The NBA was changed drastically in the 1980s and 1990s, going from the verge of bankruptcy to a thriving and global sports league. Three players have been credited majorly for that, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan. These three superstars were instrumental in making the NBA what it is today, and while they are celebrated, it’s still easy to understate their value and influence. But the stars that grew up watching them remember it.
Until a certain Stephen Curry came along, Ray Allen was considered the greatest three-point shooter ever. A 2-time NBA champion and 10-time All-Star, Allen was a force to be reckoned with in the 2000s. And like many of the superstars in his era, he grew up being inspired by Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. In a recent heartfelt Instagram post, Allen paid tribute to the giants he grew up watching.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson was drafted into the NBA when I was 4 years old. I saw my very first NBA game when I was 10 years old in 1985. What I didn’t know at the time was that this was going to be my future job. As a kid, I watched Magic, Larry and Michael play the game at such a high level with an incredible amount of passion.
“They set the tone for me as for what an athlete looks like and how hard you have to play. Every single time that I am in Michael or Magic’s presence, I am humbled and still in awe of who they are and what they have accomplished in their lives. Without the two of them, I would not have had the example set for me to go out in the world and find my purpose.
“Magic and Michael’s charisma took the game to a level that allowed me and many of my counterparts to reap the benefits. I thank them and every player that played in the league before my time that helped lay the groundwork so that we could all shine on this grand stage.”
These are beautiful words from Ray Allen, who became great in his own right. And while it is important to celebrate the stars of today, it’s equally important to remember the greatness of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird who helped make the league what it is.
The Impact Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, And Michael Jordan Had On The NBA
In the early 1980s, the NBA was struggling with an image problem and teams were barely making money. However, the arrival of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird changed all that. Byron Scott once revealed how only 4 NBA teams were making money before Magic and Bird started doing their thing.
In turn, the two superstars inspired Michael Jordan to become the GOAT. Jordan’s popularity, along with the 1992 Dream Team’s impact, took the league to even greater, international heights. He also influenced the next generation of stars who wanted to be ‘Like Mike.’ There would be no NBA today without the contributions of 3 of its greatest superstars.
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