Magic Johnson Larry Bird Rookie Of The Year
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are two of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. They both made their debut in the league in 1979, and both were awarded the Rookie of the Year honor in their respective conferences. This article will delve into the details of their rookie seasons, the competition for the award, and what it meant for their careers.
The 1979 NBA Draft
The 1979 NBA draft was loaded with talent, including future Hall of Famers like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Bill Cartwright. Johnson was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, while Bird fell to the Boston Celtics at sixth overall due to concerns over whether he would even enter the league. Despite being from different parts of the country and playing for rival colleges (Johnson for Michigan State and Bird for Indiana State), they were bound to be linked for the rest of their careers.
Magic Johnson's Rookie Season
Johnson made an immediate impact on the Lakers, leading them to the NBA Finals in his rookie season. He averaged 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, while shooting 53.4% from the field. His play in the NBA Finals was legendary, as he stepped in at center for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6 and recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists to win the championship. Johnson became the first rookie to win NBA Finals MVP honors.
Larry Bird's Rookie Season
Bird had a slower start to his rookie season, as he adjusted to the speed and physicality of the NBA game. He still managed to average 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, while shooting 47.5% from the field. He led the Celtics to the playoffs, where they lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Philadelphia 76ers. Bird was already showing signs of the superstar he would become, and his future was very bright.
The Competition for Rookie of the Year
The competition for Rookie of the Year in 1979 was fierce, as several players had outstanding seasons. In the Eastern Conference, Bird was up against the likes of Calvin Natt, Sidney Moncrief, and Dave Greenwood. In the Western Conference, Johnson's main competition came from Bill Cartwright, David Greenwood (who played for the Chicago Bulls), and Reggie Theus. However, it was clear that Johnson and Bird were the top two candidates for the award.
The Co-Rookie of the Year Decision
When the votes were tallied, Johnson and Bird each received the same number of first-place votes (33) and finished with the same number of total points (164). The NBA made the unprecedented decision to name them co-Rookies of the Year, which was seen as a fitting tribute to their outstanding seasons and their rivalry. It was also a sign of things to come, as Johnson and Bird would continue to battle each other for years to come.
The Impact on Their Careers
The co-Rookie of the Year award was just the beginning for Johnson and Bird. They would go on to face each other in three NBA Finals, with Johnson's Lakers winning two and Bird's Celtics winning one. They also went on to win multiple MVP awards, lead their teams to numerous playoff appearances, and become two of the most iconic figures in NBA history. Their rivalry helped to revitalize the NBA in the 1980s and set the stage for the league's global popularity in the 1990s and beyond.
Conclusion
The co-Rookie of the Year award given to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in 1979 was a fitting tribute to their outstanding seasons and the rivalry that would define their careers. It was also a sign of things to come, as they would go on to battle each other for years to come and become two of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. Their impact on the game cannot be overstated, and their legacy will live on for generations to come.