Russell, Wilt, and Kareem were amazing for their time, but the 90s certainly rejuvenated the big man dominance. Hakeem, Shaq, Ewing, Robinson, and even Mourning and Mutombo were the faces of the NBA outside of Jordan (and Malone). I get it, the other three are in the best ever category, but I loved the 90s era of big men and there hasn't been anything even close to that since.
As for Bird, I totally agree. His presence brought upon one of the greatest turn-arounds in the history of sports. That is the definition of Most Valuable Player.