The year before his second title, I suppose Bird was just positioning himself. His per-game numbers -- 23.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists -- were equal to if not better than in his MVP season.

Meanwhile, Bird produced .225 win shares per 48 and 14.0 altogether for his fourth season. During that year, the Celtics won 56 games and made a short sprint to the Eastern Conference semifinals before being knocked out in four straight games.