The 12-time WNBA All-Star Sue Bird is ready to put an end to her illustrious basketball career. Bird confirmed on Thursday that the 2022 season would also be her last as a professional.
Bird, who spent her entire WNBA career with Seattle Storm, announced her decision via social media.
“I’ve decided this will be my final year,” Bird wrote on Twitter. “I have loved every single minute, and still do, so gonna play my last year, just like this little girl played her first.”
Bird thought about calling it quits after the 2021 campaign in which she averaged 10.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. However, overwhelming support from the fans, who frequently chanted “one more year” during Seattle games, persuaded her to return for another run. She took a pay cut to remain with the Storm for the upcoming season, hoping she could ride into the sunset with another WNBA championship on her resume.
Bird, who was Storm’s first overall pick in the 2002 draft, has won four WNBA titles during her time in the league. She also has five All-WNBA First Team nods and currently holds the record for most career assists in the history of the league with 3.048. Her stats include 12.0 points, 2.6 boards, and 5.6 assists per game.
