Bird’s Dream Team Threads

Larry Bird grew up watching the Olympics with his dad, whom Bird said would stand with his hand over his heart when the national anthem played. Though both were retired, Bird and Magic Johnson became co-captains of the first U.S. Olympic basketball team to feature professional players in 1992. The collection of NBA All-Stars was nicknamed The Dream Team. “When I took my first step onto the court, I said to myself, ‘I made it, I’m really here, I am playing in the Olympics,” Bird said. “It was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. It was such an honor to represent my country and to be the co-captain of the team with Magic.” The Dream Team crushed all competition on its way to claiming gold. Said Bird, “Of course, when we won the gold medal and I heard ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ being played, I thought of my dad with his hand over his heart and knew he would be so proud.”