Larry Bird, nicknamed “the Hick from French Lick,” and his ice-cold poise, pinpoint passing, and killer shot-making defined an era. “I hate it when people compare people to Larry,” confessed NBA great and Bird’s former rival Dominique Wilkins, not because he dislikes lofty compliments, but because for him, despite all the other great qualities Bird possessed in his arsenal, the one that made him stand out was: “he had the heart of a lion. So when I hear people compare, I laugh. Yeah, okay.” And yet the Bird-Luka conversation persists.

Luka Dončić’s uncanny vision, step-back triples, and fearless clutch sensibility make him a favorite modern analog. Stat-wise, Luka posted averages north of 33 PPG in 2022–23, while racking triple-doubles like souvenirs. Still, a recent revelation by a v

See Full Page