Hey Sue Bird... Before You Go

With Matt Wurst, WNBA.com Editor

More With Sue Bird

Photos: Through the Years Video: Bird's life in Moscow

Dececmber 1, 2006 -- Just one day before packing up and heading overseas to play, Storm All-Star guard Sue Bird stopped by the WNBA offices in New York. Among other things, she filled us in on all the fun and interesting things she has been doing recently as well as how she is getting ready for the the holiday season.

Q. So what have you been up to these past few weeks since the World Championships?
Bird: "Wow, I have really been all over the map. I spent some time in Seattle just chilling, I've been here in New York as well as with my family on Long Island. I've been to Spain and I also just got back from Australia after spending two weeks there. Let me tell you, it is absolutely amazing."

Sue has used her passport so much lately that she's getting a new one. NBAE Images

Q. Did you get to travel around or see friends down there?
Bird: "I just have to say that it is such a beautiful country. I went to visit my teammate, Lauren Jackson, who is in Sydney. She has an amazing apartment and we had a lot of fun. I was there with Diana (Taurasi) and we went to the beach, the Sydney Opera House and even went to see some other WNBA players like Tully (Bevilaqua) in one of her games down there."

Q. I think people are curious if you would you consider playing there in the offseason?
Bird: "I know those rumors got started. I don't know why Graffie (Carrie Graf) said that. She's funny."

Q. How was your Thanksgiving last week?
Bird: "It was nice. I spent Thanksgiving with my mom and her boyfriend. I had just gotten back from Australia and I was really jetlagged. We usually go to my aunt's house but we kept it low key this year.

Q. What's it like being in New York for the holidays?
Bird: "There is something so special about it. Everyone is in a great mood, people are all over the place shopping and the spirits are high. The Tree Lighting in Rockefeller Center is this week, a huge deal and people really should come see it. This is one of my favorite times of year, and to be in New York of all places makes it special."

Q. Speaking of shopping, what do you want for Christmas this year?
Bird: "You don't have to get me anything, but thanks."

Q. Too late. But I'm asking for your mom. She asked me to find out what you really want.
Bird: "In the past, I've told people to get me DVDs. Like the box sets of entire series. When you're overseas and there isn't much else to do, they can be great. My mom always puts together a great bundle of gifts, too, so I don't ever really make a list."

"If You Want to be Understood... Listen."

Q. How do you do holiday shopping if you are going overseas?
Bird: "All I can say is Thank God for the internet."

Q. You ready for another winter overseas? How are you preparing?
Bird: "I've just relaxed a bit, hung out with some friends. I saw two movies this past week. I saw Babel with Brad Pitt, and Bobby, which I really liked and was later disappointed to learn was fiction.

Q. I don't think it's fiction.
Bird: "No, I know the whole Bobby Kennedy story is true, but the other stories and characters were not all real, I just read. But I loved the cameos. In serious movies like that, you need Ashton Kutcher in them simply for comic relief. As for Babel, it was pretty interesting. It's a lot like Crash, where everything is connected and comes full circle, but not as good.

Q. And now you're leaving tomorrow?
Bird: "Yes, I leave for Israel, where I will spend several days to finalize a process that has been ongoing for some time. I have applied for Israeli citizenship, which makes playing overseas a bit easier. There have been interviews and a lot of paperwork that I had to do, and now I have to go there to finish it up."

Sue got all of her John Legend before leaving. NBAE Images

Q. Wow, Mazel Tov! Have you ever been there?
Bird: "No and I am really excited. Not only am I looking forward to seeing those sites, but I already let my teammates, Tanisha Wright and Barb Turner, know that I am coming. They are playing over there and it will be great to see them."

Q. Have you downloaded all the songs you need for your trip?
Bird: "Of course. I've got the whole John Legend, which is great. I also am listening to Robin Thicke. He's great. And you'll never guess who he is... Alan Thicke's son!"

They may both be basketball superstars, but no, they are not related. NBAE Images

Q. Well you know Alan Thicke did write the themes to Facts of Life and Diff'rent Strokes. True story.
Bird: "I believe it. And Robin is like the next big thing. Just wait. I am also big on Imogen Heap. She's really good."

Q. Hey, did you know Larry Bird turns 50 next week? There's going to be a big special on it on NBA TV.
Bird: "I did not know that, but I hope people at the NBA do something for me when I turn 50."

Q. I only bring it up because I know you're NOT related, but people always think you are.
Bird: "Totally. Since I've been five, people asked me if we're related. It is usually the third question in the line of questions. What's your name? Sue Bird. Oh, what do you do? I play basketball. Are you related to Larry Bird? That's how it goes. I guess it could be worse, though, since he is a legend and all."

Q. So let's cut to the chase. You are a restricted free agent and the signing period begins in like a month. What's the deal?
Bird: "In all honesty, nothing has happened yet. No one has had any conversations yet, not me, not my agent. It is still early. I heard about the whole 'Trade Sue,' thing, but I love Seattle."

Q. And New York, right?
Bird: "Stop that."

Q. Okay, fine.
Bird: "Can I go now?"