Cedric Maxwell on Larry Bird: “He just wanted to hunt, smoke, and drink.”

Boston Celtics legend Cedric Maxwell never expected to bond with Larry Bird. From the start, their personalities and lifestyles couldn’t have been more different—Maxwell didn’t drink or smoke, while Bird enjoyed hunting, beer, and cigarettes. Still, their shared passion for winning bridged the gap.

On the court, their differences became strengths. Their chemistry grew as they complemented each other’s games, leading to a powerful partnership that elevated the team. Over time, their mutual respect turned into a surprising friendship rooted in competitiveness and a commitment to success.

Maxwell recalled how skeptical he initially was about Bird’s talent, assuming he was just another unathletic white player. But Bird quickly shattered that notion by dominating in practice. “I remember telling the first Black guy I saw, ‘That frickin’ white guy can play,’” Maxwell shared. “God has a sense of humor—he didn’t just give me one of the best white players ever; he gave me two when Kevin McHale came along.”

Despite not being much of a drinker, Maxwell recalled a hilarious night out with Bird. After drinking too much, he asked for water—only to find Bird had filled the glass with vodka, leaving Max sick and Bird in stitches. “It was so funny to him that I went outside and started feeding the animals,” he joked.

Together, Bird and Maxwell led the Celtics to three championships in the 1980s, earning Finals MVP honors—Maxwell in 1981 and Bird in 1984 and 1986. Their story is a reminder that even the most unlikely partnerships can lead to greatness when fueled by respect and a shared goal.