Heartbreaking: Larry Bird American former basketball Just Passed Away At the Aged of 67..see..more..The Indiana Pacers encountered a significant turning point in their franchise history during the 1978 NBA Draft when they chose to overlook Larry Bird, a decision that still resonates today. Bird would go on to solidify his legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats, leading the to three NBA championships throughout the vibrant 1980s.
As recounted in the book When The Game Was Ours, Pacers head coach Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard was keenly interested in selecting the future basketball icon. However, with Bird uncertain about leaving Indiana State University after his junior year, Leonard opted to pass on the talent.
“Listen, I can’t afford to wait another year,” Leonard expressed during a candid session with Bird at Indianapolis’ Hyatt Regency. “Our franchise needs to move now. If you’re set on going back to school, you must let me know, as I’d trade the pick. But if you’re ready to enter the draft, I’d select you in a heartbeat.”
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Immediate reinforcements were crucial for the Pacers, especially after losing forward Dan Rounfield to the in a competitive pursuit. Rounfield had delivered impressive numbers, averaging 13.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, and Leonard believed Bird could fill that gap seamlessly.
Despite the strong allure of the , Bird had made a promise to his mother to complete his education, and therefore, he informed Leonard of his decision to return to Indiana State. In a moment of camaraderie, the two shared a few bottles of Heineken before parting ways, though Leonard couldn’t hide his disappointment. “I really liked Larry,” Leonard reflected in the book. “But let’s face it, nobody anticipated he would turn out this phenomenal.”
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As fate would have it, the Pacers found themselves with another opportunity to draft Bird. After trading their No.1 pick to the for Johnny Davis, Clement Johnson, and the No.3 pick, Leonard had a chance once again with the third overall selection. However, prioritizing immediate impact, he opted for Rick Robey from Kentucky instead of the star-studded Bird.
Ultimately, Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics as the sixth overall pick. He completed his final college season by steering the Sycamores to the NCAA championship game but fell short against Magic Johnson’s Spartans.
While Thompson, chosen by the Blazers, made the All-Rookie First Team, his ascent to stardom never materialized as he settled into a backup role with the prominent ‘Showtime’ Lakers, capturing two titles in the process. Conversely, Robey’s tenure in Indiana ended prematurely, leading to a trade to the Celtics, where he reunited with Bird for the 1980-81 season—one that culminated in Boston’s championship victory, while Bird was on his way to earning the legendary moniker of ‘Larry Legend.’
As we look back at that fateful draft, it’s clear that the roads not taken can alter the future profoundly, and for the Pacers, missing out on Larry Bird is a chapter they would never wish to relive.
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