Latest news with #BasketballHallOfFame
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Congratulations Are Pouring In For WNBA Legend Sue Bird
Congratulations Are Pouring In For WNBA Legend Sue Bird originally appeared on The Spun. Sue Bird's playing days are long gone, but she's dominating the headlines in the WNBA this Wednesday. Bird spent her entire WNBA career with the Seattle Storm, averaging 11.7 points and 5.6 assists per game. She was a 13-time All-Star, four-time WNBA champion and three-time assists leader. The UConn legend was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame this year. Advertisement With that said, Seattle will honor Bird on Aug. 17 with her very own statue outside Climate Pledge Arena. That day has been dubbed the "Forever Sue" game. "For over two decades, the city of Seattle supported me, both on and off the court," Bird said in a statement. "It's because of this community that Seattle will forever hold a special place in my heart. This statue isn't just for me, it's for anyone out there hoping to one day pursue their passions and live out their dreams. I'm thankful to the Storm and Seattle for this honor, and can't wait to celebrate with my family, friends and our amazing fans in August." SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 06: Megan Rapinoe and partner Sue Bird watch during the second quarter between the Seattle Storm and the Los Angeles Sparks at Climate Pledge Arena on June 06, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by)As you'd imagine, WNBA fans are applauding Bird for this incredible honor. She was the heart and soul of the Storm for two decades, so it's only fitting she receives her own statue. Advertisement "The Storm is the first franchise in the W to dedicate a statue to a former player, well done," Niko Tamurian of KOMO News said. "We cannot wait. So deserving. Congrats Sue," one fan wrote. "So deserving! Go Sue," an Instagram user wrote. "She deserves this," another fan commented. Tickets for the Storm's game on Aug. 17 are already available. Hopefully, there'll be a packed crowd in attendance. Regardless, Bird deserves a standing ovation from the fans in Seattle. Related: WNBA All-Star Accused Of Taking 'Cheap Shot' At Caitlin Clark Congratulations Are Pouring In For WNBA Legend Sue Bird first appeared on The Spun on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Washington Post
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
NBA stars can become hometown heroes forever. Then there's Kevin Durant.
Kevin Durant probably enjoys the scenic route. We know this because his circuitous trip to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame feels more and more rambling as the years go on. After his flyby in Phoenix and nothing more, the latest detour in his career leads him to Houston. There, Durant will anchor a young and rising Rockets team on the verge of greatness — quite similar to that one he left in Oklahoma City almost a decade ago. And there, in Southeast Texas, he'll play for a good coach and possibly contend for the NBA's Western Conference title, if not more. He might even enjoy the rodeo and all the lemon pepper wings his heart desires.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird inducted into Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird has been inducted into the 2025 class of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Bird is a four-time WNBA champion and the all-time WNBA assists leader, finishing her career with 3,234 total assists. On top of that, she is the most decorated International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup athlete in history, with four gold medals, and one bronze. She's also an Olympic career record holder for assists. Bird also broke records in college, playing for the UConn Huskies. She was the first pick of the first round in the 2002 WNBA Draft, and was with the Seattle Storm until her retirement in 2022. Other players inducted were Sylvia Fowles, Cappie Pondexter, and Alana Beard. Seven people total were inducted in the 2025 class.
Associated Press
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Dick Vitale has an extension with ESPN — and a college basketball event in his honor
Dick Vitale is inextricably intertwined with college basketball, with his iconic voice, exuberant style and enthusiastic catchphrases melding into a soundtrack for nearly five decades of the sport's history. And the broadcasting great's influence is sticking around next season, too, both in person on game days and through an addition to the college basketball calendar named in his honor. ESPN announced Monday that Vitale has signed a contract through the 2027-28 season, while ESPN Events is launching the Dick Vitale Invitational — the first matchup coming with a season-opening tilt between Duke and Texas on Nov. 4 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fittingly, the announcement comes on Vitale's 86th birthday, and months after he returned to the airwaves after being gone for two years amid a fourth battle with cancer. The Basketball Hall of Famer, also a former college and NBA coach, has been with ESPN since it launched in 1979 and called the network's first college basketball broadcast. 'So many times, awards and honors come to people after they're long gone,' Vitale said of the Invitational's birth in an interview with The Associated Press. 'And to get it while you're living is just a great, great feeling.' ___ AP college basketball: and
Washington Post
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Hall of Famer Don Nelson selected as this year's winner of Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award
OKLAHOMA CITY — Don Nelson has been invited to the NBA Finals countless times in recent years, always declining those opportunities. This time, his peers found a way to ensure he couldn't say no. Nelson — a Basketball Hall of Famer and three-time NBA coach of the year — was announced Sunday as this year's recipient of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the National Basketball Coaches Association. It will be formally given out Sunday night, about an hour before Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. 'History has already reflected Don Nelson's staggering contributions as a cutting-edge innovator and visionary of the NBA game,' said Pacers coach and NBCA President Rick Carlisle. 'Back in the '80s and '90s, he made teams adjust to historic pace, liberal 3-point shooting, inverted offense, and disruptive defensive schemes. All this while establishing himself as one of the most compelling personalities in all of professional sports.' Nelson, 85, retired in 2010 as the NBA's all-time coaching wins leader with 1,335, just ahead of Lenny Wilkens' 1,332. Nelson kept that top spot for nearly 12 years before now-retired San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich passed him in March 2022. Nelson is one of only two coaches in NBA history to have at least 250 wins with three different franchises. He got to that mark with Milwaukee, Dallas and Golden State, and also coached New York briefly in his career. Nelson and Daly were close friends. They went head-to-head 41 times as coaches: Nelson's teams went 21-20 in those games. 'Chuck was an absolute genius in all facets of the game and life,' Nelson said. 'I'm glad I had the opportunity to coach against him, learn from him, and benefit from his knowledge. To say that I'm deeply touched to receive an award that bears his name would be an understatement. This is special.' Nelson took teams to the playoffs 18 times as a coach and won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics. He started coaching in 1976 and what became known as 'Nellie Ball' soon created a buzz with him being generally credited for introducing what is now known as the point forward. His up-tempo offensive ways were probably best on display with Golden State in the 'Run TMC' era featuring Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin. The award is in Daly's memory and celebrates his 'integrity, competitive excellence, and tireless promotion of NBA basketball.' Prior recipients are Rudy Tomjanovich (2024), Rick Adelman (2023), Mike Fratello (2022), Larry Brown (2021), Del Harris (2020), Frank Layden (2019), Doug Moe (2018), Al Attles and Hubie Brown (2017), K.C. Jones and Jerry Sloan (2016), Dick Motta (2015), Bernie Bickerstaff (2014), Bill Fitch (2013), Pat Riley (2012), Lenny Wilkens (2011), Jack Ramsay and Tex Winter (2010) and Tommy Heinsohn (2009). ___ AP NBA:
