Rick Pitino Names 'Most Underrated' Basketball Player of All Time Without Hesitation
Few in the basketball world possess an eye for talent quite like college basketball icon and current St. John's head coach Rick Pitino.
Though Pitino had a brief stint coaching at the NBA level, he’s best known for his storied college career — leading six different programs to NCAA Tournament appearances, earning numerous Coach of the Year honors, making seven Final Four appearances, and winning two national championships.
Now in the heart of the college basketball offseason, Pitino has been active on social media, recently sharing his thoughts on the New York Knicks’ coaching situation and even chiming in on the age-old "GOAT" debate.
While he admitted he usually avoids that particular conversation, Pitino didn’t hesitate to name the one player he’d least want to face in a must-win game or series: Michael Jordan.
But Pitino didn’t stop there — he also named who he believes is the most underrated basketball player of all time: Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird.
"So many times I'm asked who’s the GOAT," Pitino said. "I try and stay away from that, but I will say if it's one game or one series, who’s the one player I don't want to plan against, then the answer becomes easy -MJ! Also many will be surprised at this, but the most underrated star of all time is Larry Bird. Rebounds, passes, and scores inside and outside and so damn smart. Top 4 of all time."
So many times I'm asked who’s the GOAT. I try and stay away from that, but I will say if it's one game or one series, who’s the one player I don't want to plan against, then the answer becomes easy -MJ! Also many will be surprised at this, but the most underrated star of all time…
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) June 14, 2025
While Larry Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, there’s still an argument to be made that he remains somewhat “underrated” when reflecting on the full scope of his career.
Bird’s time in the NBA was cut short due to recurring injuries, limiting him to just 13 seasons — all spent with the Celtics. Despite the abbreviated career, his resume remains one of the most impressive in league history: 12 All-Star selections, three NBA championships, three MVP awards, and 10 All-NBA team honors.
Over the course of his career, Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. He retired in 1992, five years before Rick Pitino took over as head coach of the Celtics in 1997.
