The WNBA, much like the NBA itself, can be defined by various eras. It is defined by athletes who dominate, win games, hoist trophies, and forge their own legendary paths. As with its male contemporary, the W watches established legends walk away while new stars attempt to fill the void. Star power is what drives any professional league.
Within that transition, one of the most widely discussed debates enters the conversation: which era had the better players? One of the most accomplished players in WNBA history drew a distinction between modern individual skill and the team play of her era.
Sue Bird is one of the most accomplished players in basketball history, regardless of gender. She's won five Olympic gold medals, two national titles, and four WNBA championships, along with 13 All-Star nods.
After a 21-year tenure with Seattle that included 19 seasons on the court, she can opine on the state of the game she devoted her life to. As a podcast guest, Bird detailed the comparisons between her time and the current crop of players.
"I think each individual is just more skilled than we were 15 years ago. That to me is not a slight or a dig. That's just the evolution of the game," Bird said.
Bird does not frame her comparison as an attack on the younger generation. However, Bird gives credit to those who came after her, citing the significant jump in individual skill. When reaching for an example, the Hall of Famer discussed a particular aspect of the game that had become commonplace.
Bird said, "When you're on the three-point line, someone runs out at you, what do you do? You shot fake, you one dribble, pull up, you shot fake, you get closer to the basket. Now, what do you see? Shot fake, side step, three."
In essence, Bird's example highlights how modern players are more comfortable creating and taking difficult threes after defenders close out. Tradition held that the closer shot was the higher-percentage one. Instead, players look comfortable behind the arc, making the defense pay for being too aggressive. Still, the Seattle Storm legend believes her era has one specific advantage over the current one.
"It's just I think players today are incentivized to work on their skill sets individually more than ever. By the way, I can make an argument that 15 years ago we were better team players."
Given their confidence in their skill sets, Bird's assertion seems correct. In taking deep shots or trying to break down a defense in an isolation set, being an individual player means more. Bird's point is that the modern game places more emphasis on developing and displaying individual skill. Her career reflects that unselfishness.
For instance, during her four years at UConn, she averaged 11.7 points per game. Ironically, she posted that exact number as her WNBA scoring average in both the regular season and playoffs.
Bird never needed to be the dominant player to win games. Her reputation is built on ball movement and court vision. That isn't to say the modern players aren't focused on playmaking. Caitlin Clark stays in the top 10 in scoring and assists. Eras are vastly different, and talent plays in every form and fashion.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
