(Image courtesy @Celtics)
Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
I had the pleasure last night of attending the Sports Museum's 10th annual Tradition. Larry Bird was one of many legendary Massachusetts athletes (Micky Ward, Willie O'Ree, Mike Lowell, Ty Law, Bobbi Gibb) honored for their lifetime achievements.
While I never got close to Larry to speak to him or snap any decent pictures (he was the only athlete not to hit the reception floor and held a private media session with TV), I thoroughly enjoyed hearing his stories. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
On Boston fans: If you work hard, they'll treat you great. I know, I lived it.
On his legacy: I feel bad we just won three championships. We were better than that.
On relationship with Magic: We did not like the Lakers. If something went down out there, I'd punch him in the face.
His advice to LeBron: Get down in the post.
On the 92 Dream Team: Our plan was to move the ball and dominate.
On his back injuries: You get paid to play. You just play.
On late game situations: If score was tied, anyone of my teammates would shoot it. If we were down 1, I always shot it.
Yup. He said he'd punch Magic in the face. Vintage Bird.
Prior to Bird's award, they showed a fantastic montage of highlights on the big screen. It reminded me of how hard Larry played the game, his super passing skills and his ability to finish with the left hand.
Sure… players now-a-days are bigger, stronger and quicker, but Bird was a one-of-a-kind player who would have exceled in any generation.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Larry Bird at Tradition | WEEI – Bird never would have coached in Garden | ESPN Boston – Antoine gets probation
After the jump, my pictures of Larry Legend.
As you can tell by the last picture, I got pretty close to Larry. Too bad I pulled a LeBron and choked taking the photo.
Editor's Note: I planned to record Bird's presentation but I my little video camera didn't have a strong enough zoom. Considering all the TV cameras in the house, I assumed the Internet would be flooded with video clips. Wrong. NESN plans to air the ceremony on July 10 and Comcast will have the show available On Demand.
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