BREAKING NEWS: Reggie Miller and Mark Jackson Share Larry Bird Coaching Stories from Their Time with the Indiana Pacers

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January 14, 2025 | Indianapolis, IN

In an unexpected yet delightful twist, basketball legends Reggie Miller and Mark Jackson have come together to reflect on their shared experiences under the coaching of Larry Bird during their time with the Indiana Pacers. The conversation, which occurred earlier today at a charity event in downtown Indianapolis, was full of nostalgia, humor, and insight into one of the most iconic coaching tenures in NBA history.

Larry Bird, a Hall of Fame player with the Boston Celtics, transitioned to coaching in the late 1990s, taking over the Pacers in 1997 after an impressive playing career. His arrival marked a new chapter for the team, one that would ultimately see the Pacers become perennial contenders in the Eastern Conference. Both Miller and Jackson, key players on those teams, played pivotal roles in the Pacers’ success during Bird’s coaching era, and their stories offer a glimpse into Bird’s unique style and influence.

At the charity event, which was held to raise funds for youth basketball programs in Indianapolis, Miller and Jackson shared anecdotes from their time playing under Bird. The pair fondly recalled Bird’s tough but fair approach to coaching, his meticulous attention to detail, and his unflinching commitment to winning.

Miller, a Pacers legend and current NBA analyst, began by recalling how Bird held his players to the highest standards. “Larry was tough, man,” Miller laughed. “He wasn’t afraid to call you out in front of everyone. But if you knew Larry, it was out of respect. He wanted the best from us, and he made sure we never got comfortable. He held you accountable, whether you liked it or not.”

Mark Jackson, who played for the Pacers from 1994 to 2000 and was a key part of the team during their 2000 NBA Finals run, echoed Miller’s sentiments. “Larry’s mindset was simple,” Jackson said. “He didn’t care about your ego or how big you thought you were. If you weren’t putting in the effort, he was right there telling you about it. But once you showed him that you were willing to work, he had your back 100%. That was the beauty of it.”

One of the most memorable stories shared was about Bird’s no-nonsense attitude during timeouts. Miller recounted a particularly intense moment during a crucial playoff game when Bird, frustrated with the team’s performance, had little patience for excuses. “I remember one time, we were struggling in a playoff game, and Larry just looked at us and said, ‘I didn’t come here to lose. If you don’t want to win, get off the court.’ He had a way of making you feel like you could accomplish anything, but only if you gave everything.”

For Jackson, it wasn’t just Bird’s coaching acumen that stood out, but his ability to relate to players. “Larry always understood the game from the player’s perspective because he had been in our shoes,” Jackson explained. “He knew how to push you while also knowing when to back off. He had that rare ability to read people and knew when to get on you or when to leave you alone.”

Their conversation shifted to Bird’s impact on the Pacers’ culture. Both Miller and Jackson agreed that Bird’s leadership transformed the team, making them not just contenders but a formidable force in the East. The 1999-2000 season, in particular, stood out as one of the franchise’s most memorable. Under Bird’s leadership, the Pacers reached the NBA Finals for the first time in history, only to fall short against the Los Angeles Lakers in a six-game series.

Despite the loss, both Miller and Jackson emphasized that the experience of playing for Bird, especially during that memorable playoff run, helped shape the Pacers’ identity for years to come. “Larry’s legacy is in everything this team stands for now,” Miller stated. “He set the bar, and we were proud to carry it forward.”

With the Pacers continuing to rebuild in the modern era, Miller and Jackson’s conversation today highlighted not only the team’s past but the lasting impact Bird had on their careers and the franchise as a whole.

As the event concluded, both men expressed their gratitude for having had the opportunity to learn under such a legendary figure.