Tina Charles on Sue Bird & Maya Moore’s Hall of Fame Induction
Before taking the court against the Seattle Storm, WNBA star Tina Charles spoke with LandonBuford.com about the upcoming Naismith Hall of Fame inductions of legends Sue Bird and Maya Moore. Charles honored their influence on and off the court, calling the recognition “well-deserved” and praising their roles in growing the league and inspiring future generations.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 28: Maya Moore of the Minnesota Lynx, Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm, Tina Charles of the New York Liberty, Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury and Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm poses for a portrait prior to the Verizon WNBA All-Star Game at the Target Center on July 28, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
Before the Connecticut Sun met the Seattle Storm in a WNBA matchup, veteran forward Tina Charles took a moment to speak eloquently to LandonBuford.com about the September induction of basketball legends Sue Bird and Maya Moore into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The transformational influence these two women have had on the WNBA and the sport as a whole was underscored by her remarks, which were filled with admiration and pride.
“This is well-deserved—just because of what they’ve meant to this league, not just as players but as women,” said Charles.
“They’ve helped grow the league in so many ways. A lot of young girls and boys really look up to them. I’m super happy, super proud of them, and just want to say congratulations.”
This moment of reflection reveals the legacy that Bird and Moore leave behind, as well as the continued respect they receive from current players across the league.
Sue Bird and Maya Moore: Hall of Fame Induction Marks a Historic Milestone
The basketball community has been enthused by the news that Sue Bird and Maya Moore will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It’s a validation of decades of sacrifice, excellence, and leadership, not just a personal accomplishment. The Seattle Storm became a perennial powerhouse for two decades, with Bird being the WNBA’s all-time leader in assists. Moore, who has won four WNBA championships with the Minnesota Lynx, has redefined how to lead both on and off the court. Together, their names are synonymous with champion culture, advocacy, and excellence.
Tina Charles: A Peer Paying Tribute to Legends
Tina Charles, who has had an impressive WNBA career that includes multiple All-Star appearances, an MVP award, and Olympic gold medals, wasn’t hesitant to express her admiration. Charles highlighted the overall impact Bird and Moore have had on the game in a speech just before a crucial matchup against Seattle. Her words captured the respect they command from current players. Charles’ speech was not just about competing, but also about being a game student who comprehends the significance of Bird and Moore’s contributions beyond the stat sheet.
“They’ve helped grow the league in so many ways,” Charles shared.
The line holds a great deal of meaning. Bird and Moore brought the WNBA to new cultural heights by promoting social activism and increasing the visibility of the women’s game.
Sue Bird: The Architect of Greatness and Longevity
The professional resume of Bird is legendary:
Four-time WNBA Champion
13-time WNBA All-Star
Five-time Olympic Gold Medalist
WNBA’s All-Time Assists Leader
20 Seasons with Seattle Storm
Her ability to adapt, evolve, and lead through different eras of the league makes her one of the most influential point guards in basketball history, regardless of her gender.
Bird’s presence in the locker room and on the floor embodied calm, professionalism, and championship mettle that was inspirational to both teammates and fans.
The off-court contributions she makes are equally noteworthy. Bird’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, racial equity, and player empowerment led to a shift in the narrative around women’s sports and professional athletes as cultural leaders.
Maya Moore: Redefining Greatness Through Purpose
Despite having a shorter career than Bird’s, Moore’s career still burned brightly. Her achievements include:
Four WNBA Titles
WNBA MVP (2014)
Six-time All-Star
Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist
Two-time EuroLeague Champion
NCAA National Champion (4x) with UConn
In 2019, Moore shocked the sports world by leaving basketball and concentrating on criminal justice reform, leading the charge to release Jonathan Irons, who was wrongly incarcerated. Moore was able to break the mold of the modern athlete through his actions. She demonstrated that true greatness is not restricted to a hardwood court; it can spread throughout society. The inclusion of her in the Hall of Fame is not just about her achievements; it’s also about her courage, integrity, and selflessness.
Impact on the Next Generation
The inspirational impact that Bird and Moore have had on children, both girls and boys, was highlighted by Tina Charles in her comments.
“A lot of young girls and boys really look up to them.”
Representation matters. Bird’s no-look passes and Moore’s clutch threes brought possibilities into the eyes of generations of aspiring athletes. Black excellence, LGBTQ+ pride, and female empowerment were not just tolerated but celebrated by them. The legacy of Bird and Moore lives in every WNBA rookie, every grassroots basketball clinic, and every little girl who dreams of seeing her name in the lights one day.
A League Transformed by Legends
The WNBA has undergone significant changes over the past two decades. That evolution didn’t happen in a vacuum. The catalysts were players like Sue Bird and Maya Moore.
Increased national media coverage
Rising jersey and ticket sales
Burgeoning social media presence
Corporate sponsorship growth
Improved salary and collective bargaining terms
These events are not random. Bird and Moore, among others, chose to push the league forward, resulting in sustained excellence and advocacy.
Tina Charles: A Bridge Between Eras
It’s fitting that Tina Charles, who has been a cornerstone of the league for over a decade, would offer her praise so openly. As someone who competed with and against these two legendary figures, Charles is a representation of the continuity between generations of WNBA greatness.
Her words convey both a tribute and a testimony. Sue and Maya’s foundation and the future they have empowered are connected through her.
The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: A Moment to Remember
It is predicted that the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony in September will be one of the most emotionally and celebrated inductions in recent history. As Bird and Moore take their rightful place among basketball immortals, they do so with the unwavering respect of peers like Tina Charles and the boundless admiration of fans worldwide.
Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond the Game
Sue Bird and Maya Moore aren’t just inductees into the Hall of Fame. Their role is to create progress, symbolize excellence, and serve as beacons of purpose. Tina Charles’ words echo the sentiments of a grateful and inspired generation. Despite their names being engraved in Springfield’s hallowed halls, their legacy will continue to rise in every fast break, buzzer-beater, and social cause derived from the court they built.
