Larry Bird Net Worth

Even if you are not a basketball fan, you have probably heard of Larry Bird. He is an American NBA legend whose contemporaries included Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. During a dynamic era in basketball history, Bird stood out from the beginning of his career. Larry Bird’s net worth of $75 million. He made his money playing basketball for the Boston Celtics and then as a coach and executive. He is also a well-known businessman, owning several businesses in the sports and entertainment industry.

Larry Bird Early Life

Larry Joe Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, on December 7, 1956. His parents, Georgia and Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird were of French-Canadian descent. His father was a veteran of the Korean War. Unfortunately, Larry Bird’s father committed suicide after his divorce from Larry’s mother. Bird was raised in the small town of French Lick, where he developed a love for basketball. Although he was always tall for his age, Larry Bird didn’t start playing organized basketball until high school. He quickly became one of the best players in the state, leading his team to the state championships in his junior and senior years. At Spring Valley High School, Bird averaged 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. During his high school basketball years, he won awards such as Mr. Basketball of Indiana, Gatorade Player of the Year, and Parade Magazine Player of the Year. He was also named a McDonald’s All-American.

Larry Bird College Career

After high school, Bird enrolled at Indiana University briefly but later went to Northwood Institute. However, Indiana State University is where he enjoyed a very successful college basketball career. Bird led the Sycamores to the NCAA Title game as a college freshman, where they lost to Michigan State. He was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. He continued to play well as a sophomore and junior at Indiana State University. Larry Bird averaged 15.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in his Freshman year. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Bird’s game continued to improve as he got older. As a sophomore, he averaged 19.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He was named the NCAA Player of the Year and led Indiana to the national championship game, where they lost to Michigan State. As a junior, Bird averaged 21.3 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. He was again named the NCAA Player of the Year and led Indiana to the national championship game, where they lost to North Carolina. After his junior year, Bird decided to forgo his senior season and enter the NBA draft.

Larry Bird Professional Basketball Career

Bird was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978, and the NBA rookie quickly became one of the best players in the league. Bird went on to have a very successful career with the team. He won three NBA championships with the Celtics and was named the NBA MVP three times. During his active playing time had an active competitive rivalry with the Lakers’ Earvin “Magic” Johnson. The two players helped revive the NBA in the 1980s. They met again in the 1985 NBA Finals, which the Lakers won. Bird was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996. After he retired from playing professional basketball, Larry Bird was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.

Post Basketball Career

He retired from playing in 1992 and worked as a special assistant for the Celtics from 1992 to 1997. He was then hired as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, a position he held for three seasons before he resigned. Larry Bird quickly made his mark as a coach when he was named NBA Coach of the Year. He also led the Pacers to two Central Division titles but eventually became their President of Basketball Operations. He then returned to the Celtics as an executive and helped them win another championship in 2008.

Fun Facts

During his playing time, Larry Bird was given the nicknames “The Hick from French Lick” and “Larry Legend.” Bird loves country music and is good friends with singer Willie Nelson. He is also a huge fan of Nascar racing.

Business Man

Larry Bird’s net worth increased as he became a very successful businessman. He has ownership stakes in several businesses, including the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, and the Boston Celtics. He is also a partner in a sports marketing firm and a real estate development company.

What’s next for Larry Bird?

At 60 years old, Larry Bird is still going strong. He remains a part-owner and director of the Indiana Pacers. He also has a minority ownership stake in the Boston Celtics. In addition to his business ventures, Bird continues to give back to his community. He has established a scholarship fund at Indiana State University and generous donations to several charities. He made his mark in the history of the NBA by being the only person to win  MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. There is no doubt that Larry Bird will continue to be successful in whatever he sets his mind.

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