Kevin McHale on why Larry Bird was better than Luka Doncic: "People forget Larry is 6'9", 240 pounds, and strong as an ox"

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA today. But as early as his third season in the league, Doncic already looked like someone special. In fact, that year, he was already being compared to one of the greatest of all time - Larry Bird.

However, Bird's Celtics teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Kevin McHale took exception to that player comp. According to McHale, Larry Legend was a far better basketball player than Doncic.

“Larry was an unbelievable competitor, tough as nails, great vision, and great ability to rebound,"said McHale.

Bigger, stronger, and better

Bird was one of the toughest competitors back in the 80s. Like Luka, Larry Legend wasn't the court's biggest, strongest, or fastest player. But he dominated the opposition with skill and smarts.

During his legendary career, Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, with shooting splits of .496/.376/.884. Meanwhile, Doncic's career averages are currently 28.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, with shooting percentages of .470/.347/.747.

"People forget Larry is 6’9, 240 pounds, and strong as an ox," added McHale, reminding everyone that Bird was two inches taller than Doncic, at least that's what the official stats say. "Larry would be a much better Luka Doncic. Larry was a better basketball player. Bigger, stronger, better.”

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Dominique hates the Larry Bird comparisons

While McHale didn't say it, Bird's former Eastern Conference rival Dominique Wilkins admitted on the Knuckleheads podcast last year that he hates it when people compare Larry Bird to other players, Luka included, because Bird was a phenomenon.

"Larry's 6'10, a great passer, a great rebounder, and an unbelievable scorer. He's just a super smart basketball player. But he had the heart of a lion. And so when I hear people compare, I laugh (and say) 'Yeah, okay,'"said Wilkins.

The Slovenian is one of the best players the NBA has ever seen, past or present. But the Hick From the French Lick was just different and extra special. Even MJ called him the best small forward ever, better than LeBron.

Against Luka, Bird was bigger, arguably stronger, the better rebounder, and a more accurate shooter across the board. Doncic averages more points and assists, but you could argue that Bird could have done so, too if he had to. And yeah, we haven't touched on the intangibles yet.

Related: "There is only one man that can guard me, and that's God" - Robert Parish shares epic Larry Bird trash-talking story