If McHale was the 80's C's top scorer ...

[Neurotic Guy]

I'm not sure how your scenario plays out any differently than it did.  The C's/Bird did look for McHale and, when open, got him the ball  -- frequently, and especially against the many match-ups in which he dominated.  Naturally, teams DID double-team and attempted to prevent entry passes.  This, naturally, opened up space for Bird, who could score from anywhere.  Remember 33% from 3-point range equals 50% from 2-point range.  Bird's shot from 3 was as pure as anyone's ever.  Plus, his fakes were 'legendary' and his ability to handle the ball or shoot after the fake was other-wordly. And, he hit FTs at about a 90% clip.  In short, they played to their strength (BIRD) and he took advantage of whatever the opponents gave him.  They could have won more chamionships, of course, but not by changing Bird's role in the offense.   

[Roy H.]

They could have won more chamionships, of course, but not by changing Bird's role in the offense.   

Things that would have won the Celtics more championships in the 80s:

1)  Having M.L. Carr pull a Tonya Harding on Magic;

2)  Assigning Len Bias a 24/7 chaperone; or

3) Giving McHale and Bird some sort of magic health potion, to heal their various injuries.

[Neurotic Guy]

They could have won more chamionships, of course, but not by changing Bird's role in the offense.  

Things that would have won the Celtics more championships in the 80s:

1)  Having M.L. Carr pull a Tonya Harding on Magic;

2)  Assigning Len Bias a 24/7 chaperone; or

3) Giving McHale and Bird some sort of magic health potion, to heal their various injuries.

2 more:
1) Bill Walton rests and rehabs till June '87 -- guts out key contributions in The Finals.

2) NBA keeps 2-2-1-1-1 format in 1985 rather than going for the first time to 2-3-2.  In 1985, LA won key Game 5 in LA, instead of going to Boston for Game 5. If C's are home and win Game 5, they go up 3-2 with 6 in LA and 7 in Boston. C's would have won.  

[Q_FBE]

Somebody has to get McHale the ball in has favorite spots (That would be Larry Bird). Also you take away the balanced scoring and the Celtics perhaps do not win any title (in the 80s). Ole Larry understood the importance of balanced scoring better than anybody (except Magic).

[Celtics18]

Somebody has to get McHale the ball in has favorite spots (That would be Larry Bird). Also you take away the balanced scoring and the Celtics perhaps do not win any title (in the 80s). Ole Larry understood the importance of balanced scoring better than anybody (except Magic).

( . . . and now Rondo)

[Roy H.]

Somebody has to get McHale the ball in has favorite spots (That would be Larry Bird). Also you take away the balanced scoring and the Celtics perhaps do not win any title (in the 80s). Ole Larry understood the importance of balanced scoring better than anybody (except Magic).

( . . . and now Rondo)

Too soon.

[Jon]

And of course who's to say how McHale would've shot the ball if he was the primary focus of opposing defenses?  As great as McHale was, the opposing defense was always thinking about Larry Legend first.