The WNBA semifinals are some of the most exciting and interesting entertainment on television. Especially because the sport continues to elevate and exceed expectations. For example, the WNBA just made history after having a showdown featuring seven No.1 overall picks between both teams, reported ESPNW. The Seattle Storm features the 41-year-old veteran PG Sue Bird and young stud Breanna Stewart. While the Las Vegas Aces featured the best SG in the league, Kelsey Plum, and 2021-22 MVP A’ja Wilson.
The Storm knows too well the value of loading up No.1 picks. They drafted Lauren Jackson (2001) and Sue Bird (2002) back-to-back. Unfortunately, fir this Bird it’s a farewell tour as earlier this season she announced that she will be retiring. Bird’s legacy only continues to grow as she performs exceptionally well throughout the series. In game one, she recorded two points and 12 assists and led the Storm to victory over the Aces 76-73. While many may recognize two points aren’t that significant, one must take into consideration Bird’s amazing facilitating abilities. These allowed her teammates to score more freely.
“I’ve made the decision that this will be my last year,” shared Bird, aged 41, on social media. Bird, 41, posted on social media. “I have enjoyed every moment, and I still do. So, I’m going to play my final year, just like that little girl played her first.”
“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.”
WNBA Former No. 1 Draft Picks
1 seed AcesKelsey Plum (2017)
1 All-Star appearance
A’ja Wilson (2018)
4 All-Star appearances, 2x All-WNBA, 2020 MVP
Jackie Young (2019)
1 All-Star appearance
- 4 seed Storm
Sue Bird (2002)
13 All-Star appearances, 8x All-WNBA
Tina Charles (2010)
8 All-Star appearances, 9x All-WNBA, 2012 MVP
Jewell Loyd (2015)
4 All-Star appearances, 2x All-WNBA
Breanna Stewart (2016)
4 All-Star appearances, 4x All-WNBA, 2018 MVP
