Sue Bird Backs Angel Reese for Rookie of the Year: “She Dominates, Injury or Not”

In a stunning show of support that has reignited the Rookie of the Year conversation across the WNBA landscape, Hall of Famer and four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird publicly endorsed Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese as her top choice for Rookie of the Year—despite Reese’s recent injury setbacks.

Bird, known for her legacy of excellence and leadership on and off the court, made the emphatic statement during a live panel discussion hosted by ESPN, sending waves through both fan and analyst communities.

“If Angel hadn’t gotten hurt, I still think she would be leading this race,” Bird said. “She dominates. She’s a force of nature. Injury or not, she’s still my pick for Rookie of the Year.”

The bold endorsement has since become a viral moment on social media platforms, with fans, fellow athletes, and commentators weighing in.

Bird’s statement not only reignites faith in Reese’s unparalleled athleticism but also underscores the greater impact the young star has already made in her first professional season.

A ROOKIE SEASON TO REMEMBER

Angel Reese, the 6-foot-3 phenom out of LSU, entered the WNBA with sky-high expectations after a historic college run that included a national championship and several individual accolades. Drafted as the 7th overall pick by the Chicago Sky, Reese quickly made her presence felt.

Her physical style of play, fierce rebounding ability, and unwavering confidence earned her comparisons to legends like Lisa Leslie and Tamika Catchings.

In just the first half of the season, Reese averaged an impressive 14.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, leading all rookies in double-doubles.

She broke a franchise record for most rebounds by a rookie in a single game and regularly found herself on highlight reels with her relentless pursuit of the ball.

Her fan base exploded almost overnight, with young girls across the country donning Reese jerseys and mimicking her iconic hand gestures and trash talk.

The Angel Reese effect was in full swing—bringing new energy to the Sky franchise and attracting attention to the WNBA like never before.

THE INJURY THAT PAUSED THE MOMENTUM

Unfortunately, midway through the season, Reese suffered a high ankle sprain during a hard-fought game against the Las Vegas Aces.

The injury sidelined her for several weeks, allowing other rookies—notably Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink—to make their own cases for Rookie of the Year.

Though Reese has since returned, some critics argue the missed games may weaken her award case. But Sue Bird doesn’t see it that way.

“Missing time is part of the game,” Bird said. “But what matters is how you perform when you’re on the court.

And when Angel Reese is on the court, she changes the entire flow of the game. That can’t be ignored.”

SUE BIRD: THE VOICE OF LEGITIMACY

Sue Bird’s endorsement is significant. As one of the most decorated players in basketball history—with five Olympic gold medals, 12 WNBA All-Star selections, and a 21-year professional career—Bird’s voice carries weight.

Her reputation for keen basketball insight has only grown since transitioning into broadcasting and executive leadership roles.

Bird has always championed young talent and diversity in the league. By choosing to support Reese, she not only highlights Angel’s potential but also advocates for a broader understanding of what constitutes Rookie of the Year performance.

“This award shouldn’t just be about stats. It should be about impact,” Bird elaborated. “And Angel Reese has had more impact on her team and the league than any other rookie this year.”

STATISTICS VS. IMPACT

While Reese’s statistical line is undeniably strong, some critics point to Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking shooting numbers or Brink’s defensive prowess as arguments for their own ROTY campaigns.

Clark has been heralded for her deep three-point range and fast-paced play style, while Brink is being praised for leading rookies in blocks and altering shots inside the paint.

But as Bird suggests, impact isn’t just measured in numbers. Reese’s vocal leadership, her connection with fans, and her ability to shift defensive strategies simply by stepping onto the court create intangibles that don’t show up in box scores.

WNBA analyst LaChina Robinson echoed this sentiment, tweeting: “Angel Reese’s game is grown-woman basketball.

She might not light up the scoreboard every night, but she does the dirty work, commands attention, and leads. That matters.”

TEAMMATES AND COACHES AGREE

Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon was quick to support Bird’s take.

“Sue knows what she’s talking about,” Weatherspoon said. “Angel is the heartbeat of our team. She sets the tone, and that energy spreads to everyone. She’s a game-changer.”

Teammates like Marina Mabrey and Dana Evans have also praised Reese’s leadership and intensity.

“She’s a dog,” Evans said with a smile. “She wants to win, and she brings that fire every single game. That’s rare for a rookie.”

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION

Bird’s comments have ignited a firestorm on social media. Hashtags like #AngelReeseROTY and #SueSaidIt have trended on Twitter, with fans debating the merits of various rookies.

Some have even started digital campaigns advocating for Reese to win the award, complete with highlight videos and testimonials from fans and coaches alike.

Reese responded on Instagram with a simple caption: “Appreciate the love OG @SueBird 🚀🤝 Let’s get back to work.”

That post alone garnered over 500,000 likes and was reposted by several high-profile athletes, including LeBron James, who wrote, “Facts. Big Reese got that DOG in her.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Beyond the award itself, Bird’s endorsement highlights a shift in how rookie contributions are evaluated.

It’s no longer enough to look at point totals or shooting percentages.

The conversation is expanding to include leadership, charisma, influence, and fan connection—all areas in which Reese excels.

Bird’s statement also opens the door to discussions about how injuries should factor into award voting.

While some believe consistent availability is essential, others argue that short-term absences should not overshadow consistent excellence when healthy.

“She has a presence you can’t teach,” said former WNBA coach Pokey Chatman.

“You can design plays around her, yes, but it’s more than that. She makes her teammates better just by being who she is.”

LEGACY BUILDING

Even if Angel Reese doesn’t win Rookie of the Year, the support from icons like Sue Bird will have a lasting effect.

Bird’s recognition helps solidify Reese’s place as a rising star and future face of the league.

“This is just the beginning for her,” Bird concluded. “We’re watching the early chapters of a legendary career.

Rookie of the Year or not, Angel Reese is going to be a name we remember for decades.”

As the WNBA season barrels toward its final weeks, the Rookie of the Year race remains fiercely contested.

But one thing is clear: Sue Bird’s powerful endorsement of Angel Reese has shifted the narrative.

While numbers may matter to some, others are taking a deeper look at influence, presence, and game-altering potential.

Angel Reese embodies all of these.

She dominates. And in the eyes of Sue Bird—and countless others—that makes her the Rookie of the Year.