Larry Bird Help

[arvislegend]

I recently picked up a cheap MVP Larry Bird at the Auction House for 187K MT and I need some tips on how to properly use him. I haven't noticed anyone in here talk about using him in their lineups. I know his jumpshot has a weird hitch to get used to but his ratings are just too good to ignore. Running a Freelance Pace offense will occasionally get him open in the corners but I'm not really able to run my offense through him that way. Are there any playbooks that favor him at all? I'm currently using him for the What If LeBron challenge and I'm playing him at the 4 to be my pick and fade player. He doesn't set great screens but he can occasionally get open enough for me to knock down a quick jumpshot for 2 points. Any tips on how to master Larry Legend win games would be much appreciated.

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[QNo]

Re: Larry Bird Help

I've used the very similar BM Bird as my starting PF for ages. His jumper is great, very easy to time. Make sure you give him Brick Wall and Screen Outlet, though you're right that his screens aren't the best even then since his strength is pretty low. Pace doesn't suit him that well, you want an offense like the Hawks. In the Hawks (and other Swing variants), one big is on top of the arc while the other is down in the block. Both are good positions for Larry. He can go to work in the post and dominate there, or he can come in for the trailing 3 on top. If that's not open he can make good passes and set screens.

[Bubba13laze]

Re: Larry Bird Help

I also picked him up cheap recently for 177k

I run him with my bench unit at the 4 spot and run a 4 out 1 in with that lineup. When I do a PnR with D Rose and D12, upon attacking the basket, the opposing PF usually comes in to help on Rose and I kick it to the right corner for a midrange or 3 with Bird. So far I haven't run any plays for him because I find him pretty slow when it comes to swinging around off ball picks to get the open 3. I am finding I really have to make an effort to get him involved in my offense, last game in RTTP I went 3/3 with him for 6 points in 5 minutes, all from the right corner a step inside the 3 point line.

Another option would be to run him at the 3, where in my starting lineup's freelance, 3-out fist, kobe draws a lot of attention from the initiation point at the wing, where it sets a double screen, and often my SF is wide open on the weak side for a 3. I use Dr J for that and he hits those 3s consistently, but if I were to put Larry in for Dr J there it would get him more involved too.

I still haven't mastered his shot yet, it is still a little bit of an awkward release for me, but I see big potential with him as I become more familiar with the shot and finding ways to involve him more in the offense.

[synistr]

Re: Larry Bird Help

I've been hunting the Amethyst version and almost pulled the trigger on a mostly badged one a couple of times but the price wasnt quite enough to reel me in. I wouldve gotten him sometime today I am sure and wouldve been happy with him but caught MVP this morn for 190 almost fully badged...which I am a sucker for. blew some of my T-Mac money, but tired of waiting on a guy I have no idea when he is gonna be released.

Played Bird mostly at PF in 4-1 and he's great of course if you have another good rebounder in with him. (Had MVP Malone) he went 3-5 from deep and had 24pts 9rbs.

my lineup is shaping up with Oscar and Bird. I almost pulled trigger on MVP Wilt but havent yet. I still need my T-Mac. After that, I will get another Diamond big likely and Sonics Dennis Johnson, and I will have the versatility I need to mix up my teams.

[lowsingles]

Re: Larry Bird Help

I have yet to use bird on this years 2k, but I have on every prior 2k. I would use any version of a 4 out 1 in freelance and than look for match ups. If a true four is on him, I draw him to the perimeter and let him create (he has very high playmaking). If a stretch is on him, I'll call post up plays for him and let him create there... I'd recommend getting as many gold post badges as you can (most are cheap). I'd go to freestyle and shoot with him as well, I personally don't use the shot meter and look for the hitch in his shot instead. I've heard using the meter works well with him too, so it's your preference. Good badges and a couple shots put up in practice will make him a weapon for you.

[justlaze]

Re: Larry Bird Help

I got him the day he was released in the black market. been my favorite diamond for a long time and main PF. his shooting is just deadly, maybe the best shooter out there. if you managed to get a good team chemistry and you get open shots he'll drain around 80%. Pace Motion Offense or Hawks Motions Offense are possible choices where he can shine.

[lowsingles]

Re: Larry Bird Help

I got him the day he was released in the black market. been my favorite diamond for a long time and main PF. his shooting is just deadly, maybe the best shooter out there. if you managed to get a good team chemistry and you get open shots he'll drain around 80%. Pace Motion Offense or Hawks Motions Offense are possible choices where he can shine.

Bird looks like a man. What's sad is that he could be even better, because they broke his layup... one of the most crafty finishers around the rim, even despite his athleticism, in the history of the game.

[ponard]

Re: Larry Bird Help

Also bought MVP Bird, he's a great card and can shoot almost everywhere.
Had fun with my all "white" lineup Nash-Klay-bird-Pettit-Mikan. My only issue with Bird is his speed, he's too slow for a SF. Better if you use him as a PF. However, I like my MVP pettit more so I had to sell him back.

[nba2kpdx]

Re: Larry Bird Help

You need to play Bird as a stretch 4 to take advantage of his shot and to hide his speed.

He's always good for 2 or 3 walk up 3's especially after he inbounds the ball.

When the shot clock is running low, Bird in the high post is deadly with lead passes or a fade-away.

[Scramz718]

Re: Larry Bird Help

Also bought MVP Bird, he's a great card and can shoot almost everywhere.
Had fun with my all "white" lineup Nash-Klay-bird-Pettit-Mikan. My only issue with Bird is his speed, he's too slow for a SF. Better if you use him as a PF. However, I like my MVP pettit more so I had to sell him back.

SN: Klay isn't "white" but good lineup.

[cousingustavo]

Re: Larry Bird Help

Also post him up for the turn around, he is quite good at that

[predator122]

Re: Larry Bird Help

I've used the very similar BM Bird as my starting PF for ages. His jumper is great, very easy to time. Make sure you give him Brick Wall and Screen Outlet, though you're right that his screens aren't the best even then since his strength is pretty low. Pace doesn't suit him that well, you want an offense like the Hawks. In the Hawks (and other Swing variants), one big is on top of the arc while the other is down in the block. Both are good positions for Larry. He can go to work in the post and dominate there, or he can come in for the trailing 3 on top. If that's not open he can make good passes and set screens.

I dont agree he is not good for the pace offense. I use him in pace and he is a very good fit. He is a great ball handler and passer. I usually use him either as a floor spacer, as a ball handler in the pick&roll or as the fade man in a pick&fade, you can also use him in some actions to get him open for the 3p shooting...if a 3 is guarding him, post fade all day.

[ponard]

Re: Larry Bird Help

SN: Klay isn't "white" but good lineup.

Thanks, I know, Hence the quotations "", technically Nash is not white either, he's Canadian.

[kabamaru]

Re: Larry Bird Help

Thanks, I know, Hence the quotations "", technically Nash is not white either, he's Canadian.

So Dirk is not white too?

Antetokounbo is not black? How does nationality have to do with colors?

PS. (could be a joke about Canada that I don't get)

[ponard]

Re: Larry Bird Help

@kabamaru
nah, just a reply to @scramz post about klay not being "white".
too lazy to explain, but its something like his dad is black so technically he's not white.