Sourced

• I’ve really enjoyed coaching. It’s a great experience. Every player should have the chance to do it. The problem is, I’m not that good at it.

• Peter Vecsey (May 26, 2000) “Looks Like Larry’s Indy Mood to Stay”, New York Post.

• Well, I don’t worry about ratings. I’m trying to win a ballgame right now. Whatever it takes to win a ballgame, we’re going to do it. If it takes a four-hour game, that’s what we have to do.

• Marty McNeal (June 11, 2000) “Bryant: A Game-Day Decision – Magic Had to Convince Him to Stay Out After Friday’s Injury”, The Sacramento Bee, p. C13.

• I’m a firm believer in that you play the way you practice.

• Michael Marot (May 24, 2000) “Pacers Notebook/Pacers Make Turnaround”, The Journal Gazette, p. 2B.

• I’ve always been interested in jobs in the NBA. But I’ve been in this for 20 years and it might be time to do something else.

• Sam Smith (February 14, 2000) “Bird’s Flight Path May End at Boston”, Chicago Tribune, p. 12.

• I hate to lose more than I like to win.

• Douglas S. Looney (May 22, 1998) “Larry Bird : Doer and Teacher”, Christian Science Monitor, p. 8.

• You can make all the excuses you want, but if you’re not mentally tough and you’re not prepared to play every night, you’re not going to win.

• Sam Smith (February 17, 1998) “Making a Run From the Border”, Chicago Tribune, p. 5.

• There is nothing better than being out there when the game is on the line; only now, I get to see what my players will do. How will they react? Retirement is fine for some people, but I got bored. I’m used to more of a fast-paced life.

• Ailene Voisin (February 3, 1998) “Bird on the Bench – Larry the Legend Comes Home, Wins Accolades as Coach”, The Sacramento Bee, p. D1.

• I was always making decisions and they were easier decisions because I had control of the game, I had control of the ball. As a coach you sort of put the ball in other player’s hands and let them make decisions for you. But I still get a kick out of winning basketball games and that’s what I’m in this for.

• Ross Atkin (January 29, 1998) “Yes, Great Players Can Make Good Coaches – Larry Bird enjoys immediate success with the Indiana Pacers”, Christian Science Monitor, p. 14.

• I know the rigors of the NBA and what these guys can expect. I know my job is to prepare them, to get them in shape. We’ll find a good offense and a good defense. And then let’s do it.

• Bob Ryan (October 31, 1997) “Bird Setting Feverish Pace With Indiana”, Boston Globe, p. E1.

• I wanted to compete at the highest level again – and that’s the NBA.

• Dan Weber (October 30, 1997) “Life Is Still Good For Coach Larry”, Post-Tribune, p. C1.

• When I was a player, I didn’t expect my teammates to play the way I did. I did expect them to work hard hard every day and get better. And I never learned anything by losing.

• Don Wade (October 18, 1997) “A Bird on the Bench is Worth 12,252 In Roberts Stadium Seats”, The Evansville Courier, p. C1.

• It’s unbelievable. But I’ve never been to a pro football game. I’ve never been to a pro hockey game, either. I guess I’m not much of a sports fan.

• Dan Shaughnessy (September 7, 1997) “There’ll Be No Bird Watching”, Boston Globe, p. D1.

• I don’t miss it at all. I’m glad I’m out.

• Larry Guest (December 12, 1993) “In Background, A Legend Trying to Restock Celtics”, The Orlando Sentinel, p. C1.

• Basketball has been my life and I worked at it so hard because I enjoyed it so much.

• Sam Smith (December 25, 1991) “Bird Still Celtics’ Main Man – At Age 35, He’s Enjoying Basketball More Than Ever”, Chicago Tribune, p. 1.

About

• Larry is different than people think. He really loves the game and is really smart. He has the innate ability to focus on what’s important and has a great feel for players. He knows how to deal with people. He’s direct and definite. I think the players appreciate that.

• Donnie Walsh reported in Sam Smith (February 8, 2004) “Bird sets fast pace – Hall of Fame player and former coach Larry Bird finds ‘every day’s exciting’ in his first go-around as general manager of the Indiana Pacers”, Chicago Tribune, p. 11.

• The guy has been there. What he tells us is not just what he believes deep down, but what he knows, because he has been through it.

• Chris Mullin reported in John Brennan (May 30, 1999) “Pacers: Timing Is On Our Side”, The Record, p. S1.

• Who in their right mind wouldn’t listen to what Larry Bird tells them? He knows what it takes to be a successful player, and he’s letting us do the things to have the success.

• Reggie Miller reported in Associated Press (May 12, 1998) “Report Says Bird Is Coach of the Year”, The Orlando Sentinel, p. C4.

• It’s not what he says, it is how he says it that is making the difference. He doesn’t scream at you, he doesn’t embarrass you when you make a mistake. He just looks at you, and you get the message. Then when the time is right, he’ll talk to you calmly and explain what he wants.

• Travis Best reported in The Hawk Eye staff (January 16, 1998) “Bird achieves”, The Hawk Eye.

• Guys like Larry Bird — he played so hard, he wants everybody else to play hard. That’s not unreasonable. Any coach would want that and demand that.

• Magic Johnson reported in David Steele (May 9, 1997) “Magic Says Bird Will Succeed”, San Francisco Chronicle, p. B8.

Source: Wikiquote