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This dynamic was reminiscent of Bird's relationships with other teammates, such as Robert Parish and Quin Buckner, whom he cherished for their shared Indiana roots. Bird's loyalty to his fellow Hoosiers illustrated his understanding and appreciation of his teammates, even as he maintained a certain distance with others like McHale.
The Great Player Debate
Interestingly, Bird once proclaimed that Dennis Johnson was the best player he had ever played with. This statement likely shaped how McHale felt about his standing within the team's hierarchy. Despite their shared success and accolades, the acknowledgement of Johnson could have stirred feelings of competition and ambition in McHale.