BIRD `WHERE HE'S SUPPOSED TO BE'.

Byline: Associated Press

He could not jump and he could not run, especially when his aching back acted up. But Larry Bird could play basketball, and Monday he received the ultimate confirmation of that when he was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Seven people were elected. Three were players: Bird in his first year of eligibility; Marques Haynes, who played more than 40 years with the Harlem Globetrotters and then the Harlem Magicians, and Arnie Risen, who played 13 seasons for three teams in the National Basketball League and then the National Basketball Association.

Four new members were coaches: Lenny Wilkens, now with the Atlanta Hawks, who was elected as a player in 1989; ex-USC player Alex Hannum, who coached 13 seasons for five teams in the NBA and the American Basketball Association; Jody Conradt, who compiled a 592-146 record with the University of Texas women's team, and Aleksandr Nikolic, who coached Yugoslavia to the 1977 European championship and the 1978 world championship.

Bird, a 6-foot-9-inch forward, played 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics and led them to NBA championships in 1981, 1984 and 1986. He was voted the league's most valuable player three times and an All-Star 12 times. He retired in 1992. Last season, he became coach of the Indiana Pacers, led them to the Eastern Conference finals and was voted the NBA's coach of the year.

``Without question, it's a great honor,'' he said. ``I am very honored to be part of the Hall of Fame.''

Mel Daniels, assistant coach at Indiana State when Bird led the team to the NCAA final in 1979, said of Bird's election, ``That's where he's supposed to be.''

BIRD HIGHLIGHTS

1977 to 1979: Plays basketball at Indiana State, leading the Sycamores to NIT berths in 1977 and 1978 and to the NCAA Finals in 1979, when they lost to Magic Johnson's Michigan State team. Bird is named AP Player of the Year and The Sporting News College Player of the Year in 1979.

1980: Named Rookie of the Year after leading the Celtics to a league-best 61-21 record, a 32-game improvement over the previous season. Named All-NBA first-team and a member of the All-Star team, positions he will occupy for every season through 1988.

1986: Bird wins his third and final championship, third straight MVP award and second Finals MVP in three years. The Celtics knock off the Rockets in six games for the title. Bird is also chosen The Sporting News' Man of the Year and AP Male Athlete of the Year.

1992: After missing 37 regular-season games, Bird announces his retirement Aug. 18, then makes his final appearances as an active player with the Dream Team at the Barcelona Olympics, winning the gold medal.

May 8, 1997: Becomes coach of the Indiana Pacers, two days after Rick Pitino was named coach of the Celtics and on the same day Red Auerbach steps down as president of the Celtics.

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Photo, Box

PHOTO BIRD

BOX: BIRD HIGHLIGHTS (see text)