6
Nov
5 mins
WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Sue Bird
Sue Bird poses for a portrait at the USOC Rio Olympics Shoot at Quixote Studios on November 20, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Harry How/Getty Images
Sue Bird is a 4-time Champion, 13x All-Star, and All-Time assists leader
- 4-time WNBA champion (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020)
- 13-time WNBA All-Star
- All-time WNBA assists leader (3,234)
Sue Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards and most impactful players in WNBA history over her 19-year career.
Overview
Sue Bird's impact on women's basketball is nearly unparalleled. The Seattle Storm legend redefined the point guard position with her court vision, passing ability, and clutch shooting during her two-decade WNBA career from 2002-2022. Bird's combination of individual accolades and team success places her among the most accomplished players ever.
Career Snapshot
Bird was selected first overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2002 WNBA Draft after a stellar collegiate career at UConn. She made an immediate impact as a rookie, earning All-Star and All-WNBA First Team honours. This set the tone for a career filled with accolades, including 13 All-Star selections, 8 All-WNBA team nods, and leading the league in assists 3 times.
Her longevity and consistency were remarkable. Bird played her entire 19-year career with Seattle, setting WNBA records for most seasons (19) and games (580) played. She is the league's all-time leader in assists (3,234) and ranks in the top 10 in several other statistical categories.
Playing Style
Bird was the consummate floor general, using her basketball IQ and precise passing to control the game's tempo and create opportunities for teammates. Her ability to read defences and make split-second decisions made her one of the best pick-and-roll orchestrators in league history.
While not an overpowering athlete, Bird compensated with exceptional footwork, change of pace, and a deadly pull-up jumper. She was a clutch performer, hitting numerous game-winning shots throughout her career. Bird's leadership and composure under pressure were invaluable to Seattle's success.
Why Sue Bird is on our list
Sue Bird's combination of individual excellence and team success is nearly unmatched in WNBA history. She was the driving force behind four WNBA championships for Seattle across three different decades (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020).
Her impact extended beyond statistics. Bird was a calming presence on the court, elevating her teammates' play and making everyone around her better. She was also a leader off the court, serving as vice president of the players' union and using her platform to advocate for social justice causes.
Bird's longevity allowed her to bridge multiple eras of the WNBA, competing against and mentoring several generations of players. Her sustained excellence and ability to adapt her game as she aged cemented her legacy as an all-time great.
Five Fast Facts
- Only WNBA player to win championships in three different decades
- Five-time Olympic gold medallist with Team USA (2004-2020)
- One of 11 women to win Olympic gold, WNBA title, World Cup gold, and NCAA championship
- Holds the record for most WNBA All-Star selections (13) and appearances (12)
- First WNBA player to record 3,000 career assists
Career Highlights Timeline
2002: Selected 1st overall by Seattle Storm in WNBA Draft, named All-Star and All-WNBA First Team as a rookie
2004: Wins first WNBA championship with Seattle Storm
2010: Captures second WNBA title, hitting clutch shots in Finals
2016: Becomes WNBA's all-time leader in assists
2018: Wins third championship at age 37
2020: Claims fourth WNBA title in at age 39
2022: Retires as WNBA's all-time leader in assists and games played
