Due to his iconic achievements with the Boston Celtics and his unique style of play, Larry Bird is often referred to as Larry Legend in NBA circles. But there is more to Larry’s legend than just his basketball accolades. Former Indiana Pacers teammates Mark Jackson and Reggie Miller shared one such instance while playing for Bird during an episode of The Mark Jackson Show.
Mark and Reggie recalled a certain game where they were looking for Bird while the Pacers were warming up for a game. “So, Jack and I go back into the locker room,” Miller said , “and we’re like, where’s Coach Bird? They’re like, ‘He’s in his office.'”
Larry Legend was puffing Newports
So the Pacers’ co-captains went to Bird’s office but could not find him there. They tried going to the shower room, but Larry wasn’t there either. And just as they were about to go back out, they found their coach.
“We go around the corner, and Larry Legend is sitting in a chair,” added Miller. “He’s got a pack of Newports, just smoking away. ‘What you guys need?’ We’re like, ‘We’re good coach. Don’t worry about it. We’re good. He’s like, ‘All right, I’ll see you out there in a few minutes.'” …