![\"Sue](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-2211517748.jpg\")
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Jamal Crawford speaks on Sue Bird receiving her statue and Hall of Fame honors. <\/p>\n
Seattle is about to honor one of its beloved sports icons. Sue Bird\u2019s statue outside Climate Pledge Arena will be unveiled by the Seattle Storm on Sunday, August 17, making her the first former WNBA<\/a> player to receive such an honor from her team. <\/p>\n Two career-defining milestones for a legend whose impact stretches far beyond the basketball court are the tribute and induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame later this year.<\/p>\n Jamal Crawford Applauds Sue Bird\u2019s Class, Community Impact, and Historic Honor<\/p>\n Jamal Crawford, a former NBA star and Seattle native, talked about what distinguishes Bird\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n \u201cSue did everything with class and style. She made her own path and was always accessible. Whenever something was going on in the community, you knew she was there \u2014 not just in name, but in person,\u201d Crawford said.<\/p>\n \u201cShe showed up, gave her time, and worked to make the community a better place. That\u2019s why she truly deserves this honor. You might not see another one like her for a long time, so we have to appreciate, cherish, and celebrate that. It\u2019s a complete honor for her.\u201d<\/p>\n SI.com reports<\/a> that the sculpture crafted by renowned sculptor Julie Rotblatt Amrany will be the starting point for the all-day celebration \u2018Forever Sue\u2019, which begins at 10 a.m.<\/p>\n A press conference with Storm leadership, city officials, and WNBA legends is scheduled to take place as part of the event, according to the organizers\u2019 schedule.<\/p>\n The Phoenix Mercury will take on the Seattle Storm at 3 p.m. at Climate Pledge Arena, in addition to a free fan fest at noon. The Seattle sports royalty will display Bird\u2019s likeness and pay homage to Ken Griffey Jr. and Lenny Wilkens.<\/p>\n Sue Bird\u2019s Legendary Career and Lasting Influence on the Game<\/p>\n The basketball career of Bird is legendary: he has won four WNBA championships, was selected to 13 All-Star teams, and holds the league\u2019s all-time assist record. She spent her entire 21-year career in Seattle, becoming not only a franchise cornerstone but also a global ambassador for women\u2019s sports.<\/p>\n Since 2024<\/a>, she has been a member of the Storm ownership group and serves as the managing director of the USA Women\u2019s National Team.<\/p>\n Becky Hammon Highlights Sue Bird\u2019s Unmatched Leadership and Team Impact<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWith Sue, since we\u2019re in Seattle, her leadership is what stands out the most. She\u2019s obviously one of the all-time greatest point guards. I don\u2019t think anybody would contest that,\u201d Hammon said<\/a>. \u201cShe was probably never the best player on her championship teams, but she was always the best leader. She got greatness out of everybody else, making her the greatest.\u201d<\/p>\n Seattle Celebrates Sue Bird as a Permanent Part of the City\u2019s Sports Legacy<\/p>\n BECU will present a limited-edition Sue Bird drawing by Seattle artist Keegan Hall to fans arriving early on Sunday, exclusively to the first 7,500 attendees inside the arena.<\/p>\n This weekend\u2019s celebration in Seattle isn\u2019t just about honoring a Hall of Fame career \u2014 it\u2019s also about recognizing someone who has become a part of the community. Bird\u2019s statue will be a constant reminder of the influence, leadership, and inspiration she has given to generations of athletes. In Seattle, Sue Bird isn\u2019t just a legend. She\u2019s part of the city\u2019s DNA.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tLandon Buford<\/a> Landon Buford is a Heavy Sports contributor. I’m a Washington State graduate with a Bachelors degree in Sociology. In the past, I’ve had stops at RESPECT Magazine, The Dallas Observer, USA Today, SI, Forbes, PlayersTV, Vayner Media, and The Hype Magazine. My interest is in Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Tech. More about Landon Buford<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Storm\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Getty Image Jamal Crawford speaks on Sue Bird receiving her statue and Hall of Fame honors. 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