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In the realm of generational talents in the NBA, it is rare to find one readily admitting the prowess of another star poised to inherit the spotlight. However, Larry Bird defied this norm by consistently lauding Michael Jordan and his elite skill set.

Regardless of their intense battles on the hardwood, ‘Larry Legend’ recognized MJ’s unparalleled talent.

Larry on Jordan’s jumping prowess

In a conversation with Magic Johnson, the LA Lakers legend probed Bird about his candid thoughts on Jordan. The two-time Finals MVP’s response was full of admiration, wherein he revealed the time he got a first-hand experience with the awe-inspiring athleticism and skill Jordan possessed.

“I think unbelievable,” Bird said of Mike as quoted by Sportscasting. “One time, I turned, I jumped, and he still went, his knees almost hit me in the chin. And that’s when I realized that this guy’s pretty special for his jumping ability. Cat quick. He closed down a pass lane as fast as anybody I’ve ever seen. And just a phenomenal player.”

Michael had a polar opposite opinion on Bird

On the flip side, the six-time Finals MVP once commented on Bird’s intense competitive nature but observed that the 6’9″ forward lacked speed and elite jumping prowess.

“He can’t jump,” Jordan said. “He’s not quick.”

While it might appear that His Airness was gearing up to trash talk the 3-time NBA Champion, he was actually setting him up to highlight Bird’s greatness. Despite his apparent shortcomings, MJ applauded the Indian native for having no weaknesses.

“He makes up for it by using his head, analyzing the opponent,” Jordan said. “It makes him better than the competition. Consequently, he doesn’t have a weakness.”

It’s safe to assert that there haven’t been two players of once-in-a-lifetime caliber who have respected each other as highly as these two.