WNBA legend PG Sue Bird’s career is coming to an end, the league’s all-time assists leader, according to ESPN. The legendary PG appears to be calling it quits during the end of the 2022 season. Recently, Bird clarified this information over the internet.
“I’ve made the decision to retire after this year,” announced 41-year-old Bird on social media. “I’ve cherished every moment, and I still do. So, I’ll play my final year, just like that little girl played her first.”
The 12-time All-Star and eight-time All-WNBA selection hinted toward retiring previously during last season. Until now, Bird hasn’t committed to her retirement, however, after spending 21 years in the WNBA it seems fitting. There comes a point in anyone’s life where one feels they have nothing left to prove. Her legacy and her impact on the sport and the LGBTQ community is something that one may not be able to put a value on. Her limitless fearlessness and determination to help progress the game of women’s basketball. Not to mention, the global viewpoint on how many look at women. Bird’s proven to be much more than just a basketball player but arguably one of the most influential athletes of the modern era.
“You just know when you know,” Bird told media in Connecticut Thursday following the announcement, adding that the Storm’s East Coast trip, which features her final game in her home state of New York on Sunday, spurred the timing of her announcement.
“Of course, I’m sad,” Bird said. “It’s a little bit of like 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 about the next chapter.”
She’ll be joining Sylvia Fowles, who was the All-Time leading rebounder, and’s also had a legendary career. Fowles and Bird retiring at the same time is just a testament to how far the game has come. In fact, even better to leave it in the hands of younger women who will carry the torch to even greater heights.
