In 1974, Larry Bird quit Indiana after 24 days to drive a garbage truck for French Lick; five years later, the Celtics paid him $650,000 a year, the richest rookie deal in NBA history Nov 4, 2026 @ 10:40amBasketball > Boston Celtics > College Basketball > Indiana State Sycamores > NBAAthlon SportsLarry Bird's unlikely rise to NBA stardom. Read moreIn 1974, Larry Bird quit Indiana after 24 days to drive a garbage truck for French Lick; five years later, the Celtics paid him $650,000 a year, the richest rookie deal in NBA history
