Sue Bird: Embraced by Seattle Legends Gary Payton and Jamal Crawford [Watch]
Regarding Seattle sports legends, the names Gary Payton and Jamal Crawford immediately come to mind. These two basketball icons have left an indelible mark on the city, etching their names in the hearts of fans and forever cementing their legacies. But there is another name that has joined their ranks, and that is Sue Bird.
Sue Bird, the dynamic and talented point guard for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA, has become a legend in her own right. With her exceptional court vision, incredible passing ability, and clutch performances, Bird has captivated fans and elevated the game of women’s basketball to new heights. And when she arrived in Seattle, she received a warm and heartfelt welcome from none other than the Seattle legends themselves, Gary Payton and Jamal Crawford.
Bird has always been a fan of Gary Payton, who is widely regarded as one of the best point guards in NBA history. His tenacity, defensive prowess, and leadership skills made him a force to be reckoned with on the court. So, when Bird had the opportunity to meet Payton and develop a relationship with him, it was a dream come true.
“Obviously I was a fan of GP before I came out here,” Bird said. “So, getting to meet him, getting to know him at different points throughout my career is really special… we’re the two Seattle point guards that everybody knows.”
Bird’s admiration for Payton was reciprocated, as Payton recognized her immense talent and contribution to the sport. He saw in her the same qualities that made him a legend in Seattle, and he embraced her as a fellow point guard representing the city.
But it wasn’t just Payton who recognized Bird’s impact on Seattle sports. Jamal Crawford, another Seattle basketball icon known for his dazzling handles and scoring ability, also played a significant role in welcoming Bird to the city’s sports community.
During a casual conversation where Bird’s name came up in a discussion about top Seattle athletes, she humbly downplayed her connection to the city. She expressed that she wasn’t like the other basketball players who were born and raised in Seattle. However, it was Jamal Crawford who stepped in and asserted that Bird was indeed a part of the Seattle sports community.
“I’m not from here,” Bird said, to which Crawford responded, “You are definitely a part of the Seattle sports community.”
Crawford’s words carried weight, as he himself is deeply rooted in Seattle sports culture. His appreciation for Bird’s impact on the city and his recognition of her contributions solidified her place among the Seattle legends.
Sue Bird’s journey in Seattle has been nothing short of remarkable. She has not only achieved numerous accolades and championships with the Seattle Storm but has also left an indelible mark on the hearts of Seattle sports fans. Embraced by legends like Gary Payton and Jamal Crawford, Bird has become a symbol of excellence and a beloved figure in the city.
As the two Seattle point guards that everybody knows, Sue Bird and Gary Payton stand side by side, representing the past, present, and future of basketball in the Emerald City. And with the support and admiration of Jamal Crawford, Bird’s legacy in Seattle continues to grow. Together, these three legends have created a bond that transcends the game and solidifies their place in Seattle sports history.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
