Sue Bird recently shared her thoughts on the Indiana Fever’s success, highlighting the importance of pace in their gameplay ¹. She noted that the Fever’s pace, driven by Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, can overpower teams and compensate for physicality, size, and experience. Bird, a WNBA legend, emphasized that she has learned this from her experience in the league.
Bird’s comments came after the Fever secured back-to-back wins, showcasing their improved chemistry and connection between Clark and Mitchell ¹. Clark is currently leading all rookies in points and assists per game, while Mitchell is having one of the most efficient seasons of her career.
However, Bird has also been vocal about the disrespect towards veteran players amid the hype surrounding Clark ². She emphasized that prematurely crowning Clark as a top player disrespects established WNBA athletes. Bird acknowledged Clark’s potential but stressed that the transition from college to professional basketball can be challenging.
Bird’s remarks highlight the need to recognize the achievements of veteran players while supporting young talent ². She encouraged the league to capitalize on the popularity of players like Clark to boost the WNBA’s profile and retain talent. By sharing her insights, Bird aims to promote a more nuanced understanding of the league’s competitive landscape. ³ ¹ ²
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