Despite $24 Million Wealth and a Heavy Dislike for Michael Jordan Style Lifestyle, Larry Bird Made the Same Mistake as Bulls Legend

Larry Bird and Michael Jordan are believed to be the two greatest competitors in NBA history. Their desire to win and ruthless approach against their opponents made them legendary athletes. However, it was difficult for their teammates to bond with Bird and Jordan due to their need for taking the limelight at all times. At the same time, both NBA legends had completely different lifestyles. Notably, Larry Bird ended up making the same mistake as Michael Jordan, despite his $24 million wealth and a deep dislike for the Bulls legend’s lifestyle.

Michael Jordan‘s zeal to win made him an immediate sensation when he came to the league in 1984. However, he could not win an NBA championship until the 1991-1992 season due to a number of issues with his teammates. Several reports claimed, the six-time NBA champ had persistent issues with his teammates, as Jordan did not like to pass the ball.

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His one-man-show mentality often put him at odds with teammates and consistently falling short of a championship. However, the tides turned when the likes of Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, and Bill Cartwright came together at the Bulls with Jordan and won their first championship in 1991.

Bird made a similar mistake as Michael Jordan

In his book ‘The Jordan Rules’, popular sports author Sam Smith revealed a mistake that Larry Bird made in 1991 similar to Michael Jordan. Smith talked about a game that the Boston Celtics played against the Chicago Bulls at home in March 1991. It was one of the most interesting games in the NBA, due to the drama that ensued between Bird and Jordan’s team.

After winning three championships with the Celtics team in the 1980s, Larry Bird went through a difficult phase full of injuries between 1988-1991. The 12-time All-Star played only six games from 1988-1989 due to a heel injury and his return the next season was extremely painful.

As per the book, “He shot a career-low 47% and rumors abounded of conflicts with angry teammates, some of whom began to resent Brid’s preeminent position, which was based on his prior skills.”

The Jordan Rules author reckoned that there were rumors of Larry Bird being involved in a conflict with his teammates, due to his dominance of the team despite his lack of performance. He had a strong influence within the team, which led to his teammates disliking him. Thus, Bird faced a similar team situation towards the end of his career as Michael Jordan did during his early years.

However, in March 1991, Larry Bird earned the trust of his teammates as the Celtics defeated the Bulls by 135-132 in the second overtime. Bird managed to put on 34 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists despite his painful back issues. Shockingly, Bird scored nine points during the second overtime against Jordan’s Bulls who won the championship in 1991.

Larry Bird disliked Michael Jordan’s lifestyle

Michael Jordan loved to own expensive things after becoming an invaluable superstar in the league. With loads of money coming in the form of salary and endorsements, Jordan indulged in a lavish lifestyle.

However, Larry Bird had a completely different approach toward his finances. Despite making $24 million in his NBA career, he liked having a simple lifestyle, putting him at odds with Jordan’s mindset. The Celtics legend was raised in a humbled family as he learned to enjoy simpler things in life.

During his days in the NBA, Bird one revealed why he stayed away from lavish things. He reckoned that he could not see himself sending $50-60K on a car. He added, “I’ll wear pretty much anything if I get it for free.”

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Despite having a different lifestyle from Michael Jordan, Bird ended up making a similar mistake involving his teammates.