Feb 29, 2020; Lubbock, Texas, USA; NBA Hall of Fame member Dennis Rodman greets the crowd during the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Texas Longhorns at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Dennis Rodman Was Wrong About Celtics Legend Larry Bird

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 11:36 PM ET

Larry Bird is widely seen as one of the best 10-15 NBA players of all time.

That said, Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman once made a shocking statement (about Bird) when he did an interview with with VLADTV a few years ago.

Rodman: "If Larry Bird played in this era, I think he'd be in Europe... He would be somewhere over there. His game was fit for Boston at that time in the 80's... I'm not downplaying him... There's no way. I think the kid from Denver [Jokic] is way better than him."

Many fans at the time were in major disagreement with Rodman's comments (h/t Ball Don't Lie).

Dennis Rodman said Larry Bird would be in Europe if he was playing today...

Wonder if he felt that way when they were going head-to-head

(via @vladtv) pic.twitter.com/a8BhTkXK1a
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) June 26, 2023

@bulldurham60: "Larry was a complete player. To think he wouldn’t be in the NBA, in any era , is a joke."

@marinjos: "This might be the worst take in the history of bad basketball takes."

@bchawla: "This is ridiculous. Larry would still be Top 5 in today’s game."

Bird had career averages of 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 steals per contest while shooting 49.6% from the field and 37.6% from the three-point range in 897 games.

Over 13 seasons, he won three NBA Championships (and three MVPs).

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: