Sue Bird, the Storm All-Star in her 11th WNBA season, talked about the Olympics, the 2012 Storm and women's sports on Thursday in a live chat:

Q: Have you heard the tweet from Isaiah Thomas about wanting to play you one-on-one?

Bird: I just heard about it a few minutes before reading your question. I'm not in the Twitter world but if Isaiah wants some he knows where to find me ;)

Q: How are you feeling physically?

Bird: I'm feeling great (knock on wood)! I had surgery on my right hip in the fall but was able to play overseas with no problems. It feels much better than it has in a very long time, so I'm excited about that.

Q: What has it been like to prepare for the Olympics against the Chinese team at "home" in Seattle?

Bird: Well, since the Storm and I scrimmaged against the Chinese team a few days ago, I feel like I'll have a little bit of an edge when the USA takes them on Saturday night (at KeyArena, 7:30 p.m., shameless plug). Overall, though, it's been a good week for the Storm, and once the USA team arrives I know that will just continue.

Q: What have you missed most about Seattle after being gone over the long offseason?

Bird: I've missed SO much. My apartment, my team, the city, the restaurants, and surprisingly enough the weather.

Q: How do you think the team will do without Lauren Jackson at the beginning?

Bird: Of course, we will miss Lauren, but Brian (coach Brian Agler) and his staff have put together a great roster that can hold down the fort 'til she gets back.

Q: How do you feel about the NBA returning to Seattle?

Bird: I think it needs to happen sooner than later. The NBA, just like the WNBA, brings so much to a community and I think it's missed here in Seattle. Plus, I'm a huge basketball fan and would love to have a local team to support again.

Q: If the team were in the Hunger Games, who would win?

Bird: Since I'm probably the only one who read all three books, and know the ins and outs of the arena, I'd say ME :)

Q: What's your favorite Starbucks drink?

Bird: All the ones with caffeine :). I've become a bit of a junkie in the mornings!

Q: How does it feel to march in the Olympic Opening Ceremony?

Bird: It's incredible! In 2004, Dawn Staley was selected to be the flag bearer so our entire team was at the front when we walked in. The applause and cheers we got when the United States was announced gave me the chills. It was unforgettable and definitely one of my top three Olympic moments.

Q: Who would you love to play one-on-one against? Dream match....

Bird: Isaiah Thomas.

Q: If you had a band, what member of the band would you be?

Bird: I kill the guitar on Guitar Hero.

Q: So you can sing, Sue?

Bird: Absolutely not! Except when I'm in my car, obviously :)

Q: How many more years until women's sports will be regarded as equal to men's?

Bird: Truth is, I'm not sure. It is the 40th anniversary of Title IX, which has brought us a long way, but I do think more work needs to be done before we are equal (unfortunately).