Landon Buford
Earlier this month, Sue Bird announced that she would be retiring at the end of the 2022 WNBA season.
“Of course, I’m sad,” Bird said. “It’s a little bit of like a mourning, knowing I’m gonna miss it. But I mean, I have no regrets. I feel wonderful about my career, the people I’ve met, the things we’ve all accomplished. And I’m excited for the next chapter.
“I feel like I’ve played as long as I can at a really high level, both physically and mentally, and it’s just gotten harder.”
If the rumors that Tina Charles has indeed signed with the Seattle Storm, Bird’s future teammate recently shared that the league will miss her leadership.
“Just her leadership, just how personable she is, for me, it’s different. I have a friend in Sue, so of course, I’m going to miss her being on the court and making others better as teammates and opponents,” said Charles.
“But I know I’ll always have a friend in her in life. For me, it goes way back to growing up in New York and watching her play at Christ the King, then going to UConn. I have followed her everywhere, and it has worked out great for my career. So, just more of her leadership [will be missed].
Before Charles’ former team, the Phoenix Mercury took on the Dallas Wings, Diana Taurasi was asked what the WNBA and the USA Women’s Olympic team would miss when she hangs up her sneakers at the end of the season.
“Sue has been the leader of her team and our league for the last 20 years,” said Taurasi.
“I think what she has been able to do on and off the court has laid the foundation for the next generation and the future of this game; we are going to miss her. Seattle is going to miss her, the WNBA, and the Olympic team, but knowing Sue, big things are coming for Sue in the world of basketball.”
On Saturday night, the Storm would go on to lose a tough game against the Sparks at home after jumping out to a 25-20 lead in the first quarter.
