So you think they are lying for sponsorship reasons?
Not saying something is NOT lying.
And you and the other speaker are assuming what is going on in these players minds.
Foolish on the best of occasions.
I think they know better than to foul their own nest. Whatever they think of Bird, and he was a damned good player, at this point there is no benefit in trying to dim his reputation. Anyone attempting it would make themselves look vindictive and petty. Those young men were raised right.
There is no real objective and clear way of evaluating “the greatness” of any past player. It’s all opinion, and you what they say about opinions.