Seattle Storm Point Guard to Miss 2013 Season
Sue Bird will have surgery on left knee

March 12, 2013

Bird

SEATTLE - Point guard Sue Bird will undergo surgery on her left knee this spring and will miss the 2013 WNBA season, Seattle Storm Head Coach and General Manager Brian Agler announced today.

Bird, who completed her 11th season with the Storm last year, will have surgery to address a cyst that was discovered at the end of 2012. The decision to move forward with surgery was decided recently and although a specific date for surgery has not been announced, the estimated rehabilitation is six months. Following the initial recovery time, Bird will spend the summer in Seattle with her Storm teammates.

The cyst was discovered by Dr. Michael Joyce, her physician at the University of Connecticut, prior to her departure for Russia. Because Bird is not currently experiencing any pain in her left knee, she will continue her overseas commitment with UMMC Ekaterinburg.

�We support and agree with the decision to address the issue with Sue�s knee now,� Agler said. �It is important for us all to take a long term view in situations like this. We want Sue to return to full health and be healthy enough to play in 2014 and for many more seasons with the Storm. We are focused on putting our team together and look forward to another competitive WNBA season.�

�It is with great disappointment I share that I have developed a cyst in my left knee and this spring, I will be undergoing preventative surgery,� Bird said. �The doctors have informed me that I will be in recovery and intense physical therapy for approximately six months, which means I will be forced to miss this upcoming WNBA season. The doctors feel very strongly that if I take care of this as soon as I complete my current tour in Europe, it will ward off future debilitating consequences.

�While I may not be on the court in 2013 for the Storm,� Bird continued, �I will be in Seattle, cheering from the sidelines and doing whatever it takes to support the team throughout the season.�

Named as one of the WNBA�s Top 15 Players of All-Time, Bird led the Storm to WNBA titles in 2004 and 2010. She has made seven All-Star appearances and is a four-time All- WNBA First Team selection.

The Storm recently signed guards Temeka Johnson and Noelle Quinn and forward Nakia Sanford. Training camp invitations have been extended to Alysha Clark, Chay Shegog and Cierra Bravard. Veterans Lauren Jackson and Ann Wauters will not play the 2013 season in Seattle. Training camp is scheduled to begin May 5.

The Storm opens the 2013 season on the road, at Los Angeles, May 26. The home opener is June 2 versus Phoenix.