The Bird Lands in ’79

Larry Bird was the “most heralded collegian since Bill Walton,” proclaimed the 1979-80 Celtics media guide. The Indiana State product would have better seasons, but his rookie campaign more than lived up to the hype as he was named an All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year and All-NBA First Team member. Bird wasn’t by himself either, as Tiny Archibald earned an All-Star nod, Dave Cowens made the All-Defense Second Team and Bill Fitch received NBA Coach of the Year honors. Bird’s presence clearly made a huge impact on the organization that season as the Celtics improved by 32 wins and won their first Atlantic Division title in four years. Read more about Bird and other Celtics legends by clicking the PDF.