UConn Women’s Basketball: Geno Auriemma on Sue Bird’s New NBA Job

On Friday, the Denver Nuggets announced the newest addition to their front office staff: former UConn star and living basketball legend Sue Bird.

Having coached her both at UConn and as a member of the US Olympic team, Geno Auriemma is very qualified to speak to Bird’s credentials for her new gig, and was asked about it after Saturday evening’s win over Vanderbilt.

“She’s one of the smartest individuals I’ve ever come across,” Auriemma shared. “I don’t think there’s any job in America that if you said ‘We’re gonna put Sue Bird in charge of it...’ that you would go wrong or regret doing it.”

Bird’s official title is Basketball Operations associate, which may not sound like much but remember, she’s still got her full-time job on the court with the 2018 WNBA champion Seattle Storm.

This will no doubt be a great experience for her as she approaches the next phase after her playing days. Bird joins over 20 former current and former WNBA players who are also working in NBA roles.

“I think this is a great opportunity for her to explore something that is completely out of the box,” Auriemma said. “I think it’s pretty cool.”

Video by Ian Bethune