Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson have a case for being the three most important figures in NBA history. First, let’s focus on the impact of Magic and Bird on the NBA during their respective careers.
When the two superstars came to the league, the NBA was on the brink of shutting down, but the two of them saved it. Their rivalry is considered the greatest of all-time and they gave fans years of amazing competition.
Additionally, thanks to them, the NBA regained its popularity, which resulted in players getting paid more. But one player had an even bigger impact on the NBA than those two legends.
It’s none other than NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. Mike had one of the best careers in NBA history and there are no two ways to look at it. His impact was visible both on and off the court.
So much so that NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley considers MJ the GOAT for helping players make money off sneaker deals and commercials. In the same interview, Chuck also talked about how he is thankful to Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan for allowing him the opportunity to never get a real job.
(Starts at 2:34):
“Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are two most important figures in NBA history. They saved the NBA. Because people act like now guys are making 30-40-50 million dollars, when I got to the NBA the average salary was two hundred thousand dollars. Then Magic and Bird came, and they had the greatest rivalry in NBA history. They had racial undertones, but the thing I admire about them two, them brothers, were just basketball junkies Magic and Bird. So when they came to the NBA stuff started to take off and then Michael came in and took it to a whole another level. So I thank those guys for making sure I never have to have a job.”
He reiterated this point towards the end by saying, “So Magic, Bird, and Michael to me man, I thank those guys for me never having to get a real job.”
Barkley’s point is excellent as these three players have indeed had a huge impact on the NBA.
Thanks to them, players can actually last for a lifetime from their earnings while playing in the league, risking their bodies for the majority of any given year.
Chuck is certainly not alone in believing this. There have been many players who have come out and spoken about the importance of Bird, Magic, and MJ to the NBA. After all, each and every NBA athlete is thankful to them for paving the way for future generations of players.
