“He eats, sleeps, and drinks basketball” – Julius Erving weighed in on just how good Larry Bird was in 1985….READ More…

Larry Bird and Julius Erving were fierce competitors during the height of their NBA careers, particularly when the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers faced off in the 1980s. Their rivalry, filled with physical intensity and even on-court altercations, was a natural outcome of their respective teams battling for dominance in a highly competitive Eastern Conference. While Bird excelled with his long-range shooting, Erving was known for his aggressive drives to the basket, making their styles of play distinctly different.

Despite their heated rivalry, Erving acknowledged Bird’s talent and work ethic. Speaking on “The Old Man and the Three” podcast, Erving admitted that playing against Bird and the Celtics was always challenging. He also noted that the two of them were in constant competition for the title of the best forward in the league during their prime years.

While they were rivals on the court, Bird and Erving occasionally played together in the NBA All-Star Games. In the 1984 edition of the All-Star Game, Erving gave Bird high praise, calling him the best player in the league at the time. Erving also drew comparisons between Bird’s fierce competitiveness and his own mindset during his prime, stating that Bird was completely dedicated to the game, just as he had been earlier in his career.