Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird: The Natasha Howard Interview
Episode Title: The Natasha Howard Interview
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Host: Sue Bird
Guest: Natasha Howard
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Bird's Eye View, host Sue Bird sits down with WNBA star Natasha Howard to delve into the latter’s illustrious career, her experiences across multiple championship teams, and her role as a defensive powerhouse in the league. The conversation offers listeners a comprehensive look into Howard's journey, her adaptability, and the skills that have made her an invaluable asset to every team she has joined.
Career Journey and Championship Success
Sue Bird opens the discussion by highlighting Natasha Howard's unprecedented achievement of reaching the WNBA Finals five out of six seasons, across three different teams. Bird emphasizes Howard's unique ability to seamlessly integrate with high-caliber teams, contributing to her status as a three-time WNBA champion.
Sue Bird (15:06): “You went to four finals in a row with three different teams. Five times in six seasons. Did you even know that?”
Natasha Howard admits she wasn’t fully aware of this statistic initially but acknowledges her role as a “good luck charm” that has propelled her teams toward success.
Natasha Howard (15:09): “I was like, really? Yeah, you were like Miss Good Luck Charm there for a minute.”
Preparation and Adaptation to the WNBA
Howard reflects on her transition from college basketball at Florida State to the WNBA, emphasizing the physical and mental preparations she undertook to compete at the highest level. She credits her assistant coach, Brooke Wyckoff, for providing invaluable insights into the professional game.
Natasha Howard (15:18): “I felt very prepared because we had Brooke Wyckoff as my assistant coach... I started doing a lot of conditioning and a lot of lifting...”
Despite challenges in gaining weight to match the physicality of the league, Howard utilized her agility and quickness to excel, especially in defensive roles.
Defensive Prowess and Development
A significant portion of the interview focuses on Howard's evolution as a defensive player. Initially struggling with the intricacies of WNBA defense, she diligently worked to enhance her understanding and execution of complex defensive schemes.
Natasha Howard (19:14): “Like defense, like learning the terms of... it was just so quick...”
Her dedication paid off, culminating in her being named the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year. Howard explains that her defensive mindset is driven by a desire to make opponents uncomfortable and to disrupt their offensive flow.
Natasha Howard (44:25): “Defense just, just fuels me... I feel like I just see red when I'm on defense.”
Trades and Team Dynamics
Howard shares her experiences being traded multiple times, outlining the emotional and professional impacts of each move. From Indiana to Minnesota, and eventually to Seattle, she discusses how each transition provided her with new opportunities to grow and contribute to championship-caliber teams.
Natasha Howard (22:24): “I was kind of... I really wanted to play forever in Indiana, though. But... it was a better opportunity for me.”
In Minnesota, Howard thrived alongside seasoned veterans, learning from their experience and further honing her defensive skills. Her time in Seattle, under the coaching of Sue Bird herself, marked a pivotal point in her career, where her contributions became even more pronounced.
Playing with Sue Bird and the Flow Offense
The interview delves into Howard's time with Sue Bird in Seattle, where the team employed the "Flow Offense," a system characterized by its read-and-react, controlled chaos approach. Howard praises the system for its adaptability and the high basketball IQ required to execute it effectively.
Sue Bird (08:00): “The starting five that we had... one of the fastest pace offenses the WNBA has seen.”
Howard describes how her versatility and agility allowed her to seamlessly fit into this offensive framework, contributing both as a scorer and a facilitator.
Natasha Howard (40:18): “What I'm thinking about is it's playing free, but at the same time still reading, reacting to my teammates...”
Current Season and Future Goals
As the conversation advances, Howard discusses her current role with the Indiana Fever, highlighting the challenges and growth opportunities of integrating with a new team. Despite injuries and roster adjustments, she remains optimistic about the team's potential.
Natasha Howard (58:51): “We're still learning each other... we just scratching the surface still...”
Howard emphasizes the importance of patience and continuous improvement, both personally and as a team, to achieve success in the ongoing season.
Natasha Howard (60:57): “Just be patient. Patient is the main thing.”
Leadership and Mentorship
Howard reflects on her role as a veteran leader, particularly in mentoring younger players like Caitlin Clark. She underscores the significance of guiding emerging talents and fostering a supportive team environment.
Natasha Howard (56:31): “I could bring that into the organization to help them out...”
Her leadership philosophy centers on patience, support, and empowering teammates to excel without feeling overwhelmed by individual expectations.
Conclusion
The interview wraps up with Sue Bird commending Natasha Howard's resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Howard's journey epitomizes the essence of a champion—constantly evolving, embracing challenges, and uplifting every team she becomes a part of.
Sue Bird (63:43): “You have what I would call elite accolades... just every day, every season, every year, figuring things out, adding something, and then really just staying ready.”
Natasha Howard leaves listeners with a message of perseverance and the importance of being ready to seize every opportunity that comes her way, solidifying her legacy as one of the WNBA’s most impactful players.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Sue Bird (15:06): “You went to four finals in a row with three different teams. Five times in six seasons. Did you even know that?”
- Natasha Howard (19:14): “Like defense, like learning the terms of... it was just so quick...”
- Sue Bird (40:18): “What I'm thinking about is it's playing free, but at the same time still reading, reacting to my teammates...”
- Natasha Howard (44:25): “Defense just, just fuels me... I feel like I just see red when I'm on defense.”
- Natasha Howard (60:57): “Just be patient. Patient is the main thing.”
Final Thoughts
This episode of Bird's Eye View offers a deep dive into Natasha Howard's strategic mind, her defensive mastery, and her invaluable contributions to every championship team she has joined. Listeners gain not only an appreciation for her on-court skills but also insights into her leadership qualities and the professional demeanor that make her a respected figure in women’s basketball.