- Larry Bird is one of the 10 greatest players to have ever played the game
- Luka Doncic is affectionately known as “Baby Bird”
- With resumes ignored, it is time to focus on purely career stats in a comparison
If there is a comparison that the NBA community is heavily noticing right now, it is between Slovenian star Luka Doncic and legendary Boston Celtics star Larry Bird. Although separated by decades and playing in different eras, the parallels between these two basketball virtuosos are striking. This article embarks on a fascinating journey to compare the career stars of each superstar for an intriguing narrative in the saga of basketball greatness.
From their scoring prowess to their playmaking wizardry, we will examine how these two generational talents stack up against each other through the lens of statistics, including scoring, rebounding, assists, advanced stats, and even defensive measures.
While Doncic is becoming known as “Baby Bird”, is he really on the level of one of the greatest players ever when it comes to stats? Obviously, Bird has a far greater resume, but luckily for Doncic, this won’t be taken into account. Here is the ultimate stats comparison between two legends of their respective eras.
Points
1. Luka Doncic – 27.6
2. Larry Bird – 24.3
In the category of scoring, Luka Doncic emerges as a standout force with his career points per game average of 27.6, eclipsing Larry Bird’s notable 24.3. His ability to consistently put up nearly 28 points per game is a testament to his offensive prowess and versatility as a scorer. He possesses a diverse scoring repertoire, blending contested three-point shooting, crafty ball-handling, and a knack for drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line (career 8.2 FTA).
On the other hand, Larry Bird’s 24.3 points per game, while slightly lower, reflect the remarkable scoring prowess that defined his era. Bird was known for his deadly mid-range game, impeccable basketball IQ, and clutch performances, which allowed him to lead the Boston Celtics to three championships during his career.
While Luka may have the statistical edge in points, their scoring abilities and their styles represent the distinct eras in which they thrived as the Slovenian is certainly having more opportunities to dominate the ball and create scoring situations for himself.
Rebounds
1. Larry Bird – 10.0
2. Luka Doncic – 8.6
In the category of rebounds, Larry Bird holds a significant advantage with his career average of 10.0 rebounds per game, surpassing Luka Doncic’s 8.6. Bird’s ability to contribute on the boards, despite primarily playing as a forward, reflects his tenacity and determination on the court. The Celtics legend ranks fourth all-time in career rebounds per game among natural small forwards, headlined by Lakers legend Elgin Baylor (13.5).
On the other hand, Luka’s 8.6 rebounds per game, while slightly lower, is an impressive feat for a versatile guard in the modern era of basketball. His ability to contribute on the glass underscores his versatility and all-around game, a characteristic highly valued in today’s NBA. With such a heavy load to carry in terms of scoring and playmaking, Luka is benefitting from his 6’7”, 230-lb frame to crash the boards. Still, Bird was a more consistent and impactful rebounder.
Assists
1. Luka Doncic – 8.0
2. Larry Bird – 6.3
When it comes to playmaking and assists, Luka Doncic clearly stands out with a career average of 8.0 assists per game, surpassing Larry Bird’s 6.3. His ability to distribute the basketball and create scoring opportunities for his teammates is a defining aspect of his game.
As a modern-day ballhandler, the Slovenian excels in orchestrating the offense and is often the primary playmaker for his team. His vision, passing skills, and ability to read the game make him one of the most well-rounded playmakers in the league. Last season, Doncic finished sixth in assists.
On the other hand, Larry Bird’s 6.3 assists per game, while impressive for a forward of his era, reflect the different style of play prevalent during his time. Bird was known for his basketball IQ and court vision, and his playmaking ability was a crucial element in the Celtics’ success and three championship runs.
Despite being a scorer and rebounder, Bird was often one of the top passers on his team year after year. However, there is no doubt that Luka’s statistical advantage in assists showcases the evolution of the game toward positionless basketball and highlights his role as a true playmaking star in the modern NBA. He still earns the advantage in this category, to his credit.
Steals
1. Larry Bird – 1.7
2. Luka Doncic – 1.1
Neither Luka Doncic nor Larry Bird are regarded as standout defensive players, but the Celtics legend has to have a better legacy as a stopper. In the category of steals, Larry Bird holds a statistical advantage over Luka Doncic. Bird averaged 1.7 steals per game over his career, showcasing his defensive prowess to read passing lanes effectively. Bird’s ability to contribute defensively added another dimension to his game and helped create transition opportunities for his team.
Luka, while not as prolific in steals, still averages a respectable 1.1 steals per game. His defensive contributions might not be as prominent as Bird’s, but his impact on the defensive end should not be underestimated. His basketball IQ and anticipation allow him to make timely steals and disrupt opponents’ plays.
In this statistical category, Bird’s higher steals average reflects his ability to excel on both ends of the floor and even when he lacked natural athleticism to stick with players, he used his basketball IQ to impact the defensive end.
Blocks
1. Larry Bird – 0.8
2. Luka Doncic – 0.4
In the category of blocks, Larry Bird maintains a slight statistical edge which shows a continued defensive advantage over Luka Doncic. Bird averaged 0.8 blocks per game over his career, demonstrating his defensive versatility and ability to protect the rim effectively for a forward of his era. At 6’9”, Bird had the height to contest shots and oftentimes, he got a hand to them.
On the other hand, Luka Doncic, while not known for his shot-blocking, still manages to average 0.4 blocks per game. Luka is 6’7” and being slightly shorter hinders his ability to get to shots and he lacks natural “bounce” when it comes to getting in the air. In this statistical category, Bird’s slightly higher blocks average reflects his capacity to impact various aspects of the game, including defense where he is often ignored.
Turnovers
1. Larry Bird – 3.1
2. Luka Doncic – 4.0
In the context of turnovers, there is an interesting contrast between Larry Bird and Luka Doncic. Bird’s career average of 3.1 turnovers per game is notably lower than Doncic’s 4.0. This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including differences in playing styles and the eras they competed in.
Larry Bird played in an era where methodical play was emphasized. His basketball IQ and decision-making were exceptional, allowing him to minimize turnovers while still making plays for his team. Bird’s ability to read defenses and make the right pass or take the right shot was a hallmark of his game, contributing to his lower turnover rate.
In contrast, Luka Doncic plays in a more fast-paced, perimeter-oriented modern NBA, where individual creativity and one-on-one plays are often emphasized. While the Slovenian excels in playmaking and creating scoring opportunities, his style of play can sometimes lead to higher turnover numbers. This can be attributed to the increased defensive pressure and the complexity of the game in the contemporary NBA.
Luka is also mainly a point guard as he controls the ball more than not, while Larry Bird could act as a point-forward but also as a spot-up shooter traditional wing. As a result, it is no surprise to see the Celtics legend have fewer turnovers.
Shooting Percentages
1. Larry Bird – 49.6% FG, 37.6% 3-PT FG, 88.6% FT
2. Luka Doncic – 46.6% FG, 33.8% 3-PT FG, 73.9% FT
Larry Bird’s shooting percentages are impressive across the board because he is one of the greatest shooters ever. He boasts a field goal percentage of 49.6% due to exceptional mid-range game and ability to score efficiently from various spots on the court. Bird’s three-point shooting at 37.6% underscores his proficiency from beyond the arc, particularly during an era when three-point shooting wasn’t as prominent as it is today.
His accuracy from the free-throw line at 88.6% demonstrates his reliability in clutch situations and his consistency as a scorer. Whenever Bird released the shot, it was almost always going to swish through the net from anywhere on the court.
In contrast, Luka Doncic’s shooting percentages, while solid, show some room for improvement. His field goal percentage of 46.6% indicates that he is an effective scorer but may benefit from increased accuracy, especially considering his versatility as a scorer.
His three-point shooting at 33.8% suggests that he can become a more consistent threat from long range, which is increasingly important in the modern NBA. His free-throw percentage at 73.9% is also an area where the player can make significant strides to enhance his scoring efficiency.
Bird was a master at efficiency on offense and was not interested in dominating the ball and taking shots for the sake of it. Luka is a player who has heavy usage and as he continues to gain experience, his shooting percentages will get much better.
Player Efficiency Rating
1. Luka Doncic – 25.2
2. Larry Bird – 23.5
Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is a comprehensive statistic that takes into account a player’s overall contributions on both ends of the floor. In this category, Luka Doncic holds a slight advantage with a PER of 25.2, compared to Larry Bird’s 23.5.
The Dallas Mavericks star’s higher PER reflects his ability to impact the game in various ways. His scoring, playmaking, and rebounding abilities all contribute to his well-rounded game, which is reflected in the PER calculation. Additionally, the star’s ability to play as a primary ball-handler and create opportunities for his teammates adds to his overall efficiency.
Larry Bird’s PER of 23.5 is also an excellent mark, indicating his elite level of play during his era. Bird was known for his scoring, playmaking, and basketball IQ, and his contributions on both ends of the floor were invaluable to the Boston Celtics’ success.
When comparing the PER of these two players, it’s essential to consider the era they played in again. The Slovenian’s higher PER might be partially attributed to the faster pace and increased emphasis on offensive statistics in the modern NBA. Nevertheless, both players’ PER values demonstrate their status as elite talents who made significant impacts on the game.
Final Result
Larry Bird vs. Luka Doncic 5-3
The statistical comparison between Larry Bird and Luka Dončić reveals a final result of 6-3 in favor of Larry Bird. Bird holds statistical advantages in rebounds, steals, blocks, shooting percentages, and turnovers. Doncic maintains statistical advantages in points, assists, and PER, which is a massive testament to the era he plays in with regards to a player being able to generate a ton of offensive plays singlehandedly.
This result is a testament to both players’ greatness and their unique contributions to the game of basketball. Larry Bird’s efficiency and accuracy as a shooter, along with his leadership and championships, showcase his impact during his era. He was also a better defender and perhaps a more effective all-around player.
Ultimately, the comparison highlights how different eras, playing styles, and roles within a team can shape statistical outcomes. Both Bird and Doncic have left indelible marks on the sport, each representing the best of their respective generations and the Slovenian has a ways to go to one day be regarded as dominant as the man who was called Larry Legend.
