“He used it as a weapon, a dagger at the end of the game” - NBA analyst believes Larry Bird should be remembered as an all-time great 3-point shooter

Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird played in an era when the 3-point shot wasn’t as valuable as it is today. The NBA introduced the 3-point line in 1979, the year Bird and Magic Johnson brought their rivalry from college to the pro league.

Most of the players back then thought of it as a publicity stunt or even a gimmick to spice up the struggling league. Bird, who was against the introduction of the line, used it only when necessary.

Some fans don't consider the three-time MVP as good as Steph Curry, Ray Allen, or Reggie Miller when it comes to 3-point shooting.

Bob Hope, who covered the Celtics for years, shared on the Ryen Russillo podcast his disbelief at how fans disrespected Bird’s shooting:

“The history of the three from the beginning was strategic. He used it as a weapon, a dagger at the end of the game, or certain strategic moments…On one road trip in 1986, he went 25 for 34 on threes. So, please folks, we talk about all-time great three-point shooters, don’t forget to include the name of Larry Joe Bird.”

Before the 1988 3-Point Contest, Larry Bird had a question for everyone he was competing against:

“Who’s coming in second?”

Bird won in his warm-up jacket and celebrated before the last shot went in.

Larry Legend. https://t.co/Jgg1WSWoyT

In the first five years following the introduction of the 3-point line, NBA teams averaged only 2.4 attempts per game. Larry Bird put up a measly 1.1 3PA (points against), making .3% of his shots for a 30.8% efficiency. In the 1986-87 season, Bird took 225 shots and made a league-leading 90 of them count.

Basketball's Three-point revolution:

In Reggie Miller's rookie year (1987-88), teams took five threes per game.

In Ray Allen's (1996-97), they took 16.8.

In @StephenCurry30's (2009-10), they took 18.1.

This year? 34.6.

In contrast, Steph Curry, the all-time 3-point shot leader, attempted 380 and made 166 in his rookie season. The Boston Celtics icon shouldn’t be judged in the same light as the current crop of 3-point artists.

"I've got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end." #LarryLegend #Celtics

All-time great Larry Bird turns 61 today! #NBA

gtty.im/2AF3Gzi https://t.co/Sod9QMMdE3

Had the game been played differently, there would have been no doubt that Larry Bird would have put up better numbers. The “Hick from French Lick” was known for his maniacal work ethic. He would likely have worked on his 3-point shot until he became a more efficient shooter.

Despite Larry Bird’s pedestrian numbers, NBA teams were still afraid of his shooting

The shivers Larry Bird sent down the spines of opposing defenders was real. Boston’s best teams in the ‘80s had some of the most fearsome frontlines in the league. Bird’s ability to consistently make 3-point shots made the Celtic's all-round game more effective.

February 12, 1988: Boston’s Larry Bird nails the game-winning three in Dallas.

Celtics 105, Mavericks 104. https://t.co/IswG2vKGtY twitter.com/TheFrizz87/sta…

More than the numbers, it was “Larry Legend’s” penchant for knocking down crucial threes that terrified opponents. Magic Johnson’s LA Lakers, who were neck-and-neck with the Celtics in the ‘80s, often felt helpless handling Bird’s shooting.

...I don't even know what to say at this point. The disrespect people give Larry Bird has reached an all-time high.

You even have people in the comments claiming that he "wasn't that great shooting threes" or "he ain't a better shooter than Korver LMAO!"

NBA Twitter is doomed. twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/stat…

While the numbers may not do justice to Larry Bird's talent from beyond the arc, there is no doubt that he is one of the best shooters of his generation.