Rick Carlisle named the only player who is 'very much' like Larry Bird: 'He didn't care about stats at all'

Rick Carlisle witnessed Larry Bird's unparalleled greatness when they became teammates on the Boston Celtics. During this time, Carlisle was astounded by Bird's dedication, skill, and basketball IQ. For him, there was simply no other player who could match the relentless work ethic and extraordinary talent of "Larry Legend."

Years passed, and Rick couldn't find a guy to evoke the same admiration he felt for Bird. That is until he began working with Jason Kidd in Dallas.

"[Bird's] The ultimate winner. He was a guy that had an iron will to win, and his moods were only geared toward winning and losing," he said on The Dan Patrick Show. "And the other guy that I've been around a lot who is very, very much like that was Jason Kidd. He just… Winning was the most important thing; he didn't care about stats at all."

Bird is the most decorated person in NBA history

Carlisle also firmly believes that Bird is the most accomplished figure in NBA history, showcasing a level of talent and success that no other individual in the league has matched.

Throughout his career, "The Hick from French Lick" has not only made a name for himself as a legendary player but has also excelled as a remarkable coach and a savvy executive. Rick further pointed out that Bird's versatility in the basketball realm is truly extraordinary, as there seems to be no aspect of the game that the legendary forward could not master or thrive in.

"If you look at Bird's stats for his career, you know, they are spectacular compared to a lot of players… you know, he was a two or three-time MVP, he was a multiple finals MVP, and then you look at the other things, he was a Rookie of the Year, you look at the other things he did, he became NBA Coach of the Year, he became NBA Executive of the Year," Carlisle said.

"I believe if you look at all of those different honors, and you look at first-team All-NBA and you look at All-Star appearances and winner of the three-point contests in its initial stages, I don't think you'll find a more decorated person in NBA history than Larry Bird. He's done it all," he added.