Dolph Schayes once highlighted a particular skill that both he and Bird mastered: 'We always knew where a ball was'

Carl Braun, a five-time All-Star and NBA champion in 1962, once noted the similarities between two legendary players—Larry Bird and Dolph Schayes—highlighting them as the only forwards with exceptional shooting range.

In a 2013 interview, Schayes shared his thoughts on these comparisons, saying that being compared to Bird was "one of the greatest compliments" he could ever receive. However, for "The Rainbow Kid," there were other aspects of their games that he felt were more alike than just their shooting skills.

"If I can compare to Larry Bird, I would say he and I had good anticipation…we always knew where a ball was," explained Schayes, per CBS.

Unlocking the "sixth sense"

Good anticipation skills in basketball are one of the most underrated yet crucial elements for success. But what does this really mean? Schayes himself described it as a kind of "sixth sense" on the court, helping players constantly be aware of the basketball's whereabouts.

Naturally, this skill proves valuable in many game situations, both on defense and offense, often shining through in small, more subtle moments, like successfully going for a steal or positioning oneself to grab an offensive rebound.

"The Rainbow Kid" explained that this so-called "sixth sense" can be developed by simply "playing the game"—something he did "an awful lot" during his younger years, whether in schoolyards, in high school, or at community centers. All these experiences helped the former 12-time All-Star learn to "play with focus," allowing him to see everything happening around him on the court in real-time.

Bird and Schayes excelled at reading the game

For both the Philadelphia 76ers legend and the Boston Celtics icon, whom Schayes "idolized," anticipation was indeed a key skill. However, they demonstrated it in different ways.

"Larry Legend" became especially renowned for his ability to anticipate his opponents' moves, reading them like a well-worn book. This skill enabled the three-time MVP to position himself perfectly on the court, and combined with his quick reflexes and large hands, Bird racked up an impressive total of 1,556 steals during his remarkable career.

On the other hand, "The Rainbow Kid" excelled at predicting plays in the paint. He had a talent for anticipating where the ball would go after a missed shot, which helped the 1959 rebound champ secure boards effectively. This skill is underscored by the late New Yorker making history as the first NBA player to grab 1,000 rebounds in a season and averaging an impressive 16.4 rebounds per game during the 1950-51 campaign.

Playing regularly, as Schayes suggested, is definitely helpful for developing a similar "sixth sense." However, watching standout games by him and Bird can also be valuable, as both Hall of Famers consistently showcased this ability on the court.