Bird Must Learn New Role for Dream Team

PORTLAND, Ore. —  Thus far, the symbolism has been perfect. The script has developed logically. When a Dream Team is put together, there are certain things that make sense.

Such as Magic Johnson carrying the American flag in the opening ceremonies.

And Larry Bird scoring the first two points by a National Basketball Association player in international competition.

“I wanted to make the first two points,” Bird said, “so that if I didn’t score for the rest of the tournament, at least I scored two points.”

Bird can joke now because he feels good. Considering what he has been through the last four years, it’s almost surprising he does.

Bird has missed 142 regular-season games in those four years, first because of surgery on both heels and then because of back problems. He missed 37 games and the first round of the playoffs this past season, but he has had no problems since reporting to the Olympic training camp last week.

When Bird first received the invitation to play last August, he was not sure he would accept. He expressed doubts to Johnson and said he didn’t want to be on the team as a token gesture because he once was great.

Johnson, however, convinced Bird he would be important to the first U.S. Olympic team with NBA players, primarily as an outside shooter. The three-point line in international competition is more than three feet closer than it is in the NBA at its farthest point, and if opponents tried to pack a zone defense inside, Bird could make them pay.

That’s what happened Sunday when the United States defeated Cuba by 79 points. Bird had three open three-pointers from behind the 20-foot, 6.1-inch line, and made them all. Bird was 7-for-8 from the field and had 17 points.

“I think the international line is a little too close,” Olympic coach Chuck Daly said. “That’s an easy shot for a guy like Larry.”

But, as usual, Bird takes nothing for granted. Last week in San Diego, his shot wasn’t falling. So in typical Bird style, he refused to accompany the other 11 players back to the hotel after practice, instead staying for an extra 40 minutes of shooting practice.

At 35, Bird is the elder statesman of the team. In fact, Bird and Johnson (32) are the two oldest players, which prompted another one-liner from Bird.

“A lot of these guys are basically the same age now, right in their prime,” Bird said of his Olympic teammates. “So they play the game with ease, where maybe me and Magic have to do a little more so the coaches will notice us and we can get a little more playing time.”

After saying that, Bird smiled and made a funny face. The notion of Larry Bird having to earn playing time is a little absurd. Yet that is one of the unique aspects of the Olympic team.

“This is a different type of game for me,” Bird said. “I’m going to be in and out of the lineup. I might play three minutes here and five minutes there. So that’s an adjustment in itself. I’ve got to learn how to do that the next few games. If I don’t, I won’t be effective.”