Quotes from bird larry ii

I don't think it's changed that much. A lot of people talk about the change, but to me, everything changes, teams change, one year it's the Celtics, next year it's Philadelphia. It changes all the time.... [But] it's still basketball. The games are played different ways. Coaches influence a lot of it. But overall I think it's a great game and I still love it.

To me, Boston is just a hardworking, tough town that loves their sports.

It's a long season. Sometimes you've got to keep things interesting.

It's easy for me to say, 'Our era is the best, and I was the best,' and all that. But in my mind, I think we could compete and do really well, but you never know until you're out there. And I say that because I played against guys that I thought were really good when I came in the league, and after playing against those guys I'd say, 'Well, he's not that good.'

I love the game now, I like where it's at. I like where it's going. A lot of people say, 'Well, they don't have to guard, you can't touch anybody.' Well, yeah, that makes a difference because you can show everybody your skills.

I was always making decisions and they were easier decisions because I had control of the game, I had control of the ball. As a coach you sort of put the ball in other player's hands and let them make decisions for you. But I still get a kick out of winning basketball games and that's what I'm in this for.

I never learned anything by losing.

It doesn't matter who scores the points, it's who can get the ball to the scorer.

You can't take anything away from a champion.

It wasn't long after I joined the Celtics. The team was going through drills in training camp, and it didn't seem like everyone was going all-out. And then we started playing exhibition games, and I was able to get my shots, make my cuts, things like that. When the season started, the game slowed down for me. I was able to think my way around the court and see plays develop before they actually happened. That's when I realized I could play at a high level and be successful.

You know, over 30 years, I've seen a lot of things happen. I've seen the League go from power players to pound it down inside, to really incorporating the three-point shot in the last eight to 10 years. So it's really been interesting to watch the game as it's progressed throughout the years.

It kind of gets to you--all the waste. I can remember playing in the All-Star games, and how they'd have four or five pairs of shoes waiting for you. You go in there, grab a pair, wear them for the game, and leave the other four pairs lying there. How many kids in America could have used those shoes?

The best basketball announcer is one who allows you to close your eyes.

I know companies like to have successful people who are "winners" or "champions" endorse their products, because it portrays a positive image, but just because I like a certain mower, or hamburger, or whatever, what does that matter to the guy on the street?

I don't worry about ratings. I'm trying to win a ballgame right now. Whatever it takes to win a ballgame, we're going to do it. If it takes a four-hour game, that's what we have to do.

First master the fundamentals. When I was young, I never wanted to leave the court until I got things exactly correct. My dream was to become a pro. I don't know if I practiced more than anybody, but I sure practiced enough. I still wonder if somebody--somewhere--was practicing more than me.

Once you are labeled 'the best' you want to stay up there, and you can't do it by loafing around. If I don't keep changing, I'm history.

I didn't expect my teammates to play the way I did. I did expect them to work hard hard every day and get better.