The NBA during the 80s was an extremely popular sport, with it drawing a lot of fans due to the rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Many people believe that the duo saved the league after the 70s.
One of the people that believes that the duo saved the NBA is legendary point guard Isiah Thomas. He recently explained how the duo saved the league, though he did note that the ratings only really took off when his Detroit Pistons showed up on the scene. (1:01:40)
“I think Bird and Magic saved the league, and I think the league took off when the Detroit Pistons showed up on the scene,” said Thomas. “I think Bird and Magic, what the NBA was coming out of in the 70s and how the United States was for a black man in the 70s, and then Bird and Magic being on the stage in the early 80s, coming out of college… Magic coming to LA, and Bird going to Boston. They walked into culture. They walked into foundation. They walked into a way of being. They walked into winning.”
There is no doubt that the league benefited from Magic Johnson and Larry Bird going to the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, respectively. The duo already had a pre-established rivalry from their college days and ended up on two big-market franchises. Seeing these marquee players on the biggest stage facing off against one another was fantastic from a fan perspective, and their rivalry was heated and fun to watch. It is easy to see why many credit the two superstars with saving the league.
Charles Barkley Believes Magic Johnson And Larry Bird Are The Two Most Important Players In NBA History
Charles Barkley holds a similar opinion to Isiah Thomas when it comes to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. He has previously claimed that they are the “two most important” people in NBA history.
“Michael comes later and took it to a whole ‘nother level,” Barkley explained. “But, you gotta remember something, Stephen A. When I got to the NBA, you talk about the average salary now is $10 million. When I came to the NBA, the average salary was $200,000. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are the two most important people in NBA history. Those guys, every time I see those guys, I tell them, ‘Thank you.'”
There is no doubt that Magic Johnson and Larry Bird changed the league for the better. There’s a reason that they are among the most iconic superstars in league history, both on and off the court. Their legacy is set in stone, and the two superstars will forever be remembered.
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