Larry Bird Pays Tribute to Late Basketball Legend Oscar Schmidt

Bird calls Schmidt 'without a doubt one of the greatest players to ever play the game'

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:16pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the silhouettes of two basketball players in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color that capture the dynamic energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the basketball legends Larry Bird and Oscar Schmidt, whose careers and styles were inextricably linked despite never facing off on the court.Indianapolis Today

In a recent statement, NBA legend Larry Bird expressed his admiration for the late Brazilian basketball superstar Oscar Schmidt, calling him 'without a doubt one of the greatest players to ever play the game.' Bird had long hoped to compete against Schmidt in the NBA, but the two were never able to face off on the court.

Why it matters

Oscar Schmidt is widely considered one of the greatest international basketball players of all time, dominating the sport globally for decades. His passing is a significant loss for the sport, and Bird's high praise underscores Schmidt's lasting legacy and impact on the game.

The details

Bird and Schmidt were contemporaries with similar playing styles, and Bird had always hoped that Schmidt would come to the NBA so they could compete against each other. Though that matchup never materialized, Bird maintained a friendship with Schmidt and held him in the highest regard as a player.

  • Oscar Schmidt passed away in 2026.

The players

Larry Bird

A legendary NBA player who is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

Oscar Schmidt

A Brazilian basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest international players of all time, dominating the sport globally for decades before his passing in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I always admired Oscar and considered him a friend, he was, without a doubt, one of the greatest players to ever play the game,”

— Larry Bird

The takeaway

Bird's heartfelt tribute to Schmidt underscores the lasting impact and global influence of the Brazilian basketball legend, whose skills and accomplishments transcended borders and generations.