born Dec. 7, 1956, West Baden, Ind., U.S.
U.S. basketball player.
Bird spent most of his collegiate career at Indiana State University, before being drafted by the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Playing forward and standing 6 ft 9 in. (2.06 m) tall, he was a great shooter and ball handler and one of the most formidable playmakers in the game. He helped lead Boston to NBA championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986 and was named the NBA's most valuable player for three consecutive years (198486). He retired in 1992 and was head coach of the Indiana Pacers for the 199798 season.