In 1992, Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird announced his retirement from the NBA after 13 seasons. The sixth pick in the 1978 NBA Draft, Bird spent his entire 13-season career with the Celtics. Bird led the team to great success with five NBA Finals appearances and three additional banners. Under Bird’s leadership, the team won titles in 1981, 1984, and 1986. Having played in 31 NBA Finals games, Bird averaged 23.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Bird continued to collect accolades even after his retirement, as he joined the Celtics management as a special assistant to Celtics Senior Executive Vice President Dave Gavitt. Bird is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, NBA Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. In 1998, Bird was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and his no. 33 was retired by the Boston Celtics.
Today in Sports History: August 18
