While Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever, it doesn’t mean he has no detractors. Dennis Rodman claimed Bird would be playing in Europe if he played in this era while JJ Redick felt he isn’t one of the top five shooters of all time and didn’t have the physicality needed for today’s game. Wilkins blasted both Rodman and Redick for their comments on Bird.
“I respect Dennis. A lot of respect, Dennis. No, Dennis was either a good dude, but that’s delusional. Delusional. Larry Bird could play in any era and do the same thing he did in our era. It couldn’t handle him. Today’s players could not handle him. Period.”
“He’s (Redick) stupid. I mean, it’s a stupid comment because Larry Bird played the most physical era ever. He’s 6’10”, almost 6’11”, and he was physical himself to say that he wouldn’t be playing this league because this league is too physical.”
“Like, what league are you watching? Physicality is gone. It’s not like it was back then, and it’s nobody’s fault. It’s just times change. And for JJ Redick to say stuff like that is the most idiotic thing I’ve ever heard.”
I think Bird would have been a great player in this era as well. Sure, he wasn’t the greatest athlete, but the likes of Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic have shown that it is possible to dominate the game without being one. I believe great players like Bird, would have figured out a way to excel in any era.
