Dallas Wings GM Curt Miller on Sue Bird: Celebrating the GOAT’s Hall of Fame Journey
Sue Bird’s Hall of Fame induction marks the pinnacle of a legendary career. From four WNBA titles to a permanent statue in Seattle, her legacy as the GOAT endures.
Dallas Wings GM Curt Miller said it best: “Sue Bird is the GOAT.” As she enters the Hall of Fame, her legacy as the greatest point guard in women’s basketball is forever celebrated.
Dallas Wings General Manager Curt Miller’s words about Sue Bird being a finalist for the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame class were resonant with the weight of history when he reflected on it.
“Sue is the GOAT—without question the best point guard our women’s game has ever seen. She could control the game in so many ways: managing tempo, scoring, defending. What I always thought was underrated in her prime was her incredible speed. She was not only an incredible player but also a tremendous ambassador for our sport and for the league.”
This acknowledgment from Miller captures why Bird’s legacy transcends the numbers. Her unmatched skills on the court are essential, but her profound role in elevating the women’s game globally is equally crucial.
Sue Bird: A Legacy of Greatness Cemented in Seattle
Sue Bird’s name and legacy have been incorporated into the fabric of Seattle over the past few years. In 2022, the Seattle Storm retired her iconic No. 10 jersey, A number that is now prominently displayed in the rafters of the Climate Pledge Arena. In a year, the city honored her by renaming a street in Lower Queen Anne in her name, ensuring her legacy is intertwined with the geography of the city she dedicated her career to.
The tributes have reached their peak: Sue Bird will be the first WNBA player to receive a life-size bronze statue by a franchise on Sunday morning.
On the plaza outside the Climate Pledge Arena, where she starred for more than two decades.
Bird acknowledged the surreal nature of the honor.
“Incredible? It’s a little bit surreal, but also such an honor. It means so much to me to be recognized in this way by the franchise and by the city.”
The Permanent Symbol of a Champion
For Bird, the statue represents something beyond recognition. It signifies the permanence of things.
“I like things that are permanent and I like things that you can’t argue,” she said, reflecting on the symbolism. “That’s what I’ve always said about winning championships. You can argue about players and who’s better and who’s your preference, but you can’t argue if you won or if you didn’t. And there’s something about this statue that feels similar… it’s marking a career, a legacy, the impact I had in the city, and how they feel about me. There’s a lot of good in that.”
The depth of her career, not just on the court, but also off it, is highlighted by her perspective.
The Career of a WNBA Icon
After being selected No. 1 overall by the Seattle Storm in 2002 from the University of Connecticut, Bird quickly began shaping both the franchise and the league’s future. During her 21-year WNBA career (19 seasons played), she established herself as a dominant force in professional basketball.
Regular Season Record: 333–247
Playoff Record: 34–26
WNBA Titles: 4 (all with the Seattle Storm)
Games Played: 580 (1st all-time)
Career Assists: 3,234 (1st all-time, virtually untouchable)
Three-Pointers Made: 1,001 (2nd all-time)
Steals: 724 (3rd all-time)
Field Goals Made: 2,479 (7th all-time)
Points Scored: 6,803 (9th all-time)
Bird’s impact is evident not only in her statistics but also in the longevity of her dominance. It’s rare for athletes in any sport to maintain such a high level of performance over two decades.
Why Curt Miller Calls Sue Bird, the GOAT
Miller’s remarks regarding Bird emphasize her versatility, intelligence, and speed, which are often overlooked when discussing her greatness. Miller emphasized that Bird’s speed in her prime was a weapon that differentiated her from her peers, despite her leadership and ability to manage games.
Bird’s ability to adapt, evolve, and consistently improve her teammates is what makes her the greatest player of all time, not just her record-breaking numbers. Bird was the Storm’s main asset, whether it was delivering a no-look pass, hitting a clutch three, or locking down defensively.
Sue Bird’s Legacy Beyond the Court
Basketball was only one aspect of Bird’s influence. The statement made by Storm President and CEO Alisha Valavanis:
“Sue’s legacy isn’t just written in championships—it’s woven into the fabric of Seattle. Her leadership transcended basketball and helped shape a cultural shift—one that expanded who gets to lead, who gets seen, and who gets celebrated. This statue is more than a tribute. It’s a promise that what Sue stands for will keep rising, and young people, especially girls, will always see themselves in greatness.”
Bird has been consistently advocating for equity, visibility, and representation in women’s sports through her platform. The WNBA’s mainstream conversation was expanded by her presence, increasing the scope of who could be considered a superstar.
A Trifecta of Honors for a Timeless Star
Sue Bird has achieved a rare three-way tribute with a jersey in the rafters, a street named in her honor, and now a statue to strengthen her legacy. Few athletes in any sport receive such honors, and fewer continue to shape the narrative of the game even in retirement actively. These awards are not just ceremonial—they are reminders of Bird’s transformative impact on her career, her city, and the global recognition of women’s basketball.
Sue Bird’s Lasting Impact on Future Generations
Bird’s career has served as both a blueprint and an inspiration for future athletes. The power of longevity, discipline, and leadership is evident in her court excellence. Off the court, her advocacy ensures that the next generation of women athletes inherits a stronger and more visible league.
Her Hall of Fame induction is not the end of her journey; it affirms her position as one of the most influential figures in basketball history.
Conclusion: Sue Bird’s Legacy That Cannot Be Argued
Sue Bird’s career is permanently etched in history, not just in the records she set, but also in the city that continues to honor her legacy. Bird’s influence is evident, from Curt Miller’s praise of her as the GOAT point guard to the statue that stands at Climate Pledge Arena. Her legacy is more than numbers or accolades; it represents the essence of being a champion, leader, and ambassador for the game. Sue Bird’s legacy is eternal for fans, players, and the city of Seattle.
