“If Larry Bird played in this era he’d be in Europe” – Dennis Rodman SNUBS Celtics legend for Nikola Jokic
Gilbert Arenas claims Larry Bird would beat LeBron James in 1-on-1, Dennis Rodman strongly disagrees
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Dennis Rodman (image via Getty Images), Larry Bird (image via NBA) and Nikola Jokic (image via AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA player, made the controversial claim that LeBron James would lose against Larry Bird in a hypothetical one-on-one matchup. Arenas believes that Bird’s individual skills and style of play give him the edge over James.
Arenas’ claim received a strong disagreement from NBA legend Dennis Rodman, who expressed his opposing viewpoint during a recent interview with VladTV. Rodman contended that if Bird played in today’s era, he would struggle and likely find himself playing in Europe.
“Okay, I’ll put it this way. If Larry Bird played in this era,” Rodman said. “I think he’d be in Europe. I’m just letting you know, man. He’d be somewhere over there. His game was fit for Boston at that time, in the ’80s and stuff like that. But in today’s world – Oh, hell no! There’s no way. I’m not downplaying him, ’cause he was a great player at that time, just like I was, but I’m saying no, there is no way.”
Rodman added: “I think the kid from Denver [Nikola Jokic] is way better than him. Oh, my God, he is slow as hell. Okay, so, but that guy got a game. I think he is better than Larry Bird. In this day and age.“
During the 1980s, Rodman recognized Bird’s greatness with the Celtics but suggested that Bird wouldn’t excel as much in today’s basketball. He added that he believes Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets is superior to Bird, even in the present era.
Dennis Rodman said LeBron James would be average player in ’80s and ’90s
In a 2013 interview on the ‘Dan Patrick Show,’ Rodman expressed his belief that if LeBron James had played during the late 1980s or early 1990s, he would have been considered an average player, highlighting a contrasting view from his current stance.
Comparing players from different eras remains an intriguing but ultimately inconclusive discussion. The game of basketball has evolved significantly, with rule changes, advancements in training methods, and heightened athleticism shaping the sport we see today.
While Larry Bird’s impact on the game during the 1980s cannot be disputed, the differences in playing style, strategies, and overall competition make direct comparisons between him and modern-day stars like LeBron James and Nikola Jokic challenging.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)