Bird’s shooting splits were way better than Luka’s, and he averaged double-digit rebounds, too.
Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA today. But as early as his third season in the league, Doncic already looked like someone special. In fact, that year, he was already being compared to one of the greatest of all time – Larry Bird.
However, Bird’s Celtics teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Kevin McHale took exception to that player comp. According to McHale, Larry Legend was a far better basketball player than Doncic.
“Larry was an unbelievable competitor, tough as nails, great vision, and great ability to rebound,” said McHale.
Bigger, stronger, and better
Bird was one of the toughest competitors back in the 80s. Like Luka, Larry Legend wasn’t the court’s biggest, strongest, or fastest player. But he dominated the opposition with skill and smarts.
During his legendary career, Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, with shooting splits of .496/.376/.884. Meanwhile, Doncic’s career averages are currently 28.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, with shooting percentages of .470/.347/.747.
“People forget Larry is 6’9, 240 pounds, and strong as an ox,” added McHale, reminding everyone that Bird was two inches taller than Doncic, at least that’s what the official stats say. “Larry would be a much better Luka Doncic. Larry was a better basketball player. Bigger, stronger, better.
