Sue Bird of the Storm will start at guard for the West team in Saturday’s All-Star Game in Uncasville, Conn.
The 34-year-old Bird, making her ninth All-Star Game appearance, will be joined in the starting backcourt by DeWanna Bonner of the Phoenix Mercury. They replace Skylar Diggins and Seimone Augustus, who were selected as starters in fan balloting but have knee injuries.
West coach Sandy Brondello, who also guides the Mercury, said, “Sue Bird deserves to be there for what she’s done in this league for so many years. I think it’s great recognition for her.”
Bird was a college standout at Connecticut.