Becky Hammon Reflects on Sue Bird Joining Her in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Later This Year

In 2025, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will honor one of the game’s most revered icons, Sue Bird, in a historic moment that will be celebrated worldwide. The trailblazing icon induction is a significant moment in the evolution of the WNBA and women’s sports. Becky Hammon, who has excelled as a player and coach for the Las Vegas Aces, gave powerful reflections on Bird’s legacy, emphasizing Bird’s unique style of leadership and excellence.

The Essence of Sue Bird’s Greatness: Leadership Above All

Hammon spoke to LandonBuford.com before the Las Vegas Aces’ 75-70 victory over the Seattle Storm to discuss what makes Sue Bird’s impact go beyond statistical accomplishments.

“With Sue, since we’re in Seattle, her leadership is what stands out the most. She’s obviously one of the all-time greatest point guards. I don’t think anybody would contest that,” Hammon said.

Hammon pointed out that Bird is talented at playmaking and shooting and capable of inspiring and elevating others.

“I use her frequently in pregame talks. I talk about how Sue was probably never the best player on her championship teams, but she was always the best leader. She got greatness out of everybody else, making her the greatest,” Hammon reflected.

What sets Bird apart is her ability to unite and inspire a team, creating superstars from those around her. This nuanced skill does not grab headlines but forges championship dynasties.

A Hall of Fame Career Rooted in Service to Others

Hammon expanded on the ethos that identifies Bird’s leadership:

“There’s a skill set in pulling greatness out of other people, and Sue had that. If you want to become great, you have to serve the people around you, and she did that.”

Bird’s legacy encompasses more than winning four WNBA titles, five Olympic gold medals, or becoming the all-time leader in WNBA assists. It’s empowered her teammates, created a culture, and maintained poise under pressure. From UConn’s basketball dominance to the Seattle Storm’s excellence, her presence alone brought structure and belief to every roster.

Mutual Respect Between Two Legends

When Hammon was announced as a Hall of Fame Finalist for the class of 2023, Bird spoke highly of the Las Vegas Aces coach.

“Becky had an amazing career, and it is really wonderful to see people you know well get honored that way. I’m really proud of her,” Bird told LandonBuford.com.

Their admiration extends beyond professional boundaries. It’s personal. Both athletes played in an era when women’s basketball was still fighting for its place in the mainstream sports conversation. They endured. They won. Bird will be inducted into the Hall of Fame two years after Becky was inducted in 2023.

Becky Hammon: Player. Coach. Pioneer.

Bird’s induction will be celebrated, but Hammon’s Hall of Fame career is not to be overlooked. Starting as an undrafted guard from Colorado State and becoming a six-time WNBA All-Star and a two-time WNBA Champion while coaching the Aces, Hammon has revamped the definition of leadership in women’s basketball.

Hammon became the first full-time female assistant coach in the NBA after playing for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars for over a decade. Her coaching of the Las Vegas Aces to their first WNBA Championship in 2022 was once again historic, and she accomplished it again in 2023. Her place in the Hall of Fame reflects her statistical impact and her role as a transformational figure in sports leadership.

Sue Bird’s Hall of Fame Resume: A Legacy of Longevity and Consistency

Bird’s Hall of Fame résumé is unparalleled in numerous ways. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft, Bird’s career spanned two decades, all with the Seattle Storm. She retired from the league as the all-time leader in assists and games played.

Among her accolades:

• 4× WNBA Champion (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020)

• 13× WNBA All-Star

• 5× Olympic Gold Medalist

• 4× FIBA World Cup Champion

• 8× All-WNBA Team selections

Bird’s ability to maintain exceptional performance for such a long period is almost unrivaled. Her cerebral approach to the game and calm composure made her the foundation of every team she joined.

Cultural Architects of the Modern WNBA

The WNBA’s identity has been shaped by Hammon and Bird together. They were never just players. Their role as ambassadors, activists, and catalysts led to the evolution of the sport. They entered the league when women’s professional basketball still had to validate its existence to the broader sports world. In the present day, the WNBA is growing, attracting major sponsors, selling out arenas, and securing national TV deals. The growth is due mainly to the foundational excellence and integrity of players such as Hammon and Bird. The culmination of decades of work, both on and off the court, is represented by their Hall of Fame enshrinement. Their journey provides a blueprint for what greatness truly means—not just in statistics, but in service for future generations.

A Shared Moment That Transcends the Game

This year’s Hall of Fame class provides a unique chance to reflect on the lives and legacies of two of basketball’s greatest minds. While their styles differed, Bird with her surgical precision and calm orchestration, and Hammon with her fearless scoring and strategic brilliance, their impact is equally seismic. It’s prophetic. It signals a new era in which women’s contributions to basketball are no longer merely a footnote but are now a central part of the sport’s history.

The Future: Beyond Hall of Fame Honors

Both women are still shaping the game. Bird is actively involved in media, business, and basketball, while Hammon is constructing a WNBA empire in Las Vegas. Although their Hall of Fame inductions may commemorate their past, their influence remains. As the WNBA grows and more fans watch women’s sports, Hammon and Bird’s stories and standards will be enduring symbols for the next generation of athletes, coaches, and leaders.