The best NBA Draft pick of all time at every slot

NEW YORK - JUNE 26: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses with his jersey during the 2003/2004 NBA Draft Portrait at Paramount Theatre Madison Square Garden on June 26, 2003 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by: Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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BOSTON – 1979: Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics looks on during rookie camp in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1979 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6. Larry Bird, 1978 NBA Draft Boston Celtics

Following Bill Russell, the next Celtics legend on this list is none other than Larry Bird. Bird’s career is one that any NBA player would love to finish their career with. Before LeBron James’ introduction to the NBA Bird was a shoo-in as the greatest small forward the game had ever seen.

The start to Bird’s storied NBA career is a made-for-Trivia-Night type of story. Bird was selected in the 1978 NBA Draft but opted not to sign a contract with Boston and that allowed for him to return to Indiana State — where he would lead them to the NCAA title game against Magic Johnson’s Michigan State Spartans. However, the Celtics retained his draft rights and once he finished school the two sides were able to agree to a deal and Bird would start (and finish) his career in Boston the year after he was drafted. With withdrawal dates and eligibility changes in today’s NCAA, Bird’s choice to get drafted and return to school is one we likely won’t ever see again.

Larry was part of some great Celtics team, none more talented than the 1985 squad that featured five future Hall of Fame players. When things got close though, no matter which teammate was on the floor with him, things operated directly through Bird. His shooting, passing, and rebounding skills made him one of the most well-rounded players of his time.

As a team’s selection gets further away from the top spot the less return on investment is expected in the player’s outcome. Getting someone of Bird’s magnitude at six ever again seems incomprehensible. Bird was truly a natural on the court and he wasn’t afraid to let his opponents know about it either. As a trash talker, there weren’t many players better than the man known as “Larry Legend..”

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