If you are a fan of basketball, you might have wondered if Sue Bird and Larry Bird are related. After all, they share the same last name and they are both among the best players in the history of the sport. But is there any truth to this common assumption? Or is it just a coincidence that they have the same surname? In this article, we will reveal the answer to this question and tell you more about these two amazing athletes.
Who is Sue Bird?
Sue Bird is a retired American professional basketball player who played for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female players of all time, having won four WNBA championships, five Olympic gold medals, four FIBA World Cups, and two NCAA titles with the University of Connecticut. She is also the WNBA’s all-time leader in assists and career starts, and the oldest player to win a WNBA title at age 40.
Sue Bird was born in Syosset, New York, on October 16, 1980. She started playing basketball at a young age and attended Christ the King Regional High School in Queens, where she led her team to two state championships. She then enrolled at UConn, where she played under legendary coach Geno Auriemma and became one of the most decorated players in college basketball history. She was drafted by the Storm as the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA draft and spent her entire 21-year career with the team.
Sue Bird is also known for her activism and advocacy for social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s empowerment. She is engaged to soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who is also an outspoken activist and a five-time Olympic medalist. The couple met at a media summit in 2015 and got engaged in 2020. They became the first openly gay couple to appear on the cover of ESPN’s Body Issue in 2018.
Who is Larry Bird?
Larry Bird is a former American professional basketball player who played for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time, having won three NBA championships, three NBA MVP awards, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and an Olympic gold medal with the 1992 Dream Team. He is also one of the best shooters and passers in NBA history, holding the record for the highest career free throw percentage (88.6%) and ranking sixth in career assists (6,798).
Larry Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, on December 7, 1956. He grew up in poverty and dropped out of high school before returning to earn his diploma. He then attended Indiana State University, where he led his team to the NCAA championship game in 1979, losing to Magic Johnson’s Michigan State. He was drafted by the Celtics as the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft and played his entire 13-year career with the team.
Larry Bird is also known for his fierce competitiveness and his legendary rivalry with Magic Johnson, which helped revitalize the NBA in the 1980s. He retired from playing in 1992 due to chronic back problems and became a coach and executive for the Indiana Pacers. He is currently serving as an advisor to the Pacers’ president of basketball operations.
The answer is no. Sue Bird and Larry Bird are not related to each other by blood or marriage. They just happen to have the same last name and play the same sport at a high level. However, they do share some similarities besides their name and profession. They are both white Americans who grew up in small towns and faced hardships in their childhoods. They are both known for their leadership, intelligence, work ethic, and clutch performances. They are both respected and admired by their peers and fans.
Sue Bird has admitted that she used to lie about being Larry Bird’s niece when she was younger, as a way to impress people or get out of trouble. She also said that she gets asked if they are related all the time, especially by older fans who remember Larry’s glory days. She said that she doesn’t mind the question, since Larry is a legend and she respects him as a player.
Larry Bird has also acknowledged Sue Bird as a great player and said that he enjoys watching her play. He said that he likes her style of play and her attitude on the court. He also said that he thinks she is better than him at shooting free throws.
Conclusion
Sue Bird and Larry Bird are not related to each other, but they are both basketball icons who have made their mark on the sport. They have inspired generations of fans and players with their skills, achievements, and personalities. They have also shown that having the same last name does not mean having the same destiny, but rather having the same passion and dedication. They are both Birds of a feather, but not of the same flock.
