SUE BIRD

GUARD, SEATTLE STORM

Hometown: Syosset, New York

DOB: October 16, 1980

College: Connecticut

Height: 5’9”

Experience: 18 Seasons

Draft: 2002, Round 1, No. 1 Overall

The WNBA’s all-time leader in assists and career starts ticks all the boxes as a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. Sue Bird has built a legacy over her 20 years in the league by leading the Seattle Storm to four WNBA titles and breaking a long list of records along the way. You name it, she’s done it. From becoming the only player to appear in 500 games to starting every game she’s ever played, Bird is as reliable and durable as they come. Even at 41 years old, the former UConn Huskie is still going strong, continuing to add to her all-time assists total and chasing another championship ring. Bird will go down as one of the best to ever lace up a pair of basketball shoes, so it’s only natural to have her grace the cover of NBA 2K23* for her final WNBA season.

DIANA TAURASI

GUARD, PHOENIX MERCURY

Hometown: Chino, California

DOB: June 11, 1982

College: Connecticut

Height: 6’

Experience: 17 Seasons

Draft: 2004, Round 1, No. 1 Overall

Voted in 2021 as the WNBA’s GOAT, Taurasi has been dominating the league for almost two decades. As the leader of the Phoenix Mercury, she has hoisted the championship trophy three times. Her individual accomplishments consist of 10 All-Star selections, WNBA MVP, two-time WNBA Finals MVP, and 10 All-WNBA First Team selections. While Taurasi’s WNBA resume is robust, one of her most notable achievements is on the international stage. The California native is a five-time Olympic gold medalist—one of only two athletes to reach this significant milestone, the other being Sue Bird. Wherever she’s gone, Taurasi has led her teams to success. Her imprint isn’t just on the WNBA, but basketball as a whole, making her a clear choice for the NBA 2K23 cover*.

*The WNBA edition is available only in the US (physical only)