I remember hearing Isiah Thomas once say that Larry Bird was the “toughest” guy he ever played against...Magic Johnson was the “smartest”...and Micheal Jordan was the “best”.
Isaiah Thomas also said Larry Bird got the notoriety he did because he was white. But that’s okay
One of my work friends played against Bird in college. He said Bird made an unbelievable shot and then there was a foul and he and Bird were next to each other during the free throw. My friend said something along the lines about what a great shot he made & Bird didn’t say a word. His theory is Bird came out of his shell once he went pro & was one of the best trash talkers as was Michael Jordan.
He also said if you put him, Magic, Jordan and Bird in a room and only one could come out....it would be Bird.