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Small Forward: Larry Bird
Larry Bird redefined the small forward position. As a shooter, the Hick from French Lick was automatic from nearly all points within his side of the half-court line. With a quick feint or forearm shiver, the crafty Bird would work to keep defenders off balance to create just enough space to rise up and drain his patented overhead jump shot. In the post, Bird was equally as unstoppable, because he could pin smaller opponents on his back to knock down fadeaway jumpers or spin into the lane for easy layups and dunks.
As a passer, Bird rivals LeBron James as the greatest playmaker of all time in the frontcourt. Through his 13-year career, Bird played the angles to feed his Celtic teammates for easy scores from their favorite spots on the floor. In the 1987-1988 season, Bird put it all together as he ran roughshod over the league to rack up 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists per game.
As a three-time champion, Bird was especially dangerous in the clutch, when he would carry the city of Boston on his back and will its storied franchise to glory. During the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals, Bird squared up and went toe-to-toe to match a red-hot Dominique Wilkins bucket for bucket in the fourth quarter. When the smoke cleared, Bird walked away with 34 points (20 in the fourth quarter) and yet another Game 7 triumph. Beyond the human highlight film showdown, Bird, of course, will forever be linked to Magic Johnson atop the grand marquee of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry.