Absolutely. And he just knew the game. He could not even jump that well but would outrebound guys because he knew exactly how to body them up. He got more out of that body than anyone would think possible. A total gym rat.

His hands were also amazing Kev. He is the guy you would want to start a TEAM with. He is the best TEAM player of all time imo. Michael learned that from him. Michael would score all these points early in his career and not win big games which he very badly wanted to do. Bird showed him the way in early confrontations. And then Michael with the right people around him, Pippen, especially, became THE total package.

Oh yes I must add I hated Bird with a passion. One of the biggest trash-talkers of all time.