As teams across the NBA search relentlessly for any possible edge over their competitors, the Denver Nuggets appear to be on the cusp of adding notable additional talent to their staff.
According to Mile High Sports’ TJ McBride, the Nuggets are in discussions with current WNBA star Sue Bird about a role with the team.
According to league sources, the Denver Nuggets and WNBA Champion Sue Bird have had discussions about potentially hiring Bird to work as an intern with the Nuggets. Nothing is official, but Bird did take time to travel to Denver to observe practice on Friday afternoon as a visitor.
However, there is a slight caveat involved. Since Bird is currently still under contract for the 16th straight season with her WNBA team, Seattle Storm, she would have to be brought in as an intern. This means Bird won’t be able to hold a full-time job with the Nuggets or any NBA team as long as her playing career resumes in the WNBA.
Sources have told Mile High Sport that if Bird is hired, it would be as an intern. She has not retired from the WNBA and is expected to play with the Seattle Storm this upcoming season. Because she is still playing for the Storm, Bird would not be able to accept a full-time position with the Nuggets. That is what makes bringing her in as a possible intern so fascinating. Bird has a wealth of basketball knowledge and learning the NBA through an internship is the most efficient way for her to begin carving out a career once she retires as a player.
We’ve seen this recent trend of brilliant WNBA minds making the transition into the NBA, a movement that is long overdue. Last season, Becky Hammon emerged as a coaching force with the illustrious San Antonio Spurs and more should be on the way.
Though an official deal between Sue Bird and the Nuggets doesn’t seem imminent thanks to her ongoing playing career, we could expect to see her involved with Denver in some fashion shortly.
