Bird Intrigued by Idea of Adding Mountain Man

June 26, 1985

He has heard all the reports of Boston's efforts to trade Cedric Maxwell and sign Bill Walton. Walton's name was mentioned when Bird huddled with Auerbach for five minutes yesterday.

"If the Celtics don't win the championship, there's always something wrong," Bird said. "I don't think there's got to be major changes. The talk is that we're going to get rid of Max, but I don't see how. When he's healthy, he gives us a lot. We're a stronger team with him in there. This year we were probably just one player short - and it was Max."

Bird's face lit up at the mention of Walton.

"If we get Bill Walton, we're gonna be three times the team we were this year," said Bird. "He clogs up the middle, he's a great shot blocker and intimidator. And he can shoot and pass. He won't need to score with us, but he could give Robert (Parish) some rest. Robert plays better when he has rest. We definitely need someone to give Robert a break.

"When he's feeling good, there's nobody better than Bill Walton."

If the Celtics have Walton instead of Maxwell, Bird would have to guard small forwards. Can he handle Dominique Wilkins, Bernard King and the other quick scorers?

"I can handle anything," Bird responded. "But none of those deals have been made yet."