Nine-time NBA All-Star reveals Larry Bird’s brutal putdown after refusing to shake his hand as a rookie
Going up against NBA icon Larry Bird must have been a nerve-shredding experience for a rookie. And the basketball great did not help matters with his confrontational attitude. Bird was a dominant force when Dominique Wilkins entered the leagueGetty These days, Dominique Wilkins is remembered as a nine-time NBA All-Star who won two Slam Dunk contests. But in 1982, he was a fresh-faced youngster looking to make a name for himself after being drafted with the third-overall pick. Atlanta Hawks small forward Wilkins headed to Boston to take on Bird’s Celtics in October of that year. The rising star decided to acknowledge his rival before the game and ended up in an unforgettable encounter. “I remember the first time I played against Bird. I’ll never forget this,” he told The Players’ Tribune. “I go to shake his hand, I’m a rookie, playing against the Boston Celtics in the Boston Garden, Larry put both hands behind his back. Wouldn’t shake my hand. “I said, ‘OK, we’re just getting into the game.’ First play of the game he said, ‘You don’t even belong in the league homes’ and shoots a three. “I wasn’t even mad that he made the three. But I said, ‘Did this son of a b**** just call me homes.’ “He came back and did it again, so I’m p*****, so the next time I jump up and throw it down on the man and he fouls me. “He said, ‘Rook, I like you, you got heart, but I’m still getting 30 on your ass.” GettyWilkins impressed Bird with his response to being challenged[/caption] GettyHis son has committed to Georgia[/caption] The Celtics ended up winning 112-97 with Bird failing to deliver on his promise. He scored 21 points – one fewer than Wilkins – but added 14 rebounds. Wilkins left a lasting legacy on the NBA, enjoying a 17-year career. And his impact may continue for a while yet after his son committed to Georgia. The future Bulldog is being tipped to enter his father’s alma matter as a five-start recruit. “I just feel at home,” Jacob said, announcing his decision on YouTube. “I trust everyone there. I come in there with a last name but I know I’ll make my own name going there. “Not just being the son of Dominique Wilkins but Jacob Wilkins.” Dominique, known as the Human Highlight Reel, averaged 21.6 points for Georgia from 1979 to 1982. He was named SEC Player of the Year in 1981 and his son has adopted the moniker Baby Highlight as he looks to continue the family legacy.
Going up against NBA icon Larry Bird must have been a nerve-shredding experience for a rookie.
And the basketball great did not help matters with his confrontational attitude.
These days, Dominique Wilkins is remembered as a nine-time NBA All-Star who won two Slam Dunk contests.
But in 1982, he was a fresh-faced youngster looking to make a name for himself after being drafted with the third-overall pick.
Atlanta Hawks small forward Wilkins headed to Boston to take on Bird’s Celtics in October of that year.
The rising star decided to acknowledge his rival before the game and ended up in an unforgettable encounter.
“I remember the first time I played against Bird. I’ll never forget this,” he told The Players’ Tribune.
“I go to shake his hand, I’m a rookie, playing against the Boston Celtics in the Boston Garden, Larry put both hands behind his back. Wouldn’t shake my hand.
“I said, ‘OK, we’re just getting into the game.’ First play of the game he said, ‘You don’t even belong in the league homes’ and shoots a three.
“I wasn’t even mad that he made the three. But I said, ‘Did this son of a b**** just call me homes.’
“He came back and did it again, so I’m p*****, so the next time I jump up and throw it down on the man and he fouls me.
“He said, ‘Rook, I like you, you got heart, but I’m still getting 30 on your ass.”
The Celtics ended up winning 112-97 with Bird failing to deliver on his promise.
He scored 21 points – one fewer than Wilkins – but added 14 rebounds.
Wilkins left a lasting legacy on the NBA, enjoying a 17-year career.
And his impact may continue for a while yet after his son committed to Georgia.
The future Bulldog is being tipped to enter his father’s alma matter as a five-start recruit.
“I just feel at home,” Jacob said, announcing his decision on YouTube.
“I trust everyone there. I come in there with a last name but I know I’ll make my own name going there.
“Not just being the son of Dominique Wilkins but Jacob Wilkins.”
Dominique, known as the Human Highlight Reel, averaged 21.6 points for Georgia from 1979 to 1982.
He was named SEC Player of the Year in 1981 and his son has adopted the moniker Baby Highlight as he looks to continue the family legacy.
