A'ja Wilson's GOAT status questioned-Sue Bird reveals the one thing holding her back

The debate over who deserves the title of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in women's basketball has been a topic of passionate discussion for years. Names like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson have dominated these conversations, but in recent years, A'ja Wilson has emerged as a standout figure.

At just 28 years old, with three MVP titles and a list of accomplishments that rival legends of the game, Wilson's resume speaks for itself. However, according to Sue Bird, a four-time WNBA champion and highly respected voice in the sport, there's still one crucial factor to consider before crowning Wilson as the GOAT.

Wilson's dominance in the 2024 WNBA season has brought her career achievements into sharper focus. As a seven-year veteran, she is already part of a select group of women who have claimed three MVP titles. Despite these accolades, Bird isn't quite ready to crown her as the GOAT. Speaking on her podcast with Megan Rapinoe, Bird emphasized that while Wilson has an extraordinary resume, the GOAT status is often as much about longevity as it is about short-term brilliance.

"I think it's a word that gets thrown around a lot these days," Bird remarked. She pointed out that being considered the greatest also means sustaining a high level of excellence for many years. While Wilson's unprecedented achievements place her firmly among the greatest in history, according to Bird, there's one key element missing: time.

Wilson herself has expressed a similar sentiment in the past, downplaying the GOAT label for now. In an interview earlier this year, she explained that while it's an honor to be considered, she still feels there's more to achieve before truly being in the conversation with the legends who came before her.

Becky Hammon, A'ja's coach with the Las Vegas Aces, holds no reservations about her star player's place in history. Hammon, who witnessed the best of women's basketball during her playing career, believes Wilson is destined to surpass all the greats.

"I've played against all the legends, and none of them are like A'ja," Hammon boldly claimed. "She's not just great, she's the GOAT of GOATs." Her faith in Wilson is further validated by the Aces' back-to-back championships and Wilson's ability to carry the team on her back.

With accolades pouring in from basketball legends and current players alike, Wilson's path to GOAT status appears clear. Yet, as Bird suggested, the full story of Wilson's legacy won't be written until her playing days come to an end. With years ahead of her, and a hunger to keep evolving, one thing is certain: the conversation about who truly stands atop women's basketball is far from over.

Could A'ja Wilson ultimately be the GOAT? Perhaps. But as Sue Bird wisely noted, greatness is measured over time, and Wilson's journey to the top is just beginning.