Larry Bird’s illustrious career includes three NBA championships (1981, 1984, 1986) and an impressive run of three consecutive MVP awards from 1984 to 1986. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard has carved out his legacy with two NBA titles (2014, 2019) and two Finals MVPs, earning a reputation as one of the most dominant playoff performers in recent memory.
After Leonard exploded for 39 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers tie their first-round series against the Denver Nuggets at 1–1 with a 105-102 win, a fiery debate was sparked by Lou Williams during an episode of the Run It Back podcast. The former Sixth Man of the Year didn’t hesitate to elevate Leonard’s name in the conversation of all-time great small forwards.
Statistically, Leonard’s career supports the claim. Despite enduring numerous injuries, he’s consistently performed at the highest level when it counts. Lou Williams argued that Leonard belongs in the same elite tier as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. He went as far as to say, “He reminded everybody why we consider him, if not one of the top two or three small forwards in the game, why he is in that conversation of all time.”
“Why is Larry Bird an untouchable in this conversation?” 🤨
Lou Williams sparks a MASSIVE debate by saying Kawhi Leonard might be ranked higher than Bird on the all-time small forward list 🗣️🔥@boogiecousins | @MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/bgMu6V008v
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 22, 2025
However, not everyone agreed with Lou’s take. While DeMarcus Cousins and Chandler Parsons acknowledged Leonard’s greatness, they weren’t ready to rank him above LeBron, KD, or Larry Bird just yet. Still, Lou Williams doubled down, stating Leonard could surpass Bird—especially if he wins more championships. Lou’s stance wasn’t that Kawhi had already surpassed Bird, but that with continued excellence and added hardware, the comparison could shift.
Bird, with his three titles and three straight MVPs, has long been the gold standard at the small forward position. His dominance with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s and his two Finals MVPs cemented his legacy. Robert Parish, Bird’s former teammate, witnessed his greatness firsthand and has consistently regarded Bird as the greatest small forward ever. Though even Parish admitted in 2017 that LeBron James had given him “second thoughts,” saying the comparison between LeBron and Bird is essentially 1A and 1B.
Michael Jordan also weighed in on Bird’s greatness in his 2009 book When the Game Was Ours. Jordan recalled that when he mentioned Larry as part of his all-time top five, many would interrupt and question how Bird could compare to LeBron. Jordan’s response: “You guys don’t get it. Larry is far better than any small forward who played the game.” He even suggested that Bird’s unique skill set blurred the line between small forward and power forward.
Whether Kawhi can ultimately leap past Bird is still up for debate. Lou Williams believes it’s within reach—if Leonard stays healthy and continues to perform at a championship level. As this year’s playoffs progress, Leonard’s performances might shift more minds. Still, traditional views and endorsements from legends like Jordan and Parish suggest Bird’s place among the greats remains solid for now.