Former Detroit Pistons teammates Dennis Rodman and Isiah Thomas recently engaged in a public debate about how Larry Bird, the Boston Celtics legend, would fare in today's NBA. Rodman, known for his controversial opinions, argued that Bird's style wouldn't translate to the modern game, suggesting he'd be playing overseas in Europe. He compared Bird unfavorably to two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, claiming Jokic is the superior player.
Former NBA player Dennis Rodman coaches during the NFL Pro Bowl Weekend Celebrity All-Star Game 2023 benefiting the charity D Up On Cancer at the Cox Pavilion on Feb. 4, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Thomas, however, offered a starkly different perspective. He contended that Bird's skillset would still make him a league MVP and lead his team to championships in the current era. Thomas drew parallels between Bird and Jokic, highlighting their similar playing styles to support his claim that Bird would thrive even now. He emphasized Bird's impact during their playing days, stating that Bird was the player they feared the most.
NBA TV analyst Isiah Thomas looks on after Game Five of the 2023 NBA Finals on June 12, 2023 at Ball Arena in Denver. (Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
This isn't the first time Rodman has made controversial statements about Bird. In 1987, after a playoff loss to the Celtics, Rodman, backed by Thomas at the time, claimed Bird was overrated due to his race. The recent comments reignite the old rivalry between the Pistons and Celtics and spark discussion about how legends of the past would perform in today's game.
From left to right, Kiki Vandeweghe, Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas pose for a photo during the 2019 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on Sept. 6, 2019 at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
