Boston Celtics icon Larry Bird opened up about his personal respect for rival Patrick Ewing and a memorable moment with Bill Walton in his 1999 book, "Bird Watching: On Playing and Coaching The Game I Love."
Bird expressed his wish that Ewing, the former New York Knicks center, had won an NBA championship during his career.
Despite fierce battles between Boston and New York, the two became close friends while playing together on the 1992 U.
S. Olympic Dream Team in Barcelona.
"The one I hate to see go without a ring is Patrick Ewing, because I know him better than any of them, and I know how hard he has worked over the years," Bird wrote.
Bird admired Ewing's dedication, noting that the Hall of Fame center was driven by a desire to win a title, not money.
"He won't be happy unless he wins an NBA title, and he knows his time is running out," Bird added.
Ewing recalled their relationship evolving during the Olympics.
"At first, during New York against Boston, I used to hate him, 'cause he talked so much trash.
But once we finally got to sit down in a relaxed atmosphere, we got to be very good friends," Ewing said.
Ewing reached the NBA Finals again in 1999 but was injured, retiring in 2002 without a championship.
In the same book, Bird shared a lighthearted story about Walton, who visited Bird's home in French Lick, Indiana.
Walton asked for a jar to collect dirt from Bird's court to take to San Diego. "I thought Bill was kidding.
He wasn't," Bird recalled.
Bird provided the jar and suggested taking dirt from a neighbor's yard, noting the area's limited topsoil.
Bird also advocated for Boston to trade for Walton after the 1985 Finals loss, calling him essential.
"If we get Bill Walton, we're gonna be three times the team we were this year," Bird said, as recorded in Dan Shaughnessy's book "Wish It Lasted Forever."
Walton helped Boston win the 1986 championship. When Bird entered the Hall of Fame, he chose Walton as his presenter, surprising the center.
"He said he had no idea I thought that much of him. I guess I'm not the best at telling people, I just assume they know," Bird said.
