From Shoni Schimmel, the Native American icon who inspired millions before her fall from grace, to Lauren Cox, a beacon of resilience battling type 1 diabetes while pursuing her dreams.

I asked, thinking I d get a cute quote with a softball question. Sue Bird and Shoni Schimmel, the 8-year-old replied seriously. Schimmel isn t a decorated Olympian and All-Star like Bird.

Finally, just a few weeks ago, they swung a deal for former All-Star Shoni Schimmel. And like that, New York solidified its backcourt. As it turned out, however, a player set to take on a bigger ...