He never truly entered the center of power. Although he was a top star player, in terms of internal cultivation, he hadn't gone through a gradual selection process.
Most of the time, Larry Bird stayed in Naple, treating his back injury, spending time with his family, and doing some simple consulting work, or using his star identity to stand up for the Celtics, acting as a spokesperson or liaison.
For example, having him contact the Trail Blazers to inquire whether Carlesimo would be willing to come to Boston, and other tasks that aren't insignificant but don't require decision-making.
Later, there was a vacancy for the position of team general manager. Dave Gavitt resigned, and the owner didn't give the general manager position to Bird, but instead gave it to Bird's former substitute, ML Carr.
When Carr played for the Celtics, he was a role player averaging 3 or 4 points, and he was Bird's substitute, a follower.
