Where do we even start with Larry Bird. He was a trash-talking menace. He didn't cross the line like Kevin Garnett, he simply got in his opponent's head and backed up everything he said.
The above video is the perfect example. He told poor Xavier McDaniel exactly how he was going to hit the game-winning shot and there was nothing McDaniel could do to stop it. That may be my favorite story of Larry Legend talking trash, but here are a few other close seconds:
Before the first three-point shooting contest, Larry went into the locker room and just quietly looked around until someone asked him what he was doing and he replied that he was trying to figure out who was going to come in second.
In a later three-point shooting contest, Larry was behind, but proceeded to hit his remaining few shots to tie it, then as he released the moneyball for the win, he turned and put his finger in the air before it went in, and, surprise, surprise, it hit nothing but net.
Against Dennis Rodman, he would call for the ball while getting smothered by Rodman, claiming he was open, then he would get the ball, hit the shot and tell the opposing coach that Rodman was making it too easy by not covering him.
Against Julius Erving, later in Dr. J's career, Bird kept a running tally of both their point totals, once Bird got to 42 to six, Dr. J had had enough and got into a vicious fight with Bird. Hey, no one said talking trash made you any friends.
Then, finally, in a Christmas game against the Pacers, Bird went up to Chuck Person before the game and told him that he had a present for him. During the game, Bird hit a three in front of the Pacers' bench where Person was sitting, turned to Person and said, "Merry f----ing Christmas."
With those stories, there is just no denying that Bird was in a class of his own for trash-talking. The Hick from French Lick knew just what to say and exactly how to back it up.
I don't think there will ever be another player quite as good at talking trash as Larry Bird.
