now, four-time champion Sue Bird has weighed in on the debate of who is better between the Indiana Fever‘s Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese continues to split the opinions of WNBA fans.
Bird, who was selected as the first overall pick of the 2002 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm, won championships in 2004, 2010, 2018 and 2020 highlighting her longevity through two decades as a pro before she headed to Europe.
The 13-time WNBA All-Star is better placed than most to talk about the Clark-Reese debate, as the 22-year-olds continue to trade stats, wins and incredibly high-scoring performance in their debut seasons.
“I just do the eye test, and to me, [Caitlin Clark] is Rookie of the Year. They can both be good. They can both be having great years.”
Reese, drafted seventh overall from the LSU Tigers by the Sky, has posted 13.5 points per game on average through 2024, with 12 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game too, whilst Clark, first pick out of the Iowa Hawkeyes, averages 17.1 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game and 8.2 assists per game for the Fever.
The exciting prospects were rivals throughout the NCAA too, with Reese beating Clark in the Women’s Division I basketball national championship game, before Clark got her own back one year on in the quarterfinals.
Who do Reese’s Sky play next?
Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky will welcome the Phoenix Mercury to the Wintrust Arena in Illinois next on Thursday, August 15 with the match tipping off at 20:00 ET/17:00 PT and able to be watched via Amazon Prime Video.
Who do Clark’s Fever play next?
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever will also play the Phoenix Mercury in their first game back too when they clash at the Gainbridge FieldHouse on Friday, August 16 at 19:30 ET/16:30 PT, with ION holding the broadcasting rights.
Sue Bird the legend
Sue Bird’s career is a storied journey through basketball that spans more than two decades, marked by extraordinary achievements and profound impact both on and off the court. Her journey from a promising college player to an international icon reflects not only her immense talent but also her enduring commitment to the sport.
Born on October 16, 1980, in Syosset, New York, Suzanne Brigit Bird began her basketball journey at a young age. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, she honed her skills in high school, becoming a standout player at Christ the King Regional High School in Queens, New York. Her exceptional performance earned her a reputation as one of the top high school prospects in the country.
Bird’s college career at the University of Connecticut was nothing short of spectacular. Under the guidance of coach Geno Auriemma, she helped lead the UConn Huskies to two NCAA championships in 2000 and 2002. Her college career was defined by her exceptional playmaking ability, leadership, and clutch performances. Bird’s achievements included winning the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2002 and setting records for assists and steals. Her success in college laid a solid foundation for her professional career.
Sue Bird was selected first overall in the 2002 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm, marking the beginning of a legendary professional career. Over the years, she became one of the most influential figures in the league’s history. Bird’s career with the Storm was characterized by her extraordinary playmaking skills, basketball IQ, and leadership. Her ability to control the tempo of the game and deliver crucial assists made her one of the league’s premier point guards.
Bird’s impact was immediately felt in her rookie season, where she was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year. Throughout her career, she accumulated numerous accolades, including multiple All-Star selections and All-WNBA Team honors. Her contributions were pivotal in leading the Seattle Storm to four WNBA championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020), cementing her status as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Bird’s leadership and vision on the court were key to her team’s success. She was known for her exceptional passing, court awareness, and ability to make her teammates better. Her competitive spirit and basketball acumen helped her adapt to various playing styles and changes within the league, demonstrating her versatility and longevity.
Beyond the WNBA, Sue Bird’s career extended to international play, where she achieved significant success with various teams. Her international career began with the U.S. national team, where she became a cornerstone of one of the most dominant squads in women’s basketball history. Bird’s contributions helped secure gold medals at four Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2020) and multiple FIBA World Championships.
In addition to her achievements with the national team, Bird played for several international clubs, including teams in Russia and Turkey. Her time with Dynamo Moscow and UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia, as well as Fenerbahçe in Turkey, showcased her ability to adapt to different styles of play and contribute to her teams’ success across various leagues.
Sue Bird’s influence extends beyond her performance on the court. She has been an outspoken advocate for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice. Her visibility and voice have helped raise awareness about important issues, making her a role model not only for aspiring athletes but also for those striving to make a difference in their communities.
Bird’s advocacy is evident in her public statements and involvement in various initiatives. She has used her platform to support movements such as Black Lives Matter and has been a vocal advocate for equal pay and opportunities for women in sports. Her commitment to these causes has amplified the conversation around equity and representation in sports and beyond.
Sue Bird announced her retirement from professional basketball in 2022, closing a remarkable chapter in her career. Her final season with the Seattle Storm was a celebration of her incredible journey, marked by emotional tributes and reflections on her legacy. Bird’s retirement was met with widespread recognition of her contributions to the game and her impact on the sport’s growth.
Bird’s legacy is defined by her exceptional skill, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the game. Her career statistics include over 3,000 assists, ranking her as one of the top playmakers in WNBA history. Her influence on the court, combined with her advocacy off the court, has made her a trailblazer and a cherished figure in the world of basketball.
