The Denver Nuggets have announced the addition of WNBA legend Sue Bird to their front office staff via a press release. She will take on the position of Basketball Operation Assistant, according to the press release.
“We are very excited to have Sue join our organization,” Nuggets President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly said. “Her resume certainly speaks for itself and as a still active player she will offer an extremely unique perspective.”
“I’m really excited to join the Denver Nuggets organization. I’m thankful for the opportunity and look forward to learning from some of the best,” said Bird, an 11-time WNBA All-Star. She plans to continue playing in the WNBA, in what would be her 17th season at age 38.
It was reported previously that the Nuggets and Bird were in discussions about a potential role. This appears to be the outcome from those earlier discussions.
In terms of accomplishments, there are few resumes as strong as Bird’s. She is an 11-time WNBA All-Star and has hoisted three WNBA championships. In college, at perennial-powerhouse UConn, Bird won two NCAA championships and was eventually the number one pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft. She has spent her entire career with the Seattle Storm, and helped lead the team to the 2018 WNBA title.
Women making an impact in the NBA has gained considerable traction. Becky Hammon has been with the San Antonio Spurs for five seasons and was interviewed by other teams for head coach. Jenny Boucek, Bird’s former coach in Seattle, has been with two NBA teams as an assistant. Fellow WNBA player Kristi Tolliver joined the Washington Wizards this past offseason as an assistant coach for player development.
