Caitlin Clark Cheers from the Sidelines as Sue Bird Earns Historic Honor from Seattle Storm

Even while sidelined by injury, Caitlin Clark remains deeply engaged with the pulse of the WNBA. The Indiana Fever star, who has been forced to miss four straight games due to a groin strain, continues to support her teammates and remains ever-present in league-wide conversations. This week, however, Clark’s spotlight was briefly eclipsed by one of the most respected legends in women’s basketball: Sue Bird.

On August 17, Sue Bird will become the first player in WNBA history to be immortalized in statue form by her team. The Seattle Storm announced that the statue will be unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena, cementing Bird’s extraordinary legacy in a league she helped elevate over a 21-year career.

The news reverberated across the WNBA landscape. But among the most telling reactions came from Clark herself. When asked for her thoughts on Bird receiving a statue, Clark didn’t offer a long explanation or a carefully crafted tribute. Instead, she simply responded with one word: “duh.”

It was classic Clark—witty, sharp, and straight to the point. But within that single word lay an entire generation’s acknowledgment of Bird’s impact on the game. To Clark and millions of fans around the world, honoring Sue Bird in this way isn’t just appropriate—it’s obvious.

Sue Bird and Caitlin ClarkLAPRESSE

The Legend of Sue Bird

To understand why Clark’s reaction resonated, one needs only to examine Bird’s unprecedented career. Drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in 2002, the former UConn standout spent her entire professional playing career with one franchise—a rarity in today’s sports world.

During those 21 seasons, Bird amassed:

4 WNBA Championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020)

13 WNBA All-Star selections

5 Olympic gold medals with Team USA (2004–2020)

4 FIBA World Cup titles

WNBA’s all-time assists record

She redefined the point guard position with her court vision, unselfish play, and quiet but undeniable leadership. For two decades, she was the face of the Storm and a pillar of consistency, longevity, and grace under pressure.

Even after retiring in 2022, Bird’s influence hasn’t waned. She remains actively involved in the sport—as part of the Seattle Storm ownership group, and more recently, as the Managing Director of the U.S. Women’s National Basketball Team. Her leadership now extends off the court, shaping the future of women’s basketball both domestically and internationally.

The statue is more than just a tribute. It’s a milestone—not just for Bird, but for women’s sports. In a league still fighting for visibility and respect, honoring a player with a permanent monument sends a message that legacy matters. That greatness, in this game, will be remembered.

Clark’s Respect for the Past, Focused on the Future

Caitlin Clark may be just beginning her professional journey, but her awareness of those who came before her sets her apart. Since entering the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, Clark has demonstrated an uncanny balance between self-confidence and reverence for the game’s pioneers.

She often speaks of her admiration for players like Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings, and of course, Sue Bird. But it’s her understanding of how history informs the present that makes her a worthy heir to the game’s legacy.

And though she’s only in her second year, Clark is already building her own impressive résumé:

2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year

Two-time All-Star

2025 Commissioner’s Cup champion (as part of the Indiana Fever)

All-Star Captain alongside Napheesa Collier

Even while recovering from injury, Clark’s leadership has been visible. She’s shown up to games in street clothes, cheering from the bench, engaged with teammates, and vocal in huddles. Her impact goes beyond stats. Like Bird before her, Clark is evolving into more than just a basketball player—she’s becoming a cultural icon.

Parallel Paths: Icons at Different Stages

In many ways, Clark’s rise mirrors the early buzz around Bird. Both were highly touted college stars. Both were drafted first overall. Both became faces of their franchises. And both are navigating the immense pressure that comes with being the next “face” of women’s basketball.

Yet, their styles are distinct. Where Bird’s leadership was often understated and methodical, Clark plays with visible fire. Her long-range shooting, fearless drives, and on-court bravado have made her a viral sensation. She thrives under the spotlight, a product of the TikTok and ESPN highlight reel era.

But at their core, both players share the same DNA: a deep love for the game, an unmatched basketball IQ, and an unwavering desire to win.

It’s fitting, then, that Clark would be one of the first young stars to publicly celebrate Bird’s upcoming statue. Not with fanfare, but with a knowing, one-word answer: “duh.”

Because greatness recognizes greatness.

A Legacy Cast in Bronze

The statue unveiling in Seattle is set for August 17—nearly a year after Bird played her final game in front of a sold-out home crowd. According to the Seattle Storm, the statue will be installed permanently outside Climate Pledge Arena, a venue Bird helped inaugurate during the final chapter of her career.

The artwork, created by a local sculptor, will depict Bird in her prime—dribbling, eyes scanning the court, forever frozen in the act of setting up the perfect play. The pose was chosen in consultation with Bird herself, reflecting not just her playing style but her identity as a selfless facilitator.

Storm CEO Alisha Valavanis called it “the most fitting tribute we could offer,” adding, “Sue gave everything to this city, this franchise, and this league. Now her legacy will live on here forever.”

What It Means for the League

Bird’s statue is a historic first, but it almost certainly won’t be the last. As the WNBA enters a new era—buoyed by rising stars like Clark, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston—the league is beginning to invest more in preserving its past.

The idea of legacy, long a staple of men’s sports, is finally becoming a priority for women’s leagues as well. And statues, jersey retirements, documentaries, and hall of fame inductions are all part of that cultural shift.

Clark, by acknowledging the significance of Bird’s statue, is helping to amplify that message. Her presence in the league is bridging the gap between two generations—the pioneers and the inheritors.

Looking Ahead

As for Clark, her return to the court is eagerly anticipated. Though she has missed multiple games due to her groin injury, the Indiana Fever have thrived in her absence. The team recently secured the Commissioner’s Cup with a 74-59 victory over the Minnesota Lynx, thanks to standout performances from Natasha Howard, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Sophie Cunningham.

Still, the league feels different without Clark’s dynamic presence. The good news? Fever head coach Stephanie White says the team is taking a cautious but optimistic approach to her recovery, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gain.

And when Clark returns—whether in next week’s showdown with the Chicago Sky or later—she’ll rejoin a team brimming with confidence and momentum.

A Symbolic Passing of the Torch

Sue Bird’s statue may be a tribute to the past, but it also signals the future. Her journey laid the groundwork for players like Caitlin Clark to thrive. And now, Clark is helping write the next chapter of women’s basketball.

It’s a beautiful symmetry. One legend honored, one legend in the making.

The game, as always, goes on—but never forgets.