It is the most enduring question in basketball trivia, fueled by shared greatness and a famous surname. But the verdict is final: WNBA icon Sue Bird and NBA legend Larry Bird are not related. The shared name is a coincidence, but the confusion is a legend of its own making.

For decades, fans have looked at the two court generals—both known for their supreme basketball IQ, passing wizardry, and clutch performances—and assumed a bloodline. The theory is so pervasive that it has become part of Sue Bird’s public identity. "Since I've been five, people asked me if we're related," Sue once told the WNBA. "It is usually the third question in the line of questions."

The Kindergarten Lie That Stuck

The delicious irony is that Sue Bird herself is partly responsible for the rumor. In a moment of childhood mischief, a kindergarten-aged Sue decided to leverage the coincidence for playground clout. She admitted in interviews that she used to tell her classmates that the Celtics superstar was indeed her uncle. It was a harmless fib that spiraled into an urban legend.

The truth of their lineages is distinct and documented:

• Sue Bird: Born in Syosset, New York. Her father, Herschel Bird, is of Russian-Jewish heritage, and the family name was originally "Boorda" before being anglicized at Ellis Island.
• Larry Bird: The "Hick from French Lick" was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, to a family with deep roots in the American Midwest.

An Honorary Dynasty

While they share no DNA, they share a mutual respect that transcends genetics. When the two finally met to film a commercial in 2022, Sue confessed her childhood lie to Larry. His response was quintessential Larry Legend: he said he was "honored" to be an honorary member of her family.

So, while there is no secret Bird family reunion, the connection remains poetic. They are related not by blood, but by mastery. They are the two "Birds" who taught the world how to fly without leaving the hardwood.