It’s fun to imagine how Boston Celtics icon Larry Bird would fare in today’s NBA.

What’s the modern comparison for Bird? A six-foot-nine Luka Dončić? It’s tough to pinpoint, as Bird was a unique player in the history of the game. Ultimately, his blend of size, skill, intelligence, and competitive fire suggests he’d thrive in today’s game, much like he did in the 1980s.

Looking at Bird’s numbers is a complicated ordeal, since the game was played much differently back then. Bird’s career averages—24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game over 13 seasons—hold up, but in today’s game, Bird’s shooting touch would likely translate to higher three-point attempts, boosting his scoring numbers.

Bird’s IQ and court vision would align perfectly with the modern need for versatile forwards

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