Larry Bird Would Mop the Floor with JJ Redick: Mitch Richmond Weighs in on the ‘Done with the 90s’ Movement
The debate between NBA players from different eras is a topic that never seems to get old. Recently, this conversation was reignited when Mitch Richmond, a Hall of Famer and six-time NBA All-Star, offered his candid thoughts on the comparison between Larry Bird, the 1980s Celtics legend, and JJ Redick, a modern-day sharpshooter. Richmond’s comments were a direct response to the growing sentiment among some fans and analysts who claim to be “done with the 90s,” suggesting that modern players are superior to those from previous decades.
The “Done with the 90s” Movement
The “Done with the 90s” movement represents a backlash against the glorification of NBA stars from the 80s and 90s. Proponents of this movement argue that the game has evolved, and today’s players are more skilled, athletic, and better conditioned than their predecessors. However, this perspective often overlooks the unique challenges and styles of play that defined previous eras.
JJ Redick, who retired in 2021 after a successful 15-year NBA career, has been one of the voices leading this modernist perspective. Redick has often downplayed the accomplishments of players from past decades, arguing that the game has evolved in ways that would leave legends like Bird struggling in today’s NBA.
Mitch Richmond Fires Back
In a recent interview, Mitch Richmond was asked about Redick’s comments and the growing “Done with the 90s” narrative. Richmond, who played against Bird during his career, did not hold back.
“Listen, Larry Bird would mop the floor with JJ Redick,” Richmond said with a laugh. “No disrespect to JJ—he was a great shooter, but Larry was on a different level. We’re talking about a guy who could do it all: shoot, pass, rebound, and defend. He played in an era where the game was more physical, and you had to be tough to survive. Bird thrived in that environment.”
Richmond went on to highlight the basketball IQ and competitive fire that made Bird one of the most feared players in NBA history. “Bird wasn’t just a shooter; he was a killer on the court. He knew how to get under your skin, and he played with a chip on his shoulder every night. You can’t just look at the numbers—he brought an intensity and skill set that would translate to any era.”
The Importance of Context
Richmond’s comments echo the sentiments of many former players and fans who believe that comparing players across eras is a flawed exercise. The differences in rules, playing style, and overall physicality make it nearly impossible to fairly judge how a player like Bird would fare in today’s NBA or how a modern player like Redick would have performed in the 80s or 90s.
Richmond emphasized the importance of appreciating each era’s unique qualities. “Every era has its stars and legends. The game evolves, but that doesn’t mean we should diminish what guys like Larry did. They paved the way for today’s players. Without the 80s and 90s, there wouldn’t be a modern NBA.”
As the debate over the “Done with the 90s” movement continues, Mitch Richmond’s defense of Larry Bird serves as a reminder of the greatness of past NBA legends. While the game may have evolved, the impact and legacy of players like Bird cannot be understated. Richmond’s words underscore the idea that rather than dismissing the past, we should celebrate it while also appreciating the present and future of basketball.
Whether you’re a fan of the old-school or a believer in the superiority of the modern game, one thing is clear: the discussion surrounding the NBA’s greatest players is far from over.
