Larry Bird’s Comment to Agent Bob Woolf After Signing Richest Rookie Deal Was Classic Larry Bird

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In 1989, when Larry Bird signed his richest rookie deal, he was delighted to have agreed to terms with the lowly Indiana Pacers. However, Bird’s agent Bob Woolf had other ideas and he wanted to try and get the Boston Celtics superstar a more lucrative offer. Woolf did not get the opportunity to discuss a raise until his client was in his seventh season, when Bird’s agent called to ask for a raise. A few days later, Woolf called back to discuss an offer that would make Bird an offer he simply could not refuse.

July 7, 1985, this was a day that will live in basketball history. Larry Bird finally signed a lucrative rookie contract, just a few days before the college draft. In the process, he also signed the richest rookie deal in NBA history. Unfortunately, for the Indiana Pacers, the team was so bad that they didn’t get to see much of Larry Bird’s true potential.

Larry Bird has been called one of the greatest basketball players of all time, so when he signed with the Boston Celtics on Oct. 16, 1983, he became the team’s highest-paid rookie ever. He was also the first college player to receive a contract worth more than $1 million. It was quite an accomplishment for a young man who grew up shy and admired only one person: Michael Jordan.. Read more about larry bird net worth 2020 and let us know what you think.

Larry Bird’s five-year rookie contract with the Boston Celtics, at $650,000 per year, was the most expensive in NBA history for a first-year player. Only four veterans, Moses Malone, David Thompson, Bill Walton, and Artis Gilmore, made as much or more.

Bird’s agent Bob Woolf, who had fought Red Auerbach throughout talks, warned Bird on the way back to Boston after visiting the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame soon after the contract was completed, “All I can say is you better be excellent.” Bird’s response was typical Larry Bird.

Larry Bird’s contract negotiations were a slog.

Larry-Bird-Red-Auerbach-1-1024x811

Larry-Bird-Red-Auerbach-1-1024x811 In his office in Boston, Boston Celtics general manager Red Auerbach, left, speaks with Indiana State player Larry Bird, right, on April 5, 1979. (Photo courtesy of Janet Knott/Getty Images/The Boston Globe)

Auerbach didn’t build up Bird throughout the signing process, whether it was a bargaining ploy or because he believed it at the time. Bird was selected sixth overall by the Celtics in the 1978 NBA Draft out of Indiana State, but he chose to stay in school. Boston had his rights until the 1979 draft, and if he didn’t sign a contract before then, he would be released.

Woolf and Auerbach were able to reach an agreement, although it wasn’t easy.

According to Sports Illustrated, Auerbach told Woolf in their first encounter, “I hope you don’t believe the statistics I’ve been reading in the news.”

Woolf responded, “Of course not, Red.” “I’m imagining a lot more.”

Auerbach said, “Bird is a cornerman, that’s all he is.” “As a result, he is the least valuable of the three main positions – center, quick guard, and corner.”

Woolf told Sports Illustrated about his version of the story. In October of 1979, he remarked, “Look, Red began messing with me at $250,000.” “I told him, ‘I’m going to ask for $1 million, and you’re not going to say no.’ Then you’ll have to start at $500,000, which I’m not willing to do. Come on, Red, you go up, and I’ll go down with you. ‘That’s how it goes in talks.’ 

Larry Bird can assist, but he’s not a franchise, according to Auerbach. “Geez, you’ve got to maintain your dignity. He can’t play by himself, after all.”

Woolf and Auerbach had a lengthy and arduous negotiation process. It all boiled down to June, the draft month. Auerbach left Woolf’s office four times and returned four times. It took almost four hours to reach an agreement.

“It was quite civil,” Woolf remarked. “He’d blow up, and then we’d go back to work. “Red is like molten lava going through life.” 

Bird’s signing had an effect even before he played a game. Season ticket sales increased by 25%. Because of a rookie, the team’s profile has never been greater. The pressure was now on Bird, despite the fact that he arrived in Boston as if becoming the highest-paid rookie in history was no big issue.

Woolf glanced across at his new $3.6 million client on the way back to Boston after that Hall-of-Fame trip and remarked, “All I can say is you’d better be excellent.”

Bird said, “I’ll knock ’em out.”

“However, what if you don’t? ”

“Then everyone will remark, ‘Gee, I’m not sure what happened to him.’ In college, he was a force to be reckoned with.’

Bird in its natural habitat. Outside noise was never an issue. Nothing else mattered to him but basketball.

Bird went about his business while Woolf was preoccupied with talks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=RbcrDjxt18g

Woolf worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week to close the transaction for Bird. Bird’s demeanor remained unchanged. If he built it, he built it. Bird injured his finger playing baseball shortly after choosing Woolf for counsel. Bird stayed himself while Woolf was worried.

 Bird said, “If the Celtics want me, they’ll call.” “They won’t call if they don’t want me. Mr. Woolf, get plenty of rest and look after yourself. I’m going to go fishing. “

Woolf put in a lot of effort for Bird, and Bird reciprocated by winning three MVP awards and three NBA championships.

Woolf said, “I believe an athlete is entitled to all he can earn, as long as we don’t put anybody out of business.” “Larry is a wonderful person with excellent character, and I am honored that he chose me.”

Woolf was nearly not chosen by Bird. It was a battle between Woolf and Pete Rose’s agent, Reuven Katz. Bird subsequently explained to Woolf why he chose him over Katz.

Mr. Woolf, that other guy was too clever for me,” he remarked. “That’s why I chose you.”

RELATED: Larry Bird Had a Basketball Dream That Never Came True

After rookie contracts reached unprecedented levels due to the new CBA, some players expected money that wouldn’t be enough to cover basic necessities. But when Larry Bird signed his $5 million deal with the Boston Celtics, he was more concerned with the agent, Bob Woolf, who asked him to sign the contract. In a classic Larry Bird quote, he told Woolf, “You didn’t win this deal, pal.”. Read more about larry bird stats and let us know what you think.

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