Sue Bird’s Surprising Role with the Denver Nuggets
Sue Bird, a name synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball, has left an indelible mark on the sport with her four WNBA championships and an impressive 12 All-Star selections. However, what many fans may not realize is that Bird also ventured into the world of basketball operations during her illustrious playing career, specifically with the NBA’s Denver Nuggets.
An Unexpected Opportunity
In 2018, fresh off a championship season with the Seattle Storm, Bird received an unexpected proposal from the Nuggets. As she basked in the glow of her victory, she was approached by an NBA franchise eager to tap into her unique insights as both a player and an emerging executive.
Bird’s connection to the Nuggets began when she received a text from former NBA player Caron Butler, a friend from her college days at the University of Connecticut. Butler informed her that Tim Connelly, the president of basketball operations for the Nuggets, wanted to discuss a potential role with the organization.
A Rare Dual Career
The prospect of joining an NBA front office while still actively playing in the WNBA was a rare opportunity, placing Bird in a select group of athletes who have straddled the line between playing and executive roles. In a recent appearance on “The Young Man and The Three” podcast, Bird recounted her experience, describing how her visibility increased after winning the championship.
“I had just finished the 2018 season, we had won, so you’re just on TV more, you’re around more,” Bird explained. Within a month of her championship celebration, she found herself touring the Nuggets’ facilities, meeting key figures within the organization, and ultimately deciding on her role.
Choosing the Front Office
Bird opted to take on the position of Basketball Operations Associate, a decision rooted in her desire to learn about the inner workings of an NBA franchise. “I chose the front office because I don’t know the inner workings of a coaching staff,” she noted. Bird felt that her experience as a player gave her an understanding of that life, but the front office was unfamiliar territory.
Despite acknowledging that she could have learned valuable insights from head coach Mike Malone, Bird expressed that her interest lay in exploring the intricacies of team management and player operations. “I didn’t know anything about front office work. And I actually don’t know in the moment that I ever wanted to go into coaching; I still don’t know that,” she admitted.
Bird’s foray into the Nuggets’ front office not only highlights her versatility as an athlete but also underscores her commitment to expanding her basketball acumen beyond the court. As she continues to influence the game in various capacities, Sue Bird’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the possibilities that exist for athletes post-retirement.
