NBA History Story Tellers on CLNS

Could Larry Bird & John Havlicek have played together? Bob Ryan weighs in

September 12, 2026·30 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Bob Ryan spends nearly 30 minutes making the case for John Havlicek as one of the most underrated legends in NBA history — the only non-center to guard and outplay both Oscar Robertson and Jerry West as they aged, an 8-time champion who invented his own position, and a guy who averaged 34 minutes a game at age 35 in his final season. Then Bob answers the real question: could Bird and Havlicek have actually played together? His answer — "ridiculously good" — plus the stories that make both men legends beyond the stat sheet: Havlicek's near-career as an NFL wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, his famous thriftiness, and the "Hondo handfuls" ice bucket story that still makes Bob Ryan laugh. ☘️ A follow-up to: "What If You Had to Pick — Bird or Havlicek?" https://youtu.be/6ALYRV7bco4  00 — Intro 1:14 — Havlicek & Bird debate intro 2:02 — Havlicek's case 3:21 — Enter Larry Bird 4:10 — Bob on Havlicek's greatness 10:09 — PrizePicks 12:22 — Havlicek vs. Bird similarities 17:20 — Havlicek vs. Bird differences 22:27 — Stories about Larry Bird and John Havlicek 26:48 — Outro NBA History on CLNS Media is Powered by 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 in lineups instantly if you win your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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