Larry SI Legend

Celtics Icon Larry Bird is back on the cover of Sports Illustrated for the 17th time (15th if you don't count the mini pictures in the corner. Larry trails only Michael Jordan (49), Magic Johnson (22) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (23) on basketball covers (according to SI.com). It is the 2nd time the hall of famer is on as a member of the Indiana Pacers. Here is a look at Larry's previous appearances (also check out this bizarre story that LT sent UB about a prisoner trying to honor Bird):

1st Cover: Nov. 28, 1977: Larry making headlines for Indiana State

Mar. 26, 1979: Larry leads Indiana State into the Final Four

Apr. 28, 1980: Larry and the Celtics take on, then lose to the Sixers in the Playoffs

Nov. 9, 1981: Larry is dubbed NBA's best after 1st Championship with the Celtics

May 2, 1983: Larry and the Celtics defeat Atlanta in the Playoffs

Oct. 29, 1984: The two greatest players in Celtics history, Bill Russell and Larry Bird, talk about repeating after Bird wins his 2nd title with the Celtics

Mar. 3, 1986: SI puts the spotlight on Larry during his 3rd consecutive MVP season

Jun. 9, 1986: Larry leads the Celtics to a quick lead in the 1986 Finals against the Rockets

Jun. 8, 1987: (UB's Favorite Bird cover) Larry's steal in Game 5 helps the Celtics get past the Pistons to 3rd strait NBA Finals

Mar. 21, 1988: A banged up Larry dons the Abdul-Jabbar look

Dec. 11, 1989: Injuries take their toll on Larry and the Celtics

Mar. 23, 1992: The NBA prepares for a league without Larry Bird

Dec. 14, 1992: After 13 years, 4 epic Championship meetings (NCAA, 3 NBA Finals), and Olympic Gold, Larry and Magic finally share a cover

Oct. 27, 1997: Larry signs on with the Indiana Pacers as head coach