Larry was the first draft pick signing for $650,000 dollars per year. When the Celtics drafted Bird they had been having a terrible season with losing record of 29-53. After drafting Larry their record improved to 61 wins and only 21 loses. Larry averaged 21.3 points per game with 10.4 rebounds. He also led the team in minutes played with 2,995 minutes. His outstanding performance earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. That year the Celtics made it to the playoffs! They lost to Philadelphia unfortunately, but Larry Bird was the good sign of the franchise comeback. In other words, Boston came out of their lean 70's performance, rising up on Larry Bird’s shoulders. In 1980, the Celtics received a new center from the Golden State Warriors, Robert Parish. Larry Bird worked very well with him and another new player drafted from Minnesota, Kevin Michale. The 1980-1981 seasons watched the Boston Celtics defeat “Dr. J” and the 76er's in the playoffs and then advancing to the finals. This was Larry Bird's first final and the Celtics won defeating the Houston Rockets in six games. Larry Bird's was now a