WNBA icon Sue Bird, renowned as the Seattle Storm's star, earns the distinction of being the league's inaugural player with an elaborate statue.
Sue Bird, WNBA Legend, Honoured with Bronze Statue
In a heartwarming ceremony on Sunday, Sue Bird, the iconic point guard for the Seattle Storm, was honoured with a bronze statue in her hometown. The statue, which depicts Bird in a layup position, replicates her signature move and features the Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 PEs shoes she wore during the Storm's first WNBA championship in 2004.
Bird's illustrious career spans 19 seasons with the Seattle Storm, during which she led the team to four WNBA Championships and won five gold medals in international competitions. Her contributions to the sport extend beyond her impressive on-court performances.
Throughout her professional career, Bird was named to a league-record 13 All-Star teams, eight All-WNBA First and Second Teams, and won Peak Performer awards twice. Her teammate and coach, Noelle Quinn, praised Bird as "the Heart of Seattle Storm" and "an ambassador for women in sport, women's basketball."
Bird's legacy is not confined to Seattle. She is in the company of NBA legends and Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant, as they are the only basketball players to have a statue and have played 20 or more seasons. Other WNBA legends such as Taurasi, Candace Parker, or Maya Moore could potentially have statues in the future, as Bird laid the foundation for many in the future.
Bird's former teammate, Swin Cash, was also in attendance at the unveiling. Cash, who won two NCAA Championships, two Olympic gold medals, and the 2010 WNBA Championship alongside Bird, expressed her support for Bird, stating that no one deserves the statue more than her.
In a separate development, A'ja Wilson, a rising star in the WNBA, discussed her upcoming A'One signature shoe and A'Two coming in 2026 in a Ballislife exclusive interview. Wilson's career trajectory mirrors Bird's in many ways, and she is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the league.
As Bird prepares for her induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame next month and her enshrinement into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2025, it is clear that her impact on the game of basketball will be felt for generations to come. Despite not having been reported to have worked or trained as a coach in the provided information, her influence on the sport and on the younger generation of players is undeniable.
In the words of her former coach, Dan Hughes, "Sue Bird is not just a basketball player, she is a legend. Her impact on the game, on our team, and on the city of Seattle cannot be overstated." The statue is a fitting tribute to a player who has given so much to the sport and to her community.
