Not taking Bird had nothing to do with him refusing to play here. Not sure where that came from. Bird was drafted by BOS after his junior year at Indiana State. It was a very shrewd move by Red Auerbach. Back then, college players could not enter the draft early unless they declared financial hardship and were granted an exception by the NCAA. The most notable hardship exception was Julius Irving - it made the cover of Sports Illustrated. Since Bird had another year of eligibility, had not declared hardship and was going back to Indiana State for his senior year, most GMs didn't think to draft him. Auerbach knew Bird was special and drafted him as "junior eligible", a loophole in the NCAA rules that I don't think anyone had used before Bird was drafted. Because Bird had briefly attended Indiana University (for like two weeks) as a freshman, but dropped out and sat out the rest of his freshman year, he was technically eligible to be drafted after his junior year at Indiana State. Because he never played in a game for IU, Bird still had four years of eligibility at Indiana State, which he used, but that two weeks at IU made him draft eligible a year before graduating. Of course, BOS would have to wait a year to sign Bird, but the wait was well worth it. Five GMs passed on Bird, not because they questioned his talent or his desire to play for them, they just didn't realize they COULD draft him. BNM
That's just Blowhard Bob Knight claiming years later that he foresaw the future. I don't believe him. Jordan wasn't famous and the guys drafted ahead of him were. Also, they were tall for centers and he was short for a forward. No one expected him to play guard, but he latched on with the (pre-Magic) tallest guard in history, Doug Collins, the only coach who could teach him to be a guard.
Yeah, it's not like he had a starring role on one of the most star-studded college rosters of all-time, right?
How is this even a debate? Jordan averaged: PPG 19.6 RPG 5.3 APG 2.1 BPG 1.1 SPG 1.6 While winning the AP Player of the Year, NABC (coaches choice) Player of the Year, and TSN (The Sporting News) Player of the Year. Buuuut he wasn't on anyone's radar... Jordan wasn't famous...
I didn't start a debate.....I come into the conversation claiming to be one of the few who don't worship the guy...the entire world debates that point of view...not looking to argue the point...I think it was simple...I didn't notice him until he played against the Blazers...wasn't a big college ball fan..especially east coast college ball but it's all good. Some of us were older when he was drafted...I always saw Jordan the way Blazer fans now see Kobe....villain, not hero..I rooted for the Jazz against the Bulls both times
jlprk said that...not me...I said as a rookie we didn't know he'd become the Ali type superstar he became..his brand would be so big..that was MY point..and really, it's not an issue either way
No...but he's ready to learn...he's yet to play against guys he'll play against for years to come...every game is a learning curve for him.
He proved me wrong a long time ago...I just think he got a lot of media help doing it. The guy was a money machine...
I just like the flow and the way the team plays when Collins is on the floor especially with starters. Offensively and defensively.
I may be mistaken, but I think numerous people, including the Warriors, have stated Draymond is the key to that team, and their most valuable player for what he brings defensively, leadership wise, and offensively. He allows their lineup versatility, is a focus point on their O for passing and pushing tempo, and is DPoy. Draymond is irreplaceable. They drafted him and suddenly started dominating.
