Did Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Save the NBA?
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Did Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Save the NBA?
According to Byron Scott, the NBA was on the verge of foundering when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird entered the league in 1979-80.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird's relationship is the true definition of rivalry.
They were contenders in college and carried the rivalry into the NBA, where they were always trying to best one another.
Here’s one instance: there was this one game against the Portland Trailblazers in 1986 where Larry Bird played primarily with his left hand so that he can save his dominant hand for Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers.
That’s how much he wanted to beat them.
And good thing they hated each other so much on the hardwood because apparently, this rivalry prevented the NBA from sinking. It, instead, acted as a catalyst to grow the league.
According to Byron Scott, on his podcast The Byron Scott Show, the two legends saved the league by making it more entertaining and, in turn, driving up the fanbase.
“Those two guys -Magic Johnson and Larry Bird- saved the NBA. Really saved the NBA from really going under because at that particular point, it was only maybe 4 teams that were making money out of maybe 22-24 teams in the league. And these two guys came along and they just kinda save the NBA.”
Scott also added that if it weren’t for Magic and Bird, players today wouldn’t be making all of the money that they’re making.
So, they all “owe Magic and Larry Bird a lot of kudos.”
Final Thoughts
The two players had phenomenal careers as both are in the Hall Of Fame and on the NBA 75 Anniversary team.
However, Magic was able to win the duel as he won more rings than his nemesis (sorry, Larry).
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Quote of the Week
“I mean it’s hard to say. I guess, I just hope the next person that comes in and plays point guard here can just keep the tradition going, keep the winning going, keep these fans happy. Same thing goes for the rest of the team as well. But I don’t know, I hope - I hope I made everybody in here proud.”
-Sue Bird
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