in blocked shots with 2,086, but he did that in only 11,698 minutes. He finished his career with sterling averages of 24.6 points and 10 rebounds per game. At either end of the spectrum, the measurement would be considered elite. You said there will be another Larry Bird. Larry Bird | Biography & Facts | Britannica A persons wingspan is the measurement from the tips of one finger to the other. It was Larry Bird's height that made his basketball skills so remarkable. Blinders Jump shots attempted with an opponent closing out in the players peripheral vision will not be penalized that much. Corner Specialist Three-point shots taken near the baseline off the dribble or a pass are given a percentage boost. [8][14], Bird's youngest brother, Eddie Bird, also played basketball at Indiana State University. In Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, Bird shot 9 of 10 from the floor in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points in that quarter and lifting the Celtics to a series-clinching victory over Atlanta. The Best Michael Jordan Build in NBA 2K22, How to Set Realistic Game Sliders in NBA 2K22, Teams With the Most Cap Space in NBA 2K22 MyGM. A confirmation email has been sent. Take for instance Yao Ming, who stood an impressive 76, but his wingspan was actually smaller than his height at 75 inches. That would have been a 17% increase on his height. Between them, Bird and Johnson captured eight NBA championships during the 1980s, with Magic getting five and Bird three. Larry Bird Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Weight, Biography, Wiki and What is so impressive is that he has maintained those percentages despite the heavy volume of shots he takes. McHale stood 610 and was reported to have a colossal wingspan that stretched to 80. The smallest report records it at 78, while the largest account has it at 84 inches. I know there are a few of us who live a long time, but most of us big guys don't seem to last too long. When Durant drives the lane, his length allows him to finish with greater success, and have less shots contested. Sign in or Register to join the conversations! Ganyan naman talaga, you usually take off 1 1/2 to 2 inches off their published height - and you get their real height. [104], Bird was known for his trash-talking on the court and is remembered as one of the most notable trash-talkers of his era. Larry Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. All rights reserved. Find out for yourself how a player like him would fare against this generations crop of basketball players by developing the best Larry Bird build in NBA 2K22. Nicknamed "Larry Legend" or "The Hick from French Lick," Bird played the small forward and power forward positions. On August 18, 1992, Bird announced his retirement. One of those things was being a relentless defender. As for the defense/rebounding class, set the interior defense, offensive rebound, and defensive rebound to around 10 points below the upper limit. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not state or reflect the views of PEx Online Community Corp. i remember when duncan and kg had an altercation, tim was looking up at KG. [42], On December 9, 1984, Bird recorded 48 points to go along with 14 rebounds and 5 assists in a 128127 win over the Atlanta Hawks. This ratio is one of the higher percentages for players who have played in the NBA. Bird has appeared in three movies, each time playing himself: Bird's likeness has appeared in several video games. [80][81] He was inducted into the Hall of Fame again in 2010, as a member of the "Dream Team". Although he announced his departure around that time, he reclaimed his post as team president in the summer of 2013. AboutPressCopyrightContact. So much so, that Charles Barkley even admitted that he wasn't 6'6, but . NBA 2K23 Larry Bird Packs Card Name Overall Position Offense Defense Height Wingspan Weight Badges Total Stats Larry Bird Premium End Game 99 SF/PF 99 99 6'9 7'0 220 lbs 0, 0, 0, 80 3366 Larry Bird Premium Invincible 99 PG/SF 99 99 6'9 7'0 220 lbs 0, 0, 13, 65 3365 Larry Bird Premium Continue reading "NBA 2K23 Larry Bird Packs Card Challenge" Larry Bird Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Learn more and register. Celtics General Manager Red Auerbach publicly stated that he would not pay Bird more than any Celtic on the current roster, but Bird's agent Bob Woolf told Auerbach that Bird would reject any sub-market offers and simply enter the 1979 draft instead, where Boston's rights would expire when the draft began on June 25, and Bird would have been the likely top pick. He is also the last player to win three straight MVP awards. The summer of 1992 marked the first time the United States sent professional athletes to the Olympic Games. [62], Despite the intensity of their rivalry, Bird and Johnson became friends off the court. home/away, monthly, etc More Larry Bird Basketball Reference pages. West was known for his extremely quick jump shot, and when coupled with his length, it formed one of the deadliest jump shots in NBA history. The reason for doing so is not just due to Bird being a proficient shooter and facilitator, but also because you will find out later that increasing the height will decrease these attributes. He played both the small forward and power forward positions. As morbid as the subject is, Bird doesn't really duck away from it and what it means for him and his family. What Mourning lacked in height, he made up for with a massive 76 wingspan. The Celtics ended up losing to the Lakers in six games, with Bird averaging 24.2 points on .445 shooting, 10 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game in the championship series. Post Playmaker When the player passes out of the post or coming off an offensive board, the recipient receives a shot boost. In 1999, when he won his first Defensive Player of the Year, he had an insane 3.9 blocks a game. He has seen his points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and field goal percentage increase in each of his first three seasons in the league. Larry Bird's Height 6ft 9 (205.7 cm) Former American basketball player, who played with The Boston Celtics. The next year he attended the smaller Indiana State University, ultimately playing three years for the Sycamores. Underscoring his place in the game's history, he was named one of the NBA's Top 50 players in 1996, and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. He stood 6 feet, 11.25 inches tall, with a wingspan of 7 inches, 5.25 inches, and possessed the Combine's longest hands at 10 inches. 1. His length gives nightmares to the NBAs best on a nightly basis as he would be frustrating the likes of Kobe, Melo, and LeBron. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. These heights are still well below the NBA average and well below Kareem's height of 7'2". McHale is known as one of the best post players in NBA history due to his great footwork and arsenal of moves. The first regular-season game between the Celtics and the Lakers in the 198788 season proved to be a classic with Magic Johnson banking in an off-balance shot from near the three-point line at the buzzer for a 115114 Lakers win at Boston Garden. Davis stands 610, and, at the 2012 pre-draft combine, was measured to have a 75 wing span. Only eight other NBA players have achieved the rare feat. Larry Bird [2023 Update]: Wife, Net worth & Family - Players Bio The couple . Join our linker program. In setting your players potential, be sure to maximize shooting and playmaking attributes, particularly the mid-range shot, three-point shot, free throw, pass accuracy, and ball handle. Rajon Rondo is currently one of the best point guards in the league. A comprehensive reference database of dimensioned drawings documenting the standard measurements and sizes of the everyday objects and spaces that make up our world. What he used was his strength and court sense to outmaneuver and outrebound opponents. Clutch Shooter Shot attempts made during the final moments of the fourth quarter or overtime receive a large boost. At the age of 19, Biyombo averaged 2.8 blocks per 36 minutes and showed some promise. Bird entered the NBA for the 19791980 season, where he made an immediate impact, starting at power forward and leading the Celtics to a 32-win improvement over the previous season before being eliminated from the playoffs in the Conference Finals. Fade Ace This provides a shot boost to post fadeaways. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. Navigation Toggle NBA. Right, Born: Wingspan is a key measurement because it allows a player of a lesser stature to compete with players who may be physically taller than them. The Celtics and Lakers dominated, with one team or the other, or both, appearing in every NBA championship throughout the decade. 5. That's the greatest game I've ever played in or seen played." To put that in perspective, number 10 is legendary Robert Parish and he put up only 300 more blocks than Bol in his career, but it took him 45,704 minutes. [86], Bird was widely considered one of Red Auerbach's favorite players. [8] He returned to French Lick, enrolling at Northwood Institute (now Northwood University) in nearby West Baden, and working municipal jobs for a year before enrolling at Indiana State University in Terre Haute in 1975. Unlike the other popular wing players of his generation, such as Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, and Dominique Wilkins, Bird did not have the hops to jump over opponents. Bird returned to the Pacers as president of basketball operations in 2013,[6] and remained in that role until 2017. Larry Bird played the small forward and power forward positions at a height of 6'9" (2.06 m). The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. An elite wingspan is considered as a measurement that is 6.5% greater than the players height. Everyone knows that Manute Bol was the tallest player in NBA history, but he also possessed the largest wingspan. [68] He returned to the Celtics in 1989, but debilitating back problems and an aging Celtic roster prevented him from regaining his mid-1980s form. To put that into perspective that is only one inch shorter than Shaq's wingspan. Increasing the height will give these attributes a huge boost anyway. Another badge you must target is Interceptor. But if youre a fan of Birds game, then there are ways to customize your character to dominate on the court like the former Celtics superstar. [13], Larry used basketball as an escape from his family troubles, starring for Springs Valley High School and averaging 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists as a senior on his way to becoming the school's all-time scoring leader. [4] After retiring as a player, Bird served as head coach of the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000. A persons wingspan is the. Get to know Larry Bird: Stats, records and more - RSN But dont let Birds efficient scoring distract you from the fact that he was proficient in the other aspects of his game. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. [74], Bird and Magics presence on the court was only a small part of their contribution to basketball, as their rivalry changed the landscape of the NBA, transforming it from a struggling, barely profitable league into a highly visible, financial and marketing dream for teams and players alike. [39][41], Bird was named MVP of the 198384 season with averages of 24.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. [96] Bird was 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 NBA season while achieving the league minimum for makes in each category. Here's what the science reveals. To help you with the boards, you can upgrade the Rebound Chaser badge. With at least 10 potential upgrade points, you will have several options for playmaking badges. The two adopted a son and daughter, Conner and Mariah. Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, and raised in the nearby town of French Lick, where he excelled at basketball at an early age. Part of the reason, he admits, was his own fatalistic view of what the future would bring. Take a look at the great defenders in the NBA, and the one common thread you will find in all of them is an impressive wingspan. Larry Joe Bird (born December 7, 1956) is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). [5] He was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2012 season. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. . LIVE. Johnson and the Spartans triumphed, but Larry Bird left Indiana State that year with the USBWA College Player of the Year Award, the Naismith Award and the Wooden Award. [10], He was raised in nearby French Lick, where his mother worked two jobs to support Larry and his five siblings. He mentioned in his own book about his height, saying, Photo ImageCollect.com / Mike Springer-PHOTOlink.net. The team improved its win total by 32 games from the year before he was drafted and finished first in the Eastern Conference. [101] In recognition of his defensive abilities, Bird was named to three All-Defensive Second Teams. Larry Bird- 6'9 John Stockton - 5 ft 10 Clyde Drexler- 6 ft 5 Chris Mullin- 6 ft 5 Indiana State. When adjusting your players height, you can just copy Birds real height. The season finished with a national championship game match-up of Indiana State against Michigan State and featured a highly anticipated match-up of Bird against Michigan State great Magic Johnson, thus beginning a career-long rivalry that the two shared for over a decade. Bird was one of the greatest players ever in crunch time, making four buzzer-beaters throughout his career. Available in 3DM (Rhino), OBJ (NURB), SKP(Sketchup)formats, Dimensions.com is a project by Fantastic Offense, Dimensions is a project by Fantastic Offense. Larry Bird starred at Indiana State University before joining the NBA's Boston Celtics in 1979. December 7, For this, you will need a ton of VCs. The "Dream Team" won the men's basketball gold medal. Honestly, all of them fit Bird so well. More player info [82] In 1999, Bird ranked No. Your players skill breakdown should certainly focus primarily on shooting. These include Blinders and Deadeye. If Bol had any type of offensive game to merit him more minutes, he would have set the blocks record so high that it would have never been touched. Girlfriend / Spouse. After protracted negotiations, Bird inked a five-year, $3.25 million contract with the team on June 8, making him the highest-paid rookie in sports history. To advance the ball down the court, players must bounce the ball (dribble) or pass it to a teammate. Larry Bird (Larry Legend; The Hick from French Lick) Position: Forward 6-9, 220lb (206cm, 99kg) School: Indiana State (Men) Draft: Boston Celtics, 1st round (6th pick, 6th overall), 1978 NBA draft. Dirk can't be 6'10. ", -Magic Johnson, as quoted at Bird's retirement party. Kevin Durant stands 610 and has a 75 wingspan. Considering the troubling back issues Bird has had, which started during his playing days, exercise becomes a much tougher thing to do when you get older. Drafted by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft after his second year at Indiana State, Bird elected to stay in college and returned for the 19781979 season. Leonardo Da Vincis Vitruvian man depicts the ideal human as having a wingspan equal to his height, but this was based off a human that was 55.