Danny Ainge Recounts the Moment Larry Bird Shocked Him in the NBA: “I never thought he was the type of guy, He made me proud”

Larry Bird proved he could be equally good as a coach when he manned the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000. Known for his illustrious playing career, Bird won three NBA titles with the Boston Celtics and was a legitimate three-time MVP. As a player, there was no question that Larry Bird was a winner.

When Bird agreed to be the head coach of the Indiana Pacers in May 1997, there was a mix of doubt and confidence. Despite his success as a player, pundits were unsure if the Indiana State product could translate his knowledge into coaching and help the Pacers on the right path.

Even Danny Ainge, Bird’s former teammate, admitted to being shocked by what Bird accomplished as a coach. “I never thought he was the type of guy,” Ainge said, reflecting on Bird’s transition from the court to the sidelines.

Bird’s tenure with the Pacers proved the doubters wrong. His coaching prowess shone through, guiding the team to new heights and solidifying his legacy not just as an exceptional player, but as a remarkable coach as well.

Under Bird’s leadership, the Pacers quickly transformed into a formidable team in the Eastern Conference. In his first season, Bird led the Pacers to a 58-24 record, earning him the NBA Coach of the Year award in 1998. The team advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, pushing the Chicago Bulls to a grueling seven-game series before narrowly losing to Michael Jordan’s squad.

Bird’s impact didn’t stop there. In the 1998-1999 season, shortened by a lockout, the Pacers maintained their competitive edge, finishing with a 33-17 record and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals again, only to fall to the New York Knicks.

The pinnacle of Bird’s coaching career came in the 1999-2000 season. The Pacers, driven by Bird’s strategic acumen and leadership, finished with a 56-26 record and finally broke through to the NBA Finals. Although they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, Bird’s coaching tenure was marked by significant success and a lasting legacy.

Bird’s ability to translate his on-court brilliance into coaching excellence left an indelible mark on the Pacers and the NBA. His achievements as a coach, combined with his storied playing career, underscore his profound understanding of the game and his remarkable ability to inspire and lead. Bird’s success story as both a player and a coach is a testament to his deep basketball acumen and leadership qualities, traits that even those close to him, like Ainge, couldn’t fully anticipate. Bird’s impact on the NBA continues to be felt and celebrated, both on and off the court.