The All-Star Game is just around the corner. And as we get ready to watch the best players in the world square off in New York City (4 p.m. ET Saturday, ABC), here's a look at some of the thoughts that come to mind -- the skills and moments that have defined their careers -- when we think about the players on this year's Western Conference All-Star roster.

Sue Bird, Seattle Storm
Best trait: She's a great passer and has a great pull-up jumper, but it's Bird's court vision that sets her apart. She's an excellent all-around floor leader and is the future of the game, and it's speaks volumes that she's so well-respected at such a young age.
Favorite memory: Bird's leadership played such an important role in UConn's 39-0 NCAA championship run in 2001-02. She ran the team and played flawless basketball against Tennessee in the national semifinals.
Word association: Winner. When you think of Bird, you think of success.

Cynthia Cooper, Houston Comets
Best trait: Cooper's tough, a gamer, and she knows exactly what to do and how to do when her team needs it. She's very gifted skill-wise and also very mentally tough. Favorite memory: After Kim Perrot died on Aug. 19 following a seven-month battle with cancer, the 1999 WNBA Finals were extremely emotional, especially as Houston tried to clinch a threepeat. The Comets pulled it off, and after Houston won Game 3 on Sept. 5, Cooper put on Perrot's jersey as she was standing on the championship table getting showered by confetti. I was courtside as a commentator, and it was pretty hard to keep it together.
Word association: Clutch.

Tamecka Dixon, Los Angeles Sparks
Best trait: She's so quick and powerful and complements her team both inside and outside. Dixon just gets it done at both ends of the floor.
Favorite memory: When Los Angeles broke through for its first WNBA title in 2001, Dixon had a lot to do with it. When her number was called, and knocked down the shots.
Word association: Resilient.

Margo Dydek, San Antonio Silver Stars
Best trait: She's athletic, very skilled and a tremendous passer. Dydek also is much improved on the low block and playing closer to the basket this season, which has added to her team's success. More than anything, Dydek also is just a very nice person.
Favorite memory: It's always fun to watch her teammates throw the ball to her over the top, especially when she sits on the left side of the block. Once Dydek gets the ball, you're in trouble. She has such a beautiful touch inside, and you're already sitting on her knees.
Word association: Improved.

Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento Monarchs
Best trait: She can hurt you in so many ways -- offensively, defensively, athletically, in the half-court or fullcourt. Only Chamique Holdsclaw might match Griffith's rebounding abilities. She's long-armed, a quick jumper and fun to watch.
Favorite memory: I've always enjoyed watching Griffith run the floor with Monarchs teammate Ticha Penicheiro. Seeing those two operate together -- and Griffith running hard, catching and finishing -- is worth the price of admission.
Word association: Superstar.

Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm
Best trait: She's a fierce, energetic competitor who also has a little bit of a wild side. She has been a star for many years but is now becoming a superstar, and will be the MVP of this league one day once she finishes her maturation down low and refines the traditional stuff. Jackson is tough enough to guard right now; she's 6-5 but can take you off the dribble like Tamika Catchings. No post can guard her on the perimeter.
Favorite memory: Watching Jackson go head-to-head with Lisa Leslie is becoming one of the game's best rivalries. They are two of the finest in the world, and have already had some epic battles. Who could forget their infamous scrum at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, when Jackson ended up tearing out Leslie's hair extension?
Word association: Limitless.

Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles
Best trait: She's the consummate pro and there's nobody better. Leslie might be the MVP again this season. She's also one of the best weakside help defenders in the game. Ask anybody who has ever beaten their player off the dribble -- it only gets tougher when Leslie steps up to defend you next.
Favorite memory: All of her clutch baskets come to mind. Any time her team really needs a clutch basket, whether it's the All-Star Game or the championship, Leslie gets it done. I'm continually impressed with her work ethic and willingness to get better and sacrifice.
Word association: Untouchable.

Katie Smith, Minnesota Lynx
Best trait: Smith's just a warrior and can play all five positions if you needed her to. She can shoot the 3, rebound and post you up. She's determined, makes people around her better and still one of the top 10 players in the world.
Favorite memory: In the end, Sheryl Swoopes finished with 47 points and Texas Tech took home the title, but Smith was nearly just as memorable in the 1993 NCAA championship game, when she was just a freshman at Ohio State.
Word association: Unsung hero.

Sheryl Swoopes, Houston Comets
Best trait: She's unguardable and has a tremendous love for the game. But it's the move -- when Swoopes goes left and then pulls up for the jumper -- that stands out. Everybody knows it's coming but nobody can stop it.
Favorite memory: Defensively, there's nobody better. If you're playing against Swoopes, you might think the pass on the ball reversal or to the wing is open. But Swoopes is cat-like quick and consistently shoots the gap and gets the steal.
Word association: Future.

Nikki Teasley, Los Angeles Sparks
Best trait: She's a very exciting player and a great passer with either hand. What's most impressive, however, was her ability to step in and lead L.A. last season. Sparks coach Michael Cooper had already won a championship with Ukari Figgs at point guard, yet he traded away Figgs for Teasley because he had that much confidence in the former Tar Heel. And not only did he trade away a very good player and proven pro, Cooper then immediately inserted Teasley into the starting lineup with some of the best players in the world. And the rookie rose to the challenge.
Favorite memory: Seeing her hit the game-winning 3-point shot last season that won L.A. it's second consecutive WNBA title made me realize that Teasley had come full circle from her days at UNC, where she sat out the 2000-01 season as she battled personal and health problems.
Word association: Young gun.

Tina Thompson, Houston Comets
Best trait: Another player who often doesn't get the attention she deserves, Thompson is versatile, tough, great on the inside and a great 3-point shooter who also defends well. Houston wouldn't have won its four titles without her. Thompson is a warrior.
Favorite memory: She has played so many great games, but dropping 3s on people with such consistency has always been among Thompson's most impressive performances. I love watching her shoot, and sometimes it seems like it's raining 3s.
Word association: Consistent.

Adrian Williams, Phoenix Mercury
Best trait: Once considered a role player, Williams has had to change her mentality and become more of a go-to player She's not a traditional low post, but is comfortable playing more away from the basket. Williams has a beautiful face-up shot, as well as fantastic speed and athleticism going to the basket. She's very difficult to guard, especially if she has a rolling start. Williams is a very good rebounder who knows hot to attack the ball and get good position.
Favorite memory: When Williams gets the ball on the left elbow, you better take a step off her. If you're defending her tightly, she will blow right by you. She's so quick going left.
Word association: Rising star.

Nancy Lieberman, an ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's women's basketball coverage. Contact her at www.nancylieberman.com.